Recognizing the interconnectedness of climate issues with governance, CPDI has integrated climate change mitigation and adaptation into its existing work, particularly that focused on local governance, budgets, parliamentary/policy engagement, and Right to information (RTI). CPDI advocates for an improved policy and institutional framework related to climate change at both Federal and provincial levels, while highlighting the need for more effective policies to address climate challenges and promote sustainable practices.
CPDI provides technical assistance and capacity building to enhance the coordination, oversight, and management capacities of relevant government departments and bodies about climate change. This involves providing support to officials involved in climate-related activities to ensure a more efficient and comprehensive response.
CPDI believes it is critical to utilize the inherent potential of youth in countering climate crisis. Therefore, the organization is focused on capacitating youth across the country to become climate resilient and act as firsthand responders. Moreover, CPDI ensures that climate change understanding is imparted amongst diverse audiences including minorities, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), transgender persons and vulnerable communities.
CPDI produces new bodies of knowledge on different climate themes in the form of policy briefs, research studies, articles, and blog posts. Moreover, CPDI is at the forefront of designing thoughtful awareness and advocacy campaigns on topics such as climate justice, impact of climate change on food insecurity and gender.
CPDI facilitates public debates and raising awareness on climate change issues. The organization holds stakeholder dialogues, consultative workshops, and conferences to encourage a broader understanding of climate-related challenges and fosters collaboration among various stakeholders for effective solutions.
TitleDetails
Project TitleTackling the Silent Killer: Coalition for TFAs Elimination in Pakistan
Project Duration:One year (June 2023 – May 2024)
Project Objectives:1. In collaboration with advocacy partners, to build consensus among key decision makers (National) for the development and adoption of best practice TFA limit regulation.
2. Build strong coalition of individuals, civil society organizations and other stakeholders to strategize and influence decision makers to pass TFA regulations.
3. Collaborate with GHAI to develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to monitor and counter industry/front groups to create an enabling environment for TFA regulation in Pakistan.
Geographic Focus:National
Target Group and beneficiaries:CSOs, public health experts and consumers
Project Details:Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) has formulated a project in June 2023, titled “Tackling the Silent Killer: Coalition for TFAs Elimination in Pakistan”. The purpose of this one-year project is to achieve a mandatory national limit of 2 grams of industrially produced trans fatty acids (TFA) per 100 grams of total fat in all foods in Pakistan. The project will engage both government and civil society organizations (CSOs) to build consensus for the development and adoption of best practice trans fatty acids (TFA) limit regulation, influence decision makers to pass TFA regulations, and monitor and counter industry/front groups to create an enabling environment for TFA regulation in Pakistan.

Journalists Training Sessions on TFA (August 2023 onward)

Batch Announcement Date Application Deadline City Training Date No. of Participants Press Release Media Coverage
1 1st September 25th September Islamabad 7 the November 24 Download  
2 9th August 15th August Islamabad 30th August 25 Download Click to View All
               

Other Press Releases & Media Coverages

Date Title Media Coverage
January 06, 2024 CPDI Urges Prime Minister, President, and Secretary Health to Ban Unhealthy Food and Promote Healthier Options in Public Procurements Daily TimesThe Express Tribune
     

Advocacy Messages

Tweets (2023)

TitleDetails
Project TitleCitizens for Good Governance: Strengthening Citizens’ Engagement for Inclusive and Accountable Local Governance
Project Duration24 Months
Project Objectives1. To strengthen public demand for efficient, transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable LGs through evidence-based debates, dialogues, discussions and public awareness initiatives;
2. To enable CSOs and citizens for effectively engaging relevant government institutions and establishing partnerships for efficient, transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable LGs; and
3. To build capacity of journalists, media groups and social media activists for accessing information, analysing data and producing investigative reports with focus on promoting efficient, transparent, inclusive, responsive and accountable LGs.
Geographic FocusKhyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab
Target Groups and beneficiaries1. Members of local CSOs,
2. Elected local government heads and councillors,
3. LG officers,
4. Members of legislatures/LG standing committees,
5. Active citizens, out of school youth, community leaders,
DescriptionCitizens for Good Governance: Strengthening Citizens’ Engagement for Inclusive and Accountable Local Governance project is under implementation in KP and Punjab provinces. The aim of the project is to strengthen the ability of civil society organizations, journalists, social media activists and citizens for promoting efficient, transparent, responsive and accountable local governments in Pakistan. It focuses on promoting informed debates and dialogues among key stakeholders, and providing technical support to stakeholders on the demand side for their effective engagement with local governments, legislatures and other provincial/ Federal institutions. The project will adopt inclusive and a flexible approach; and will work with a wide range of stakeholders including members and officers of local governments, legislators, officers of relevant institutions in the provincial/ Federal governments, community leaders, out of school youth, university students and faculty members, women leaders and activists from marginalized or socially excluded groups
Title Newspaper Date
Punjab’s teacher challenge The News International May 14, 2022
     

One Day Seminar/Dialogue on Punjab LG Ordinance 2021 - Lahore - 29 Dec, 2021

CPDI in collaboration with NED organized a one day seminar dialogue on the Punjab Local Government Ordinance 2021 in Lahore. The stakeholders from all walks of life participated in the dialogue including known politicians, veteran journalists, ECP, Punjab Local Government council, academia, law experts, and CSOs. Most of the stakeholders emphasized the need of raising the women representation in all tiers of government including the LB which is considered a corner stone of the democratic polity and an effective forum for resolving public issues. Furthermore the participants stressed upon the need of devising an inclusive consultative process for making laws and legislation. Following are the media coverage of the event in local newspapers.
Newspaper English Urdu
Bol News Link Link
Daily Advent Link  
Republic of Buzz Link  
Daily Cholistan Times   Link
The Northern Post Link  

TitleDetails
Project TitleCivil Society Engagement for Effective COVID-19 Response
DurationFebruary 2021 – January 2022
Objectivesa) To assess the impact of the government's policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic;
b) To use the findings of the assessment to inform and enrich debate among CSOs for developing appropriate recommendations and government engagement strategy; and
c) To publicise civil society recommendations to inform stakeholders and facilitate meetings among CSOs and government institutions for discussing improved policy response to the COVID-19.
Geographic FocusPakistan
Target Groups and beneficiariesCSOs, Marginalized / vulnerable communities, Health Practitioners, COVID-19 patients and cured and National / Provincial legislator’s/policy makers.
DescriptionCentre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) has initiated a project, with the financial support from the Commonwealth Foundation, in February 2021, titled “Civil Society Engagement for Effective COVID-19 Response” to assess the government COVID-19 response and to generate a debate by engaging Civil Society for facilitating the government in formulation of a feasible strategy to better cope with the pandemic crisis.

The project is supposed to help formulate improved and updated SOPs for COVID-19 patients, inclusive policies for preventing, diagnosing, or treating COVID-19 patients belonging to vulnerable and marginalised groups. Increased budgetary allocations for health sector, especially for COVID-19 response and identification of loopholes in budget utilization. Moreover, the project seeks to improve coordination between CSOs and government agencies, for devising a sustainable feedback mechanisms and consequently for flooring convenient Government's social protection programs for vulnerable groups as well.

Covid 19 Messages

 

FGD Islamabad - 17 June 2021

Video Messages


COVID-19 Advocacy Messages

 

  Latest Updates - Jan 28, 2022

 Recommendations to Improve Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

 Read in English   -    Read in Urdu

Twitter Spaces(2):

TitleDetails
Project TitleShe Leads-Political Training of Young Women Leaders
DurationAugust 01, 2020 -February 28, 2021
Objectives1. To identify 100 potential women and 25 male allies for participation in the “She Leads” program in the target districts of Punjab.
2. To conduct beginners and Intermediate level training program for the selected 100 women and 25 male allies.
3. To facilitate and enable the trained women and male allies to develop action plans and undertake assignments with focus on women empowerment.
Geographic FocusJhang, Toba Tek Singh, Jhelum and Chakwal
Target Groups and beneficiariesThe principal stakeholders of the project are 100 young women and 25 male allies, who will undergo ‘Beginner’ and ‘Intermediate’ level of training. The beneficiaries of the project will include communities/ districts from where the training participants will be selected, as well as local and provincial political leadership, media and civil society, who will ultimately benefit from politically trained corps of young women.
DescriptionThe aim of the project is to facilitate women participation in the political/ electoral process and create a critical mass of trained young women ready to take up leadership role at different tiers and fill the leadership void existing at local, provincial and national political landscape. The overall objective of the program is to train women and male allies, and equip them with necessary knowledge and tools to play a constructive role in politics at all levels and provide leadership to various segments of the society in the matters of governance. This objective will be achieved through selection and training of at least 100 women and 25 male allies from four districts of the Punjab province, which are: Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Jhelum and Chakwal.

Call for Application – Sindh & Balochistan

Journalists' Training on Safety, Digital Security and Psycho-Social Support Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) invites applications from young journalists of Sindh & Balochistan provinces only for participating in training of “Safety, Digital Security and Psycho-social Support.” The training is being organized under the Civil Society for Independent Media and Expression (CIME) programme. It includes 3 days-long training sessions on digital, physical and psycho-social security.

Why should you join!

• Do you want to learn safe reporting techniques during the performance of your duties? • Do you want to learn how to avoid mental stress in crisis and the insecure environment in the course of performing your duties? • Do you want to learn the techniques of digital safety & security to protect your valuable work?

Who should join!

The trainees must be: • Below the age of 40 years • Able to attend three days of training in Karachi • Working journalists from Sindh & Balochistan provinces only.

Benefits of the training:

• Enhanced safety & security skills • Networking with fellow journalists participating in the training program • Course completion certificate • T/A for all the three days of training • Lunch and tea during the course of the training • Participants outside of Karachi will be provided accommodation The last date to apply is April 25, 2022 *Female journalists are encouraged to apply.

Click to apply:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9mt970DDgK7kVkfp_BqKcDw3DeVDU6uBaJe0-Z19qP43fYA/viewform?usp=pp_url
Why should you join!
  • Do you want to learn safe reporting techniques during the performance of your duties?
  • Do you want to learn how to avoid mental stress in crisis and the insecure environment in the course of performing your duties?
  • Do you want to learn the techniques of digital safety & security to protect your valuable work?
Who should join! The trainees must be:
  • Below the age of 40 years
  • Able to attend three days of training in Islamabad
  • Working journalists from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa only.
Benefits of the Training:
  • Enhanced safety & security skills
  • Networking with fellow journalists participating in the training program
  • Course completion certificate
  • Travel allowance for all three days of training
  • Lunch and tea during the course of the training
  • Participants outside of Islamabad will be provided accommodation
*Female journalists are encouraged to apply. Apply Now: https://forms.gle/NV4f8HkeJqMv6rux8 Last date to apply: 18th October 2021.
Why should you join!
– Do you want to learn safe reporting techniques during the performance of your duties?
– Do you want to learn how to avoid mental stress in crisis and in insecure environment in the course of performing your duties?
– Do you want to learn the techniques of digital safety & security to protect your valuable work?

 

Who should join!
• The trainees must be:
• Below the age of 40 years,
• Able to attend three days of training in Peshawar,
• Working journalist from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

 

Benefits of the training:
• Enhanced safety & security skills
• Networking with fellow journalists participating in the training program
• Course completion certificate
• T/A for all the three days of training
• Lunch and tea during the course of the training
• Participants outside of Peshawar will be provided accommodation

*Female journalists are encouraged to apply.

 

Apply Now:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdqRghNxrl2b-IqnqWCocdBPeC0S2KGzpamQVuO41zdDV8mrQ/viewform
Last date to apply: 18th November 2020.
Why should you join!
– Do you want to learn safe reporting techniques during the performance of your duties?
– Do you want to learn how to avoid mental stress in crisis and in insecure environment in the course of performing your duties?
– Do you want to learn the techniques of digital safety & security to protect your valuable work?

 

Who should join!
• The trainees must be:
• Below the age of 40 years,
• Able to attend three days of training in Lahore,
• Working journalist from Lahore division and the adjacent areas

 

Benefits of the training:
• Enhanced safety & security skills
• Networking with fellow journalists participating in the training program
• Course completion certificate
• T/A for all the three days of training
• Lunch and tea during the course of the training
• Participants outside of Lahore will be provided accommodation
*Female journalists are encouraged to apply.

 

Apply Now:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdtNiQlhnCPg6CzMnmud1WJbicnzKT-9a1kw21d0sFuGIbKQ/closedform
Last date to apply: 12 November 2020.
Why should you join!
– Do you want to learn safe reporting techniques during the performance of your duties?
– Do you want to learn how to avoid mental stress in crisis and in insecure environment in the course of performing your duties?
– Do you want to learn the techniques of digital safety & security to protect your valuable work?

 

Who should join!
• The trainees must be:
• Below the age of 40 years,
• Able to attend three days of training in Islamabad,
• Working journalist from Islamabad and Rawalpindi regions including Chakwal, Attock & Jehlum districts

 

Benefits of the training:
• Enhanced safety & security skills
• Networking with fellow journalists participating in the training program
• Course completion certificate
• T/A for all the three days of training
• Lunch and tea during the course of the training
• Participants outside of Rawalpindi & Islamabad will be provided accommodation
*Female journalists are encouraged to apply.

 

Apply Now:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeWhlvrgFVeEBdQUzIS6UR0fRtPPz3R_pPDrRopnBJ4SBOZ9Q/closedform
Last date to apply: 21st October 2020.  

RTI Newsletter: Issue 213

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A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 199 E - Alert Issue Date: 28-02-2020
 

Pakistan
Only 12 RTI applications filed in merged districts in one and half years
MENAFN
Like other laws of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Right to Information (RTI) Law was also extended to merged tribal districts after Fata-KP merger under the 25th constitutional amendment...


India
Transparency of information is vital to a country’s progress
Live Mint
The widespread availability of the internet at the turn of the century followed by ubiquitous access to social media and the advent of a mobile internet...


Australia
State of Freedom of Information in Vic report published
The Mandarin
The report provides an overview of the administration of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Vic) (FOI Act) by Victorian government agencies over the past five years...


Mozambique
Nampula authorities promise access to information
All Africa
The authorities in the northern Mozambican province of Nampula have guaranteed that local sources of information are open and willing to cooperate with the press...


UNESCO
UNESCO launches 2020 survey on public access to information
UNESCO
Using SDG Indicator 16.10.2, the survey will track progress on the adoption and implementation of constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to information around the world...


Ghana
EC declines MP’s request for information sharing
Ghana Web
The Electoral Commission has declined a request by Ashaiman MP Ernest Norgbe to share information on how it selected its consultants...


Bosnia-Herzegovina
Experts on legal analysis on freedom of expression laws gathered in Bosnia-Herzegovina
Sarajevo Times
Expert legal analysis on freedom of expression laws in BiH and their compatibility with European standards of protection of human rights...


Canada
New vexatious rules worry freedom of information advocates that feds can abuse the system
National Post
Any loophole put in the law is there for the government to hide something that people have the right to know...


England
Freedom of Information legislation, Fit for purpose?
EurekAlert
New research has identified a clear accountability gap in the current Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation when it comes to outsourced public services...


USA
FBI and Department of Justice reject Freedom of Information Act document request
World Socialist Web Site
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has rejected a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by David North, national chairman of the Socialist Equality Party (US...



Pakistan
Can information commissions make a difference?
The Express Tribune
Governments in Pakistan have traditionally been reluctant to the point of resentment when it comes to sharing information...



Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 198 E - Alert Issue Date: 13-02-2020
 

Ireland
Regulatory trends: what is new in freedom of information?
MONDAQ
The Report noted that since 2015 and the extension of FOI to a number of new public bodies, there has been a 32% increase in the total requests made to public bodies...


Pakistan
Pakistan’s faux democracy unable to respect the right to information
Global Village Space
In Pakistan, the RTI has been bestowed a constitutional status of a fundamental right in the 18th constitutional amendment...


Nepal
Access to information enables open local government
Nepal24Hours
An informed citizenry can only provide civic oversight on the decisions and functions of the government and public authorities...


Canada
Access to information and privilege: the saga continues
JDSUPRA
The Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench has provided some much needed guidance on solicitor-client privilege...


Afghanistan
Implement access to information law
Amnesty International
In Afghanistan, 30 different media organizations have called on the government to effectively implement the Afghan Access to Information Law, including providing information on key human rights issues...


Panama
Panama takes a turn towards transparency, but will it go far enough?
Transparency International
The country that became almost synonymous with the creation of offshore companies for disguising corrupt and illicit activity...


India
Now, you need to prove you're an Indian before you seek information via RTI
Business Insider India
It is shocking how the university has twisted the RTI law as per its whims and fancy. It does not have any authority to do so...


India
SC notice to government on Jairam Ramesh's plea against chan
Times of India
A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and KM Joseph issued notice to the Centre and asked it to file response within four weeks on the petition filed...


Ghana
Are Ghanaians ready to take advantage of the new right to information law?
All Africa
After more than 20 years of considerable legislative maneuvering and exhaustive political scrutiny, Ghana's right to information (RTI) law has come into effect...


Nigeria
What to know about Freedom of Information Act
Osun Defender
There is no gainsaying that information contributes largely to the success of any active society...



Pakistan
Strategy to implement RTI law discussed
The News International
Punjab Information Commission held a two-day National Forum of Information Commissioners of Pakistan here...



Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 197 E - Alert Issue Date: 28-01-2020
 

Pakistan
PIC warns of contempt as Senate declines info about its staff
The News
Going by Right of Access to Information Act 2017, the Senate Secretariat is legally obliged to proactively share this information relating staff through its website...


USA
Does the public have a right to see how courts are run? A battle over secret records is brewing in Richmond
Daily Press
Legislators from both parties, upset by the Virginia Supreme Court’s declaration last year that the state Freedom of Information Act doesn’t apply...


Ireland
Supreme Court FOI ruling will alter public's relationship with State
The Journal
Nine months after the demise of Irish transparency was first heralded, we are still waiting for the lights to go out...


Afghanistan
Samangan provincial authorities and media forge ties to improve access to information
Relief Web
More than 30 journalists and government officials, including the provincial deputy governor, participated in a one-day workshop organized...


Canada
Summerside working on access to information bylaw
Journal Pioneer
The regulations are very broad. Access to information can include records, any information electronic, handwritten and can be subject to an access to information request...


Scotland
Freedom of information law not fit for purpose
Holyrood
Scotland’s freedom of information law is not fit for purpose and MSPs must back "radical reforms" to create a strong culture of transparency and accountability...


Ghana
Media practitioners sensitised on the RTI Law
Ghana Web
Exempt information is one that bothers on national security, international relations, law enforcement and public safety, parliamentary privilege, fair trial and contempt of court amongst other...


India
No record available: PMO on RTI seeking details of PM Modi's media interaction
India Today
The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has no record of the press conferences and media interviews given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his more than five-year long tenure...


Nigeria
The Nigerian Voice
The Nigerian Voice
The suit was filed on behalf of Ms Ovuorie by Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Agu David Nwaze, a member of the Freedom of Information Legal Response Network...


Australia
RTI for post codes of northern prison sites denied
The Examiner
The location of other potential sites for the proposed northern prison has still not been revealed, despite right to information requests...



United Kingdom
Freedom of Information is broken
Open Democracy
The government routinely ignores and undermines the law governing our access to information...



Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Budget Study Centre   Issue 74 Sep 03, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Over Rs538bn added to circular debt in FY20, Senate body told

The Pakistan Today (Sep 03, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The Senate’s Standing Committee on Power was informed on Thursday that with an addition of over Rs538 billion during the last fiscal year (FY20), Pakistan’s total circular debt now stands at Rs2,150 billion. The committee meeting, which was held with Fida Muhammad in the chair, discussed the exact figures of circular debt, transparency in the recruitment... Read More
 

SBP reserves up $71.9m to 12.7bn

The Pakistan Today (Sep 03, 2020)
The central bank’s foreign exchange reserves increased 0.6pc on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. On August 28, the SBP-held foreign currency reserves were recorded at $12,712.7 million, up $71.9 million compared with $12,640.8 million in the previous week. The central bank cited no reason for the rise in reserves. Overall, liquid foreign... Read More
 

UK won't cut foreign aid budget - Dominic Raab

The bbc.com (Sep 02, 2020)
The UK government remains committed to spending 0.7% of national income on foreign aid, Dominic Raab has said. The foreign secretary dismissed as "tittle tattle" reports that the £15bn aid budget could be cut to pay for more defence and intelligence spending. Press reports suggest Chancellor Rishi Sunak will cut aid spending to help pay off rising debts in his Autumn budget... Read More
 

KP finance deptt, SNG hold orientation session on budget

The Pakistan Observer (Sep 02, 2020)
Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Finance Department organized an orientation session for members of the KP Assembly to enhance their understanding of public finance management, budget analysis and key challenges of budget 2020-21. The moot was organized in collaboration with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) funded ... Read More
 

Fiscal deficit up Rs.214bn in 1H as pandemic hurts

The Dailymirror.IK (Aug 31, 2020)
Sri Lanka’s budget deficit for the first six months of 2020 expanded by Rs.214 billion in comparison to the same period in 2019 as the pandemic put a heavy damper on tax incomes as curfews imposed for nearly two months took a heavy toll on incomes of businesses and individuals. The Finance Ministry data recorded a budget deficit of Rs.735.7 billion for the six months compared... Read More
 

Fiscal deficit up Rs.214bn in 1H as pandemic hurts

The Dailymirror.IK (Aug 31, 2020)
Sri Lanka’s budget deficit for the first six months of 2020 expanded by Rs.214 billion in comparison to the same period in 2019 as the pandemic put a heavy damper on tax incomes as curfews imposed for nearly two months took a heavy toll on incomes of businesses and individuals. The Finance Ministry data recorded a budget deficit of Rs.735.7 billion for the six months compared... Read More
 

FBR surpasses July-Aug revenue target by Rs42bn

The Pakistan Today (Aug 31, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: With positive growth in revenue collection, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has surpassed its collection target for the first two months (July and August) of the financial year 2020-21 (FY21), as the board collected Rs593 billion during the period under review against the target of Rs551 billion. According to official data shared by FBR, the revenue collection during the first two months of... Read More
 

County still seeking $500,000 in 2021 budget cuts

The Heraldbulletin.com (Aug 30, 2020)
ANDERSON — The Madison County Council still must reduce the proposed 2021 budget by approximately $550,000. The council on Thursday reduced the requested 2021 budgets to $37,048,000, according to County Auditor Rick Gardner. Gardner said the council voted to remove from the commissioners’ 2021 budget the salary for the county administrator and reduced the funding in... Read More
 

Exchange rate flexibility helps Pakistan in reducing external vulnerability: IIF

The Nation (Aug 29, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-The Institute of International Finance has said that the exchange rate flexibility in Pakistan was helping the country to reduce external vulnerability. The Washington-based global association of financial industry IIF, in its report “Pakistan: Commitment to Reform Faces a Test”, said Pakistan’s exchange rate was market-determined and had depreciated by 22pc in real effective terms... Read More
 

Cantonment boards yet to prepare annual budgets

The Dawn (Aug 29, 2020)
RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi and Chaklala cantonment boards have failed to prepare their annual budgets for 2020-21 even two months after the start of the new fiscal year. Moreover, both the cantonments did not hold any board meeting to approve building maps and administrative issues in the last four months. A senior official of the RCB told Dawn that a board meeting could not be held... Read More
 

Pakistan’s economy could grow 1.8 per cent in FY21, says IIF

The Pakistan Today (Aug 28, 2020)
LAHORE: A report released by International Institute of Finance (IIF) on Thursday said Pakistan’s economy could grow by 1.8 per cent in the ongoing fiscal year 2020-21 fueled by some recovery in private consumption. According to IIF, the coronavirus pandemic led to a contraction of 0.7 per cent in output during the last fiscal year 2019-20. It shared domestic demand fell by 2 per cent, whilst... Read More
 

PU Senate approves Rs9.39bn budget

The Dawn (Aug 28, 2020)
LAHORE: The Punjab University Senate on Thursday approved recommendation of the syndicate regarding Rs9.39 billion budget for the fiscal year 2020-21. Governor/Chancellor Chaudhry Sarwar had chaired the 355th meeting of the PU Senate through a video link and authorised Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad to conduct the meeting on... Read More
 

External debt and liabilities surge

The Express Tribune (Aug 27, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s external debt and liabilities mushroomed to nearly $113 billion at the end of June this year, an addition of $17.6 billion or 18.5% in the past two years, reported the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday. The external debt and liabilities - $112.8 billion to be precise - has been booked by both public and private sectors. However, 87% of the external debt and liabilities is the... Read More
 

External debt and liabilities surge

The Express Tribune (Aug 27, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s external debt and liabilities mushroomed to nearly $113 billion at the end of June this year, an addition of $17.6 billion or 18.5% in the past two years, reported the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday. The external debt and liabilities - $112.8 billion to be precise - has been booked by both public and private sectors. However, 87% of the external debt and liabilities is the... Read More
 

PHA board approves reduced budget for 2020

The Express Tribune (Aug 27, 2020)
FAISALABAD: The board of directors of the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has approved a budget of Rs845.38 million for the financial year 2020-21, allocating almost the entire amount for non-development expenditure. Only Rs25.9 million has been placed at the disposal of the director general for development expenses. The PHA is facing financial constraints due to the Covid-19... Read More
 

Taiwan will boost its 2021 defense budget by 10 percent

The Armyrecognition.com (Aug 26, 2020)
The Taiwanese Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, said in a statement taht President Tsai Ing-wen's cabinet proposed T$453.4 billion ($15.42 billion) in military spending for the year starting in January 2021, versus T$411.3 billion budgeted for 2020. The modernization of Taiwan’s armed forces is considered as a hostile stance by mainland China, a situation « worsened » by the fact... Read More
 

Azerbaijan's Revised Budget Highlights Hit from Oil and Pandemic

The Fitchratings (Aug 26, 2020)
Fitch Ratings-London-26 August 2020: Azerbaijan's (BB+/Negative) revised 2020 budget highlights the hit to public finances from lower oil prices and the pandemic, Fitch Ratings says. The planned deficit has been raised to 12.4% of GDP from 2.3% in the original budget. An increase in the planned transfer from the sovereign wealth fund (SOFAZ) to the budget, should support the 1.7 AZN/USD... Read More
 

Pakistan's foreign loans jump to $1.8b in July

The Express Tribune (Aug 25, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan received $1.8 billion in gross foreign loans in July - 263% higher than the same month of previous year - due to the premature repayment of $1 billion of Saudi Arabian cash assistance. “In the first month of fiscal year 2020-21, the government has received $800 million total external inflows from multiple financing sources,” reported the Ministry of Economic Affairs... Read More
 

‘Public debt management improved in PTI govt’s second year’

The Pakistan Today (Aug 24, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Unlike the impression that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government has taken the country’s public debt to exorbitant levels during its first two years in power, the Ministry of Finance claims that public debt management indicators had, in fact, improved significantly during the second year of the incumbent government. Taking to Profit, Finance Division... Read More
 

KPK to look into Rp 90 billion from state budget allegedly spent on influencers

The Jakarta Post (Aug 24, 2020)
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) said it would look into allegations that state funds of more than Rp 90 billion (US$6 million) were allocated to pay influencers to promote government policies on social media. “We will look closely to ensure whether such a budget exists or not,” KPK deputy chairman Nawawi Pomolango said on Sunday as quoted by Tempo. Nawawi added that the KPK... Read More
 

HMC Passes Budget For Fiscal Year 2020-21

The Urdupoint (Aug 24, 2020)
HYDERABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Aug, 2020 ) :The outgoing elected representatives of Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (HMC) here Monday passed a Rs3.024 billion budget for fiscal 2020-21. Speaking on the occasion Mayor HMC Syed Tayyab Hussain deplored that the Sindh government did not pay heed to the financial requirements of the corporation... Read More
 

Economy on right track, says Imran as he reveals current account surplus of $424m in July

The Dawn (Aug 24, 2020)
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said the country's current account balance had recorded a surplus of $424 million in July, signalling that the economy was "on the right track". Hailing the development in a message on Twitter, the premier noted that in July last year, Pakistan had a current account deficit (CAD) of $613 million while last month the deficit stood at $100m. He attributed the "strong... Read More
 

Ministries need more info to expedite budget execution

The Jakarta Post (Aug 24, 2020)
To address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has increased the 2020 state budget to a total of Rp 2.73 quadrillion (US$188 billion), including Rp 695.2 trillion for economic recovery programs (PEN). However, although 45.7 percent of the budget had been disbursed as of July, spending in the PEN component remained quite low. The execution of the state budget starts with the enactment of... Read More
 

PM Imran lauds K-P govt on 65% increase in revenue generation

The Express Tribune (Aug 23, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan lauded on Saturday the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government for increasing its revenue generation by 65 per cent despite the impact of Covid-19. In a Facebook post, the premier said that during the last financial year the K-P revenue authority increased their revenue generation by 65 per cent, adding that the growth in revenue surpassed all other revenue... Read More

Foreign direct investment up 88pc to $2.56bn in 2020 The Pakistan Today (Aug 23, 2020)

ISLAMABAD: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country increased by 88 per cent to $2.56 billion in 2020 from $1.36 billion in 2019, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The FDI improved from 2015 to 2018 and but then had a major fall in 2019 due to the depreciation of the rupee. However, it improved again in 2020 despite the economic slowdown brought about by the Covid-19... Read More

Pakistan’s public debt soars to Rs36.3tr The Express Tribune (Aug 21, 2020)

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government added Rs11.35 trillion in the public debt during the first two years in power, which was more than the total debt the previous government had taken in its five-year term. In a briefing to media, the spokesman of the Ministry of Finance said on Thursday that total public debt as of June 30, 2020, increased to Rs36.3 trillion or... Read More

KP govt reforms sports sector; a hefty sports budget allocated to the province The Pakistan Today (Aug 21, 2020)

PESHAWAR: The provincial government has embarked on an extensive reform strategy in the sports sector during the last two years to strengthen sports at the grass-root level, claim the officials of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Directorate of sports, on Friday. The officials said that KP has allocated Rs26 billion in the fiscal budget to ensure the provision of stadiums and gymnasiums with appropriate facilities at ... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 73 August 20, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

PTI govt adds Rs11.3tr to public debt in two years

The Pakistan Today (Aug 20, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s total public debt – domestic and external – was recorded at Rs36.3 trillion in the financial year 2019-20 (FY20), up 154pc (or Rs22 trillion) since FY13, when it was recorded at Rs14.3 trillion, an official document of the finance ministry revealed.  During the first two years in power, the PTI government increased the public debt by Rs11.3 trillion or 45.2pc. The same in FY18 was recorded... Read More
 

SBP reserves rise $139m to $12.6bn

The Pakistan Today (Aug 20, 2020)
KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank increased $139.1 million or 1.12pc on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Thursday. On Aug 13, the foreign currency reserves held by the SBP were recorded at $12,608.4 million, as compared to $12,469.3 million in the previous week. According to the central bank, the reserves increased mainly due to... Read More
 

Erratic economy

The News (Aug 19, 2020)
LAHORE: Pakistan’s economy is again behaving against the global trends. Pakistan’s growth was moving in reverse gear when the global economy was moving up; post pandemic the global economy is in tatters but Pakistan’s is showing signs of remarkable recovery. Pakistan’s macroeconomic indicators are in the best shape ever since this government assumed power. The exports are increasing... Read More
 

Brazilian lawmakers in showdown to double science budget

The Nature.com (Aug 19, 2020)
As Brazil reels from one of the largest COVID-19 outbreaks in the world — second only to the United States — a coalition of academic and business groups is fighting to secure more funding for research and industrial innovation in the country. The legislation that they are backing, which would more than double the core Brazilian science and innovation budget for 2020, sailed through the... Read More
 

Remittances hit monthly record high of $2.768b in July

The Nation (Aug 18, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-Inflow of foreign remittances was recorded at historic level of $2.768 billion in July this year, showing growth of 36.5 percent due to the measures taken by federal government and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Pakistan received foreign remittances worth $2.768 billion in July 20 as compared to $2.028 billion of remittances received in same month of previous year, showing an increase of 36.5 percent. This... Read More
 

Japan loses 7.8% in GDP to COVID-19 onslaught

The Nation (Aug 17, 2020)
Japan has lost at least 7.8% in its gross domestic products (GDP) to COVID-19, the latest financial figures reveal. The COVID-19 pandemic hit the country’s economy hard which contracted by 27.8% in the first quarter of the current fiscal – April-June, Yonhap news reported. GDP is the total value of goods and services produced in a country. It is the biggest contraction of Japan’s economy on... Read More
 

Budget and pandemic present challenges to Russia’s defense industrial base

The Defensenews.com (Aug 17, 2020)
The two Russian defense companies in this year’s Top 100 list — air defense missile systems manufacturer Almaz-Antey and weapons developer Tactical Missiles Corporation JSC — have again fallen in rank. Almaz-Antey has fallen to 17th place from 8th and 15th in 2018 and 2019 respectively. Similarly, Tactical Missiles Corporation JSC has fallen to 35th place from 25th and 32nd in 2018 and 2019... Read More
 

Govt’s non-tax revenues enhanced to Rs1.45 trillion in last fiscal year

The Nation (Aug 16, 2020)
ISLAMABAD             -        The government’s non-tax revenues had enhanced to Rs1.45 trillion in last fiscal year mainly due to the massive surplus profit of State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The increase in non-tax revenues had helped the federal government in restricting budget deficit at Rs3.376 trillion in fiscal year ending June 30, 2020 or 8.1 pc of GDP.  The government had projected to... Read More
 

'PM Imran saved Rs2.3 trillion of poor people during past 2 years'

The Express Tribune (Aug 16, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz on Sunday said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had saved Rs2344 billion of the poor people through his strategy and efforts during the last two years. This amount was more than Pakistan’s three years development budget, the minister wrote on his official Twitter handle... Read More
 

Govt asked to reduce tax rates, curtail parallel economy

The nation (Aug 16, 2020)
LAHORE          -        The business community has proposed the government to reduce tax rates and curtail parallel economy with a view to widen the tax base, as country’s tax-to-GDP ratio has dropped to a record low of almost 9% during 2019-2020 compared to 11.1% in 2017-2018, because of flawed tax policy measures. All Pakistan Business Forum President Syed Maaz Mahmood called for broadening... Read More
 

Centre transferred Rs2.5tr to provinces as share under NFC Award in last FY

The Nation (Aug 15, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-The federal government transferred Rs2.5 trillion to four provinces as their share under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award in last fiscal year, falling short to the annual projections due to a steep shortfall in tax collection. jIn previous fiscal year, the share of provinces in the federal divisible pool was projected at Rs3.2tr, subject to the collection of Rs5.55tr in taxes by the Federal... Read More
 

FPRI BMB Russia: Russia’s federal budget deficit grew a whopping 85% in July

The Intellinews.com (Aug 14, 2020)
Russia’s federal budget deficit grew a whopping 85% in July compared to the previous month. In the first half of the year, Russia ran an RUB823bn deficit. In July the deficit increased by RUB699.2bn, bringing the total budget shortfall from January-July to RUB1.5 trillion rubles ($20.5bn). The cause of the deficit has less to do with dramatically increased spending by the Russian government... Read More
 

Wars not won by mere weapons: Ready for India despite budget constraints, says ISPR

The News (Aug 14, 2020)
RAWALPINDI: The Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Thursday termed Pakistan’s brotherly relations with Saudi Arabia historic and said nobody should raise questions about them. Commenting on the status of Pakistan’s relations with Saudi Arabia and the upcoming visit to the kingdom by the Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa in a media briefing, Director General ISPR Major... Read More
 

Punjab, K-P book budget deficit

The Express Tribune (Aug 13, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) booked budget deficits in the previous fiscal year amid questions over the federal government’s budget numbers, which showed an unprecedented Rs936-billion record profit by the central bank. Unlike, Punjab and K-P governments, the Pakistan Peoples Party-led government of Sindh and Balochistan Awami Party-led Balochistan... Read More
 

PTI govt restricts budget deficit to Rs3.4tr

The Express Tribune (Aug 12, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has managed to restrict overall budget deficit to below Rs3.4 trillion or 8.1% of the size of the economy in its second year in power due to steep cuts in expenditures and provincial cash surpluses. The budget deficit of 8.1% of the gross domestic product (GDP) was far better than the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) forecast of Rs3.9... Read More
 

4pc of GDP should go to education, disrespectful material removed from syllabus: Senate committee

The Pakistan Today (Aug 12, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Education recommended that the education budget should be increased to four percent of the GDP for the promotion of education in the country, in a meeting held here on Tuesday. Senator Engr Rukhsana Zubair chaired the meetings of the senate committee, while the Federal Minister for Education could not attend because he was busy in the... Read More
 

Senate body recommends increasing education budget to 4 percent of GDP

The Business Recorder (Aug 12, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education, Vocational Training, National History and Literary Heritage recommended on Tuesday that the education budget should be increased to four percent of the GDP for the promotion of education in the country. The committee met under the chairmanship of Senator Engr Rukhsana Zubair. Regarding the non-participation... Read More
 

Government claims curtailing budget deficit at Rs 3,376 bn

The News (Aug 12, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The government on Tuesday informed the Federal Cabinet that the budget deficit was curtailed at Rs3,376 billion, equivalent to 8.1 percent of GDP against projection of 9.1 percent of GDP for last fiscal year ended on June 30, 2020. In the wake of lingering COVID-19 pandemic, the overall fiscal woes continued to haunt the economic managers as the situation... Read More
 

Call for Senate’s meaningful role in budget-making process

The Dawn (Aug 11, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: A Senate panel on Monday called for empowering the upper house of parliament by giving it a meaningful role in the country’s budget-making process. The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice, headed by Javed Abbasi, in its meeting considered the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2020, (Amendment of Article 73), calling for... Read More
 

NA body approves “The Anti-Money Laundering (2nd Amendment) Bill, 2020”

The Nation (Aug 11, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue on Monday has approved the “The Anti-Money Laundering (Second Amendment) Bill, 2020” after rejecting the proposals of the opposition. The meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue was held under the chairmanship of MNA Mr. Faiz Ullah. The Committee discussed.... Read More
 

Services trade deficit shrinks 43pc in FY20

The Nation (Aug 10, 2020)
ISLAMABAD -The country’s services trade deficit witnessed sharp decline of 42.96 per cent during the financial year 2019-20 as compared to the corresponding period of last year. During the period under review, the country’s services exports declined by 8.66 per cent, whereas services’ imports narrowed by 24.25 per cent, according to trade statistics released by Pakistan... Read More
 

Sri Lanka official reserves increase to $7.1bn in July 2020

The bizenglish.adaderana.lk (Aug 10, 2020)
Sri Lanka’s gross official reserves grew by US$407.4 million to US$ 7,102.0 million in July 2020 from US$ 6,694.6 million in June 2020, latest Central Bank data showed. By the end of July, foreign currency reserves were 6,605.1 million dollars while the reserve position in the IMF was 67.6 million dollars. Reserves in Gold were 425.6 million and other reserve assets were one million US dollars... Read More
 

Budget deficit in first 5 months up as lockdowns hit revenue

The Daily Mirror.ik (Aug 10, 2020)
Sri Lanka’s budget deficit for the five months up to May rose as the economic shutdown triggered by the pandemic hit the tax revenues, but the government cut public investments to keep the deficit from over-stretching. Tax revenues during the first five months to May fell to Rs.508.3 billion from Rs.705.0 billion during the same period in 2019 as the economy lost momentum half way through... Read More
 

Asad says Pakistan’s economy witnessing V-shaped recovery

The Nation (Aug 09, 2020)
ISLAMABAD - Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said on Saturday that Moody’s reconfirmation of Pakistan’s credit rating with a stable outlook reflected that Pakistan’s economy was witnessing a V-shaped recovery amid COVID-19 pandemic. In the middle of a global pandemic it was a testimony to the V shaped recovery, Pakistan had seen, Umar said in his tweet. He said the economic... Read More

IMF programme in limbo as key targets remain unfulfilled The Pakistan Today (Aug 08, 2020)

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) would review Pakistan’s performance under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) in the last week of September. According to sources, the IMF team is scheduled to visit Pakistan to review the government’s economic performance during the first quarter of the current fiscal year (FY21), besides reviewing pending issues with... Read More

Pakistan’s exports may rise by up to $12bn by 2024: ITC The Pakistan Today (Aug 08, 2020)

ISLAMABAD: Although the country’s exports are expected to face the impact of Covid-19 in the current fiscal year, the International Trade Centre’s latest export potential assessment for Pakistan sees the country’s exports rising by up to $12 billion by 2024. “More than half of Pakistani exporters struggle with domestic and foreign regulatory barriers,” said Invisible Barriers to Trade... Read More

Software installed to keep Punjab Police’s Rs119b annual budget under check The Pakistan Today (Aug 07, 2020)

LAHORE: The finance wing of the Punjab Police presented comprehensive financial management software to stop corruption and embezzlement in the police accounts, on Thursday. The software is developed and installed with the assistance of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB). Its deployment is also the first of its kind in any state run department in Pakistan... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 72 August 06, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

FY2019-20: Pakistan’s fiscal deficit narrows to 8.1pc of GDP

The Pakistan Today (Aug 06, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fiscal deficit shrunk to 8.1pc of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the fiscal year 2019-20. According to sources, the fiscal deficit was actually 8.1pc in June 2020 as compared to the revised estimates of 9.1pc published in the budget. This also included corona expenditures and if these expenditures were omitted, the deficit would have been 7.3pc of the GDP,... Read More
 

Pakistan approves most expensive China-aided project to date

The asia.nikkie.com (Aug 06, 2020)
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) -- Pakistan's top economic body on Wednesday approved its costliest project to date as part of the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) agreement, giving the go-ahead for a $6.8 billion project to upgrade its railway lines, the government said. CPEC has seen Beijing pledge over $60 billion for infrastructure projects in Pakistan, central to China's wider Belt... Read More
 

Exports increased by 5.80pc in July

The Nation (Aug 05, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-Pakistan’s exports increased by 5.80 percent in July 2020 as compared to the same month of last year. On the import side, a decline of 4.2pc, in dollar value terms, was recorded in July 2020 as compared to July 2019. This was disclosed during an internal strategy meeting chaired by advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood... Read More
 

Exports to Afghanistan down 25.46pc in FY2019-20

The Nation (Aug 05, 2020)
ISLAMABAD -Pakistan’s exports of goods and services to Afghanistan witnessed decrease of 25.46 percent during the fiscal year (2019-20) as compared to the corresponding period of last year, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported. The overall exports to Afghanistan were recorded at $888,913 million during July-June (2019-20) against exports of $1192,559 million during... Read More
 

After months of Covid-led downfall, Pakistan’s exports grow 5.8pc in July

The Pakistan Today (Aug 04, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood on Tuesday chaired an internal strategy meeting at the commerce ministry to review the recent trade statistics and to devise plans for the enhancement of exports. As per the data shared by the commerce ministry, the country exported goods and services worth $1.998... Read More
 

President of Belarus says oil disputes with Russia cost budget $700 million

The Investing.com (Aug 04, 2020)
MINSK (Reuters) - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Tuesday his country's budget had been deprived of 1.5 billion Belarusian roubles ($700 million) due to oil disputes with Russia. Relations between Minsk and traditional ally Russia are strained. The two countries earlier this year failed to agree an oil supply contract... Read More
 

EC asked to prepare budget for LG polls

The Dawn (Aug 04, 2020)
LAHORE: Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja visited the Punjab Election Commission (PEC) here on Monday and discussed demarcation of constituencies for the forthcoming local government polls in the province. He also reviewed various hurdles in recruitment of staff for provincial and district offices of the entity, equal distribution... Read More
 

Export of transportation services falls 4.8pc to $758m

The Pakistan Today (Aug 03, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan generated a revenue of $758.02 million by providing transportation services to different countries during the first 11 months (July-May) of the fiscal year 2019-20 (FY20). According to data issued by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Pakistan’s earnings through the provision of transportation services suffered a decrease of 4.81pc during the period under review... Read More
 

Export of transportation services falls 4.8pc to $758m

The Pakistan Today (Aug 03, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan generated a revenue of $758.02 million by providing transportation services to different countries during the first 11 months (July-May) of the fiscal year 2019-20 (FY20). According to data issued by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), Pakistan’s earnings through the provision of transportation services suffered a decrease of 4.81pc during the period under review... Read More
 

Philippines' Duterte approves 91.65 bln USD national budget proposal for 2021

The xinhuanet.com (Aug 02, 2020)
MANILA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the proposed 4.506-trillion-peso (roughly 91.65-billion-U.S. dollar) national budget for 2021, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said on Sunday. In a statement, the DBM said Duterte approved the budget during a special meeting with the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC)... Read More
 

Germany provides 3 million Euros to Pakistan for skill development of returnee migrant workers

The Nation (Aug 01, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) to provide technical assistance amounting to three million Euros for re-integration of the returning migrant workers in society through their skill development. The MoU was signed by... Read More
 

Record 12.1pc collapse in Q2 eurozone GDP

The Nation (Aug 01, 2020)
Brussels-The European economy was hit by its sharpest recorded contraction in the second quarter, with GDP down 12.1 percent in the eurozone and 11.9 percent across the EU. The official Eurostat agency said that, with much of the economy paralysed by coronavirus lockdowns, the fall was “by far” the largest since it began recording the figure in 1995. “It is a shocking drop... Read More
 

FBR collects Rs300b revenue in first month of fiscal year 2020-21

The Nation (July 31, 2020)
ISLAMABAD -  Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected Rs300 bil­lion in the first month (July) of the fiscal year of 2020-21.The FBR has released the revenue collection informa­tion of first month of current financial year, July 2020. Ac­cording to the released infor­mation, against the assigned revenue target of Rs.243 bil­lion, FBR has collected Rs.300 billion overshooting the target by a staggering... Read More
 

Financial constraints hindering development in KP

The Pakistan Today (July 30, 2020)
PESHAWAR: Work on several important developmental projects has come to a halt in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) as the provincial government had failed to release funds for the Annual Development Programme (ADP). Sources informed Profit that due to the Covid-led reduction in the federal and provincial revenue, the federal government could not release funds for developmental purposes... Read More
 

Govt obtained $10.6b in foreign loans in FY2019-20, including $3.373b commercial borrowings

The Pakistan Today (July 30, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The government has obtained $10.6 billion foreign loans from multilateral and bilateral creditors during the financial year 2019-20. Out of this $10.6 billion, $3.373 billion were secured as foreign commercial borrowings, The News reported. The foreign commercial borrowing has become the second major source of getting foreign inflows as it constitutes 32 percent... Read More
 

Annual budget of LDA and subordinate agencies for FY21 approved

The Pakistan Today (July 30, 2020)
LAHORE: The governing body of Lahore Development Authority (LDA) on Thursday approved the annual budget of LDA and its subordinate agencies, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and Traffic Engineering & Transport Planning Agency (TEPA), for the fiscal year 2020-21. Total resources of LDA (U.D Wing), WASA, and TEPA have been estimated as Rs58.61 billion out of which Rs32.45... Read More
 

Post-budget HEC

The Nation (July 29, 2020)
Budget 2020-21 was approved amidst the clamour of the opposition and the chaos of COVID-19. In these wretched times when the economy was faltering and the health system was choked due to an exponential increase in COVID-19 cases, a people-friendly budget wasn’t being anticipated. Among many subjects, the budget for higher education had also been a matter of extensive debate and... Read More
 

USF’s budget of Rs11,376m for FY2020-21 approved

The Nation (July 28, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication Syed Amin Ul Haque chaired 39th meeting of the Universal Service Fund (USF) Policy Committee and gave approval for the USF’s annual budget of Rs 11,376 million for financial year 2020-21. The meeting approved the minutes of the 38th meeting of the Universal Service Fund Policy Committee and gave approval for the USF... Read More
 

Tobacco taxation can positively contribute to revenues for education budget

The Daily Times (July 27, 2020)
Society for Protection of Rights of the Child (SPARC) organized a briefing session on “raising taxes on tobacco products for revenue generation” at National Press Club Islamabad on Monday Sajjad Ahmed, Executive Director, SPARC said that Pakistan has not made much progress on its commitment of providing free and quality education to every child according to article 25-A of constitution... Read More
 

Russian Budget Lost Over $654Mln Because Of Tax Crimes - Investigative Committee

The Urdu Point (July 27, 2020)
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 27th July, 2020) Russia's budget has not received more than $654 million of tax Dollars because of tax crimes, Vice-Chairman of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation Yelena Leonenko told Sputnik. According to her, the law enforcement authorities have registered 3062 tax crimes within the first six months of 2020.... Read More
 

LDA allocates Rs 3b in new budget for construction of apartments

The Nation (July 26, 2020)
LAHORE - In line with the vision of Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan for providing housing facilities to the low income groups, Lahore Development Authority (LDA) had allocated a sum of Rs 3 billion in the new budget for construction of apartments in Lahore Division.  Vice-Chairman Lahore Development Authority S.M.Imran informed this on Saturday. He told that LDA had... Read More
 

A disappointing budget

The Express Tribune (July 25, 2020)
While Pakistan remains fixated on developing its traditional systems, developed countries around the world are investing in industrialisation through information technology and artificial intelligence in order to strengthen their economics. The main reason behind the development of countries like China, the US and Korea is that they have focused more on human capital by... Read More
 

In FY20: Govt gets over $13b in foreign loans

The Express Tribune (July 25, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government took over $13 billion in foreign loans in the previous fiscal year - the second highest amount in history - to repay maturing external debt and cushion the shrinking foreign exchange reserves. During fiscal year 2019-20 that ended on June 30, the country received $13.2 billion worth of gross loans from bilateral and multilateral... Read More
 

HEC and post-budget scenario

The Daily Times (July 24, 2020)
The budget 2020-21 was approved amid clamor of opposition and chaos of covid-19. In these wretched times when the economy was faltering and the health system had choked due to an exponential increase in covid-19 patients, a people-friendly budget wasn’t being anticipated. Among many subjects, the budget for higher education had also been a matter of extensive debate and discussion... Read More

AJK Govt. Approves Revised Budget Estimates For Last Financial Year The Urdu Point (July 24, 2020)

MIRPUR AKK: (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jul, 2020 ) :AJK Government Friday approved the revised budget estimates for the last financial year amounting to over Rs.120 million out of which over Rs. 110 million spent to extend financial assistance to the deserving persons of the state, it was officially said. In a high level meeting of Zakat board, chaired by AJK Prime Minister Raja... Read More

KP awaits release of funds from federal govt for ADP 2020-21 The Pakistan Today (July 24, 2020)

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has not yet released the first tranche of the Annual Development Program (ADP) 2020-21 three weeks after the end of FY20 due to delay in release of funds by the federal government. According to sources in the KP Finance Department, the policy for the release of funds is usually formulated at the start of every new... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 71 July 23, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

India must allow armed forces to raise own finances. Defence budget will never be enough

The Print (July 23, 2020)
Ever since the confrontation with China in the mountains of Ladakh, and the threat of escalation to war, retired armed forces officers have been calling for an increase in capabilities of their respective Services, and advocating new strategies to ward off an aggressive enemy. The Narendra Modi government reacted with the usual firefighting tactics by approving arms procurement worth $5.5... Read More
 

EU Parliament Begins Budget Debate

The voanews (July 23, 2020)
The European Parliament Thursday is considering the 27-nation bloc’s next long-term budget days after European Union leaders hammered out a massive COVID-19 economic recovery package for the region that included steep budget cuts to help pay for it. The budget, worth $1.2 trillion, was negotiated in tandem with a $868 billion economic recovery package that aims to help EU... Read More
 

Lawmakers Agree On Budget Plan After COVID-19 Costs

The 9&10 News (July 22, 2020)
After a long budget battle last summer, COVID-19 forced another one as tax revenue dropped and costs to fight the virus climbed. Thursday state lawmakers came to an agreement on how to balance the budget, already 10 months into the fiscal year. Every year with the state budget there’s going to be adjustments made as there’s always some inaccuracies on what was projected and what actually came to... Read More
 

Russia Signals Return to Fiscal Conservatism With Future Budget Cuts

The Moscow Times (July 21, 2020)
Russia’s Finance Ministry wants to cut government spending by up to 10% from next year in a bid to restore the state’s finances following the coronavirus pandemic. It has proposed cutting a total of $65 billion from the Russian budget over 2021-2023, Russian news outlet RBC has reported. Parts of the budget which are not ringfenced will see a fall in outlays of up to 10%, and defence spending could be cut... Read More
 

European Commission agrees to reduced space budget

The Space News (July 21, 2020)
WASHINGTON — The European Commission slashed its space budget for the next seven years, agreeing to a maximum of 13.2 billion ($15.2 billion) focused mainly on continuing the Galileo and Copernicus satellite programs.  The budget cut for space came as part of extensive four-day negotiations in Brussels over a 1.8-trillion-euro budget for the entire European Union designed in... Read More
 

To fight pandemic, Japan keeps fiscal tap wide open on budget spending requests

The Japantimes (July 21, 2020)
The government’s budget for next fiscal year won’t set a spending cap on requests aimed at fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, Finance Minister Taro Aso said, suggesting the heavily indebted nation would ramp up efforts to revive the coronavirus-battered economy. The government would ask ministries to keep requests for other spending in line with the current fiscal year’s initial... Read More
 

WSU provides update on budget reduction process

The News.wsu.edu (July 20, 2020)
Washington State University has announced key recommendations to help guide units throughout the WSU system through necessary budget reductions for the 2021 fiscal year. These recommendations come after an extensive hearing and review process involving department and university leaders, who are working... Read More
 

Deprived colleges get regular budget

The News (July 20, 2020)
Islamabad:For the first time, the Islamabad Model College for Boys (IMCB) Sihala and Islamabad Model College for Girls (IMCG) Bhara Kahu received regular budget for the fiscal year 2020-21. After creation of posts of teaching and non-teaching staff in May 2019, the budget IDs of both the colleges were created by Finance Division with a token amount of Rs2,000 in November 2019... Read More
 

Foreign direct investment surges 88pc to $2.56bn in FY20

The Pakistan Today (July 18, 2020)
KARACHI: Foreign direct investment (FDI) into the country increased 88pc to $2.56 billion in the fiscal year 2019-20, compared to $1.36 billion in FY19, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The FDI in the country has bounced back to FY18 levels, when it stood at $2.78 billion, before falling to... Read More
 

Pakistan's weird development pattern

The Express Tribune (July 18, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Economic development generally follows the following pattern. At the initial stage, agriculture or the primary sector (farming, fishing, livestock and forestry) is the largest sector of the economy. As economic growth gains momentum, the relative share of industry or the secondary sector (manufacturing, mining and construction) in the gross domestic product (GDP) begins... Read More
 

Record Allocation Made In The Federal Budget 2020-21 For Health Sector:Asad Umar

The Urdupoint (July 18, 2020)
KARACHI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Jul, 2020 ) :Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar on Saturday said that the federal government would fully support Karachi, the biggest city of Pakistan as record amount is allocated for health sector in the federal's budget for fiscal year 2020-21. The minister said that efforts are being made across the country in... Read More
 

The Senate Standing committee of IT is concerned over budget-cut in HEC funding

The Techjuice.com (July 17, 2020)
The Senate Standing Committee for Information and Technology have risen concerned regarding the budget cut for the Higher Education and Commission and demanded a raise in the allocated funds. The committee has chaired a meeting with Senator Rubina Khalid at the Higher Education Commission Secretariat. In the meeting, the connectivity issues that pupils are... Read More
 

27pc contraction in trade deficit helped Pakistan save $8.6bn in FY20: PBF

The Pakistan Today (July 16, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Businesses Forum (PBF) said on Thursday that the return of normalcy after the Covid-19 lockdown and the gradual reopening of businesses around the globe has had a positive impacted Pakistan’s balance of trade. “Pakistan saved $8.6 billion as trade loss shrank 27pc in the fiscal year 2019-20,” the forum informed in a statement issued on Thursday... Read More
 

Ehsaas Emergency Cash Program budget increased to Rs203 billion

The Daily Pakistan (July 16, 2020)
ISLAMABAD - Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Sania Nishtar Thursday said the scope of emergency cash programme has been expanded to reach out to around 16.9 million deserving families with the increased budget of Rs203 billion. Initially, the programme was launched on April 9, 2020, with a budget of Rs144 billion for 12 million... Read More
 

Distt Council Present Annual Budget For FY 2020-21

The Urdu Point (July 15, 2020)
NAUSHEHROFEROZE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jul, 2020 ) :The District council Nausheroferoze presented the annual Budget for the fiscal year 2020-21. Chairman District council Abdul Sattar Abassi presented the budget in a special session held here on Tuesday.In his budget speech Chairman said that Revenue target had been set for new fiscal year 2020-21 to Rs... Read More
 

Pakistan receives record $23.1 billion remittances

The KhaleejTimes (July 15, 2020)
Pakistan recorded 6.4 per cent increase in remittances that hit an all-time high mark of $23.12 billion (Dh84.85 billion) during the financial year 2019-20, the latest data shows. Analysts and experts said a steady growth in remittances to Pakistan will continue despite the worldwide economic slowdown and overseas Pakistanis may send $25 billion (Dh91.75 billion) in the present fiscal... Read More
 

Pakistan’s Military Spending and Defence Budget 2020-21

The Modern Diplomacy (July 14, 2020)
Last month the federal government of Pakistan announced its annual budget 2020-21 according to which Rs.1, 289 billion has been allotted to the defence sector. The defence budget has increased by 11.9% in the fiscal year 2020-21. However, if compared with the 2019-20 revised spending, which was Rs.1, 227 billion, the growth would be 5%. The increasing tensions between India and Pakistan... Read More
 

Rawalpindi Development Authority approves Rs3.52bn annual budget

The Dawn (July 13, 2020)
RAWALPINDI: The governing body of Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) on Friday approved Rs3.520 billion annual budget of the RDA and a Rs2.059bn budget of Wasa. The 48th meeting of the governing body was held with RDA Chairman Tariq Mehmood Murtaza in the chair. RDA Director General Amara Khan presented the budget for the fiscal year 2010-21 which was approved... Read More
 

Positive Aspects of New Federal Budget

The Daily Times (July 13, 2020)
There is no denying the bitter fact that the federal budget for financial year 2020-21, which has already commenced since July 01,2020, was formulated in a very unusual and difficult circumstances and conditions caused by pandemic of COVID-19 attack on Pakistan like large number of countries around the world one after the other. Every thing was going in the right direction... Read More
 

Pakistan likely to ease regulatory curbs to boost economy

The Express Tribune (July 12, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday approved, in principle, a set of recommendations to tap the potential of neglected sectors of the economy by lowering regulatory restrictions and digitising the economy. Over 60 recommendations in eight areas of the economy have been finalised by an economic think-tank, with representation from both the government and the private sector.... Read More
 

Pakistan likely to ease regulatory curbs to boost economy

The Express Tribune (July 12, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday approved, in principle, a set of recommendations to tap the potential of neglected sectors of the economy by lowering regulatory restrictions and digitising the economy. Over 60 recommendations in eight areas of the economy have been finalised by an economic think-tank, with representation from both the government and the private sector... Read More
 

IMF predicts recovery in Pakistan’s economy during 2021

The Daily Times (July 11, 2020)
In a report titled “Policy Actions Taken by Countries,” IMF said a gradual recovery is expected in Pakistan’s economy in Fiscal Year 2021 as the economy reopens. The report highlighted the measures taken by the present government to contain spread of COVID-19. According to this report, since mid-April, the federal government, in coordination with the provinces, has been gradually... Read More
 

Inclusive budgeting

The News (July 11, 2020)
Now that the budget season is over, and reams have been written on how good or bad the federal or provincial budgets have been, it would be good to review how strategic planning and inclusive budget-making processes makes for better service delivery. Sometimes in the times of sensationalized news, thrill laden talk shows and social media scandals, the good news is lost... Read More
 

Govt decides not to allocate any token supplementary grant in current FY

The Nation (July 10, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The government has decided that no token supplementary grant would be granted, as the federal cabinet, the National Assembly especially, the Public Accounts Committee have directed to discourage supplementary grant unless extremely critical. The ministry of finance has issued notification regarding supplementary grants. The government has decided that no token... Read More

Positive aspects of new federal budget The Pakistan Today (July 10, 2020)

There is no denying the that the federal budget for financial year 2020-21, which has already commenced on July 1 was formulated in the very unusual and difficult circumstances and conditions caused by the covid-19 pandemic which affected Pakistan as it did to countries around the world one after the other. Everything was going in the right direction, following the bold and necessary policy... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 70 July 09, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

China's debt trap increases amid budget deficit, BRI roadblock

The Wionews (July 09, 2020)
China’s boom has been powered by debt as the Communist Party began chasing superpower status with a credit card and the world knows when you buy something with a credit card, you are spending money that you don’t really have and one day you will have to return it.  The Communist Party has set ambitious targets for itself. It wants to dominate this century and wants to be the ultimate... Read More
 

Another VoA likely with Budget for 2021 in Nov.

The Daily FT (July 09, 2020)
Once Parliament is convened in August, the Government is likely to bring a Vote on Account (VoA) to cover public finances for the rest of 2020, its third for the year, and then present a Budget for 2021 in November, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said yesterday.  Speaking to reporters at the SLPP Head Office, National Organiser Basil Rajapaksa said that they were planning to present a VoA for this... Read More
 

Japanese protection service to sell off military gear to boost budget

The Nation (July 08, 2020)
"Back Serve Taro Aso told us to think around how to extend the budget, and I trust that within the future we'll be able to induce stores for at slightest one F-35 warrior fly. All stores will go to the state treasury, but I think that the endeavors of the resistance service will be taken under consideration amid the [allotment] of the budget," Kono said, as cited by the NHK broadcaster... Read More
 

Budget deficit in first four months expands to 2.9%

The Daily Mirror (July 08, 2020)
Sri Lanka’s budget deficit for January through April expanded to 2.9 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), from 2.3 percent in the corresponding period, last year, as the coronavirus lockdowns sapped the tax revenues while the government had to step up spending on containing the virus and keeping the essential services up and running. However, the government... Read More
 

Pakistan on brink of Covid-19 financial collapse

The Asia Times (July 07, 2020)
PESHAWAR – Pakistan’s financial woes are going from bad to worse as the national fiscal deficit surges to over 7% of gross domestic product (GDP) and could breach 9-10% as state revenues dry up amid Covid-19 economic devastation. That’s raising questions among analysts and business executives of whether the country is headed towards a budgetary blowout-induced financial collapse... Read More
 

Sri Lanka says making progress with IMF program, budget support

The Economy Next (July 07, 2020)
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka is making progress with a program with the International Monetary Fund with other lenders also joining in with budget support, Treasury Secretary S R Attygalle said. Other lenders would also provide more than a billion US dollars in budget finance along with the IMF program, Attygalle said. Sri Lanka has lined up funding from a number of lenders including 300... Read More
 

IUB syndicate approves Rs5.38b budget

The Pakistan Observer (July 06, 2020)
Bahawalpur: The Syndicate of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur has approved budget of estimated Rs. 5387.983 million for the financial year 2020-21 besides giving node to re-structural plan to enhance number of faculties and teaching departments. According to the spokesman of the university Shahzad Ahmad Khalid, the 74th meeting of the syndicate held under the... Read More
 

Budget and development priorities

The Express Tribune (July 05, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: According to the theoretical knowledge of economic planning, fiscal budget is a short-run economic plan of revenues and expenditures of a nation. It paves the way for mid-term targets and long-run economic plan of the country. The objectives and goals of the long-run economic plan are dissected into mid-term and short-term economic plans. The fiscal budget is, therefore... Read More
 

Reading between the lines

The Express Tribune (July 05, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: In his budget speech in the National Assembly, Federal Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar stated that the expected recession due to Covid-19 called for an expansionary fiscal policy. Having said that, he went on to present the budget with total federal expenditures of Rs7,137 billion against the revised budget estimate of Rs8,345.3 billion in the previous fiscal year... Read More
 

Over Rs 5 billion allocated for health facilities in budget: mayor

The Business Recorder (July 05, 2020)
KARACHI: Mayor Karachi Wasim Akhtar on Sunday said that over Rs5 billion has been earmarked in the new fiscal year's budget 2020-21 for provision of better health and medical facilities to the people of Karachi. He said coronavirus testing facility at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital has increased the people's confidence in Karachi Metropolitan Corporation. We are trying to expand facilities at Karachi... Read More
 

$6 bn IMF programme: Govt needs to do electricity, gas tariff adjustments

The News (July 04, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Even after approval of the budget for 2020-21 from Parliament, the IMF sponsored programme of $6 billion for Pakistan hangs in balance where Islamabad will have to comply with tariff adjustments on electricity and gas as well as to undertake reform path to evolve staff level agreement on completion of second review. The IMF programme has literally been stalled at the moment and ... Read More
 

Budget Satisfaction

The Nation (July 04, 2020)
It has not been a good financial year. The coronavirus epidemic has taken a large toll on the economy, not only with the lockdown and the drop in consumer purchasing power, but also with regards to the funds that the government has had to allocate to combat the pandemic. Perhaps even more disastrously, the swarm of locust attacking crops in the country has posed a great threat to... Read More
 

Pakistani exporters fear tax refunds will remain stuck in FY21

The Express Tribune (July 03, 2020)
KARACHI: Textile exporters have voiced fear the government will not be able to release the stuck sales tax refund claims in the new fiscal year as well because billions of rupees worth of exporters’ liquidity is still lying with the government, which has not been released earlier. “Textile exporters are deliberating whether to continue operating the industrial units or close them down permanently,”... Read More
 

Asad credits treasury, Opp for smooth budget passage

The News (July 03, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser Thursday said maximum opportunity was given to the members to take part in the general debate and other processes involved in passage of budget 2020-21. “As many as 107 members from the treasury and 101 members from the opposition took part in the general discussion on the budget,” he said while talking to Adviser to the Prime... Read More
 

East, Korangi and West DMCs approve budgets

The Express Tribune (July 02, 2020)
KARACHI: The East, West and Korangi district municipal corporations (DMCs) presented the budgets for the fiscal year 2020-21 on Wednesday. Korangi Korangi DMC chairperson Syed Nayyar Raza and Korangi DMC vice-chairperson Syed Ahmer Ali presented the budget, with an outlay of Rs4.39 billion and targeting a surplus of Rs915,847, during a council meeting... Read More
 

Tax free budget to address economic woes of common man: NA speaker

The Dunyanews (July 02, 2020)
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr Zaheer uddin Babar Awan called on National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser in the Parliament House and discussed various issues encompassing parliamentary business and smooth conduct of budget session of the National Assembly. Parliamentary business to be taken up in the forthcoming session of the National Assembly was... Read More
 

Budget approval

The Express Tribune (July 01, 2020)
That the federal budget has been passed by the National Assembly is no news. If there is anything that came out as news from the assembly’s budget session on Monday, it is the score line. The government managed 160 votes against the opposition’s 119 at the time of passage of clause nine of the Finance Bill 2020-21. And the same turned out to be the final score, as the opposition — having been defeated... Read More
 

WB approves $500m loan for Pakistan’s budget support

The Dawn (July 01, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank (WB) on Tuesday announced that it has approved another $500 million loan to Pakistan for the country’s budget support following its increased expenditures on Covid-19 crisis response. In a statement, the bank said its board of directors approved the financing for the Resilient Institutions for Sustainable Economy (RISE) programme to help Pakistan strengthen fiscal... Read More
 

Budget 2020-21 sails through NA

The News (June 30, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly (NA) on Monday passed the Finance Bill 2020 with a total outlay of Rs7,294.9 billion amid sloganeering and protest from the opposition giving legal effect to the budgetary proposals for next fiscal year. The amendments proposed by the opposition in the Finance Bill, 2020 were rejected by the House. The government also shattered hopes of... Read More
 

Govt succeeds in passing FY21 budget amid Opp’s protests

The Pakistan Today (June 30, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: After a long and noisy debate on the proposed Finance Bill for the fiscal year 2020-2021 on Monday, the National Assembly gave its nod to the federal budget which the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has been touting as “tax-free”. 160 MPs voted in favour of the bill while 119 opposed it. The government had unveiled a coronavirus-influenced Rs 7.13 trillion “tax-free” budget for the.... Read More
 

Budget to sail through NA however hard Opp may try

The News (June 29, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Budget 2020-2021 will sail through the National Assembly no matter how hard the combined opposition may try, said Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz here on Sunday. He was speaking at a news conference here along with Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar. Shibli said the PPP and PML-N both were responsible for the... Read More
 

Defence budget - Part II

The News (June 28, 2020)
Why are ‘military pensions’ of Rs359 billion not included in the ‘defence budget’? Answer: Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) are a “common set of accounting principles, standards and procedures.” If I am not mistaken, it was Shaukat Aziz who applied GAAP and moved ‘military pensions’ out of the ‘defence budget’. Legally, military retirees are part of the civilian ‘labour force’... Read More
 

Most disappointing aspect of budget 2020

The Daily Times (June 28, 2020)
The federal government led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) presented the fiscal budget for 2020-21 in the National Assembly. Since the entire world is facing an uncertain period due to the Covid-19 pandemic, nothing extraordinary was expected from the budget. However, it was expected by many that the government would allocate a greater share of the budget toward education and health care... Read More
 

Amid pandemic: ‘Govt committed to stimulating economy’

The Express Tribune (June 27, 2020)
ISLAMABAD:The government is taking various initiatives to stimulate the economy in these difficult and uncertain times, said Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Friday. In a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing, the adviser discussed several matters of mutual interest. Shaikh appreciated the continued and unwavering support that China had... Read More

KMC to present Rs24.84b budget Monday The Samaa.tv (June 27, 2020)

The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation is all set to present a Rs24.84 billion budget for fiscal year 2020-21 on Monday. It will be presented by Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar at the Council Hall of the Old KMC Building. This will be the last budget of his tenure. The session will start at 2:30pm. He has presented four budgets since he became mayor in August, 2016. The fiscal budget figure for this year... Read More

How is federal budget a success story, and not the other way round?

The globalvillagespace.com (June 26, 2020)
Pakistan’s economy had already been suffering before the COVID-19 outbreak, it was in no imminent danger of a recession. The Current Account Deficit dropped by nearly 73%; the “primary balance” was positive, at 0.3% of the GDP; the credit rating had improved from negative to stable; and the country’s rank on the “Ease of Doing Business” Index had improved from 136 to 108. Many analysts... Read More

Bilawal, Shehbaz reject FY21 budget, agree on calling APC next week

The Pakistan Today (June 26, 2020)
ISLAMABAD/LAHORE: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif rejected the budget presented by the government for the fiscal year 2020-21, and agreed to call an All Parties Conference (APC) next week in light of the evolving political situation in the country. Bilawal telephoned the former... Read More

Opposition rejects Balochistan budget, terms it anti-people

The Dawn by Saleem Shahid (June 26, 2020)
QUETTA: The opposition in the Balochistan Assembly on Thursday rejected the provincial budget for financial year 2020-21 and termed it anti-people. Members on treasury benches, however, said that despite a financial crisis in the country and other difficulties the provincial government had presented what they called a people-friendly budget. The Balochistan Assembly session was presided... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 69 June 25, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

PA passes resolution to extend Ord during budget session

The News (June 25, 2020)
LAHORE: The successful parliamentary strategy of Punjab Minister for Law Parliamentary Affairs Raja Basharat saved the Punjab Health Department on Wednesday from a legal crisis. The previously enacted Punjab Infections and Diseases Prevention and Control Ordinance 2020 was coming to an end. In the running session of the Punjab Assembly, Raja Basharat presented... Read More
 

Economic Crisis in Pakistan: 2020-21 Handmade Budget of IMF

The moderndiplomacy.eu (June 25, 2020)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is one of the most dangerous and disaster able virus in the world during contemporary times, which has been affecting most of the developed and developing countries. Although having all equipment’s to Europe and USA. But, has losing its battle to control on this coronavirus. When it is stretched in Wuhan, China and the whole world was in frivolous behavior toward... Read More
 

KP’s budget deficit likely to persist in FY22, FY23

The Pakistan Today (June 24, 2020)
Peshawar: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Finance Department has forecasted that the budgets for FY22 and FY23 will see deficits of Rs72 billion and Rs63 billion respectively.  For FY22, the KP government is expected to earn Rs871.70 billion in revenues. The KP Finance Department estimates the provinces expenditures at Rs 944.80 billion for FY22, leading to a budget deficit of Rs72.29 billion... Read More
 

Budget and CPEC

The Nation (June 24, 2020)
Concerns over Pakistan’s national budget are high at the time, as Pakistan’s growth rate has been declining for the past two years and its effects are being felt to a large extent in the lives of ordinary people. Apart from this, the coronavirus has also caused a strange calamity not only for Pakistan but the whole world, which it has never faced before. The epidemic of coronavirus is affecting the socio... Read More
 

US says Pakistan budget lacked transparency

The Express Tribune (June 23, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: A new report by the United States has said that Pakistan’s budget lacked minimum fiscal transparency and it also did not adequately disclose all debt information amid a sharp surge in government’s contingent liabilities in outgoing fiscal year. The 2020 Fiscal Transparency Report by the State Department comes amid 21.5% increase in sovereign guarantees during first nine months... Read More
 

Defence Budget

The News (June 23, 2020)
Myth number 1: The defence budget eats up the lion’s share of our total budgetary expenses. Not true. In Budget 2020-21, ‘Defense Affairs and Services’ has been allocated Rs1,289 billion out of total budgetary expenses of Rs7,295 billion. What this means is that defence comprises 17.67 percent of the total expenses and 82.33 percent of all government expenses are non-defence related... Read More
 

Economists point out myths and facts about Pakistan’s defence budget

The Pakistan Today (June 23, 2020)
LAHORE: Amid Leading economists of Pakistan have pointed out a number of myths and facts about Pakistan’s defence budget. Farrukh Saleem, an economist and financial analyst, said that the first myth is that the defence budget eats up the lion’s share of the country’s total budgetary expenses. “In budget 2020-21, ‘Defence Affairs and Services’ has been allocated Rs1,289 billion out of the... Read More
 

Budget focuses on provision of relief to poor, say treasury lawmakers

The Pakistan Today (June 22, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Government lawmakers told the National Assembly (NA) on Monday that the budget for the fiscal year 2020-21 was focused on providing relief to the poor and deserving people of the country. Participating in the budget debate, Raja Kurram Nawaz said that adequate funds were earmarked in the federal budget for the poor and deserving people as was evident from Ehsaas Programme... Read More
 

Pakistan increases country’s defence budget despite economic fallout amidst COVID-19

The Newdelhitimes (June 22, 2020)
The government of Pakistan has announced a 2020-21 defence budget of PKR1.29 trillion (USD7.81 billion). According to budgetary documents the new allocation represents a 12% increase over the original defence budget for 2019-20 and a 5% increase over the revised expenditure for that year. According to reports in Pakistani media, the budget document shows that the defence... Read More
 

Why we do not cover the budget

The Pakistan Today (June 21, 2020)
If you are a consumer of news in Pakistan, you may be vaguely familiar with the idea that the day the federal government announces its budget is one of the biggest economic stories of the year. We at Profit, as a leading business publication in the country, may well be expected to cover it. But we do not, and the decision not to do so is no accident, but a deliberate one on our part... Read More
 

Opposition lambasts Sindh budget

The Express Tribune (June 21, 2020)
KARACHI: Terming the new provincial budget a ‘jugglery of words,’ opposition members in the Sindh Assembly lashed out at the Sindh government for its failure to mobilise development funds and complete vital schemes in the province on Saturday.At the first assembly session after the budget’s presentation, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan’s Rashid Khilji dismissed... Read More
 

Rs 500 million allocated for agriculture in budget

The App.com (June 20, 2020)
QUETTA, Jun 20 (APP):Balochistan Minister for Finance Zahoor Buledi Saturday said Rs 500 million had been allocated for agriculture sector in the financial budget year-2020-21 which was Rs 404 million in budget of 2019-20. He said 181 teams had been formulated to prevent the attack of locust across the province through carrying anti-spray in the areas in order to ... Read More
 

Defence budget increased to address food security: Hafeez Shaikh

The Pakistan Today (June 20, 2020)
ISLAMABAD – Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said that the defence budget has been addressed in order to tackle the upcoming food security challenges. He also lauded the provinces for making their budgets on the basis of their own estimates of the security challenges instead of relying on the forecasting done by the federal government, even though defence is a federal subject... Read More
 

BUDGET 2020-21: Rs923bn KP budget focuses on health, tax relief

The Dawn (June 20, 2020)
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Friday unveiled the Rs923 billion budget for the financial year 2020-21 which focuses on improvement in the health sector and tax relief for businesses hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. KP Minister for Finance Taimur Saleem Jhagra presented the budget in the provincial assembly. He told Dawn that fundamentally the biggest challenge... Read More
 

Fitch says Pakistan’s budget goal overly ambitious

The News (June 20, 2020)
KARACHI: Global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings said Pakistan fiscal targets for the next fiscal year will be challenging to meet amid the economic shock and health crisis associated with the coronavirus pandemic. “Public finances are a key credit weakness, as we noted even before the health crisis took hold when we affirmed Pakistan’s rating at ‘B-’ with a stable outlook in January 2020,” Fitch... Read More
 

AJK unveils Rs139.5 billion balanced budget

The Express Tribune (June 19, 2020)
Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government on Thursday announced a Rs139.5 billion balanced budget for the next fiscal year 2020-21 with a development outlay of Rs24.5 billion. Minister for Health and Finance Dr Najeeb Naqi presented the budget and the revised estimates for current fiscal year in the legislative Assembly session being held under strict standard operating... Read More
 

K-P unveils Rs923b tax-free budget

The Express Tribune (June 19, 2020)
PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government on Friday unveiled a balanced and tax-free budget of Rs923 billion for the next fiscal year 2020-21 with special focus on reviving the economy crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic and protecting investment in service deliveries, particularly the health sector. Finance Minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra.. Read More
 

Pakistan slashes budget for Belt and Road Initiative projects

The asia.nikkei.com (June 19, 2020)
KARACHI -- Pakistan has chopped a third of its contribution to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a high profile component of China's massive Belt and Road Initiative, setting back some flagship projects backed by China's President Xi Jinping. With the economic damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic still being tallied, the annual CPEC allocation has been reduced from $241... Read More
 

An ordinary budget

The News (June 19, 2020)
Extraordinary situations demand extraordinary responses. We are facing an extraordinary situation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the current economic crisis and the locust attacks. The government has to fight on three different fronts. Covid-19 led to an unprecedented public health crisis and aggravated the already existing economic crisis. Even though the government denies the... Read More
 

Not quite a corona budget

The Pakistan Today (June 18, 2020)
It was one of the paradoxes of the 2020-2021 Budget that the man responsible for it, PM’s Finance Adviser Dr Hafeez Sheikh, did not seem to believe the revenue collection figure of Rs 4.91 trillion would be met. At the traditional post-Budget press conference, he said the provinces were free to decide whether or not to follow the revenue collection figure in their own Budgets, depending on how much they... Read More
 

Covid-19 prompts over 16pc increase in provincial health budget

The Dawn (June 18, 2020)
KARACHI: In a bid to meet the challenge of Covid-19 in the province, the Sindh government has increased the allocation for the health sector by 16.1 per cent — from Rs114.4 billion to Rs132.88bn — in the provincial budget for financial year 2020-21. In addition to Rs132.88bn, Rs7bn has been allocated for nine vertical programmes, including polio control, AIDS, TB, thus making the total... Read More
 

Cleaning up the budget

The News (June 18, 2020)
The writer is a former adviser to the World Bank. Pakistan’s corona-related ‘lives and livelihood’ crisis is grave. One was hoping that the prime minister would make a clarion call, during the budget session, to all citizens, political parties and organs of state – similar to what President Kennedy made during his inaugural address. As a bold leader, Kennedy pivoted his address on the following... Read More
 

Sindh health sector gets a bump in deficit budget

The Express Tribune (June 17, 2020)
The Sindh government on Wednesday unveiled a Rs1,241.13 billion deficit budget for the next fiscal year 2020-21, cutting the development outlay and giving a priority to the health sector in the wake of ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Amidst noisy opposition protest, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who also holds the portfolio of finance minister,... Read More
 

KP govt expected to present a budget deficit of Rs60bn

The Pakistan Today (June 17, 2020)
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government is likely to present a budget deficit of Rs60 billion due to non-payment of its dues amounting to billions of rupees by the federal government. According to reports, due to the economic downturn, the federal government is unable to pay the province its full share of the Net Hydel Profit (NHP), due to which... Read More

Pakistan's textile sector rejects ‘unrealistic’ Budget 2020-21 The Express Tribune (June 16, 2020)

FAISALABAD: The condition of the textile industry will worsen amid a liquidity crunch and shrinking global business, and will lead to closure of industrial units, decline in exports and massive unemployment. Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association (PHMA) Chairman Salamat Ali, in a statement, said the value-added textile export industry had rejected the federal budget... Read More

Pakistan budget 2020-21: The numbers don’t add up

The Orfononline.com (June 16, 2020)
For some years now, Pakistan’s economy has been in the throes of a slow meltdown. Like the previous two budgets, the third budget presented by the Imran Khan government on 12 June was supposed to be make or break, and quite like the preceding budgets, the current budget too will neither completely break nor make Pakistan; instead, Pakistan’s economy will remain in what is best described... Read More

‘Budget lacks reforms; targets too ambitious’

The Daily Times (June 15, 2020)
Leader of the business community and former President ICCI Shahid Rasheed Butt on Sunday said budget lacks reforms while revenue targets are too ambitious and incompatible with the ground realities. The mismatch between an economic slowdown and tax collection target of Rs4,900 billion to tackle an out of control budget deficit has unnerved business community... Read More

BUDGET 2020-21: Govt. tries to appease all stakeholders

The Express Tribune (June 15, 2020)
Industries Minister Hammad Azhar on Friday announced a Rs7.1 trillion budget in a bid to revive the stalled International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, which both the opposition and experts termed unrealistic and full of internal contradictions. The government proposed primary deficit target – the total revenues excluding interest payments –at only 0.5% of gross domestic product (GDP)... Read More

Presidency budget slashed significantly

The Dawn (June 14, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The overall budget of presidency has been cut by more than 60 per cent but those of the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court have enhanced their expenditures for 2020-21, according to the budget document. The total budget of the President House was Rs992 million for the outgoing fiscal year but President Arif Alvi has reduced it by Rs597m, or 60.18 per cent... Read More

PTI government's strategy for Budget 2020-21

The News (June 13, 2020)
The PTI-led government faces a delicate task in balancing its priorities 2020-21 amid an unprecedented crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic and other challenges arising from the government's austerity measures in fiscal 2019-20. The following will be its key areas of focus next fiscal year. No new taxes were introduced in order to provide relief to the masses۔ Proposed tax concessions will prove effective... Read More

Budget FY21: Govt reduces subsidies despite Covid-19 impact

The Pakistan Today (June 13, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Friday announced the budget for the fiscal year 2020-21, revealing that subsidies have been reduced from Rs349.5 billion for the outgoing year to Rs209 billion for the upcoming year, despite the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the masses. According to the budget documents, the government has allocated 59.33 per cent subsidy for WAPDA/PEPCO... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 68 June 11, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Pakistan’s budget deficit likely to be more than Rs3,427 billion

The Gulf Today (June 11, 2020)
Prime Minister Imran Khan has chaired meeting of National Economic Council (NEC) in Islamabad and deliberated on economic affairs of the country. According to details, the participants have suggested to cut federal and provincial development budgets by 18 per cent. They have also talked on setting Rs11,413 billion for development projects from the overall budget. Read More
 

Govt to present tax-free budget on Friday

The Pakistan Today (June 11, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is all set to present its second federal budget for the fiscal year 2020-21 in the National Assembly on Friday. According to sources, the government is likely to set the revenue collection target at Rs5.1 trillion for FY21. Sources also claimed that the government will not be introducing any new taxes, however... Read More
 

Flexible budget & stiff austerity

The News June 11, 2020)
LAHORE: We need a team of capable analysts to prepare a flexible budget, keeping in view different possible scenarios resulting out of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic after all no government can perfectly forecast where the revenues and expenses be by the time the pandemic hits its peak. Our planners would have to think and plan rationally. We have seen 30 percent decline in revenues in... Read More
 

Ill-timed suggestions for the Budget

The Pakistan Today (June 10, 2020)
It’s that time again in Pakistan─ the time when it tallies its books, double-checks all its pockets and glances dismally at the plethora of ‘summaries’ received. It is Budget time in Pakistan. Pakistan is expected to announce the fiscal budget of FY 2020-2021 on June 12. While Pakistan has ignored, and will ignore, most requests, the ones coming from the IMF are hard to ignore... Read More
 

Japan MPs pass record coronavirus budget

The Pakistan Today (June 10, 2020)
TOKYO: Japan’s powerful lower house of parliament approved an emergency budget worth nearly $300 billion Wednesday, doubling the scale of measures to pep up the world’s third-biggest economy after the coronavirus tipped it into recession. Consumer spending has slowed to a crawl despite Japan’s relatively low infection numbers and death toll from the pandemic... Read More
 

Pakistan's budget to target 2.3% growth after pandemic hit

The Reuters (June 09, 2020)
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan will target growth of 2.3% in fiscal year 2020-21, according to government officials and documents seen by Reuters that said the economic landscape would depend mainly on the country’s ability to control the coronavirus pandemic. ۔Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government is set to present its 2020-21 budget on Friday, in a parliamentary session that only 25%... Read More
 

Govt to raise Balochistan’s health budget

The Dawn (June 09, 2020)
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani has said the government has decided to allocate major share of the next year’s budget to improve weaknesses in the health sector exposed by coronavirus. The CM said the government was making all-out efforts and utilising all available resources to reduce the impact of the deadly virus on the economy, health and other sectors... Read More
 

Tobacco sector lobbying for tax concessions in upcoming budget

The Pakistan Today (June 08, 2020)
LAHORE: As the federal budget approaches the tobacco sector has stepped up its efforts to lobby for tax concessions, amid an economic slump due to the Covid-19 pandemic. According to The All Pakistan Cigarette Manufacturers Association (APCMA), a proposal sent to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairperson Nausheen Javed Amjad regarding an open discussion... Read More
 

Budget 2020: put the people first

The News (June 08, 2020)
There is nothing more important today than the lives of Pakistanis and survival of businesses. Helping them should be the clearly stated goal of the coming budget. Putting the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic behind us as soon as possible will enable the economy to recover quickly. At my Institute’s recent online seminar, I urged that the budget must send the signal of a government that cares... Read More
 

PTI’s budget blues

The Pakistan Today (June 07, 2020)
In May 2019 the technical teams of the government and the IMF reached an agreement on a $6 billion bailout package for Pakistan. According to PM’s Finance Adviser Abdul Hafeez Sheikh at the time, the government could not have bridged the financing gap of $12 billion on its own that he said was created by a weak economy. To get the bailout Pakistan had to agree to major conditions which Dr Shaikh saw as being... Read More
 

Budget, Economy, Statistics and Options for Pakistan

The Daily Times (June 07, 2020)
The government of Pakistan is discussing the possible budget for country. Although it is routine thing but this year it will not be usual business due to multiple factors. COVID-19 has hit world and it has changed dynamics of world economy. The factors of economy are adjusting to new normal. Governments have been stuck between “lockdown or no-lockdown” and they will have to decide between... Read More
 

Pakistan Textile Council submits budget proposals to govt

The Nation (June 06, 2020)
ISLAMABAD - Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and his team at the Finance Division held a zoom meeting with the office bearers and members of the Pakistan Textile Council (PTC). During the meeting that was also attended by Minister for Industries and Production Mr. Hammad Azhar, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment... Read More
 

KP plans deficit budget amid pandemic

The Dawn (June 06, 2020))
PESHAWAR: Covid-19 has taken a colossal toll on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s budget, accounting for a whopping Rs100 billion shortfall in revenues, forcing the government to do some belt-tightening to cope with the financial drop. Finance minister Taimur Saleem Khan Jhagra told a pre-budget briefing here on Friday that the pandemic had also taken a toll on financing development... Read More
 

Budget to be presented on 19th

The Dawn (June 06, 2020)
PESHAWAR: Provincial minister for labour and culture Shaukat Yousafzai on Friday said the annual budget for 2020-21 would be presented in the provincial assembly on June 19 while observing the standard operating procedures. The budget passage process would be completed on June 28. The treasury and opposition parties in the KP Assembly met on Friday to frame a... Read More
 

BUDGET 2020-21: APCC proposes Rs1.3tr development plan

The Express Tribune (June 05, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The federal and four provincial governments have proposed Rs1.3 trillion for development spending in the next fiscal year, which is 18% less than the outgoing fiscal year’s original budget, underscoring the lack of fiscal space that will hamper economic growth. The scarcity of funds has exposed the discontent between the Centre and federating units as Balochistan chief minister staged a... Read More
 

Economic planning: Why Pakistan needs a humane budget

The News (June 05, 2020)
LAHORE: Next years’ budget requires not only the best economic planner, but a humane face as well that carves out optimum for the poor from the limited resources available in the country – a person capable of resisting political compromises. Does any member of the current economic team have the credentials anywhere near that description? All members of the economic... Read More
 

Labour body gives budget proposals to govt.

The News (June 04, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Giving budget proposals to the government for the fiscal year 2020-21, the National Labour Federation (NLF) has demanded of Prime Minister Imran Khan to fix minimum monthly wages for workers at Rs30,000. “Minimum wage for unskilled worker and skilled worker may be fixed Rs30,000/- and Rs45000/- per month respectively, the NLF President.. Read More
 

Stocks end flat on profit-taking; budget in focus

The News (June 04, 2020)
Stocks inched down on Wednesday, as caution investors took some cash off the table in the run-up to the federal budget, due on next week, dealers said. "Market showed lacklustre performance as there was no key developments which could cheer the investors’ mood,” analyst Salman Ahmad at Aba Ali Habib said “Stable crude prices helped local E&P stocks to show minimal... Read More
 

Moot says budget must put people first

The Pakistan Today (June 04, 2020)
LAHORE: Pakistan had 60 million people unemployed even before the pandemic, while the current crisis has added an estimated 20 million more, said former finance minister Sartaj Aziz during an online conference held on Wednesday by the Institute for Policy Reforms. Aziz stressed the need for a comprehensive ‘Corona Revival Plan’, adding that the agriculture... Read More
 

Thoughts on the Budget 2020-21

The Nation (June 03, 2020)
As Pakistan’s moves towards its Fiscal Budget 2020-21, likely to perhaps be the most difficult since its inception, ironically the national economic management seems to be in complete disarray. An absence of economic leadership, lack of coordination amongst various ministries, no clear-cut vision or direction to take the economy forward and the sheer inability to proactively deal with... Read More
 

COVID-19: Budget sessions of national, provincial assemblies look doubtful

The Gulf News (June 03, 2020)
Islamabad: Ahead of the annual budget sessions, that take place in June every year, a large number of members of the national and provincial assemblies of Pakistan have tested positive for coronavirus. The federal government is now under pressure to make COVID-19 tests mandatory for all members of the assemblies, instead of the usual physical tests, to ensure passage of the annual... Read More
 

Budget 2020-21: IMF to be asked to slash FBR target from Rs5,103 bn to Rs4,800 bn

The News (June 02, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: While directing preparation of combating corona budget for 2020-21, Prime Minister Imran Khan has assigned Adviser to PM on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh for convincing the IMF for slashing down the FBR’s tax collection target from Rs5,103 billion to Rs4,800 billion for next fiscal year. The non-tax revenue collection target will be jacked up substantially so the additional resources of... Read More
 

Budget 2020-21 of Rs 7,600 billion to be presented on June 12

The Dunya News (June 01, 2020)
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Federal budget for the year 2020-21 will be Rs 7,600 billion and it will be presented on June 12. According to details, the federal government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will present a new budget on the 12th of this month with a total volume of Rs. 7,600 billion. GDP growth rate target of 3% is being considered for the next financial year. According to the sources... Read More
 

Govt to offer sector-specific subsidies in upcoming budget

The Pakistan Today (June 01, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to offer subsidies only for “targeted sectors” in the next fiscal year, sources revealed on Monday. According to details, the government would refrain from giving broad-based subsidies in the next fiscal year, whereas it would target sectors such as housing, power, export and food security, for subsidies. Sources said that the government... Read More

A difficult budget
The Dawn (June 01, 2020)

AS the government prepares to present its second budget on June 12, its economic team is trying to push through the simplification of the tax regime, ease of doing business and Covid-19 response as cross-cutting themes. It would be a tough call indeed as every segment of the population — from government servants to the armed forces, from labourers to employers and from the poor to big businesses... Read More

Budget 2020: innovative taxation

The Daily Times (May 31, 2020)
A good tax system is one that raises money with minimal distortion to the economy. In Pakistan, oppressive, unfair and complex tax system is the main cause of many distortions in economy. Budget 2020, expected on June 12, 2020, is to address the daunting challenge of mitigating economic toll of Covid-19 pandemic. In these circumstances, the government must reverse the negative role... Read More

Stocks to see volatility; focus turns to budget

The News (May 31, 2020)
Stocks ended short week with scanty gains and plain volumes, a trend that dealers said was here to stay, along with range-bound trade, until the announcement of federal budget 2020-21 and the measures to bring the COVID-19 pandemic-hit economy back on feet in the new fiscal year. Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) KSE-100 shared index rose 0.28 percent or 95 points during the outgoing... Read More

PRGMEA calls for zero rated regime restoration in budget 2020-21

The Nation (May 31, 2020)
LAHORE - The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association, in its budget proposals for 2020-21 submitted to the federal government, has called for restoration of zero rated regime of ‘no payment and no refund of sales tax’ for export-oriented sectors including textile at least for one year to sustain the industry amidst crucial liquidity crunch due to COVID-19... Read More

20% salary, pension raise likely for govt employees

The Pakistan Today (May 30, 2020)
The budget for financial year 2020-21 has good news for government employees who are expected to get a raise of 20 per cent in their basic salary despite numerous economic challenges and feeble economy in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, a private TV channel reported on Saturday. Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Abdul Hafeez Sheikh will announce the budget... Read More

PM stresses financial discipline for economic stability

The Pakistan Today (May 29, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday emphasised upon the need to ensure financial discipline and continuation of institutional reforms in order to consolidate the process of economic stabilisation while simultaneously providing relief to the masses. He was chairing a meeting to review the state of the country’s economy. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Shah... Read More

Coronavirus is worsening global financial fragility, according to the IMF

The World Economic Forum (May 29, 2020)
Much the same way COVID-19 hits people with pre-existing health conditions more strongly, so is the pandemic-triggered economic crisis exposing and worsening financial vulnerabilities that have built up during a decade of extremely low rates and volatility. Our recently released chapters 2-4 of the Global Financial Stability Report focus on three potential weak spots: risky segments in... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 67 May 28, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Proposals for Punjab budget: OICCI suggests harmonisation of taxes

The News (May 28, 2020)
LAHORE: Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) suggested that in line with international and regional practices a uniform service tax law may be drafted and agreed upon by the tax authorities of the provinces and federal government, for implementation in their respective jurisdiction. Furthermore, a uniform tax return may also be introduced for the taxpayers. Read More
 

Budget 2020-21: PTI govt to focus on relief for people, business

The Express Tribune (May 28, 2020)
KARACHI: The government is determined to announce a pro-people, pro-business and no-new-tax budget for the next fiscal year starting July 1. Rather, the FY21 budget would be a continuity of the current policies of facilitating the masses and businesses to win the war against the coronavirus pandemic, officials said. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is being tasked to collect Rs5,100 billion... Read More
 

Balancing the budget

The News (May 27, 2020)
Najeeb Many think this should be a corona budget. Maybe it is more than that – a survival budget for the millions of citizens and businesses who need a lending hand. The pre-Covid-19 economy was saddled with a plethora of headwinds besieging growth to mere 1.9 percent in FY19 and to 2 percent in FY20. Budget FY21 has to design a blockbuster response to a shrinking economy between -0.38 percent... Read More
 

Islamabad traders demand hike in development budget

The Express Tribune (May 27, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: An umbrella body of traders and businessmen from the federal capital have called upon the federal government to enhance budgetary allocations for the city in the upcoming budget to ensure proper development there. This was stated by Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) President Ahmed Waheed in a statement on Tuesday. He demanded that... Read More
 

China’s Defense Budget Set to Grow at Slower Pace

The dsm.com (May 26, 2020)
China has announced a defense budget for 2020 that will result in a year-on-year nominal increase of 6.6 percent, the lowest such figure since the first half of the 1990s. Chinese officials announced on May 22 a topline defense figure of 1.268 trillion yuan, which amounts to $178 billion. The earmark for 2019 amounted to CNY1.19 trillion, or $173 billion. This represented an increase over... Read More
 

World Bank approves $500mn loan for Pakistan in fight against Covid-19

The Sutchtv.com (May 26, 2020)
The World Bank has approved a $500mn loan programme for Pakistan to provide better opportunities for women, strengthen its social safety nets and improve access to quality healthcare and education as the country continues to bear the brunt of the coronavirus. The Securing Human Investments to Foster Transformation (SHIFT) programme will support policy reforms to help Pakistan’s... Read More
 

B150bn from future budgets may be used

The Bangkok Post (May 25, 2020)
The government is set to reallocate 150 billion baht from the 2020 and 2021 fiscal budgets if additional funds for economic and social restoration are needed to blunt the fallout from the pandemic, says the Budget Bureau. The 150 billion baht will be spent if either the existing 400 billion baht earmarked for economic and social rehabilitation is insufficient or the global economy has... Read More
 

Market likely to remain range-bound till budget update

The News (May 24, 2020)
The capital market showed lacklustre performance owing to shortened week because of long Eid holidays, while lack of surprises on interest rate front and continuous selling from foreign fund houses. The capital market showed lacklustre performance owing to shortened week because of long Eid holidays, while lack of surprises on interest rate front and continuous selling from foreign fund houses squeezed the... Read More
 

Budgeting in a pandemic

The News (May 24, 2020)
Adviser to the PM on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, in a press release issued on May 18, 2020, noted that while preparing the next budget, “we should be more vigilant, practical, and analyze the opportunities and challenges offered by the current environment”. He added that the “government is ready to listen to all stakeholders to prepare a budget which is according to the need... Read More
 

China’s military budget growth slows to 6.6%

The News (May 23, 2020)
Beijing: China will increase its military budget by a slower 6.6 percent this year, the government announced Friday at the opening session of its annual National People’s Congress. The budget will be set at 1.268 trillion yuan ($178 billion) for the year -- the second-biggest in the world after the United States -- continuing a downward trend in military spending and lower than last year’s increase of 7.5 percent... Read More
 

Pakistan borrows $7.381b from external sources in 10 months of current FY

The Nation (May 23, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-Pakistan’s borrowing from external sources had remained lower in ten months (July to April) of the current fiscal year due to out-break of COVID-19 as the pandemic has completely halted the development activities across the country. Pakistan had borrowed $7.381 billion from the external sources in Jul to April of the current fiscal year. The government’s borrowing from... Read More
 

Minimal role of parliament in federal budget highlighted

The Pakistan Observer (May 22, 2020)
Islamabad: In a PILDAT organized online course on Parliament and the Purse Strings, speakers and participating MPs highlighted the negligible role of Parliament in influencing and scrutinizing federal budget and agreed that multi-party consensus is required to enhance Parliament’s role in the Federal Budget process. Power of the purse or control on purse strings is one of the most... Read More
 

Pakistan's current account deficit soars to $572m

The Express Tribune (May 22, 2020)
KARACHI: Pakistan’s current account deficit – the difference between country’s expenditure and income – spiked to $572 million in April 2020 but remained largely under control and affordable on the back of recent growth in the country’s foreign currency reserves. The current account deficit soared 64-fold in April compared to $9 million in the previous month of March, the State Bank of... Read More
 

China announces $178.2 billion military budget

The Defense News (May 22, 2020)
MELBOURNE, Australia — China has announced a 6.6 percent growth in its defense budget for this year, its lowest rate of increase for almost three decades. The growth in China’s defense budget would see spending rise from $167 billion last year to $178.2 billion, an increase of about $11 billion. The country has the second-largest defense budget in the world, behind only the United States. Despite the,... Read More
 

Govt to present FY21 budget on June 12

The Pakistan Today (May 21, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The federal government will present the federal budget for financial year 2020-21 before the National Assembly on June 12, sources said on Thursday, adding that Prime Minister Imran Khan has already granted the necessary approval in this regard. Sources said officers of the Ministry of Finance (MoF) engaged in preparing the federal budget have been barred from... Read More
 

Budget 2020-21: CM Buzdar directs departments to cut unnecessary expenditures

The Dunya News (May 21, 2020)
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has directed the provincial departments to cut unnecessary expenditures as novel coronavirus has created difficult circumstances, Dunya News reported on Thursday. Usman Buzdar chaired a special session at the CM Office to deliberate on the upcoming budget and annual development... Read More
 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa slashes uplift budget by 50 per cent

The Pakistan Today (May 20, 2020)
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has slashed the developmental budget by 50 per cent for the ongoing financial year due to the coronavirus-induced financial crisis. Sources told Pakistan Today that due to the failure of the federal government to disburse net hydel profit, state transfers and other funds to provincial government, the province has reduced its... Read More
 

Pakistan’s economy size shrinks to $264b

The News (May 19, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: With the contraction of Pakistan’s GDP growth rate that falls into zero range at negative -0.38 percent for the outgoing fiscal year, the total size of the country’s economy and per capita income are expected to shrink significantly in terms of dollar in post Covid-19 pandemic. The total size of Pakistan’s economy in terms of dollars has decreased up to US$264 billion for outgoing fiscal year... Read More
 

IMF proposes Rs575 billion new taxes in next budget

The Express Tribune (May 18, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has proposed Rs5,100 billion revenue target in the next budget for fiscal 2020-21, including additional tax measures of Rs575 billion, sources told The Express Tribune on Tuesday. A senior Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) official said that in the recent talks with the IMF via a video link, the Fund had been cautioned that business sectors had... Read More
 

Budgetary policies in times of virus

The Express Tribune (May 18, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s policymakers are in an unenviable position while formulating the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. Everyone from small and medium enterprises to large-scale manufacturing industries is looking for relief measures to cope with the Covid-19 crisis. Even without the pandemic, many would expect some relief in the existing taxation regime as the government is reaching the... Read More
 

‘Upcoming budget to be challenging for government’

The News (May 18, 2020)
Islamabad: Senior vice president of FPCCI Business Panel and President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum Mian Zahid Hussain has said the budget-making process amid crisis will be a challenge for the government. The upcoming budget should be a traditional one but a modern document to provide some relief to the masses. It should not focus... Read More
 

Murad says next Sindh budget to be impacted by coronavirus

The Dawn (May 17, 2020)
KARACHI: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday said that the budget for the next financial year would be impacted by coronavirus. “Therefore, a new strategy has been worked out under which priorities will be given to health services, employment generation, social security, and innovation in education sector,” he added. This he said while presiding over a meeting to set a strategy for the budget... Read More
 

Budget to focus on health services, employment generation, says CM

The Pakistan Today (May 17, 2020)
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that the budget for next financial year, 2020-21, will be coronavirus impact-oriented; according to which priorities would be given to health services, employment generation, social security, and innovation in the education sector. The chief minister was presiding over a meeting to set a strategy for the upcoming budget... Read More
 

Govt may reduce development budget to Rs530bn in FY21

The Pakistan Today (May 16, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: As the Covid-19 pandemic has left limited room for the government to spend on development projects, the Centre has planned to allocate only Rs530 billion to Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the next fiscal year, a reduction of almost Rs171 billion from the current fiscal year. According to an official privy to this development, Planning Minister Asad Umar, while... Read More

Govt plans to boost health, social sectors in upcoming budget The Pakistan Today (May 15, 2020)

ISLAMABAD: To counter the adverse impact of the coronavirus, the federal government on Friday decided to give priority to the social as well as health sectors in the next budget for fiscal year 2020-21. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh with regard to the budgetary outlook for the next financial... Read More

Pakistan’s GDP to grow 2% in FY21

The Express Tribune (May 15, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: With the projection of up to 1.5% negative gross domestic product (GDP) growth owing to the impact of Covid-19 pandemic in FY20, the country’s economy is expected to turn around to record 2% growth in the new fiscal year (2020-21), Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said on Thursday. Participating in a webinar on “Pakistan’s Economy... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 66 May 14, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Lockdown damaged economy severely, says PM

The Pakistan Today (May 14, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said the countrywide lockdown was only a stopgap measure to contain the coronavirus which has so far claimed over 780 lives in Pakistan. Chairing a meeting of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) chief ministers via video link to review coronavirus situation, the PM said the coronavirus lockdown damaged the economy severely... Read More
 

Hafeez Shaikh expects 2pc GDP growth in the next fiscal year

The Pakistan Today (May 14, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: With current projections of -1.5 GDP growth rate owing to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s economy would turn around to witness 2pc growth in upcoming fiscal year (2020-21), Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said on Thursday. Participating in a webinar on “Pakistan Economy: Post... Read More
 

Experts call for further curbs on tobacco industry

The Pakistan Today (May 13, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The government should continue its tobacco taxation policy and enhance federal excise duty (FED) on cigarettes, as approximately 16pc of cigarettes smoked in Pakistan are illicit and big tobacco companies are allegedly involved in the promotion of such malpractices. These revelations were made during an online dialogue on ‘Illicit trade of tobacco in Pakistan and who is... Read More
 

PPP wants the budget to focus on coronavirus

The Pakistan Today (May 13, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said the government’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year must focus on mitigating the impacts of coronavirus, saying it was the federal government’s responsibility to ensure stability in times of corona. Talking to a media outlet at Parliament House on Wednesday, the PPP chief said that these were not normal times and... Read More
 

WB, ADB to provide $4 billion in budget, balance of payment support

The Nation (May 13, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank (WB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) would jointly provide about $4 billion in budget and balance of payment support to Pakistan over the next 18 months to address the immedi­ate impacts of COVID-19, mitigate socio-economic disruption and support reforms. In addition, both the banks would continue to work with the govern­ment to accelerate or repurpose... Read More
 

For the economy revival, budget proposals by stakeholders to be given due consideration

The Nation (May 28, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood said that the budget proposals, forwarded by different stakeholders, would be given due consideration by the Tariff Policy Board (TPB) so that economy of Pakistan could be revitalized at this difficult juncture. He was chairing the 8th meeting of the TPB, held on Monday in the Committee Room of the Ministry of... Read More
 

Annual health budget won’t be enough to fight pandemic: Bilawal

Samaa TV (May 11, 2020)
Pakistan Peoples Party chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari says the one year health budget of every province won’t be enough to fight this pandemic. He was giving a speech in the National Assembly on Monday. “All provinces are trying but we think the federal government should have stood beside us in this national emergency. It should have been treated as a war-like situation,” said Bilawal... Read More
 

Budget 2020: Paradigm shift needed

The Daily Times by Ikramul Haq (May 11, 2020)
Budget 2020 is in the making amidst very difficult times when we are faced with economic meltdown due to Covid-19 outbreak and extreme hardships by weaker segments of society. The traditional approach adopted for decades in Pakistan for balancing the books, levying more taxes, containing fiscal deficit and other number games will have to be given up in totality under the prevalent exceptional... Read More
 

Govt likely to unveil tax-free budget for 2020-21

The Dawn (May 10, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has drafted tax proposals for Budget 2020-21 mainly focusing on “simplification of laws and removing tax anomalies,” Dawn has learnt from knowledgeable sources. Unconfirmed reports are that the government is likely to announce a ‘tax-free budget’, an official in the FBR told Dawn, adding a final decision will be taken after consulting with the... Read More
 

Health system to be upgraded in upcoming fiscal budget: Jhagra

The Pakistan Today (May 09, 2020)
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Minister for Health and Finance, Taimur Saleem Jhagra has said that the provincial health system would be upgraded to deal with coronavirus, dengue, and polio by allocating a huge amount for the health sector in the upcoming fiscal budget. Talking to media and doctors at Civil Secretariat here on Saturday, Jhagra said the government... Read More
 

Govt to present annual budget on June 5

The Pakistan Today (May 09, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to present the budget for fiscal year 2020-21 on June 5, it was learnt on Friday. According to sources, the Finance Ministry has recently given a presentation to Prime Minister Imran Khan with regard to the next fiscal year budget, wherein he was informed that the budget would be presented in the first week of June. Sources said the... Read More
 

Govt urged to reduce income tax by 50pc in budget

The Pakistan Today (May 09, 2020)
LAHORE : The country’s leading tax consultants and economic experts on Saturday urged the government to reduce income tax rate by 50 percent in the case of persons earning up to Rs3 million but should not give income tax relief to the rich in the upcoming federal budget.  Talking to Pakistan Today, leading tax consultant and an economic expert Huzaima Bukhari said that the federal and provincial... Read More
 

Exclsuive: Pakistan's Fiscal Deficit to Surge, Tax Revenue to Miss Target This Year - finance Chief

The New York Times (May 08, 2020)
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan's fiscal deficit will surge to 9% in the ongoing fiscal year, the country's de facto finance minister said on Friday, as its economy reels from the fallout of the coronavirus crisis. Pakistan, which has reported 26,435 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 599 deaths, has announced it will start lifting a countrywide lockdown from Saturday in a bid to... Read More
 

FY21 budget: Hafeez Shaikh vows redressal of business community’s woes

The Pakistan Today (May 08, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Friday said the government was actively resolving the liquidity related issues of the business community by clearing all outstanding tax refunds on a fast-track basis. “The government was also taking progressive measures for further ease of doing business and to improve business environment,... Read More
 

Directive to review revenue generation budget proposals

The News (May 07, 2020)
LAHORE:Punjab Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht has instructed the excise and taxation department to review its revenue generation budget proposals and prepare the proposals in consultation with provincial minister for excise and taxation. He said that before covid-19 pandemic the pace of development projects was satisfactory, development expenditures and revenue collection was... Read More
 

ICCI finalises proposals for budget

The News (May 07, 2020)
Islamabad : Muhammad Ahmed Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) said that Chamber in consultation with business community has finalised its budget proposals, which have been sent to the relevant departments and called upon the government to incorporate them in the Federal Budget 2020-21 as their implementation would address the... Read More
 

Budget deficit reaches Rs1.68tr in nine months

The Pakistan Today (May 06, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s budget deficit during the first nine months (July-March) of the current fiscal year (FY20) was recorded at Rs1,686 billion (3.8pc of the GDP), according to the Federal Fiscal Operation Summary 2019-20, released by the Ministry of Finance on Wednesday. According to the report, during the July-March FY19 period, the country’s expenditures... Read More
 

Next budget to focus on COVID-19, not austerity

The Nation (May 06, 2020)
ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh to make suitable increase in the federal budget 2020-21 to mitigate sufferings of government employees because of coronavirus. The Prime Minister has stressed the need for taking measures with wisdom so that economic activity could be generated, but not at the... Read More
 

Experts say APTMA’s budgetary proposals ‘only to facilitate the rich’

The Pakistan Today (May 05, 2020)
LAHORE: Experts in textile industry and government circles have raised fingers over the budget proposals of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), terming these non-starter and non-productive and calling for a complete study to examine the factors that have made the sector non-productive and uncompetitive. According to a government official, APTMA’s approach... Read More
 

Govt working on changes in tariff structure for upcoming budget: Dawood

The app.com (May 05, 2020)
ISLAMABAD, May 05 (APP):Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood on Tuesday said the Ministry of Commerce was aggressively working on changes in the tariff structure for the upcoming budget. The tariff structure changes were aimed at facilitating local production thereby moving towards local manufacturing under the ‘Make in Pakistan Policy’, the ... Read More
 

Over Rs99bn spent on Diamer Bhasha dam project so far

The Pakistan Today (May 04, 2020)
A sum of Rs 99.238 billion including Rs 93.9 billion for land acquisition on multi-purpose Diamer Bhasha dam project has already been spent so far. Sources told state-run news agency here that an amount of Rs 61 billion would be spent on the project during the current fiscal year. Giving the breakup, they said Rs 22 billion would be spent of resettlement while remaining Rs 39 billion would be utilised... Read More
 

Whither the budget deficit

The Business Recorder (May 04, 2020)
There was intense speculation on the government's ability to meet the budget deficit target of 7.2 percent for the current fiscal year, the same as projected for 2018-19, agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) even before the rampage wrought on the country's fragile economy by the Coronavirus; today the projection maybe closer to 12 percent as opposed to between... Read More
 

Govt. is expected to Rationalize Taxes on Telecom Sector in the Coming Budget (2020-2021)

The Phone World (May 03, 2020)
The government is expected to rationalise taxes on telecom sector in the coming budget (2020-2021) and review budget proposals of the Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) to harmonize service sales tax (SST) 19.5 percent and the federal excise duty (FED) 17 percent on telecom services into one lower rate of the SST/FED for all the provinces and the federal capital. In this regard, the Ministry... Read More
 

China’s military budget will still rise despite coronavirus, experts predict

The scmp.com (May 03, 2020)
China’s upcoming defence budget will be only slightly hit by the economic downturn that followed the coronavirus outbreak, and a modest increase is still expected as it continues to develop its military capability, analysts said. The government’s military budget is expected to be revealed, as is the norm, at this year’s session of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s legislative body. Delayed by... Read More

Exports value to remain at $22bn in FY 2019-20: Razak The Pakistan Today (May 02, 2020)

ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood has said that the country’s exports target of US $ 25 billion could not be achieved due to the ongoing situation of lockdown in the country and it could decline to more or less to US $ 22 billion. The exports decreased in April by 50 percent and home remittances also declined in this situation, Abdul Razzak Dwaood said... Read More

Pakistan-IMF technical talks underway for finalising blueprint of next budget

The News (May 02, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Technical talks between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are underway for finalising blueprint and salient features of the upcoming budget for 2020-21 in post COVID-19 pandemic situation. Top officials said that the IMF has also linked resumption of Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme with approval of the next budget for 2020-21 in compliance... Read More

Oil price crash and Nigeria’s 2020 budget

The blueprint.ng (May 01, 2020)
With more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s dollar revenue coming from oil export, the crash in its price has raised new challenges for the 2020 budget; In mid-2014, when the price of oil crashed from a high of $114 per barrel to less than $30, the Nigerian economy was left in tatters. Then there was strident calls by all and sundry for the government to diversify the economy moving away from over reliance... Read More

Pakistan's economy may grow, but ‘policy shift required’ for new fiscal

The Express Tribune (May 01, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s economic growth momentum may still remain positive but from the new fiscal year, the country needs a major shift in monetary and fiscal policies to offset the adverse impact of coronavirus (Covid-19), the Planning Commission advised a top legal body on Thursday. “The public sector spending should be used as a tool to stimulate economic growth and spurt consumer spending but the finance... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 65 April 30, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Federal budget 2020-21 to be announced in first week of June

The Nation (Apr 30, 2020)
ISLAMABAD - The federal budget 2020-21, to be announced in the first week of June, would focus on mitigating people’s sufferings through different measures including creation of job opportunities, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue, Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said. The budget would be formulated considering the impact of COVID-19 on the people and businessmen,... Read More
 

Budget 2020-21 to mitigate people’s sufferings: Hafeez

The News (Apr 30, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The federal budget 2020-21, to be announced in the first week of June, would focus on mitigating people’s sufferings through different measures including creation of job opportunities, Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said.The budget would be formulated considering the impact of COVID-19 on the people and businessmen, he said while... Read More
 

Budget deficit to swell to 9.6pc of GDP due to lockdown situation

The Nation (Apr 29, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-A high-level meeting on Tuesday noted that Pakistan’s budget deficit would swell to 9.6 percent of the GDP, economic growth would be contracted by 1.5 percent while the impact on the poverty figures could also be higher due to closure of businesses and restricted economic activity due to the lockdown situation. A high Ievel meeting underlined several challenges the country was likely... Read More
 

‘Federal budget in 1st week of June, to focus on mitigating people’s sufferings’

The Pakistan Today (Apr 29, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The federal government would present the budget for the fiscal year 2020-21 in the parliament in the first week of June 2020, with special focus on mitigating sufferings of people through various measures and creating employment opportunities for them, said Adviser to Prime Minister of Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh. The budget would be formulated... Read More
 

India has Third Biggest Military Budget in the World Now

The Rs.news (Apr 28, 2020)
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri) in its annual report said that India has the third biggest military budget in the world last year, following United States and China. The military spending of India of $71 billion was 6.8% more than its 2018 expenditure. It increased by 259% over a 30-year period from 1990 to 2019 and it grew by 37% from 2010-19. When it comes to the GDP, the... Read More
 

ADP budget faces cut as Sindh worries about its shrinking share in federal pool

The News (Apr 28, 2020)
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had earlier set a revenue collection target of Rs5.5 trillion for the current financial year, but now it is expecting to collect Rs3.9 trillion in which the share of the Sindh government has been cut down from Rs835 billion to Rs602 billion, showing a shortfall of Rs233 billion. “This is a very serious situation... Read More
 

Russia's budget spending rules hindering anti-crisis funding, economists say

The Reuters.com (Apr 27, 2020)
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The regulations governing budget spending in Russia, where the economy is slipping into recession due to low oil prices and the coronavirus pandemic, are hindering its ability to adequately fund anti-crisis measures, economists have said. Russia overtook mainland China on Monday in terms of its number of confirmed new coronavirus cases, with a national tally... Read More
 

Pakistan's economy in deep trouble

The Express Tribune (Apr 27, 2020)
KARACHI: The World Bank has warned that Pakistan’s economy can shrink 1.3% to 2.2% in the current fiscal year whereas the International Monetary Fund (IMF) says the economy may contract 1.5%. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) also believes all growth indicators will have to be revised downwards. These are really very troubling times for the nation of 220 million already suffering from a range of structural... Read More
 

Govt likely to keep budget deficit target at Rs3 trillion during FY21

The Nation (Apr 26, 2020)
ISLAMABAD - The government is likely to keep budget deficit target at Rs3 trillion (6.6 percent of the GDP) during next fiscal year (FY21).The country’s budget deficit is expected to widen to Rs3.916 trillion (9.3 percent of the GDP) during current financial year. Budget deficit would swell to Rs3.916 trillion in the current fiscal year (FY20) after coronavirus situation against the early projection of ... Read More
 

Cement sector urges govt to reduce sales tax to 15% in budget

The Pakistan Today (Apr 25, 2020)
LAHORE: The country’s cement sector which incurred heavy losses in the 3QFY20 has urged the government to reduce the federal sales tax from 17pc to 15pc in the upcoming federal budget. All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) Chairman Azam Faruque in his letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Adviser on Finance and Revenue Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has proposed... Read More
 

Ministries, divisions: MoF sets up desk for receiving budget orders

The Business Recorder (Apr 25, 2020)
The Finance Ministry has set up a front desk in the ministry for receiving budget orders from the ministries and divisions for the next fiscal year, and has directed that only one relevant person along with summary of demands should approach the desk owing to threat of COVID-19 spread. The ministry issued procedure for receiving budget orders/new item statements for the next fiscal year... Read More
 

ADB to provide $1.7 billion to Pakistan for dealing with coronavirus pandemic

The Nation (Apr 25, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-The Asian Development Bank (ADB) would provide $1.7 billion to Pakistan during ongoing calendar year for dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. The ADB would provide $800 million budgetary support to Pakistan by June 2020. The remaining $900 million will be given by December 2020. The ADB will provide this amount on concessional terms, according to the Economic Affairs...Read More
 

Pakistan hasn’t received any foreign aid to fight corona, says PM Imran

The Pakistan Today (Apr 24, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said that Pakistan has not received any financial assistance from any country or global organisation despite the coronavirus outbreak in the country which has infected more than 11,500 people and claimed over 240 lives. During a meeting with social media influencers and journalists, he said the situation developing after the pandemic is a big test for the... Read More
 

Pakistan's economy to contract only modestly

The Express Tribune (Apr 24, 2020)
KARACHI: Moody’s Investors Service – one of the top three global credit rating agencies – has anticipated that Pakistan’s economic growth will shrink much less than what the country’s central bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have projected in response to the coronavirus pandemic. “We expect Pakistan’s real GDP (gross domestic product) to contract... Read More
 

Pakistan Gets Unexpected Economic Relief in a Time of Global Crisis

The Diplomat (Apr 23, 2020)
For months, Pakistan has struggled to find an opportunity that could ease the country’s balance of payments crisis. From imposing a stricter tax regime to scaling up its interest rates, the current government has done it all to increase its revenue. Despite all these efforts to uplift the economy, the indicators of Pakistan’s economic growth have remained dismal. However, that may ... Read More
 

SBP revises projection for budget deficit, predicts negative GDP growth for remaining fiscal year

The Geo.tv (Apr 23, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has revised upward its projection for the country’s escalating budget deficit to 9.2% of GDP equivalent to Rs3,857 billion in post-COVID-19 situation for the current fiscal year against earlier projection of 7.2% of GDP or Rs3,170 billion. In an online presentation given to selected economic analysts by SBP Governor Reza Baqir and Deputy... Read More
 

The IMF and Pakistan

The Business Recorder (Apr 22, 2020)
The Resident Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Pakistan Teresa Daban Sanchez stated during an online policy dialogue organised by the SDPI that the Fund will remain engaged with the Pakistani authorities ‘advising on a good budget'. The budget expected to be announced after Ramazan, in the last week of May or early June, is in all probability already under preparation in the Ministry of... Read More
 

Central Banker Says Ready to do More to Shield Pakistan Economy

The Bloomberg.com (Apr 22, 2020)
Pakistan had taken a number of reform steps to bolster its economy before the virus hit and is ready to do more as it heads for a rare contraction, the nation’s central bank governor said. The central bank stopped lending directly to the government to help plug its budget deficit, switched to a market-based exchange rate and took other measures to improve external and fiscal... Read More
 

FY21 budget: IMF working closely with authorities: Sanchez

The Business Recorder (Apr 21, 2020)
While emphasising the need for adopting good taxation principles with sometime increase in the tax-base and sometime increase in rates, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Monday, stated that it was working closely with the Pakistani authorities on preparing budget for the next fiscal year. This was stated by Teresa Daban Sanchez, resident representative ... Read More
 

Covid poses threat to normal holding of NA budget session

The Dawn (Apr 20, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The coronavirus pandemic is likely to create a constitutional crisis for the country as the first meeting of a special parliamentary committee will on Tuesday decide how the National Assembly’s budget session will be conducted in the wake of the outbreak. The task seems to be a difficult one amid reports that two staff members of the Parliament House have... Read More
 

Govt releases Rs962.7m for revenue division projects

The Nation (Apr 20, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-The Federal government has so far authorised release of Rs 962.725 million for various ongoing and new projects of Revenue Division under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2019-20, as against its total allocation of Rs1728.238 million. Out of the total amount, Rs265.416 million have been authorised to be released for establishment of Inland Revenue ... Read More
 

Opposition support sought for K-P budget

The Express Tribune (Apr 20, 2020)
PESHAWAR: Given the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, which has so far claimed 60 lives amid 1,137 cases in the province, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly Speaker Mushtaq Ahmed Ghani has decided to consult opposition lawmakers on devising a strategy for presenting the budget for the fiscal year 2020-21. The next fiscal budget is expected to be tabled in mid-June. A source at the K-P... Read More
 

Pakistan likely to miss all economic targets: IMF

The Nation (Apr 19, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that Pakistan would miss all economic targets during the ongoing fiscal year as the country is facing unprecedented health and economic shocks from the rapid propagation of the COVID-19 outbreak. The IMF in its latest report on Pakistan’s economic situation has noted that the budget deficit would... Read More
 

PPP leader urges PTI govt to focus on health in budget

The Express Tribune (Apr 19, 2020)
KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples Party central leader Sherry Rehman on Saturday urged the government to concentrate on the healthcare system in the upcoming budget to assist the people on the frontline in the war against Covid-19. “The medical and non-medical staff on the frontline [in the war against the novel coronavirus] should be protected and the health sector should... Read More

$1.38 bn injection to cushion economy from external risks/h1> The News (Apr 18, 2020)

ISLAMABAD: With the approval of $1.38 billion addressing external risks to Pakistan’s economy in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cut down all macroeconomic targets including shrinking GDP growth, worsening budget deficit especially primary deficit, escalating debt burden, reducing remittances, and exports and investment. The Fund has... Read More

After $1.4b approval, IMF puts on hold $6b EFF programme

The Pakistan Today (Apr 18, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: In the wake of coronavirus pandemic and disbursement of $1.386 billion under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) to help Pakistan address the economic impact of COVID-19 shock, Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reportedly agreed to put on hold the existing $6bn Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme, a local newspaper reported. It has been learnt... Read More

FPCCI budget proposals seek reduction in tax rates

The News (Apr 17, 2020)
KARACHI: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has finalised its proposals for the federal budget, and recommended to reduce the tax rates to help increase competitive edge of indigenous products in both local and global markets. FPCCI’s proposals envisage revamping taxation system, documentation of economy, employment generation through... Read More

Pakistan among 76 countries to get debt relief from May 1

The Pakistan Today (Apr 17, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday said that on Prime Minister Imran Khan’s appeal, the G20 countries have decided to provide debt relief to 76 developing countries, including Pakistan, and this decision will be effective from May 1. Addressing a press conference in the federal capital, he said that this is a very timely decision and will give developing... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 64 April 16, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Pakistan's budget deficit may hit record high due to coronavirus

The Express Tribune (Apr 16, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s budget deficit is expected to rise to the highest level in history to 9.2% of the size of national economy or Rs4 trillion in current fiscal year due to the impact of deadly contagion on revenues and expenses, says a new report of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In the Middle East and Central Asia Regional Economic Outlook (REO) Update released on Wednesday... Read More
 

Next budget an opportunity to revive agri sector: Asad

The News (Apr 16, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar said that upcoming federal budget as an opportunity to revive the lost momentum of the agriculture sector. He expressed these views during a meeting with the newly appointed Federal Minster for National Food Security, Syed Fakhar Imam, the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiative, Asad Omer and several... Read More
 

Budget 2020-21: preparations

The Business Recorder (Apr 15, 2020)
Preparation for budget 2020-21 has been ongoing for months and though, disturbingly, the medium-term budget strategy paper 2020 approved by the cabinet on 18 March failed to take account of the tremendous challenges facing the global economy in the backdrop of the raging pandemic with greater devastating implications on the economies of heavily indebted... Read More
 

Current account deficit contracts to six-year low, says SBP report

The Daily Times (Apr 15, 2020)
According to SBP report, the current account deficit contracted to a six-year low, foreign exchange reserves increased, the primary budget recorded a surplus. According to a report, the stabilization efforts and regulatory measures yielded notable improvements during the first half of the fiscal year 2020, however, noted that the global and domestic spread of Covid-19 has brought an exceptional set of... Read More
 

GDP growth likely to contract further in FY20: SBP

The Pakistan Today (Apr 14, 2020)
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Tuesday that the country’s GDP growth projections for fiscal year 2020, currently at 3pc, are likely to contract further in the coming months. According to the SBP’s ‘Second Quarterly Report for fiscal year 2020 on The State of Pakistan’s Economy’, achieving this year’s real GDP growth target of 4pc had been unlikely, as the agriculture sector’s... Read More
 

NA budget session: Panel set up for working out SOPs

The Business Recorder (Apr 14, 2020)
National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser Monday said that a committee has been constituted to evolve a strategy and work out standard operating procedures (SOPs) after discussion and consultation with the representatives of the government and opposition for holding Budget 2020-21 session of the Parliament. Addressing a joint news conference with Minister for... Read More
 

Russia Needs Additional $54.5bln in 2020 to Cover Budget Needs, Support Economy - Kudrin

The Urdupoint (Apr 13, 2020)
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 13th April, 2020) Russia needs additional 4 trillion rubles ($54.5 billion) this year to cover all budgetary needs and prop up the economy, and supporting business may require 2-3 trillion rubles more amid the global coronavirus pandemic, Chairman of the Accounts Chamber Alexei Kudrin said Monday. "The Federal authorities estimate missed revenue from oil... Read More
 

Speaker to discuss budget with parliamentary leaders

The Dawn (Apr 13, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser has decided to consult parliamentary leaders of all political parties in the National Assembly on presentation and passage of the federal budget for the next fiscal. In a statement issued by the National Assembly Secretariat here on Sunday, the speaker said the federal budget for the fiscal 2020-21 was scheduled to be presented... Read More
 

Budget 2020-21: There is no room for additional taxation: Pasha

The Business Recorder (Apr 12, 2020)
There is no room for additional taxation in the next budget as an additional taxation of Rs735 billion in the current budget has already ruined the economy, said renowned economist Dr Hafiz Pasha. Talking to Business Recorder, he said the government should immediately restore the zero-rating facility on exports if it has a cushion of Rs 100 to 150 billion in the next budget, especially... Read More
 

Pak seeks additional $1.4b from IMF Govt likely to miss tax collection target by around Rs1500 billion

The Nation (Apr 12, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-The government is likely to miss the tax collection target by around Rs1500 billion during ongoing fiscal year mainly due to inability of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and slowdown in economic activities due to coronavirus. Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar on Saturday said that tax collection could reduce by Rs1400-Rs1500 billion during ongoing... Read More
 

NA Secretariat mulling contingency plan for budget session: speaker

The Pakistan Today (Apr 11, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaisar on Saturday said in consultations with all the political parties, the National Assembly Secretariat is evolving a contingency plan for the upcoming budget session and in case the disease doesn’t die down. In an exclusive interview with Pakistan Today, Asad Qaisar shrugged away the impression that... Read More
 

March US deficit shrinks, but virus budget storm seen in April

The Business Recorder (Apr 11, 2020)
WASHINGTON: The March US budget deficit shrank to $119 billion from $147 billion a year earlier as receipts grew and calendar shifts reduced outlays, but the data reflect only a minimal impact from massive coronavirus rescue spending, the US Treasury said on Friday. Large outlays from the $2.3 trillion coronavirus legislation passed on March 27 and reduced... Read More
 

Covid-19 effects: Pakistan estimates 0.8 to 1.3pc loss to GDP growth

The News (Apr 10, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has made assessment of Covid-19 pandemic affects on the country’s GDP growth ranging from 0.8 to 1.3 percent and decided to prepare action plan for social/economic fronts in consultation with the World Bank (WB) to mitigate negative impacts. The Planning Commission assessed that Pakistan’s GDP growth would face effects of Covid-19 in the range of 0.8 to 1.3 percent so... Read More
 

Rs 2.5 billion relief package to be enhanced to Rs 7 billion: Firdous

The Business Recorder (Apr 10, 2020
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan Thursday said that Rs2.5 billion relief package had been announced, which would be enhanced to Rs7 billion. Besides, the prime minister has also approved Rs10 billion for smooth supply of essential items on subsidised rates through the Utility Stores Corporation. Addressing ... Read More
 

Russian PM warns COVID-19 eating budget allocation

The aa.com (Apr 09, 2020)
MOSCOW: The Russian government recently published a number of decrees that revises the allocation of the state funds as prime minister warned Thursday the budget will be seriously hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Changes were made to support domains worst-hit by the virus and financing was increased by cutting programs for... Read More
 

IMF to provide Pakistan $1.4 billion to stabilise economy amid coronavirus crisis

The News (Apr 09, 2020)
The International Monetary Fund plans on providing Pakistan $1.4 billion by next week to improve the country's financial situation as it fights coronavirus, Arab News reported on Wednesday. According to the publication the aid aims "to boost its foreign exchange reserves and get some budgetary support in the wake of the economic slowdown due to the coronavirus... Read More
 

Govt releases Rs 7.109 bln for Finance Division projects

The Nation (Apr 08, 2020)
The Federal government has so far authorised to release Rs 7109.03 million for various ongoing and new projects of Finance Division under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2019-20, as against its total allocation of Rs 11834.749 million. Out of the total, Rs 800 million have been authorized to be released for Construction of Sibbi Rakhni Road, out of its total allocations ... Read More
 

Public debt up 5.14 percent to Rs33.421trln in July-Feb FY20

The News (Apr 08, 2020)
KARACHI: Pakistan’s public debt rose by 5.14 percent to Rs1.635 trillion in the eight months of the current fiscal year, mainly due to increase in domestic debt accumulation, the central bank data showed on Tuesday. Public debt was Rs33.421 trillion at the end of February 2020, up from Rs31.786 trillion till end June 2019. Domestic debt increased 7.02 percent to Rs22.188 trillion... Read More
 

IMF delays approval of review for $450m tranche

The Express Tribune (Apr 07, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has postponed approval of second review of the $6-billion bailout programme that was scheduled for coming Friday due to delay in implementing agreed actions by Pakistan. The IMF has confirmed the development but says its priority has now shifted to the approval of a rapid financing facility of $1.4 billion... Read More
 

COVID-19 | Sitharaman must press the reset button and present Budget 2020 2.0

The Moneycongtrol.com (Apr 07, 2020)
On February 1, when Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented her second budget, she was broadly confronted with the following constraints. Households weren’t spending, companies were sitting on a piling mount of unsold stocks, farmers remained in distress, the world economy was shaky, the tax revenue flows were wobbly and the queue of job hopefuls was... Read More
 

Pakistan’s economic growth faces headwinds in 2020, recovery in 2021: ADB

The Nation (Apr 06, 2020)
Economic growth in Pakistan is expected to slow to 2.6 percent this year due to ongoing stabilization efforts, slower growth in agriculture and the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, before recovering to 3.2 percent in 2021 according to the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) latest annual flagship economic publication, Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2020. “Pakistan’s strong and decisive policy... Read More
 

Lockdown affecting Pakistan’s economy: Asad Umar

The Samaa.tv (Apr 05, 2020)
Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar said that the lockdown across Pakistan due to the outbreak of the coronavirus is affecting the country’s economy. The economic situation was effecting the rich and poor alike, Umar said while addressing a press conference at the National Command and Control Centre on Sunday. He, however, admitted that the number of cases has gone down... Read More
 

Govt to prepare budget amidst uncertainty caused by COVID-19

The Nation (Apr 05, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The government might struggle to prepare budget for next fiscal year primarily due to uncertain economic situation caused by the prevailing coronavirus pandemic in the country. The government had earlier planned to announce the budget 2020-21 in the last week of May and had started preparations in this regard. However, the ministry of finance recently suspended the budget... Read More
 

World Bank sees Pakistan’s economic growth sliding to 1%

The Express Tribune (Apr 04, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s economic growth may slip to nearly 1% — the situation that the country went through at the time of the last severe global financial crisis – because of the adverse effects of the novel coronavirus outbreak on the manufacturing and services sectors, the World Bank said on Friday. The global lender also said the country’s budget deficit would further widen by 2% of its GDP... Read More

World Bank sees Pakistan’s economic growth sliding to 1%

The Express Tribune (Apr 04, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s economic growth may slip to nearly 1% — the situation that the country went through at the time of the last severe global financial crisis – because of the adverse effects of the novel coronavirus outbreak on the manufacturing and services sectors, the World Bank said on Friday. The global lender also said the country’s budget deficit would further widen by 2% of its GDP... Read More

German budget surplus declines to 45.2b euros

The Pakistan Observer (Apr 04, 2020)
BERLIN Germany’s budget surplus declined to 45.2 billion euros (48.8 billion U.S. dollars) in 2019, the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) an nounced. According to Destatis, all government levels recorded a positive net lending balance. The federal government recorded a surplus of 14.8 billion euros while the states even recorded a surplus of 16.6 billion euros. However, Germany’s total budget surplus declined by 8.5 billion euros compared to 2018... Read More

Pakistan’s economy to slowdown to 2.6pc this year: ADB

The Global Village Space (Apr 03, 2020)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has projected Pakistan’s economic growth will slow to 2.6 percent this year due to ongoing stabilization efforts and the ongoing pandemic. This has impacted badly the already tumultuous economy of Pakistan. Pakistan’s strong and decisive policy measures have started to yield positive results in reversing macroeconomic imbalances and narrowing ... Read More

Pakistan economy to loose 2.5 trillion due to coronavirus: report

The Geo.tv (Apr 03, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Thursday worked out the impact of losses of pandemic COVID-19 virus on some sectors of the national economy and shared the initial assessment that total losses stood at the whopping figure of Rs 2.5 trillion, reported The News. Official estimates first time shared with a selected group of reporters in the aftermath of the outbreak of coronavirus reveal... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 63 April 02, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

World Bank approves additional financing of $700m for Dasu power project

The Pakistan Observer (Apr 02, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank Wednesday approved an additional $700 million financing to help Pakistan generate low-cost, renewable energy to provide affordable electricity supply to millions of users. The Additional Financing for Dasu Hydropower Stage I Project will finance the transmission line to complete the first phase of the Dasu hydropower plant that will install 2,160... Read More
 

Foreign exchange: SBP reserves fall $804m to $11.2b

The Express Tribune (Apr 02, 2020)
KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank decreased 6.7% on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. On March 27, the foreign currency reserves held by the SBP were recorded at $11,185.6 million, down $804 million compared with $11,989.2 million in the previous week... Read More
 

Rs6 billion package to give railways breathing space

The Express Tribune (Apr 01, 2020)
LAHORE: Cash-strapped Pakistan Railways has managed to secure a relief package of Rs6 billion from the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), which is expected to provide some breathing space to the company in the current crisis. The amount, approved on Monday, would be given to the Ministry of Railways in three equal installments of Rs2 billion per... Read More
 

FBR collects Rs3.06tr in taxes, misses target

The Express Tribune (Apr 01, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The month of March proved catastrophic for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) that missed its collection target by a record Rs263 billion despite releasing Rs12 billion fewer tax refunds than what Prime Minister promised to exporters under the just-announced relief package. Cumulatively, the shortfall in nine-month tax collection jumped to Rs693 billion against the... Read More
 

UN calls for $2.5 trillion coronavirus rescue package for developing countries

The Pakistan Today (Mar 31, 2020)
The United Nations has called for 2.5 trillion dollars coronavirus rescue package for developing countries to boost their resilience to further hardship in wake of coronavirus threat. In an appeal, UNCTAD director of Globalization and Development Strategies, Richard Kozul-Wright, said the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic is likely to get much worse before it gets... Read More
 

Govt approves Rs43m to set up media wing

The Pakistan Today (Mar 31, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved Rs42.791 million for the creation of a Digital Media Wing in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) during the current financial year. Documents available with Pakistan Today disclosed that the cabinet had approved the summary of supplementary grant floated by the ministry. The government has decided to create a Digital... Read More
 

Debate over constutionality of Sri Lanka’s March-May 2020 mini-budget

The Economy Next(Mar 30, 2020)
ECONOMYNEXT – A mini-budget from March to May 2020, drawn up by the Treasury purportedly under presidential powers is unconstitutional as a vote-on-account has already been passed by parliament up to April, ex – Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera had claimed. He said a pre-election budget report referred to the newly drafted mini-budget as a vote-on-account, which... Read More
 

COVID-19: MoF suspends preparations for next fiscal budget

The Pakistan Today (Mar 30, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Finance has suspended the budget preparations due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “The ministry has suspended for the time being all the activities with regard to budget preparation for the fiscal year 2020-21,” said a source privy to this development. The economic team had issued the budget call circular in January this year, following which the MoF had also gotten... Read More
 

Govt might suffer Rs400b shortfall in non-tax collection

The Nation (Mar 29, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-The government might suffer shortfall of Rs400 billion in non-tax collection during current fiscal year due to the uncertainty created by the coronavirus pandemic. The government is unlikely to complete the privatization programme during ongoing fiscal year due to the prevailing situation. The government had projected to generate around Rs400 billion by... Read More
 

Iran to use 20% of state budget to fight coronavirus

The Middle east monitor (Mar 29, 2020)
Iran is to allocate 20% of its annual state budget to fighting the coronavirus outbreak in the country, one of the worst-hit in the world, President Hassan Rouhani said on Saturday, as reported by Reuters. Iran’s death toll from coronavirus rose to 2,517 on Saturday, with 139 fatalities in the past 24 hours, as cases rose 3,076 to 35,408, Health Ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said on state television... Read More
 

Govt likely to earmark Rs270bn in subsidies for FY21

The Pakistan Today (Mar 28, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The federal government is likely to earmark Rs270 billion under the head of ‘subsidies’ for the next fiscal year (FY2020-21), Pakistan Today has learnt. According to sources, the Ministry of Finance, in its budget strategy paper for the next fiscal year, has proposed to keep Rs250 to Rs270 billion for subsidies in FY21. The figure is slightly less than the amount allocated for the same in the... Read More
 

IMF working on Pakistan’s request of $1.4b

The Nation (Mar 28, 2020)
ISLAMABAD - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is working expeditiously to respond to Pakistan’s request for additional financing of $1.4 billion to increase foreign exchange reserves and budgetary support for fighting adverse impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Abdul Hafeez Shaikh had recently said... Read More
 

India’s economic growth likely to decline by 200 bps in FY21: Yashwant Sinha

The Financial Express (Mar 27, 2020)
India’s economic growth is likely to decline by 2 percentage points in the next financial year due to the impact of coronavirus pandemic and the consequent 21-day countrywide lockdown, former finance minister Yashwant Sinha said on Friday. In an interview to PTI, Sinha said India was already facing high unemployment and the pandemic has added to the woes. “My own... Read More
 

Making Budgets more Inclusive and Responsive to the Public Needs

The Daily Times by Zia ur Rahman (Mar 27, 2020)
How budget cycle works, what is cut motion, to whom the budget is presented in the first place, what is Budget Call Circular and inclusive budgeting – these are some of the question which need to be addressed since a vast majority of the parliamentarians in the federal and provincial assemblies are not aware of the budget making process, hence unable to play their effective role in... Read More
 

Pak seeks additional $1.4b from IMF

The Nation (Mar 26, 2020)
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has decided to seek additional $1.4 billion from International Monetary Fund (IMF) on fast track distribution amid prevailing coronavirus crisis in the country. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance and Revenue Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said Pakistan was engaged in talks with the IMF for an additional $1.4 billion on easier terms and conditions. “This sum [of additional ... Read More
 

World Bank, IMF call for suspending debt payment by developing countries

The Pakistan Today (Mar 26, 2020)
The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) Wednesday urged upon its bilateral creditors to suspend debt payments from International Development Association (IDA) countries to help them combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Pakistan being part of IDA countries, will also get a marginal benefit if the creditor countries agree to the joint... Read More
 

Russia's 15% Tax On Dividends, Interest Outflow May Give Budget $890Mln In 2020

The Urdupoint.com (Mar 25, 2020)
MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 25th March, 2020) The proposed 15 percent tax on dividends and interest taken out of Russia will give the country's budget at least 70 billion rubles ($890 million) this year, Olga Lebedinskaya, associate professor of the Plekhanov Russian Academy of Economics, told Sputnik on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, Russian... Read More
 

Unanticipated challenge to budget-making process

The Business Recorder (Mar 25, 2020)
The preparations for the budget for fiscal year 2020-21 began late last year, as is the norm, with ministries/ departments projecting their current and development expenditure needs for next year, traditionally overstated to ensure their actual needs are approved by the Ministry of Finance operating under severe resource constraints; and as the... Read More
 

Monetary policy: SBP slashes interest rate by 150bps to 11%

The Express Tribune (Mar 24, 2020)
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has slashed the key interest rate by another 150 basis points to 11%, in a bid to combat growing uncertainty amid the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement was made in an emergency meeting called by the central bank on Tuesday, a week after the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) had cut the interest rates. With this, the SBP has reduced the... Read More
 

KP Police demand Rs 2,450m additional funds in next budget

The News (Mar 24, 2020)
PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pàkhtunkhwa Police have demanded an additional Rs 250 million in terms of fuel for the patrolling cars and Rs 2000 million for procurement of vehicles in the next financial year, a source told The News on Monday. Besides, the force has asked the KP government to allocate and additional Rs 100 million each for the cost of investigation as well as providing basic ... Read More
 

PSDP process overhaul need of the hour in Pakistan

The Express Tribune (Mar 23, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) is the apex development-sector portfolio funded by the government. In the current fiscal year, the total budget allocated to the PSDP was Rs701 billion. The government has spent over Rs11.5 trillion through the PSDP in the last two decades with little improvement in the process. Projects... Read More
 

Budgeting in the time of Covid-19

The Dawn by Khaleeq Kiani (Mar 23, 2020)
The coronavirus appears to have a contagious economic impact on Pakistan. As federal and provincial authorities sit together reporting situations in their respective sectors and areas, much larger than previously estimated economic losses are coming to the fore and counting. From exports to revenues, from industry to trading, from tourism to entertainment and from transport... Read More
 

Pakistan's $300m loan rated ‘moderately unsatisfactory’ by World Bank

The Express Tribune (Mar 22, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: An independent evaluation group of the World Bank has declared that Pakistan could not successfully implement the $300 million budget support loan that the lender had given three years ago for bringing transparency and deepening the financial sector. The findings of the Independent Evaluation Group have once again endorsed the deeply-held view that successive... Read More
 

Sri Lanka makes mini-budget till May 2020 under Presidential powers

The Economy Next (Mar 21, 2020)
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka has made a three month mini-budget running from March to May 2020, using constitutional powers given to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa after parliament was dissolved as the country remains gripped by Coronavirus. Sri Lanka began 2020 with a 4-month mini-budget or vote-on-account running up to April passed by the last parliament. The current... Read More

IMF to give tax break to businesses hit by corona

The Express Tribune (Mar 21, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has agreed with Pakistan to give tax breaks to businesses being affected by the global coronavirus pandemic but Islamabad does not feel the need to renegotiate the $6 billion package, which may also make next year’s tax collection target unrealistic. “The IMF has agreed to give tax concessions to industries and individuals,... Read More

Federal govt releases Rs 12.13bn for CPEC projects under PSDP 2019-20

The Nation (Mar 20, 2020)
The government has so far released development funds of over Rs 12.13 billion for various development projects of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2019-20. According to latest data issued by the ministry of Planning on Thursday, the government had allocated Rs 18 billion for around 20 projects of CPEC for the year 2019-20... Read More

Missing points in budget strategy paper

The Business Recorder (Mar 20, 2020)
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan waxed eloquent as usual about the finance ministry's many achievements as she explained its Budget Strategy Paper for 2020, duly approved by cabinet, to the press, yet there was precious little about new measures to meet growth and revenue challenges over the rest of the year. The Paper... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 61 March 05, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Government delays Budget infrastructure plan

The BBC.com (Mar 05, 2020)
The detailed 30-year plan was to be published "alongside" the Budget, the government said at the Queen's Speech in December. Three weeks ago, then chancellor Sajid Javid confirmed the timetable. The strategy is seen as crucial to the government's plan to "level up" regional disparities. The delay will allow the new chancellor, Rishi Sunak, to refocus the strategy, to reflect potentially larger resources available... Read More
 

SBP reserves up $166m to $12.8bn

The Pakistan Today (Mar 05, 2020)
KARACHI: Foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased $166 million to $12,757 million during the week ending February 28, 2020, according to data released by the central bank on Thursday. The total liquid foreign reserves held by the country stood at $18,869 million. Net foreign reserves held by commercial banks recorded a dip from $6,151.3 million in... Read More
 

Budget for FY21: Punjab to earmark Rs350 billion for development

The Express Tribune (Mar 4, 2020)
LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht announced on Tuesday that the Punjab Annual Development Plan (ADP) for 2020-21 would be worth Rs350 billion, which would gradually increase in later years. Speaking at a pre-budget public-private partnership dialogue, organised by the Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT), the minister assured the... Read More
 

‘Govt utilised record 39pc development budget in eight months’

The Pakistan Today (Mar 04, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Minister Asad Umar said on Wednesday that the government had witnessed a record 39 per cent utilisation of the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) during the first seven months of the current fiscal year (FY20). “This is the highest recorded utilisation of the development budget in the past six... Read More
 

NA body for paying honoraria to employees served during budget sessions

The Business Recorder (Mar 03, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Government Assurance Monday directed all departments to pay honoraria to their employees who served during the budget sessions, industriously, in the Parliament House. The committee further directed that honoraria may be given to the employees of Pakistan Television (PTV), Radio Pakistan and Associated Press of Pakistan... Read More
 

IMF putting Pakistan on path to recovery, says SBP governor

The Pakistan Today (Mar 03, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Dr Reza Baqir said on Tuesday that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was the government’s partner in reforming the country’s current economic system. In a briefing to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which was chaired by Rana Tanvir Hussain, the SBP governor said that Pakistan’s relationship with IMF was based on... Read More
 

Pakistan’s economy moving towards growth, says finance adviser

The Pakistan Today (Mar 02, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Monday said that the outlook for the economy was strong and pick up in exports and remittances were supporting growth momentum. “In December 2019, the large scale manufacturing output expanded by 16 per cent on month-on-month basis, indicating that growth was starting to... Read More
 

Economic conditions have improved as compared to past: SBP governor

The Pakistan Today (Mar 02, 2020)
KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Dr Reza Baqir on Monday said that the economic conditions are better in many areas as compared to the past. The country’s economy was not in strong position back then as the reserves and exchange rates were falling. Addressing an event of English Speaking Union held at a local hotel, he said that the economic conditions are better because of the... Read More
 

In Pakistan, stocks battered as index plummets 5.6%

The Express Tribune (Mar 01, 2020)
KARACHI: The stock market witnessed a brutal hammering as the index plunged by a whopping 2,266 points or 5.6% to 37,984 points in the outgoing week largely due to the coronavirus outbreak, which threatened to become a pandemic, among other developments hampering the economy. “The local equity bourse depicted the biggest weekly decline since June 16, 2017 in points,” stated... Read More
 

Happy IMF news but only just

The Dawn by Abbas Nasir (Mar 01, 2020)
This week’s ‘staff level’ agreement announced by the International Monetary Fund with the government of Pakistan may have surprised many economic experts as it is no secret that there still exists a wide gulf between the country’s targeted and realised tax collection. The resultant budget deficit stands at 7.4 per cent of the... Read More
 

Financial Sector in the Budget Skating on Thin Ice?

The Economic and political weekly (Feb 29, 2020)
Metaphorically speaking, going through the Union Budget 2020–21 is like reading Gabriel García Márquez’s 1985 classic novel Love in the Time of Cholera, where optimism is seen to coexist with physical diseases. After all, the term “slowdown” is conspicuous by its absence in one of the longest budget speeches in recent history, so much so that in making sense of the myriad of things that the budget... Read More
 

EU to provide €13 million as Public Financial Management Support

The Nation (Feb 29, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: European Union agreed to provide €13 million to Pakistan to help improve its macro-fiscal policies and budget preparations, said an announcement issued on Friday. The signing ceremony of Financing Agreement on Public Financial Management Support Programme-II (PFM-II)” between the government of Pakistan and the European Union was held at Economic Affairs Division on Friday. Federal... Read More
 

E-Pay Punjab fetches Rs1b revenue in less than 5 months

The Nation (Feb 28, 2020)
LAHORE - EPay Punjab, the first ever government payment aggregator for citizen facilitation and ease of business, has collected over Rs1 billion revenue from multiple levies since its launch five months back. This was informed in a progress review meeting of Punjab Information Technology Board presided over by Chairman PITB Azfar Manzoor on Thursday. Director... Read More
 

EU grants €13 million to Pakistan to improve fiscal policies

The News (Feb 28, 2020)
The European Union agreed to provide €13 million grant to Pakistan improve its fiscal policies and budget preparations, reported Geo News on Friday. The agreement was signed in Islamabad in the presence of Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar and the grant will be provided under EU’s Public Financial Management Support Programme. Secretary Economic Affairs Division, Syed... Read More
 

Circular debt increases to Rs1.9tr

The Nation (Feb 27, 2020)
Islamabad -Pakistan’s circular debt has increased to over Rs 1.9 Trillion, while the distribution companies are unable to overcome technical and non-technical losses which are burdening the national exchequer by an additional Rs40-50 Billion annually, said OICCI Energy Report 2019. The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has launched its ‘OICCI ... Read More
 

FBR asked to incorporate PSA proposals in next budget

The Pakistan Today (Feb 27, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: To address grievances and put genuine demands of the Pakistan Stock Exchange Stockbrokers Association (PSA) in the next fiscal budget, the Policy Board of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has recommended to communicate with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), a local newspaper reported. Following the decision of... Read More
 

PPL earnings drop 19% to Rs24.4 billion

The Express Tribune (Feb 26, 2020)
KARACHI: Pakistan Petroleum Limited’s (PPL) profit dropped 19% to Rs24.4 billion in the half year ended December 31, 2019, dented by higher operating and exploration expenses. The company had announced earnings of Rs30.3 billion in the same period of previous year, according to a notice sent to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Tuesday... Read More
 

The Trouble With India’s New Budget

The Diplomat by Alok Sheel (Feb 26, 2020)
India’s 2020–21 federal budget was presented on February 1 against the backdrop of six successive quarters of declining growth. Continuing frictions in the financial system have clogged the channels of monetary policy. This means that fiscal policy and structural reforms now have a critical role in stimulating the slowing economy and putting it back on a high growth... Read More
 

Planning Commission authorises release of Rs456.37b for development projects

The Nation (Feb 25, 2020)
ISLAMABAD - The Federal government has so far authorised release of Rs 456.37 billion for various ongoing and new social sector uplift projects under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2019-20, as against the total allocation of Rs701 billion. Under its development programme, the government has authorised release of an amount of Rs 191.26 billion for federal ministries... Read More
 

World Bank delays two of Pakistan's budgetary support loans

The Express Tribune (Feb 25, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has delayed the approval of two budgetary support loans worth $750 million due to lack of progress on some of the agreed prior conditions, including disagreement among provinces over harmonisation of the general sales tax (GST) on services. The postponement would also delay the restoration of Pakistan’s budgetary support, which had... Read More
 

High time for Pakistan, Turkey to boost trade

The Express Tribune (Feb 24, 2020)
KARACHI: It is time for Pakistan and Turkey to boost bilateral trade and both the countries want to do this for their own reasons. Turkey wants to export more to other countries to depend less on its existing main export markets ie Germany, the UK, the UAE, Iraq and the United States. Turkey is craving for stronger influence in the Middle East and if it continues to earn the bulk of export dollars from the... Read More
 

Sri Lanka mini-budget supplementary allocations were not opposed, only debt hike: opposition

The Economy Next (Feb 24, 2020)
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s opposition did not oppose increases in spending on several activities in a recent supplement to the vote-on-account but only the raising of the debt ceiling, opposition leader Sajith Premadasa said. He claimed that the government asked for a large increase in debt of because taxes were suddenly cut and it ran out of money. “The opposition was willing to support ... Read More
 

Pakistan’s economy ‘on the path to recovery’: Credit Suisse

The Pakistan Today (Feb 23, 2020)
KARACHI: Pakistan’s fundamentals have ‘improved significantly’ but the ‘challenges’ still lie ahead, Credit Suisse- a Swiss financial services firm- says in its latest report. Titled “Pakistan: On the path to recovery”, the firm credits ‘assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF)’, ‘fiscal consolidation’, and ‘much needed reforms’ for the improvement... Read More
 

ICCI calls for reducing taxes on furniture industry in next budget

The Business Recorder (Feb 23, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Muhammad Ahmed Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has called upon the government to reduce taxes on furniture industry in the forthcoming budget that would facilitate its better growth and enhance exports. He said this while addressing a delegation of Islamabad Furniture Association that visited ICCI led by its... Read More

External public debt inflows surge to $6b in Jul-Jan

The Express Tribune (Feb 22, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Gross external public debt inflows surged to $6 billion in first seven months of the current fiscal year – higher by 138% – on the back of major inflows from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and China – the two creditors that are not toeing Washington’s line. Inflows from China and the ADB have helped Pakistan meet its... Read More

EU budget summit ends with no deal

The Pakistan Today (Feb 22, 2020)
BRUSSELS: An EU summit called to set the bloc’s next seven-year budget ended in impasse late Friday, riven by competing groups among the 27 member states and pressure to fill a funding gap left by Brexit. Differences were “still too great to reach an agreement,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters at the end of the two days of talks in Brussels. No date had yet been set for another summit... Read More

Local bodies directed to submit budget proposals

The Express Tribune by Qaiser Shirazi (Feb 21, 2020)
RAWALPINDI: After the promulgation of the new local government system in Punjab, the Provincial Minister for Local Government and Community Development (LGCD) Basharat Raja on Thursday directed the newly delimited local bodies across the province to prepare and submit their budget proposals by the end of this month... Read More

Indian Budget 2020-21 an analysis

The India Post by Nita Dhruva (Feb 21, 2020)
One more budget of the Modi Government can be viewed as a bold and pragmatic budget of US$ 5 trillion economies taking the country on the right path. The budget has kept the basic macro strategy intact. On the one hand, it provides thrust to the rural economy; on the other, it focuses on simultaneously enabling measures to transform India. It seeks to remove structural bottlenecks that were hampering.... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 62 March 20, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Federal govt releases Rs 12.13bn for CPEC projects under PSDP 2019-20

The Nation (Mar 20, 2020)
The government has so far released development funds of over Rs 12.13 billion for various development projects of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2019-20. According to latest data issued by the ministry of Planning on Thursday, the government had allocated Rs 18 billion for around 20 projects of CPEC for the year 2019-20... Read More
 

Missing points in budget strategy paper

The Business Recorder (Mar 20, 2020)
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan waxed eloquent as usual about the finance ministry's many achievements as she explained its Budget Strategy Paper for 2020, duly approved by cabinet, to the press, yet there was precious little about new measures to meet growth and revenue challenges over the rest of the year. The Paper... Read More
 

Moody’s expects high indebtedness, fund paucity to hurt Pakistan’s economy

The News (Mar 19, 2020)
KARACHI: Rating agency Moody’s on Wednesday painted a gloomy picture for struggling Pakistan’s economy amid coronavirus spread, saying high debt burden and weaker fiscal balances would hamstring the country’s ability to combat the pandemic. Moody’s Investors Service said Pakistani government might be “constrained by already high indebtedness... Read More
 

Rs7.6tr budget outlay set for next fiscal year 2020-21

The Pakistan Today (Mar 18, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Overall Rs7.6 trillion federal budgetary outlay has been set for next fiscal year 2020-21 as the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) approved Budget Strategy Paper 2020-21, local media reported. The PTI government will present its third federal budget in June. The federal cabinet approved the strategy paper the other day in which... Read More
 

Budget strategy paper approved by cabinet

The Business Recorder (Mar 18, 2020)
The Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, on Tuesday said that the cabinet had approved budget strategy paper for the financial year 2020. Briefing the media regarding the Federal Cabinet meeting, she said the Advisor on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, while giving a briefing on the budget strategy paper,... Read More
 

SBP’s rate cut will not help improve country’s economy: Hafeez Pasha

The Pakistan Today (Mar 18, 2020)
Former Federal Finance Minister Dr Hafeez Pasha has said the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has not cut the policy rate keeping in view the country’s actual economic situation and the coronavirus crisis. He said it appeared that the central bank’s focus to improve poor economic outlook of the country was even below satisfactory, as its recent projection of 3 per cent annual growth was beyond reality... Read More
 

Major relief from IMF: Coronavirus expenses not to be part of budget deficit

The News (Mar 17, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Monday said the IMF had agreed to not include the expenditures incurred on combating coronavirus as part of budget deficit for the current fiscal year 2019-20. Talking to reporters outside the Q-Block (Finance Ministry) at the Pak Secretariat, Dr Shaikh said Pakistan was able to get a major relief ... Read More
 

ECNEC approves six projects worth over Rs100bn

The Pakistan Today (Mar 16, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The Executive Committee of National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Monday accorded approval to more than Rs100-billion worth six development projects, including Winder Dam and Kachhi Canal. The approvals came at a meeting chaired by Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh at the Cabinet Division. The Winder Dam project, which is to ... Read More
 

ICCI expects business friendly budget

The News (Mar 16, 2020)
Islamabad: President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Muhammad Ahmed Waheed has expressed the hope that upcoming budget for the fiscal year (2020-21) would be business-friendly, aiming at promoting conducive business and investment environment. In an interview with this agency, the ICCI President said that low cost of inputs and compatible... Read More
 

Door left ajar for IMF-Islamabad agreement

The Express Tribune (Feb 15, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: In a first serious challenge to keep the $6 billion extended fund facility on track, Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund on Friday could not reach a staff-level agreement on contentious issues but kept the doors open for the possibility of attaining one in coming days. The issues that stopped both the parties from reaching an agreement include the need for a mini-budget... Read More
 

Govt borrowing: State Bank of Pakistan claims contradict actual numbers

The Express Tribune (Mar 15, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has told the Monetary Policy Committee that the federal government prefers shorter term borrowings to finance its budget deficit – a claim that appears contrary to the facts. The central bank’s claim bring into question credibility of the data that is used by the MPC for making the most critical decision about the country’s monetary policy... Read More
 

Foreign outflow from debt market crosses $1b

The Express Tribune (Mar 14, 2020)
KARACHI: The outflow of foreign investment from rupee-based government debt securities has crossed the $1 billion mark as some investors have pulled out in panic by selling immature bonds and T-bills to go for safety in a melting global economy. Most of the divestment was recorded in the past one month “A partial recovery of the rupee against the US dollar in inter-bank and open... Read More
 

Rabbani calls for fianlisation of NFC Award before budget

The News (Mar 13, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Former chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani on Thursday demanded of the government to finalise the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award before the presentation of the Annual Federal budget. “The briefing of the Finance Ministry to the Standing Committee of Finance of the National Assembly was a page out of IMF conditionalities, which this government... Read More
 

FD assures Sectt employees of pay raise in next budget

The Business Recorder (Mar 13, 2020)
LAHORE: Regretting ‘unfair’ treatment of religious schools by the government, Jamaat-i-Islami Emir Senator Sirajul Haq has demanded allocation of educational funds for them in the annual budget. Speaking to students of Darul Uloom Mansoora here on Thursday, he said the rulers were bent upon taking full control of religious schools on the alleged dictation of the IMF and western powers. To achieve the ... Read More
 

PSDP spending to remain 14% less than budget

The Express Tribune (Mar 12, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) spending will remain around Rs600 billion – 14% less than the budget – and there was no room for increasing salaries of the government employees before budget, the top mandarin of finance ministry briefed a parliamentary panel on Wednesday. It will be the second consecutive year when the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ... Read More
 

Mid-term budget review report

The Business Recorder (Mar 12, 2020)
The government's mid-year review report tabled before the National Assembly was dated as it contained data only for the first six months of the year while data for major macroeconomic indicators for the first eight months of the year is available on different websites including the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, State Bank of Pakistan, Commerce Ministry, Federal Board of Revenue, Power Division whose ... Read More
 

KP development projects in a limbo due to shortage of funds

The Pakistan Today (Mar 11, 2020)
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) Home Affairs Department could not initiate work on some of the key projects of its annual development programme due to the unavailability of funds that were supposed to be provided by international agencies. According to documents of KP Finance Department, the department did not release even a single rupee from... Read More
 

Senate body rejects to approve “The Tax Laws (Amendment) Bills 2019” as money bill

The Nation (Mar 11, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue on Tuesday has rejected to approve “The Tax Laws (Amendment) Bills 2019” as a money bill. The committee, which was chaired by Senator Farooq Hamid Naek, has discussed “The Tax Laws (Amendment) Bills 2019” in detail. Chairman committee inquired whether the said Bill deemed to be money Bill as provided in... Read More
 

'PTI to impose extra Rs900b taxes next year'

The Express Tribune (Mar 10, 2020)
LAHORE: Former finance minister Dr Hafiz Pasha has said that the government will impose more taxes worth Rs900 billion in the upcoming budget under an ongoing deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “The government has assured the IMF that it will impose Rs700 billion in additional taxes in the first year, Rs 900 billion in the second year and Rs1,200 billion in the ... Read More
 

Govt negotiating ‘mini budget’ with IMF: Rabbani

The News (Feb 11, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Former chairman Senate Senator Mian Raza Rabbani on Monday said that a ‘mini budget’, being negotiated during talks with IMF, would eventually lead to anarchy. Reacting to media reports, Rabbani said the government was trying to renegotiate downward the collection targets that form a part of IMF agreement, which was signed behind... Read More
 

FDI surges to $404.1m in power sector in Jul-Jan FY20

The Express Tribune (Mar 09, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has witnessed a sizeable growth in fresh foreign direct investment (FDI) in projects related to power production in recent months. The inflow of FDI surged to $404.1 million in first seven months of the current fiscal year (July 2019-Jan 2020), whereas, during the same period last year negative growth was witnessed, according to the data issued by the Board of Investment ... Read More
 

UK to deliver post-Brexit budget under virus cloud

The Pakistan Today (Mar 08, 2020)
LONDON: Britain unveils its first post-Brexit budget on Wednesday and analysts expect Prime Minister Boris Johnson to press ahead with major spending on infrastructure, despite the economic fallout from the coronavirus. Finance minister Rishi Sunak, who will present the budget after his predecessor Sajid Javid resigned unexpectedly last month, is also scheduled to outline ... Read More
 

Punjab Police budget scaling up: Basharat

The Pakistan Observer (Mar 08, 2020)
Law minister Punjab Raja Basharat has said “we cannot go to accountability without improving law and order situation. Talking to media men here in Director General Public Relations (DGPR) Saturday he said Punjab government is bringing reforms in law enforcement agencies. He told the journalists Punjab police have less resources than other countries police ... Read More
 

COVID-19 may wreak havoc on Pakistan’s economy: ADB

The Pakistan Today (Mar 07, 2020)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has predicted that the coronavirus (COVID-19) plague can cause losses to the Pakistan economy to the tune of $16.387 million to $4.95 billion, or 0.01 to 1.57 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) on account of agriculture, business and trade, tourism and health. The analysis report titled: ‘The Economic Impact of the COVID-19... Read More

Imran says impossible to develop cities from provincial funds

The Pakistan Today (Mar 07, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday said that it was impossible to develop cities from the funds that were provided to provinces. The prime minister was addressing an event in Karachi via video link from the federal capital. PM Imran was scheduled to visit Karachi, but he had to call it off due to bad weather. “Karachi’s development means Pakistan progresses,” said the... Read More

Foreign exchange SBP reserves jump $166m to $12.76b

The Express Tribune (Mar 06, 2020)
KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank increased 1.32% on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. On February 28, the foreign currency reserves held by the SBP were recorded at $12,757.5 million, up $166 million compared with $12,591.5 million in the previous week. The central bank cited no reason for the increase in... Read More

14 new universities, Punjab to get 35% more share in education budget 2020

The Daily Times (Mar 06, 2020)
The annual government budget for the fiscal year 2020-21 will be announced by the Pakistani government in June 2020. The budget will be presented in session of the National Assembly.14 new universities including 9 from southern Punjab will be established with the increase in education budget for Punjab. Sources revealed that South Punjab will get major chunk of new budget. Almost 60% for new... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 60 Feb 20, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Govt budget for social sector insufficient

The Nation (Feb 20, 2020)
KARACHI-President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA), Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister, Mian Zahid Hussain on Wednesday said that runaway inflation has underlined the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Majority of the... Read More
 

EU leaders to face off in ‘very tough’ budget summit

The Pakistan Today (Feb 20, 2020)
PARIS: European Union (EU) leaders are to hold a Brussels summit Thursday to set a seven-year budget despite splits between some stingy rich nations, poorer ones wanting to preserve spending and others wanting to fund grand global ambitions. The money tussle, hard-fought at the best of times, is especially problematic this time around because of Britain’s departure from the EU... Read More
 

In Pakistan, FDI surges 66% to $1.56b in Jul-Jan FY20

Express Tribune (Feb 19, 2020)
KARACHI: Pakistan has recorded a notable growth in fresh foreign direct investment in projects related to oil and gas exploration, power production and mobile phone services in recent months. The growth in investment, however, remains low compared to the existing potential as investors anxiously wait for consistency in economic policies before initiating new projects in the country... Read More
 

Comments on Indian Direct Tax Amendments Vide Union Budget 2020-21: Pakistani Parity

The Business Recorder (Feb 19, 2020)
The Parliament of India (hereafter “the legislature") has sought to amend provisions related to direct taxes (hereafter “the proposed amendments") in the Income Tax Act 1961 (hereafter “the Act"), the Prohibition of Benami Transactions Act 1988, and the Finance Act 2013, by virtue of the Finance Bill 2020 (hereafter “the said Bill"). We have... Read More
 

In a first, MoF set to bring ‘mid-year budget review report’ before cabinet

The Pakistan Today (Feb 18, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Finance will present the country’s first-ever ‘mid-year budget review report’ during the upcoming meeting of the federal cabinet. According to sources privy to this development, the PM on Thursday would chair the cabinet meeting to deliberate upon a 16-point agenda, which included the mid-year budget review report of the fiscal year 2019-20. The parliament... Read More
 

New chancellor Rishi Sunak sticks to 11 March budget date

The Guardian (Feb 18, 2020)
The budget will go ahead on 11 March, the Treasury said on Tuesday, forcing the new chancellor, Rishi Sunak, to piece together a fresh tax and spending programme over the next three weeks. A delay was expected after Sunak’s predecessor, Sajid Javid, abruptly quit his job after a demand by Boris Johnson that he sack his advisers and replace them with a team jointly managed with No 10... Read More
 

Ups, downs and other major highlights from Trump’s 2021 budget request

The Federalnewsnetwork.com (Feb 17, 2020)
Like previous years, President Donald Trump’s most recent budget request includes many familiar cuts, eliminations and proposals for civilian agencies in 2021. The president’s request includes some $20 billion in agency program reductions and $28 billion in  program eliminations. It’s unclear how these proposed eliminations and cuts will fare in Congress, which has largely ignored... Read More
 

Union Budget 2020 disappoints on GST relaxation and education loan bracket, say experts

The India Today (Feb 17, 2020)
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the first budget of the year 2020 in the Lok Sabha on February 1, earmarking Rs 99,300 crore for the Education sector in 2020-21 and Rs 3,000 crore for Skill Development. It shows that the government is inclined towards skill development and creating more job opportunities for the youth of the country. Budget 2020... Read More
 

Singapore plans massive budget stimulus to counter virus threat

The Japan Times (Feb 16, 2020)
SINGAPORE/HONG, KONG – Singapore is set to deliver a strong budget this week to offset the damage to the economy from the coronavirus, with analysts predicting the biggest deficit in almost two decades. The fiscal gap may widen to 1.5 percent of gross domestic product in the year beginning April 1, the highest since the 1.7 percent shortfall recorded in the 2001 financial year, according... Read More
 

Provincial govts record budget surplus of Rs323.7b in first half

The Nation (Feb 16, 2020)
ISLAMABAڈ: The four provinces jointly provided a massive budget surplus of Rs323.7 billion to the Centre during the first half (July-December) of the ongoing financial year. The four provincial governments recorded budget surplus of Rs323.7 billion during July to December period of FY2020, as their expenditures remained at Rs1359.7 billion as compared to the revenues of Rs1683.4... Read More
 

India relaxes fiscal deficit, cuts taxes to spur growth

The News (Feb 01, 2020)
MUMBAI: India relaxed its fiscal deficit target Saturday, raising spending and slashing taxes as it seeks to attract foreign investment and increase consumption in the wake of a prolonged economic slowdown. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the changes as part of the country´s annual budget in parliament, a day after official data showed that Asia´s third-largest economy grew five... Read More
 

Door left ajar for IMF-Islamabad agreement

The Express Tribune (Feb 15, 2020)
ISLAMABAD:  In a first serious challenge to keep the $6 billion extended fund facility on track, Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund on Friday could not reach a staff-level agreement on contentious issues but kept the doors open for the possibility of attaining one in coming days. The issues that stopped both the parties from reaching an agreement include the need for a mini-budget... Read More
 

Despite massive shortfall in tax collection, budget deficit under control

The Nation (Feb 15, 2020)
ISLAMABAD                    -                The government has successfully controlled Pakistan’s budget deficit which was recorded at Rs994.7 billion during first half (July to December) of the current fiscal year despite massive shortfall in tax collection.  The country’s expenditures were recorded at Rs4226.6 billion as compared to the revenues of Rs3231.9 billion in July-December... Read More
 

Power tariff, mini-budget sticking points in talks with IMF

The Express Tribune (Feb 14, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund on Thursday extended review talks for at least one more day after both the sides failed to break a deadlock over the contentious issue of increase in electricity tariffs, mini-budget and Chinese loans. Talks between Pakistan and IMF had started on February 3 and were planned to end on February 13 (Thursday). But neither the finance ministry nor the IMF... Read More
 

US govt facing budget deficit of Rs15,450b every month

The News (Feb 14, 2020)
WASHINGTON: The sea of red ink is getting deeper and deeper in Washington, with the federal government already racking up a budget deficit that is averaging close to $100 billion (Rs15,450 billion) a month. Treasury Department data released Wednesday show the shortfall at $389.2 billion in the first four months of fiscal 2020. That’s a 25% gain over the same period... Read More
 

House passes 2020 budget bill

The Bangkok Post (Feb 13, 2020)
The House of Representatives has voted 257-1 with three abstentions to pass the 2020 budget bill, but not without a setback. The vote on the second reading, which calls for a vote on each section, had to be redone after the meeting lacked a quorum on Section 6 on the contingency budget. The meeting consisted of coalition MPs since the opposition earlier decided not to attend the meeting... Read More
 

Pakistan, IMF agree not to introduce mini-budget

The News (Feb 13, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had agreed that there would be no mini-budget or a reduction in the tax collection target, sources told Geo News. The sources further said Pakistan was not to raise the tax rate until June 2020 or reduce its tax collection target, as talks between Pakistan and the IMF concluded here on Wednesday... Read More
 

India’s Budget 2020: Needs a few course corrections

The Rahnuma (Feb 12, 2020)
(RAHNUMA) In her marathon 2 hours and 46 minutes speech introducing India’s 2020 budget, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman painted an optimistic picture of the Indian economy. She stated at the outset that her budget’s goal is to boost “incomes and enhance… purchasing power” of the people of India. “Only through higher growth can we achieve that and have our youth gainfully... Read More
 

Pakistan, IMF agree not to introduce mini budget

The Dunyanews.tv (Feb 12, 2020)
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – A delegation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) held a meeting on Wednesday and mutually decided not to introduce a mini-budget. According to sources, the talks agreed that there will be no increase or reduction in tax target until June this year. Finance Ministry sources said that Pakistan will make every effort to achieve the tax target. It also... Read More
 

Inside Trumps upcoming $4.8 trillion budget

The Hill.com by Alexandra Kelley (Feb 11, 2020)
President Trump’s forthcoming budget due today is expected to allocate $4.8 trillion toward defense programs and veterans and cut $4.4 trillion over the next decade from social programs and foreign aid. According to the Wall Street Journal, an administration source said President Trump’s plan will increase military spending by 0.3 percent to $740.5 billion for the 2020... Read More
 

Govt negotiating ‘mini budget’ with IMF: Rabbani

The News (Feb 11, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Former chairman Senate Senator Mian Raza Rabbani on Monday said that a ‘mini budget’, being negotiated during talks with IMF, would eventually lead to anarchy. Reacting to media reports, Rabbani said the government was trying to renegotiate downward the collection targets that form a part of IMF agreement, which was signed behind... Read More
 

The budget’s stab at trickle-down economics

The livemint.com (Feb 10, 2020)
This year’s budget speech was the lengthiest on record. It went on for so long that the American actor Pamela Anderson could have had a wedding after Nirmala Sitharaman began the address and filed for divorce before the finance minister’s concluding remarks. Few had believed the Baywatch star’s latest relationship would last, given the way her previous marriages... Read More
 

IMF talks to focus on mini-budget possibility, hike in electricity, gas tariffs

The Dunyanews.tv (Feb 10, 2020)
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – As talks between an International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) delegation and Pakistan begins on Monday after a two-day break to evaluate Islamabad’s performance for the third tranche of $450 million of the $6 billion bailout package, suggestions for presenting a new mini-budget or possibility of imposition of new taxes... Read More
 

Bilawal condemns cuts in higher education budget

The Pakistan Today (Feb 09, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan People’s Party chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has condemned cuts in the higher education budget by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government compelling the public sector universities to take loans from the private sector to run their affairs. In a statement, the PPP chairman expressed grave concern over the fact that 104 public universities in the country were passing... Read More

Fiscal deficit target jacked up to 7.5 percent of GDP

The Nation (Feb 09, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The government has revised upwards the fiscal deficit target to 7.5 percent of the GDP after reducing the tax collection target for ongoing fiscal year. Ministry for Finance recently informed the parliament that the government would keep the budget deficit at 7.5 percent of the GDP (Rs3282.5 billion). Earlier, in budget for 2019-2020, the government had projected... Read More

Sri Lanka misses 2019 budget deficit, forex reserve targets in IMF program

The Economy Next (Feb 08, 2020)
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka has missed the budget deficit and foreign reserves targets in a deal with the International Monetary Fund where in built money and foreign exchange policies triggered a currency collapse and an output shock, which hit state revenues. “Preliminary data indicate that the primary surplus target under the program supported by... Read More

PMA criticises govt for neglecting health, meagre health budget

The Express Tribune (Feb 08, 2020)
KARACHI: Members of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) pointed out on Friday that the government has been neglecting the health sector despite population growth, increasing the burden on health facilities.Keeping in view the worsening state of health in the country, they called for allocating at least six per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) to the health budget, in line with the World Health... Read More

IMF asks to fully utilise PSDP budget

The Pakistan Today (Feb 07, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked the federal government to fully utilize the current fiscal year development budget under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP).  Sources told Pakistan Today that the fund’s delegation met with the officials of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives on Friday and was... Read More

No mini-budget in the offing, says minister

The Pakistan Today (Feb 07, 2020)
Economic Affairs Minister Hammad Azhar has categorically dispelled the impression that the incumbent government has any plan to introduce a mini-budget. Talking to a private news channel, the minister said sugarcane and other crops were damaged due to issues pertaining to climate change. “This was one of the major reasons behind recent food inflation.” However, he said, the... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 59 Feb 06, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Pakistan, IMF consider additional tax measures for mini-budget

Express Tribune (Feb 06, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday discussed additional tax measures for the mini-budget amid questions over realism of the revenue potential due to lower-than-expected receipts against Rs735 billion budgetary measures. The net impact of additional Rs735 billion budgetary measures was only Rs235 billion or 31% during the first half (July-December)... Read More
 

Govt releases Rs429.17 billion for development projects

The Nation (Feb 06, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-The Federal government has so far authorised release of Rs 429.17 billion for various ongoing and new social sector uplift projects under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2019-20, as against the total allocation of Rs 701 billion. Under its development programme, the government has released an amount of Rs 190.87 billion for federal ministries, Rs136.68,... Read More
 

India: ‘Opposition misleading people on budget

The aa.com (Feb 05, 2020)
NEW DELHI, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cautioned against attempts being made to mislead people on the union budget. Opposition and experts have been criticizing the budget unveiled last Saturday, saying it lacked boldness and foresight. Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said the budget did not offer concrete solutions to the challenges facing the... Read More
 

Bilawal demands revisiting terms of IMF bailout package

The Express Tribune (Feb 05, 2020)
KARACHI: PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday announced that his party would launch a movement from next month against the government’s economic policies amid the unprecedented rise in inflation, poverty and unemployment and the downward slide in growth rate. He blamed the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) $6 billion bailout package for... Read More
 

Pakistan asks IMF to reduce tax collection target

The Express Tribune (Feb 04, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has requested the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to further reduce tax collection target. However, a mini budget of nearly Rs200 billion will remain inevitable to collect even less than Rs5 trillion in this fiscal year. In first face-to-face meeting between Pakistan and the IMF for second review talks, the government... Read More
 

Pakistan, IMF start talks to review $6bn programme

The Daily Times (Feb 04, 2020)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff mission has started discussion here with the government authorities to review Pakistan’s performance under its US $6 billion extended fund facility. Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh told media on Monday that the talks will continue until February 14, adding that a successful... Read More
 

‘HEC to get Rs20 billion more budget to meet educational challenges’

The News (Feb 03, 2020)
Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) will get Rs20 billion more budget from the government aimed at to invigorate and to strengthen the higher educational institutions, besides improving quality education across the country. According to the official sources, the amount will be allocated on the request of Chairman... Read More
 

Budget 2020-21: India to modernise its army with Rs2,393 billion this year

The News (Feb 03, 2020)
LAHORE: Indian government's $428 billion budget for fiscal year 2020-21 has been announced at a time when the country’s economy is stuck in its biggest economic slump in more than a decade, though the economic wizards in New Delhi are optimistic that the country's economic growth will rebound and hit a rather promising 6 per cent to 6.5 per cent mark... Read More
 

Left defenceless: Budget allocation for defence lowest since Indo-China war

The India Today (Feb 02, 2020)
The Defence Ministry's welfare component, defence pensions, now loom large over the money it spends on the armed forces. While Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not mention the defence budget in her speech, Budget papers show the total defence budget grew by 6%. The defence pension bill, on the other hand, grew by 13%. The pension bill hiked from Rs 1.17 lakh crore to Rs... Read More
 

Govt borrowed Rs4.11tr to finance budget deficit, clarifies ministry

The Pakistan Today (Feb 02, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Challenging the media reports of Rs11.61 million borrowings, the federal government clarified on Sunday that it had borrowed only Rs4.11 trillion in the last 15 months to finance budget deficit. According to a news release issued by the Ministry of Finance, the figure has been released as per the Finance Division’s policy to lay before the National Assembly the Debt Policy... Read More
 

India relaxes fiscal deficit, cuts taxes to spur growth

The News (Feb 01, 2020)
MUMBAI: India relaxed its fiscal deficit target Saturday, raising spending and slashing taxes as it seeks to attract foreign investment and increase consumption in the wake of a prolonged economic slowdown. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the changes as part of the country´s annual budget in parliament, a day after official data showed that Asia´s third-largest economy grew five... Read More
 

FBR revenue increases 17pc in Jan; returns surge 40pc in 2019

The Pakistan Today (Feb 01, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has released tax revenue collection figures for the month of January 2020 as well as the number of returns filed in the Tax Year 2019. According to official data, the provisional collection figures for January 2020 were recorded at Rs320 billion, which was 17pc higher than January 2019. “The figure is likely to increase due to book adjustments... Read More
 

Govt cuts civil budget by Rs 40 billion:  Hafeez Shaikh

The Pakistan Today (Jan 31, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has said the government is striving for an export-led growth in the country as the growth fuelled by consumption instead of investments was not sustainable and durable. “We want quality growth which is led by growth in exports and investments and not driven by mere consumption... Read More
 

Rs72b out of Rs1.2tr budget spent on local bodies: Murad

The Pakistan Observer (Jan 31, 2020)
Staff Reporter Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that out of Rs1.2 trillion provincial budget Rs870.2 billion are spent on salaries, employees’ retirement benefits, operation expenses, grants, subsidies, including Rs75 billion to local bodies and repair and maintenance. Therefore, there remain a small space for development works, even then the provincial government... Read More
 

Centre urged to announce NFC Award

The Dawn (Jan 30, 2020)
PESHAWAR: A multiparty conference here on Wednesday demanded of the federal government to announce the National Finance Commission Award and pay Rs450 billion dues to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on account of net hydel profit in line with the AGN Qazi formula. A joint declaration issued after the moot said the NFC had to be constituted every five years... Read More
 

AJK PM for increase in defense budget following Indian PM, Army Chief’s provocative statements

The Associated Press of Pakistan (Jan 30, 2020)
MIRPUR (AJK): Jan 30 (APP):Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider Khan on Thursday called for immediate increase in the defense budget of the country following Indian prime minister and Army Chief’s provocative statements and threats to Pakistan and liberated territory of AJK. Sharing his views on different resolutions moved by the members on the floor of the AJK... Read More
 

US budget deficit forecast to blow out by mid-century

The Financial Times (Jan 29, 2020)
Please use the sharing tools found via the share button at the top or side of articles. Copying articles to share with others is a breach of FT.com T&Cs and Copyright Policy. Email licensing@ft.com to buy additional rights. Subscribers may share up to 10 or 20 articles per month using the gift article service. The US will rack up budget deficits totalling $13.1tn over the coming... Read More
 

Pak-IMF talks for second review in first week of February

The Nation (Jan 29, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-Pakistan and International Monetary Fund (IMF) would hold talks for the second review under the $6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) bailout package in first week of next month (February) to review the economic situation of the country. Talks for the second economic review would start from February 3, 2020 in Islamabad, which would last for around 11 days. The IMF in July 2019 had... Read More
 

Expectations of a Young Entrepreneur From Union Budget 2020

The Entrepreneur (Jan 28, 2020)
India is home to the world’s largest number of youth, the employable population in millions which joins the workforce every year. While the government of India’s flagship campaigns such as Make in India and Digital India revolutionized the ecosystem for young entrepreneurs in the country in the past few years, the economy’s slowdown in the recent past... Read More
 

Federal govt releases Rs425.7 billion for development projects

The Nation (Jan 28, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-The federal government has so far authorized release of Rs425.7 billion for various ongoing and new social sector uplift projects under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2019-20, as against the total allocation of Rs701 billion. Under its development programme, the government has released an amount of Rs187.4 billion for federal ... Read More
 

IMF team to evaluate Pakistan’s 2nd quarter progress from Feb 3

The Pakistan Today (Jan 27, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) team would start the evaluation of Pakistan’s second-quarter progress under the $6-billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) from February 3, 2020. According to sources privy to this development, the IMF team, under the supervision of its Mission Chief for Pakistan, Middle East and Central Asia Ernesto Ramirez... Read More
 

Why the Budget 2020 needs to signal India is open for business | India Today Insight

The India Today (Jan 27, 2020)
Was India the star at the recently concluded World Economic Forum summit in Davos? Did it invite the same intrigue and interest that it did in 2018 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed world leaders and sold them the India story? Clearly, the buzz around India this time around was missing. India's delegation (from the Centre) included a few bureaucrats, led ... Read More
 

Long and short of budget speeches

The Live mint (Jan 26, 2020)
New Delhi/Mumbai: The history of India’s budgets is a history of its economy. If the 1950-51 budget speech by John Mathai signalled a turn towards planning, with the announcement of a Planning Commission under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, that of Manmohan Singh would dismantle the planned model in his 1991 budget speech. The budget numbers may divulge... Read More
 

AJK initiates rehabilitation of earthquake affected infrastructure from development budget

The Urdu point (Jan 25, 2020)
MUZAFFARABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Jan, 2020 ) : Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government has approved different projects to rehabilitate the infrastructure in Mirpur district affected by last years earthquake from its annual development program to be implemented by the next month, said Prime Minister Raja... Read More

Govt allocated maximum budget for youth

The Pakistan Observer (Jan 25, 2020)
The federal government has decided to expedite the process for distribution of loan cheques under the Prime Minister’s Kamyab Jawan Programme for youth development. PM’s Special Assitant on Youth Affairs Usman Dar has met Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar today and discussed the distribution of loans across the province under the programme... Read More

Call for consultations before budget making

The Dawn (Jan 25, 2020)
LAKKI MARWAT: A civil society body has noted that annual budgeting in Pakistan is mostly done in traditional manner as there has been no visible effort to increase efficiency and transparency in the process of budget making. Speaking at a press conference here on Friday, Community Development Organisation (CDO) executive director Haji Inayatullah Khan said annual budget represented ... Read More

What Can Businessmen Expect From Budget 2020

The Entrepreneur India (Jan 24, 2020)
With the budget right around the corner, there are many expectations of people from different sectors and different walks of life. After what can only be described as a turbulent year, the whole country will be hoping that the Modi government comes up with a few decisions that can help uplift the economy. PM Modi himself has been seen taking an active role in the decision making process in the lead... Read More

Budget expectations: Jalandhar sports goods manufacturers demand uniform GST slabs

The India Today (Jan 24, 2020)
ndia's sports goods manufacturing hub Jalandhar produces nearly 70 per cent of the total sports goods in the country. Nearly 30 per cent of the sports goods manufactured in India are exported to various countries. However, 60 per cent of the goods are consumed by the government and the educational institutions. Only 10 percent are sold in the open market. The Indian Sports industry... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 58 Jan 23, 2020

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Foreign exchange: SBP reserves jump $146m to $11.7b

Express Tribune (Jan 23, 2020)
KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank increased 1.26% on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. Earlier, the reserves had spiralled downwards, falling below the $7-billion mark, which raised concern over Pakistan’s ability to meet its financing requirements. However, financial assistance from the United Arab... Read More
 

Speedy industrialization imperative for socio-economic development: PM

Pakistan Today (Jan 23, 2020)
DAVOS: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday expressed confidence that good times were ahead for Pakistan as the country had been put on the right economic track with a particular emphasis on industrialisation. Speaking to the prominent business personalities at the Pakistan Breakfast Meet in Davos, he said his vision was to turn Pakistan into a welfare state and ensure development as envisioned... Read More
 

Pakistan received Dh251m aid from UAE in 2019

Pakistan Today (Jan 22, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has been a major beneficiary of aid provided by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with grants amounting to Dh251 million last year, data from a UAE government report revealed on Wednesday. “The UAE distributed more than Dh28 billion in international aid last year. Pakistan was the eighth most supported nation with grants worth Dh251.10 million disbursed to the country... Read More
 

In Pakistan, foreign loan disbursement jumps 156% to $5.5 billion

Express Tribune (Jan 22, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan saw a 156% surge in disbursement of foreign loans that increased to $5.5 billion in first half of the current fiscal year but non-project loans rose to 84% of the total receipts, which could compound Islamabad’s debt sustainability issues. Pakistan has taken another Chinese commercial loan of $700 million from China Development Bank as the government struggles to enhance... Read More
 

Exports increase 25% to Rs1805 billion in first half

Pakistan Today (Jan 21, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The exports from the country, in rupee term, increased by 24.82 percent during the first half of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last year, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported. The exports from the country during July-December (2019-20) were recorded at Rs1,805,074 million against the exports of Rs1,446,166 million... Read More
 

India's top 63 billionaires have more wealth than 2018-19 Budget outlay

Business Standard (Jan 21, 2020)
India’s billionaires hold a combined total wealth that is more than the Union Budget outlay.The gap between the top 1 per cent and the bottom 50 per cent of the population just keeps expanding, global non-profit organization Oxfam said in its latest annual report on income inequality. “The combined total wealth of 63 Indian billionaires is higher than the total Union Budget of India... Read More
 

Financial watchdog to get access to taxpayers’ data

Express Tribune (Jan 20, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to give the financial monitoring unit of the finance ministry access to the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) inland revenue database to curb money laundering and terror financing in compliance with the action plan of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). According to documents available with The Express Tribune, the federal government... Read More
 

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to attend the World Economic Forum in Davos

Gulf News (Jan 20, 2020)
Dubai: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s trip to Davos, Switzerland to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) will cost US$68,000 which is far less than what had been spent by his predecessors. Imran will reach Davos on Tuesday on a three-day official visit to attend the Forum. However, his trip will cost only US$68,000 due to austerity measures his... Read More
 

Digital economy to accelerate development of Pakistan: Chinese expert

The Nation (Jan 19, 2020)
BEIJING        -          There is a great growth potential for Pakistan's e-commerce and e-commerce policy makers will focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), improving e-commerce experience, developing online stores, offering job opportunities for youth, promoting exports, and vigorously developing digital economy. At the same time, the State... Read More
 

Global economic prospects and Pakistan

Pakistan Today (Jan 19, 2020)
The World Bank’s gloomy picture:  The World Bank Group recently launched its flagship report, Global Economic Prospects [GEP] 2020: Slow Growth, Policy Challenges in which expected global economic performance in the current year is discussed. Straightaway the Report highlights that trade and investment are expected to rebound after a sluggish 2019, which could result in a slight increase... Read More
 

KP govt departments ask to submit budget proposals

The Nation (Jan 18, 2020)
PESHAWAR: Chief Secretary Dr Kazim Niaz Friday chaired a high level meeting of the secretaries committee which was attended by all administrative Secretaries while KP Finance Minister Taimur Jagra and Additional Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir attended it in a special capacity. Taimur Jagra apprised the committee about Integrated Budget Call Circular and also issued special... Read More
 

People’ participation in budget making process stressed

The Frontier Post (Jan 18, 2020)
Timergara: The speaker at a seminar demanded of the federal and provincial government to include people aspirations and actual needs  in budget making. The seminar arranged by Citizen’s Network for Budget Accountability (CNBA) on budget making process was held at Balambat here the other day. The CNBA presented a charter of demands and urged the government... Read More
 

Pakistan economy to ‘recover slightly’ from 2021 but reforms critical for growth: UN report

Dawn (Jan 17, 2020)
Pakistan's economy is expected to recover slightly from 2021 onward as increased government revenues from a tax hike allow expanded public investment and as other government reforms required by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) begin to bear fruit, says the latest United Nations report on the state of the world economy. The ‘World Economic Situation and Prospects 2020’... Read More
 

Call for making budget in line with ground realities

Dawn (Jan 17, 2020)
CHITRAL: The Citizen Network for Budget Accountability (CNBA) has presented the charter of demands for making the annual budget of the country a true instrument to reflect the needs and aspirations of the people in real terms. Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, the local delegate of CNBA Imtiaz Hussain said that they were making advocacy for introducing... Read More
 

People’s input sought in budget making

Dawn (Jan 16, 2020)
KOHAT: The government has been asked to incorporate the input of general public in the budget making process and give people an easy access to the details of taxes and expenditures. The demand was made by the representatives of Citizens Network for the Budget Accountability (CNBA), which is a network of 15 civil society organisations working for budget reforms and accountability... Read More
 

Promoting construction sector will boost Pakistan’s economy: P.M Khan

The Newsweek Pakistan (Jan 16, 2020)
Promoting Pakistan’s construction industry will provide a boost to the country’s economy and can create new job opportunities, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Wednesday. Chairing a meeting about the construction sector in Islamabad, Khan designated its promotion yet another “topmost” priority of his government—he has already designated tourism, children’s... Read More
 

Tax collection shortfall widening with passage of every month

The Nation (Jan 15, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-The government has yet to come with a plan to bridge the massive shortfall in tax collection that had already touched Rs284 billion in first six months (July to December) of the current financial year. Tax collection shortfall is increasing with the passage of every month despite the fact that the government had introduced massive taxation measures in the budget for the current fiscal year. The Federal... Read More
 

Fixing of loopholes in budget making process urged

The Frontier Post (Jan 15, 2020)
TANK: The local organization demanded to fix the loopholes in the budget making process in Pakistan with the aim to ensure fulfillment of all segment of society in the batter manner. According to the details, local organization CDA and CNBA network demanded for responsive budget to the needs of all segments of society and it consist with the requirements of the modern democratic states... Read More
 

Industrialists worried over prospects of tax hike, mini-budget

Pakistan Observer (Jan 14, 2020)
Karachi: President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA), Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister, Mian Zahid Hussain on Monday said the business community is worried over a continued shortfall in tax collections. The revised tax target could... Read More
 

Govt to establish 4 economic zones in all provinces: Asad

Pakistan Today (Jan 14, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning and Development Asad Uma has said that the current government is determined to establish four economic zones in all provinces. He said that feasibility for ML-1 project has been prepared and some $9 billion would be spent to improve the railway system. Talking to the media on Tuesday, he siad Pakistan will  see... Read More
 

'Investment in Pakistan increased by 78%'

Express Tribune (Jan 13, 2020)
LAHORE: Federal Minister of Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar on Sunday said that investment in the country had increased manifold due to the prudent policies of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. Addressing an event in Lahore, he said that PTI government had not only uplifted the ailing economy but also virtually put it on a path of growth... Read More
 

Citizen Network For Budget Accountability (CNBA) Presents Charter Of Demands For Improving Budget Making Process

Urdupoint.com (Jan 13, 2020)
HANGU (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Jan, 2020 ) : Citizen Network for Budget Accountability (CNBA) while expressing reservations over the budget making process in the country presented charter of demands focusing on preparation of the annual budget in line with the aspirations of the local population and their needs. The charter ... Read More
 

Goods transporters’ strike bleeds Sindh economy

Pakistan Today (Jan 12, 2020)
KARACHI: Transporters for goods continued their strike for the seventh day here on Sunday against increasing fines and taxes being slapped on their vehicles on motorways and highways. Due to the strike, industrialists and businessmen are facing immense difficulties in transporting goods to their business destinations whereas... Read More
 

Industrial Growth Imperative For Pakistan’s Economy

Business Recorder (Jan 12, 2020)
While Pakistan has been blessed with many natural blessings like four seasons, good agricultural crops, sea ports, our economy still remain very vulnerable. There are many reasons for our feeble economy, the fundamental reason is our inconsistent policies. We have never made policies which are country specific but it rotates with the change of Governments. Though we consider... Read More

Union Budget 2020

The dqindia.com (Jan 11, 2020)
The Union Budget 2020 is all set to be announced on 1 February 2020, and the Government of India has invited suggestions from citizens regarding the same. “The Union Budget represents the aspirations of 130 crore Indians and lays out the path towards India’s development. I invite you all to share your ideas and suggestions for this year’s Budget on MyGov,” tweeted... Read More

Punjab health budget increased by 27pc: Buzdar

The News (Jan 11, 2020)
LAHORE: Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said that 27 percent increase has been made in the health sector budget, along with start of several health projects in remote areas during the current financial year. He was presiding over a meeting of the Specialised Healthcare & Medical Education Department at his office here Friday to review departmental performance and progress... Read More

Low export, inflation, documentation of economy still major challenges

The Nation (Jan 10, 2020)
LAHORE      -        The Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front Chairman Mian Nauman Kabir has called for putting the economy on a balanced and sustainable growth trajectory, addressing the underlying structural vulnerabilities, as low export growth, limited foreign exchange reserves, documentation of economy and higher food inflation are still major challenges to the economy... Read More

Foreign exchange SBP reserves jump $14m to $11.5b

The Express Tribune (Jan 10, 2020)
KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank increased 0.12% on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. Earlier, the reserves had spiralled downwards, falling below the $7-billion mark, which raised concern over Pakistan’s ability to meet its financing requirements. However, financial assistance from the United Arab... Read More
 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 196 E - Alert Issue Date: 15-01-2019
 

Scotland
RTI Behind Changing Behavior of Democracy in India
Public Technology.net
Daren Fitzhenry has been Scotland’s Information Commissioner for a little over two years, a time during which freedom of information (FoI) has been an unusually hot topic...


Pakistan
RTI commission's annual budget held up at Finance Ministry for the last six months
Business Recorder
Zahid Abdullah is no stranger to Right to Information. As a civil society activist, he is a renowned RTI advocate and a champion of human rights...


India
Locus And RTI: to be, or not to be?
Live Law
Recently Chief Justice S. A. Bobde had criticised how the concept of locus standi being conspicuous only by its absence in the RTI law and how the Act...


Philippines
Freedom of Information champion
Manila Standard
With at least 99-percent outstanding performance rating in compliance and response in the electronic freedom of information portal...


USA
Why policymakers must act to preserve information freedom at home and abroad
Washington Post
Topping the very short list of issues that many Democrats and Republicans can agree upon...


Tunisia
Access to Information: A story of resistance from Tunisia
Transparency International
After the Tunisian Revolution in 2010, the government became much more amenable to the ideas of openness and transparency...


India
Voluntary disclosure will reduce RTI pleas
Times of India
A special workshop for disseminating information about the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005 was organised...


Ghana
Ghana: Implementation of RTI must take off smoothly
All Africa
Ghana has become one of the world's 125th countries across the world with Right to Information (RTI) law...


Pakistan
Speakers stress importance of RTI law
The Express Tribune
Adviser to Sindh Chief Minister on Law, Environment, Climate Change and Coastal Development Barrister Murtaza Wahab...


United Kingdom
Metropolitan Police reject freedom of information request over racism reports from football fans
Football.London
Metropolitan Police have rejected a freedom of information request relating to how many incidents of racist abuse in the capital’s football stadiums...



Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 195 E - Alert Issue Date: 27-12-2019
 

Cambodia
Access to Information bill falls short
Cambodia Daily
While the Cambodian government’s efforts to facilitate access to information held by public authorities are positive, the Draft Law has numerous shortcomings...


Pakistan
Body set up to address media problems
Dawn
Speaking to the media outside the Parliament House, the special assistant said an information commission had already been established and the government...


Bangladesh
Law needs RTI-defenders
The Daily Star
Unless citizens appreciate the dangers confronting their RTI regimes seriously, the law is likely to end up as a paper tiger...


Jammu and Kashmir
RTI ‘designates’ (PIOs) in J&K UT clueless about road-ahead
State Times
This became evident when the Public Information Officer (PIO) in the office of Deputy Commissioner, Jammu found himself in quandary whether to entertain applications under the Act or not...


Pakistan
Govt believes in free flow of information
Radio Pakistan
Government is providing financial assistance to the deceased journalists’ families in education and healthcare...


Philippines
Palace urges Congress to pass FOI bill
Asian Journal
Freedom of Information must be implemented across the bureaucracy: the executive, legislature, judiciary, including the local government units...


India
Abuse of RTI has led to paralysis and fear among officials
The Hindu
Time has come to lay down guidelines on the use of the RTI. Guidelines should be put in place to check the locus of the RTI applicant...


USA
Access to information fuels democracy
SC Times
If there is no difference between fact and fiction there can be no democracy. But 2+2 does equal 4 and we know it, so why behave like monkeys on a rope...


Jamaica
Information in the public interest
Jamaica Observer
The fact is that the squabbles over getting information released under the ATI Act are often related to juicy or potentially controversial information...


Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 194 E - Alert Issue Date: 18-12-2019
 

India
RTI Behind Changing Behavior of Democracy in India
Nepal24hours.com
Since a burgeoning number of RTI applications have been registered in India in a year to demand information of public interest, the ecosystem of access...


Texas (USA)
Government agencies increasingly limit public access to officials and information
The Texas Monitor
Texas Education Agency Deputy Commissioner A.J. Crabill says he is hamstrung by an agency policy that prohibits him from talking to the news media...


Australia
NSW info commissioner reminds councils their private pecuniary interests must be made public
The Mandarin
Disclosing such interests is key to upholding openness, transparency and accountability in local government, according to Information Commissioner Elizabeth Tydd...


Jamaica
You don't get your own truth, PM
Jamaica Observer
Jamaica has been blessed with a democratic system of governance of which we can be truly proud...


Philippines
FOI Initiative is back
Business World
Enshrined in the 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines (Article III, Sec. 7) is the right of the people to access information on matters of public concern...


India
Chief of Defence Staff to come under RTI Act: MoS Defence
ANI News
Chief of Defence Staff would come in the ambit of ‘Right to Information Act’, in accordance with the provisions of RTI Act, 2005...


Ghana
RTI law not for only Journalists, every Ghanaian is a beneficiary
News Ghana
The Right to Information (RTI) law was not the preserve of only journalists, but meant for every Ghanaian to have the right to access information...


European Union (EU)
Still too hard to access environmental information in the EU
EEB.org
The new report – ‘For Your Information’ – shows that it remains difficult to obtain information on environmental matters, and details some notable examples...


Pakistan
Federal information commission set to launch website
Dawn
Federal Information Commission has decided to launch its official website next week to help the people get the desired information from government departments...


Pakistan
Pakistan- Waziristan is leading in use of RTI law in tribal districts
MENAFN
Speakers at a day-long seminar on Thursday said that in the tribal belt, people of Waziristan are leading in the use of Right to information law...


USA
From Ukraine to the U.S. Government, public integrity journalists fight for open records
Center for Public Integrity
Public Integrity national security editor Jeff Smith requested these documents under the Freedom of Information Act...


United Kingdom (UK)
Weaknesses in town council's handling of Freedom of Information request
South Wales Argus
The town council was incorrect to refuse an FOI request to see a report produced at a full council meeting in May, according to an ICO report...



Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 193 E - Alert Issue Date: 29-11-2019
 

USA
Your right to know, Informative forum on open government
The Daily Gazette
The forum, held Oct. 16, addressed a number of related topics, first focusing on the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL)...


Sri Lanka
Strengthening RTI in Sri Lanka
Daily FT
In Sri Lanka, the right to seek and receive information is a constitutional right guaranteed under Article 14A of Sri Lanka’s Constitution...


British Virgin Islands
I'm not convinced Freedom of Information Act will make a difference
BVI News
Opposition member Julian Fraser has said he believes implementing a Freedom of Information Act will not make a difference in relation to having access to information...


India
Bringing CJI under RTI, a welcome move
The Hindustan Business Line
After a decade, the Supreme Court has accepted the Delhi High Court ruling that the office of the Chief Justice of India...


Bangladesh
RTI law: Bridging the gap between promise and practice
The Daily Star
The ostensive purpose of the law is to establish the right of citizens to access information about the functioning of their governments...


Connecticut (USA)
Freedom of Information Must Continue To Be Safeguarded
Law.com
A Freedom of Information Commission Public Information Officer explains transparency laws to private citizens and public officials alike...


Gambia
Cabinet Approves Freedom of Information Bill, Removes All Gender Discriminatory Laws
The Voice Gambia
The Minister of Justice, Honourable Abubakarr Tambadou, who presented the Bills before Cabinet colleagues, stated that the momentous decision...


Pakistan
Local action for global goals: Measuring progress on access to information in Pakistan
Mirage News
A delegation from Pakistan visited UNESCO on 14 November to share how the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Province has generated evidence and data...


UNESCO
UNESCO launches three reports on journalists’ safety, access to information, and election coverage
Inter Press Service
Access to Information: A New Promise for Sustainable Development explores recent legislative developments and their effect in the field, as well as evolving international standards and practices...


Algeria
Algeria: there is no political reform without freedom of expression and media
Open Democracy
The wheels of the regime’s constitutional reform engine had been set into motion...


Ghana
MFWA Train Journalists on RTI Implementation
Modern Ghana
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) Thursday organised has trained journalists in Accra with in-depth knowledge ahead of the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in 2020...


Scotland
Freedom of information reform
Holyrood
A Scottish Government consultation on the need to extend the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) to cover a wider range of bodies involved in providing services...



Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 192 E - Alert Issue Date: 11-11-2019
 

India
Modi govt sees RTI an obstacle to majotarian agenda: Sonia Gandhi
The Asian Age
Right to Information (RTI) as "an obstacle to enforcing their majoritarian agenda" and that the amendments to the Act enacted by it will ensure that...


Canada
Researcher threatened over access to information wins full costs
Ottawa Citizen
Ken Rubin has won the full amount of his legal costs after a company tried to sue him for filing a freedom of information request...


Myanmar
Our Right to Information Is Inseparable From Our Right to Expression
The Irrawaddy
Ahead of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on Nov. 2, it’s important to recognize the essential link between the right to freedom of expression and the right to information...


Transparency International
Using the right to information for investigative journalism in Bangladesh
Transparency International
One of his sources had told him about a counterfeiting scheme which had been making fake stamps for validating legal documents...


Zambia
Access to Information Bill will punish those publishing false information
Lusaka Times
Chief Government Spokesperson Dora Siliya has said that the Access to Information Bill once enacted will stiffen punishment for people who publish false information...


USA
Washington State Supreme Court rules that access to public records is not a vested right
Jurist
The Evergreen Freedom Foundation submitted a request for access to the records of individuals providing childcare for low-income families in early November, 2016...


UK
Officers not to blame for FOI failure
Times and Star UK
But councillor David Moore stressed that the failure was not the fault of hard-working officers but had more to do with the volume of requests...


Sierra Leone
Access to information regulations validated in Sierra Leone
Politico SL
Addressing a meeting of representatives of ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organizations, media, academics and the private sector operatives...


Australia
Your right to know, The battle to access your own personal information
The Age
Journalists chasing stories, politicians trying to dig up dirt on their rivals or community groups fighting developments make up a tiny percentage of applicants...


UK
Oxford man uses Freedom of Information bid to challenge city council bus gate plan
Oxford Mail UK
Under the Freedom of Information Act, residents have a right to request any recorded information held by a public authority, such as a government department or local counci006Cx...


Pakistan
Paris Peace Forum, KP govt RTI delegation leaves for France
The News International
A delegation of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is leaving for France today (Sunday) to present the first-ever Right to Information (RTI) Assessment Methodology Project...


Austria, European Union
GDPR versus PSD II - right of access to information versus charges for information
Lexology
In a recent decision,(1) the Federal Administrative Court confirmed that a credit institution had violated its obligations under Article 15 of the EU Data Protection Regulation...



Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 191 E - Alert Issue Date: 17-10-2019
 
 
Pakistan
LAW, THE RIGHT TO KNOW
Dawn
I often avail data from government departments about the minorities’ quota in the hiring of staff...

 

Pakistan
Call to enhance journalists ‘capacity for better use of RTI laws
The News
Waleed Iqbal said Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan ensured freedom of speech and expression with a very few restrictions...

 

Bangladesh
The growing maturity of RTI use in Bangladesh
The Daily Star
Unlike earlier years, the discussions and exchanges this year were more upbeat and hopeful about the future of the law in the country...

 

Jamaica
It's the citizens who must protect their right to know
Jamaica Observer
The reaction of the public was understandably swift and poignantly repulsive of what was clearly the Government's retreat to a lack of transparency in governance...

 

India
Supreme Court gives 4 weeks more to Centre, states to file replies on the plea
Times of India
The top court, while giving four more weeks for filing response, made it clear that no further adjournment would be given in the matter...

 

Scotland
Record number of Freedom of Information requests made
BBC
The Scottish Information Commissioner reported a rise of 8% in the year 2018-19 compared to the previous year...

 

India
Do RTI Commissioners have the Right to Information?
The Wire
Governments have shown their dislike towards the institution by posting the most hostile bureaucrats as commissioners...

 

Lebanon
Lebanese Transparency Association demands the government adopt rigorous anti-corruption reforms
Transparency International
No Corruption (LTA), calls upon the Lebanese government to seriously address the demands of the Lebanese people, expressed in the demonstrations...

 

Australia
Your Right To Know is a cornerstone of democracy
The Australia
The multiple veils of secrecy imposed by the federal government, and the states, have drawn media organisations together...

 

USA
Department of Justice Issues New Guidance on Exemption 4 to the Freedom of Information Act
JD Supra
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) generally requires federal agencies to disclose information requested by the public unless...

 

New York (USA)
Does your local government honor FOIL requests?
WBFO
The Buffalo Niagara Coalition for Open Government recently sent FOIL requests to 16 local governments in Erie and Niagara Counties...

 

Sri Lanka
RI Commission says public sector needs to be more committed to releasing information
Daily FT
While there is success stories that Sri Lanka has experienced during a short period of two years since the implementation of the RTI Act...

 

 
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 190 E - Alert Issue Date: 01-10-2019
 
 
Pakistan
PTI fails to comply with Right to Information Act
Geo News
None of the 33 federal ministries have uploaded even 50 per cent of information required to put on the website...

 

Ghana
Government to appoint Information Commissioner
My Joy Online
In line with the requirements of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, government shall soon appoint a Commissioner of Information...

 

Australia
Australian and NZ info commissioners highlight importance of public information
The Mandarin
The public’s right to know would set the expectation for government accountability, prompt better decision-making and strengthen citizen engagement...

 

UNESCO
Open Talks showcase access to information as driver for sustainable development
Mirage News
UNESCO showcased forward-looking initiatives that are improving people’s access to information globally and leaving no one behind during a series of Open Talks...

 

Australia
Don’t underestimates value of right to know
Government News
Citizens highly value the right to find out government information, and government departments and agencies should make better use of technology...

 

New Zealand
Community Attitudes towards freedom of information survey
Scoop
New Zealand is rated by Transparency International as one of the most transparent countries in the world...

 

Russia
Russian internet regulator blocks independent Fergana news website
Committee to Protect Journalists (CJP)
Russia’s state internet regulator Roskomnadzor ordered internet service providers to block the site without warning...

 

United Kingdom
UK to Release ’Pay to Slay’ Audits After Freedom of Information Request
The Algemeiner
The branch of the British government responsible for administering overseas aid will disclose audit reports regarding aid money...

 

Jamaica
Resolution to amend ATI Act pulled from Senate
The Gleaner
The Government fulfilled its promise today to withdraw the resolution that would increase from 20 to 70 years...

 

Oklahoma (USA)
Freedom of information in Oklahoma like cardboard in our pizza
The Edmond Sun
Thanks to the federal Freedom of Information Act, which has made it possible for anyone to peek behind the curtain and expose governmental misdeeds...

 

United Kingdom
UK rights group reveals secret government Prevent database
ALJazeera
The database, which belongs to Prevent, part of the United Kingdom's counter-extremism strategy, was uncovered by rights group Liberty through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests...

 

India
No content regulation on online streaming platforms, RTI reveals
India Today
India Today TV filed an RTI (Right to Information) application with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) because the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC)...

 

 
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 189 E - Alert Issue Date: 16-09-2019
 
 
Bangladesh
RTI, How do we compare with the rest of the world?
The Daily Star
With some 130 countries around the world having adopted Right to Information (RTI) laws, we now know a great deal about how citizens use this law...

 

India
Rajasthan reboots RTI Act: Jan Soochna Portal to provide govt information at the click of a button
Indian Express
Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot launched a “Jan Soochna Portal” aimed at easing the access to information for the beneficiaries of welfare schemes...

 

Namibia
Access to Information Bill signed off
New Era
Nawatiseb made the remarks when the African Commission for Human and People’s Rights Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information Commissioner...

 

South Carolina (US)
Richland County School District One violated FOIA law at board meeting
WIS News
A lawsuit filed earlier this month in Richland County alleges Richland County School District One violated the Freedom of Information Act ...

 

India
Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019, All you need to know
India Today
The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Jitendra Singh, on July 19, 2019...

 

Pakistan
Politicians, rights groups reject idea of ‘media courts’
Dawn
Politicians, media bodies and rights groups rejected the federal government’s announcement of setting up of special tribunals...

 

Gambia
Stakeholders Review Draft Freedom of Information Bill
All Africa
The event gathered about two dozen experts from government, civil society, media and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Right...

 

UNESCO
The right to access information highlighted by IFAP at its meeting in Malaysia
UNESCO.org
Hosted by the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia, with the support of UNESCO, the meeting was opened by the IFAP Chair...

 

Pakistan
P&D Board Launches New Website
Urdupoint
The Planning and Development Board has launched its new website in order to keep the citizens updated with the latest news and information...

 

Pakistan
First-ever NFIC set up in Pakistan
The Nation
The forum consists of all in-service information commissioners from federal, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh...

 

South Australia
SA ombudsman wants bureaucrats to let FOI officers do their job
The Mandarin
The involvement of department chief executives and ministers in the Freedom of Information process, and has called for an Information Commissioner to be installed...

 

Lebanon
Access to Information Law Stalled
Human Rights Watch
Lebanese authorities have largely failed to comply with the country’s Right to Access to Information Law, and the government has not established the body...

 

 
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 187 E - Alert Issue Date: 19-08-2019
 
 
India
Country facing grave challenges as key institutions no longer free
National Herald India
It has never faced such challenges since independence. We paid a heavy price to get independence from the British Raj...

 

USA
We found out how many times the Mueller report has been downloaded
Politico
According to data obtained by POLITICO under the Freedom of Information Act, the special counsel’s final report was downloaded nearly 800 million times...

 

Australia
Press freedom in Australia needs much more than piecemeal protection
The Interpreter
Alone among the Five Eyes, Australia has no explicit protection of journalists in the exercise of search warrants ...

 

Latin America
Group of renowned Latin American journalists launch center for transnational investigative journalism
Knight Center
We are going to lead collaborative transnational projects of investigative journalism, and we want to find the most qualified people to work on these things...

 

England
Special educational needs crisis deepens as councils bust their budgets
The Guardian
Figures sourced under the Freedom of Information Act from 118 of the 151 local authorities in England show that councils are expecting to overspend...

 

Pakistan
Effective measures taken to revamp Information Ministry departments
Associated Press of Pakistan (APP)
The government achieved establishment of Commission on Right of Access to Information, rationalization of advertisement rates of electronic media...

 

United Kingdom
UK government under fire over £10m Brexit campaign
The Drum
Critics have lashed out at the scale of government spending on a public information campaign designed to help people...

 

Sri Lanka
SL has not made greater progress towards good governance & transparency
Adaderana.ik
The country has made progress in the areas of peace and reconciliation, he said citing the constitutional changes that were made to establish the Right to Information a fundamental right of the citizens as an example in this regard...

 

India
Nagaland recorded highest numbers of RTI applications
The Morung Express
Among the small states category, Nagaland recorded the highest number of RTI applications received from 2006-07 to 2016-17 at 24, 896...

 

Pakistan
Bureaucrats trying to fail RTI law
The News International
These colonial mindset bureaucrats are creating hurdles in free access to information and are still unwilling to share information in the best interest of the department...

 

Nigeria
MRA Commends NIPC for ‘Initial Steps’ to Comply with FOI Proactive Disclosure Obligation
The Nigerian Voice
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) today commended the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) for its initial efforts at complying with its proactive disclosure obligations under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act...

 

India
No RTI lessons for financial regulators
Money Control
It is highly unfortunate that those sections of the RTI Act have been amended which ideally should have been applied to other...

 

 
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 188 E - Alert Issue Date: 02-09-2019
 
 
India
Supreme Court issues notice to Centre, states over online Right to Information portal
The Hans India
Describing the RTI Act as a powerful tool, advocate Abraham said the true objective of the legislation can be achieved only by timely response to citizens' request...

 

Malta
Freedom of Information request for contract rejected
The Independent
A Freedom of Information request asking for the full copy of the contract between the Ryan Air group and the Maltese government...

 

Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan RTI achieves mid-range score, proactive disclosure still lagging
Daily FT
The Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) is calling for renewed commitment from the State and citizenry to ensure the transformative impact of the Right to Information (RTI) Act...

 

Sudan
IPPro Magazine
Global Voices
The Sudanese Access to Information Act is the first of its kind in Sudan, although Article 39 (1) of the 2005 Sudan Interim Constitution...

 

Pakistan
Costs notified to access govt information under RTI law
Dawn
According to the notification, federal public bodies are to provide free of cost the first 10 pages of information requested under the Act...

 

Nigeria
MRA Inducts Customs into ‘Enhanced FOI Hall of Shame accuses it of Confirming Reports of Pervasive Corruption in the Agency
The Nigerian Voice
It is the second public institution to be inducted into the revamped FOI Hall of Shame after the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)...

 

Pakistan
Does RTI law applies on courts?
The News International
A citizen wrote to the Supreme Court of Pakistan demanding information under Right of Access to Information Act 2017 commonly referred as Right to Information (RTI) law...

 

USA
Michigan ranks dead last for transparency
Detroit Free Press
The Michigan Legislature has tried for years to extend transparency to the state House of Representatives...

 

Philippines
The Michigan Legislature has tried for years to extend transparency to the state House of Representatives
Rappler
Transparency and Freedom of Information (FOI) have figured largely among Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto’s policies early on...

 

USA
House requests investigation of Interior political appointees' review of public records
The Hill
The internal policy, unearthed in a recent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) release, allows Interior deputy solicitor Daniel Jorjani...

 

Nigeria
INEC pledges Commitment to FOI Law, unveils revised Communication Policy
Vanguard
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled its revised Communication Policy...

 

New York
Group Sues NY Campaign Finance Commission Over Freedom of Information Law Compliance
Law.com
A lawsuit filed Monday against a special commission created by the state Legislature in New York to develop a comprehensive public campaign finance system claimed...

 

 
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Budget Study Centre   Issue 57 Dec 28, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

World Bank revises Pakistan’s growth projections downward

Dawn (Jan 09, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank on Wednesday slightly lowered country’s growth rate projections for the current fiscal year and next two years owing to continuation of tight monetary policy and fiscal consolidation coupled with external factors. In its latest report “2020 Global Economic Prospects” released on Wednesday, the bank forecast Pakistan’s current year growth rate at... Read More
 

Foreign exchange: SBP reserves jump $14m to $11.5b

The Express Tribune (Jan 09, 2020)
KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank increased 0.12% on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. Earlier, the reserves had spiralled downwards, falling below the $7-billion mark, which raised concern over Pakistan’s ability to meet its financing requirements... Read More
 

Govt to set up Pakistan Corporate Restructuring Company to boost economy

Pakistan Today (Jan 08, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Following the directions of Prime Minister Imran Khan to boost economic growth and create employment opportunities, the government plans to establish Pakistan Corporate Restructuring Company with an allocation of Rs 500 million as initial capital. According to the sources, the company will be established in partnership with 10 banks and will be tasked with the rehabilitation of sick units... Read More
 

FBR notices fall in WHT collection by some agents

The Express Tribune (Jan 08, 2020)
Our ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has noted a drastic reduction in the receipt of withholding taxes imposed on the supply and contracts of goods and services from some agents for the July-December period of the ongoing fiscal year. The overall revenue collection has dropped by Rs287 billion, which has also been impacted by poor collection of withholding taxes. Between July and... Read More
 

SBP fears country will miss 4% growth target

The Express Tribune (Jan 07, 2020)
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has voiced fear that the country will miss the economic growth target of 4% as two major sectors – agriculture and industries – have failed to perform well in the ongoing fiscal year.The central bank, however, foresaw a notable drop in the current account deficit, projecting the deficit would remain in the range of 1.5% to 2.5% of gross domestic product ... Read More
 

ECNEC approves seven development projects worth Rs216.4 billion

The Nation (Jan 07, 2020)
ISLAMABAD-The Executive committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Monday approved seven development projects worth Rs216.4 billion that related to poverty alleviation, education, hydropower project and others. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Revenue and Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh chaired the meeting of the ECNEC. The ECNEC considered and approved seven... Read More
 

Pakistan's Economy Moves Progressively In 1st Quarter: State Bank of Pakistan

Urdu Point (Jan 06, 2020)
ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Jan, 2020 ):The State Bank of Pakistan Monday said during first quarter of current fiscal year FY20, Pakistan's economy moved progressively along the adjustment path. In its first quarterly report, "the said macroeconomic stabilization process picked up momentum with the initiation of the... Read More
 

Mini-budget on cards

The News (Jan 06, 2020)
Pakistan’s imports have declined to the tune of $6 billion so far, and with this new realities are emerging on the economic front of Pakistan. The country will likely readjust policies over short to medium-term. With the changing security environment in the aftermath of the killing of Iranian general in Baghdad, international oil prices might escalate... Read More
 

Pakistan can ease inflation, fight poverty with lift from FTA, CPEC: Global Times

The Associated Press of Pakistan (Jan 05, 2020)
Beljing, Jan 5 (APP):A China-Pakistan free trade agreement (FTA) and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can play an important part in leading Pakistan’s economy to prosperity. The tariff arrangement documented in the second phase of the China-Pakistan FTA, which was signed by leaders of the two countries in April, came into force on the first day of 2020, Global Times, a daily Chinese tabloid... Read More
 

FBR claims loss of Rs330b due to import compression

The Express Tribune (Jan 05, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: Amid criticism over missing the revenue collection target by a wide margin, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has claimed that it sustained losses of roughly Rs330 billion due to $6 billion worth of import compression in first half of the current fiscal year. The tax shortfall due to import compression and low economic activity has also led to the missing of the indicative... Read More
 

PM to set 5-year vision to push growth, investment

The India Tribune (Jan 04, 2020)
New Delhi, Jan 3 (IANS) Weeks before the Union Budget and in the wake of slowing economy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has started taking presentations from the sector-specific committee of secretaries (CoS) which will be the basis for setting a five-year vision for various ministries and departments. The key ministries are set to apprise the PM and the Council of Ministers ... Read More
 

2019 PAKSITAN’S FISCAL CHALLENGES

Daily Times (Jan 04, 2020)
“An unusual decline in revenue collection and steep rise in current expenditures caused a deterioration in all major fiscal indicators during FY19. The overall budget deficit during the year stood at a historic high of 8.9 percent of GDP, which was also in excess of the 4.9 percent target set in the Budget 2018- 19. Meanwhile, the primary and revenue balances worsened substantially... Read More
 

Rupee loses 3 paisas

The Nation (Jan 03, 2020)
ISLAMABAD           -            The exchange rate of US Dollar against Pakistani rupee increased by Rs0.03 in interbank on Thursday and was traded at Rs154.87 against Rs154.84 of last trading day, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported. In open market, the buying and selling rates of Pakistani rupee against dollar stood at Rs154.4 and Rs155 respectively.  The SBP further reported that... Read More
 

U.A.E. Announces $200mn to boost economic projects in Pakistan

Newsweek Pakistan (Jan 03, 2020)
Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed on Thursday announced an allocation of $200 million to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Pakistan, the Emirates News Agency reported. Launched on the sidelines of his daylong visit to Pakistan, the initiative under the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development would support economic projects and encourage “innovation in... Read More
 

‘Exports depend on country’s image abroad’

Express Tribune (Jan 02, 2020)
FAISALABAD: The business community must play a proactive role in promoting a soft image of Pakistan at the international level because it is directly linked with the country’s exports, said Ministry of Human Rights Joint Secretary Malik Kamran Azam. Addressing businessmen at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), he... Read More
 

The World Economic Forum faces big challenges at Davos 2020

The New Economy (Jan 02, 2020)
The World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting seems to have lost its mojo – particularly in the West, where globalisation is being rejected in favour of a more protectionist outlook. What’s more, most observers of the 2019 meeting found that it fell a little flat. Headline speakers were underwhelming and failed to live up to the box-office acts of previous years, which included the likes of US President Donald... Read More
 

Tough decisions: 2019 sees Pakistan economy emerge out of deep waters

Express Tribune (Jan 01, 2020)
ISLAMABAD: The year 2019 has brought stability to Pakistan’s flagging economy after Prime Minister Imran Khan entered into the “last International Monetary Fund Programme”. Pakistan has availed three IMF programmes since 2008 to address its structural problems, which still remain unaddressed. The country’s savings and revenues as percentage of total size of its economy... Read More
 

Revamping Pakistan’s economy in 2020

Daily Times (Jan 01, 2020)
The world has stepped into a new decade with the start of 2020. But, we as a nation as still standing decades behind the rest of the world. Out of many reasons for the backward crawl of Pakistan, the economy has been the burning issue for every Government in the country. With Imran Khan’s PTI leading the country in a new decade, one must be wondering ... Read More
 

Dollar depreciates Rs0.09 against rupee interbank

Pakistan Today (Dec 31, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The exchange rate of the US Dollar against Pakistani rupee shed Rs0.09 in interbank on Tuesday and was traded at Rs154.84 against Rs154.93 of last trading day, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported. The SBP further reported that in interbank the price of Euro appreciated by Rs0.21 and was traded at Rs173.58 against the last closing of Rs173.37... Read More
 

Pakistan will hit the road to prosperity in the 2020s

Khaleejtimes (Dec 31, 2019)
I am late by a day, at least, in getting back to my keyboard. Dense fog forcing the motorway closure kept me outstation - where I had gone for my daughter's wedding - until the sun I had so anxiously waited for made way for me to travel back home. And here I am, witnessing the year 2019 drawing to a close and hearing the year 2020s loud knock at the door... Read More
 

Social development among top CPEC targets for 2020: envoy

The Pakistan Today (Dec 30, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing said on Monday that China and Pakistan have identified new projects in education, health, agriculture and construction sectors for the year 2020 under the new phase of the China, Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Addressing the participants of Sangam Club Gala 2019 at the Chinese Embassy, the envoy said that both China... Read More
 

US trade frictions dealt with proactively: China

Express Tribune (Dec 30, 2019)
BEIJING: China’s commerce ministry has “proactively dealt with” trade frictions with the United States this year, it said on Sunday after an annual work conference. The ministry has implemented the decisions of the central government and “resolutely safeguarded the interests of the country and the people”, it said in a statement on its website... Read More
 

IMF appreciates improvements in Pakistan’s economy

Radio.gov.pk (Dec 29, 2019)
International Monetary Fund has acknowledged that Pakistan's reform program is on track and already producing results. According to a Press Release of Finance Ministry, IMF in its latest report conceded that the business climate has improved, and market confidence is returning. The report confirmed that inflation has been started to stabilize and the State Bank of Pakistan's... Read More
 

Dubai announces biggest ever Dh66.4 billion 2020 budget

Gulf News (Dec 29, 2019)
Dubai: The Government of Dubai has allocated a record Dh66.4 billion ($18.1 billion) for the 2020 budget compared Dh56.8 billion budgeted in 2019. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the 2020 budget along with a three-year Dh196 billion 3-year budget for the Government of... Read More

Pakistan’s debt falls to 84.7pc of GDP: IMF

Dawn News (Dec 28, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s general government debt (including guarantees and the International Monetary Fund borrowing) declined to 84.7 per cent of GDP, from 88pc. A recently published report on Pakistan by IMF said this decline in debts was mainly driven by the government’s smart performance in reducing expenditures, registering primary budget surplus and... Read More

Financial sectors excluded from NAB purview

The Express Tribune (Dec 14, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi on Friday promulgated the NAB Amendment Ordinance 2019 – a move which curtails the sweeping powers of the anti-corruption watchdog to act against any individual accused of corruption at will. The new ordinance provides more protection to a public office holder or government official while at the same time excludes several... Read More

IMF lauds Pakistan’s efforts to bring economy on growth track

The Gulf Times (Dec 27, 2019)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that the industrial and social sectors in Pakistan have improved, adding that its latest economic reform programme is on track too. “The government of Pakistan is now determined and committed to implementing strong and solid economic programmes with IMF’s support,” said Maria Teresa Daban Sanchez, the IMF resident... Read More

Pakistan’s debt falls by 3.3% of GDP: IMF

The News (Dec 27, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's general government debt (including guarantees & IMF borrowing) during the first quarter of current fiscal year, showed significant decline as it fell to 84.7 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), however by the end of previous year, the country's debt had risen to 88 percent of GDP. A recently published report on Pakistan by International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 56 Dec 26, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Mini-budget coming?

The News (Dec 26, 2019)
According to the Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP), there are at least two points that indicate a likely revision in budget targets anticipating a dreaded mini-budget in the next couple of months. Dreaded because the public is already under tremendous pressure of inflationary trends ever since the PTI government came to power in 2018. Despite repeated claims and promises... Read More
 

IMF assumes far less-than-expected rupee fall

The Express Tribune (Dec 26, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: New assumptions by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) suggest that the average exchange rate at the end of this fiscal year could be Rs160.64 to a dollar, which is significantly lower than the steep depreciation the global lender had predicted while designing the $6-billion loan programme. The fresh valuation is 6.9% or Rs11.9 less... Read More
 

IMF’s new conditionalities: Mini-budget on the cards

The News by Mehtab Haider (Dec 25, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: After revising downward the FBR’s target from Rs5.5 trillion to Rs5.238 trillion, Pakistan has agreed under the new structural benchmark condition with the IMF to take ‘additional measures’ on the eve of presenting the budget review before parliament by end of February 2020. This indicates that a mini-budget is on the cards if the need arises to achieve the envisaged annual targets for ... Read More
 

Govt seeks nod for Rs170b supplementary budget

The Express Tribune (Dec 24, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Monday allowed the presentation of a report to the National Assembly for approval of an additional Rs170 billion in supplementary budget, bringing total excess expenditures over and above the approved budget to Rs392 billion in the last fiscal year. The Ministry of Finance could not properly estimate the over-spending in the first year of the Pakistan... Read More
 

IMF cuts FBR’s tax target to Rs5.23 trillion

The Express Tribune (Dec 24, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected significant fiscal slippages and has finally cut the tax collection target to Rs5.238 trillion, which raises questions over claims of bringing fiscal discipline and restoring macroeconomic stability. The IMF expects Pakistan to miss the budget deficit target of Rs3.2 trillion and has projected excesses in almost all ... Read More
 

Balochistan's revenue collection increases by 164%

The Express Tribune (Dec 24, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Balochistan government has collected Rs7.84 billion revenue so far in the first half of the fiscal year 2019-20, projecting around 164 per cent increase as compared to the corresponding period of last year. “Balochistan Revenue Authority (BRA) and other departments have collected huge revenue during the first six months of current fiscal year compared to Rs4.90 billion... Read More
 

FATF: PTI govt prepares draft to curb terror financing via NSS

The Express Tribune (Dec 23, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: In line with the FATF recommendations, the federal government has prepared an AML/CFT Rules 2019 draft for the prevention of money laundering and terrorism financing through National Savings Schemes (NSS). It has sought recommendations from all NSS stakeholders within seven days. In case they fail to submit proposals within the stipulated time, the gazette notification... Read More
 

Is Pakistan ready for economic growth?

The News (Dec 23, 2019)
Our knowledge of history, economics, and much more owes a lot to the works of Ibn Khaldun. With his usual keen eye, he said that “Government is an institution which prevents injustice other than such as it commits itself.” What was said 700 hundred years ago still holds true today. The government’s role is key in laying the base for a nation’s progress. At our Institute for Policy Reforms, I led a project ... Read More
 

Pakistan to receive second tranche worth $452m from IMF next week

The Nation (Dec 22, 2019)
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan would receive second tranche worth of $452 million from International Monetary Fund (IMF) next week that would build the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The Executive Board of the IMF on December 19 has completed the first review of Pakistan’s economic performance under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The completion of the review will allow the authorities to... Read More
 

Digital economy to create 2m jobs, boost GDP to $40b

The Nation (Dec 22, 2019)
RAWALPINDI - Digital economy in Pakistan has huge potential for creating 2 million jobs and boosting the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) up to the level of $40 billion in next couple of years. Transformation is required to promote the Information, Communications and Technology sectors to reposition Pakistan in the digital economy. The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and... Read More
 

Economic stability result of Govt’s policies: Hammad

The Pakistan Observer (Dec 21, 2019)
Islamabad: Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar said that economy has been put on the track with strenuous efforts of the government under the leadership of the prime minister. In a statement on Friday, he said the IMF Board’s Review is indicating success of the government’s economic reforms. The Minister said Moody’s upgraded ... Read More
 

Turkish Parliament Approves 2020 Budget

The aawsat.com (Dec 21, 2019)
Turkey’s parliament has approved the government’s 2020 budget, which includes increased defense spending and forecasts a budget deficit of 138.9 billion lira ($23.4 billion). The 2020 budget, which state-run Anadolu news agency said was passed with 329 votes in favor to 159 votes against, also projects increased spending on health and education, and foresees a rise in budget...Read More
 

Pakistan’s economic reform programme on track: IMF

The Pakistan Today (Dec 20, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed the first review of Pakistan’s economic performance under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), saying that Pakistan’s economic reform is on track. The completion of the review will allow the authorities to draw $452.4 million, bringing total disbursements to $1.44 billion, said a press release issued by the... Read More
 

Current account deficit shrinks 72.6pc in Nov: Hafeez Shaikh

The Pakistan Today (Dec 20, 2019)
LAHORE: Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has said that current account deficit is down by 72.6 per cent on a year-on-year in November 2019, whereas it was reduced by 73 per cent during the first five months of FY20 against the same period of last year. The adviser said that during the last five months of the current fiscal year, the State Bank of Pakistan’s... Read More
 

19-month high: SBP reserves surpass $10b mark

The Express Tribune (Dec 19, 2019)
KARACHI: Government’s efforts to boost the foreign exchange reserves have borne fruit as the reserves held by the central bank have shot up to a 19-month high, surpassing the $10-billion mark. The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank increased 18% on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday... Read More
 

If Pakistan's economy grows over 3.8%, it can trigger imbalances

The Express Tribune (Dec 19, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The balance of payments crisis is imminent in Pakistan, if its economy grows more than 3.8% annually without fixing existing structural economic imbalances, finds a new Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) research paper. In order to avoid the next balance of payments crisis, Pakistan will have to fix its exports and reduce dependency on imports... Read More
 

Effective tax mechanism to boost economic activities

The Pakistan Observer (Dec 18, 2019)
Lahore: Low number of taxes, reduced frequency of payments and an effective mechanism of the refund payments would not only give a momentum to the economic activities but also help further improvement in ease of doing business index. Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh, Senior Vice President Ali Hussam Asghar and Vice President Mian ... Read More
 

'Lower current account deficit a victory for businessmen'

The Express Tribune (Dec 18, 2019)
FAISALABAD: The current account deficit of Pakistan has decreased from $6 billion to $1 billion in the past four months, which is a victory particularly for the business community as it provides jobs to millions of workers, said Punjab Governor Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar. Addressing an event at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) on Tuesday, Sarwar pointed ... Read More
 

Foreign Direct Investment surges 78.1pc in five months

The Pakistan Today (Dec 17, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Pakistan surged 78.1pc to $850 million in July-November FY20, as compared to the investment of $477.3 million in the same period of last year. On a year-on-year basis, however, the FDI decreased to $200.1 million in November 2019 as against $285.4 million in the same month of 2018, according to the data released by State ... Read More
 

Development spending grows 27pc in July-Oct

The News (Dec 17, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Provincial governments have cumulatively spent Rs112 billion on developments during the first four months of the current fiscal year of 2019/20, depicting 27 percent year-on-year growth, finance division said on Monday. Combined development spending of the four provinces amounted to Rs88 billion during the corresponding months of the last fiscal... Read More
 

Hot money flows - looking beyond temporary relief in Pakistan

The Express Tribune (Dec 16, 2019)
KARACHI: The current account surplus reported in October 2019 marks a shift from an otherwise persistent current account deficit. It is an achievement for the government in terms of its objectives to curtail the current account deficit, particularly as it faces several challenges on the economic front. A survey of the summary of balance of payments reported by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) indicates a $253-million...Read More
 

Foreign investment in Pakistan debt markets should be seen positively: SBP

The Pakistan Today (Dec 16, 2019)
KARACHI: The increase in investment by foreign investors in debt instruments is an encouraging sign for the Pakistani economy, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) said on Monday. “Recently, international investors have started investing in debt instruments issued by the Government of Pakistan. This is largely a manifestation of their growing confidence in the positive ... Read More
 

Gwadar port operationalised for exports

The Express Tribune (Dec 15, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Gwadar port has been operationalised for export, Adviser to Prime Minister on Trade and Industries Abdul Razak Dawood announced on Saturday, saying that it would reduce the burden on the Karachi port. Dawood said on the microblogging website Twitter that the departure of a vessel, carrying three fish containers worth $50,000 each, for... Read More
 

35pc budget allocated for eliminating inter-district disparity in Punjab

The Pakistan Observer (Dec 14, 2019)
Lahore: Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht on Friday revealed that 35 percent budget had been allocated for eliminating inter-district disparity in the province. This policy is aimed at ensuring inclusive growth so that all the people could equally benefit and grow. He stated this while addressing a seminar at Government College University on... Read More

‘Pakistan on track to fulfilling FATF conditions’

The Pakistan Today (Dec 14, 2019)
KARACHI: The government is on track to fulfilling all necessary conditions of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), State Bank of Pakistan Governor Dr Reza Baqir said on Saturday. He was speaking at the Financial Crime Summit, a conference organised in Karachi to discuss the way forward for Pakistan post-FATF. The governor sounded cautiously optimistic,... Read More

Centre seeks deduction from NFC to pay off loans

The Express Tribune (Dec 14, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Finance Division has proposed to the country’s economic managers to make at source deduction from provincial financial shares under the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award to pay the outstanding loans acquired by provincial food departments from commercial banks. These loans are backed by secondary guarantees issued by the Finance... Read More

PIA records Rs32.7bn loss in first half of 2019

The Pakistan Today (Dec 13, 2019)
KARACHI: Pakistan International Airline (PIA) and its subsidiary, PIA Investments Limited, continue to bleed massively due to a variety of reasons, ranging from mismanagement to lack of transparency and weak audit controls by independent auditors as well as the Auditor General of Pakistan. Nur Khan succeeded not because of his Air Force combat experience but his self... Read More

World Bank to finance Khyber Pass Economic Corridor project with a loan of $406.6 million

The Dawn (Dec 13, 2019)
The World Bank will provide $406.6 million for the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC) project which will promote economic development and uplift areas adjoining the expressway and falling in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). An agreement to this effect was signed in Islamabad on Friday, according to a statement by the Economic Affairs... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 55 Dec 12, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Jul-Nov FY20: Pakistan’s trade deficit shrinks 33% to $9.7b

The Express Tribune (Dec 12, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s trade deficit shrank one-third to $9.7 billion in first five months of the current fiscal year on the back of compression of imports as growth in exports remained tepid, which may again result in missing the annual target. Trade figures that the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) released on Wednesday showed that exports fell in November ... Read More
 

'India's economic recovery critical for oil in 2020'

The Express Tribune (Dec 12, 2019)
LONDON: India’s economy is suffering its worst cyclical downturn for more than a decade, which is weighing heavily on global oil consumption, and until the economy improves, prices are unlikely to see a sustained increase. If the monetary and fiscal stimulus succeeds in pushing the economy out of its current trough, faster growth would play an important role in rebalancing the oil market ... Read More
 

Asian Development Bank says Pakistan's economy is showing signs of stability

The News (Dec 11, 2019)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday said signs of economic stabilisation were emerging in Pakistan during the ongoing fiscal year 2019-20. The ADB, in its Asian Development Outlook 2019 Supplement, said that inflation in Pakistan for the first three months of the ongoing fiscal year averaged 10.1 per cent despite “tight monetary policy... Read More
 

These bugs are eating into Pakistan’s already fragile economy

The Print (Dec 11, 2019)
Karachi: Pakistan’s efforts to turn around its economy after winning bailout funds from the International Monetary Fund face a new threat — from crop-eating pests. Swarms of locusts are fanning out through the South Asian nation, gorging on wheat, cotton, mustard and other crops. That, together with unseasonal rain and a scourge of low quality seeds, has hit major crops in the country’s largest... Read More
 

ADB, Pakistan sign $1.3 billion loan agreement

The Daily Times (Dec 10, 2019)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Pakistan on Monday struck a loan agreement of $1.3 billion for budgetary support and reforms of the country. This will help stabilise the foreign exchange reserves of the country, and strengthen Pakistan’s slowing economy. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar was present on the occasion, while Economic Affairs Division Secretary... Read More
 

Russia keen to invest billions of dollars in Pakistan’s economy

Daily Business Recorder (Dec 10, 2019)
A new chapter of economic relations between Pakistan and Russia are on the brink of a new beginning, with a 64-member Russian high-level delegation present in the country keen to invest up to $10 billion in Pakistan. As per local media reports, the Russian companies are looking to invest in Pakistan's energy sector. The companies seek a $2.5 billion gas pipeline project from Karachi to Lahore ... Read More
 

Pakistan, Qatar to sign trade pacts soon

The Express Tribune (Dec 09, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Qatar have agreed in principle on a preferential trade agreement (PTA) and a free trade agreement (FTA) to enhance bilateral trade. The agreements will soon be signed after necessary formalities. Pakistan has also offered to establish a plant in Qatar to manufacture footballs for the FIFA World Cup 2022 as well as subsequent football tournaments... Read More
 

Russia pledges to invest heavily in Pakistan’s defence, industrial projects

Daily Pakistan Today (Dec 09, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Russia has signed a new trade deal with Pakistan, pledging to invest heavily in the country’s industrial sector. According to government officials, Russia would provide financial assistance worth $1 billion for the rehabilitation of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM). Moreover, Moscow would also invest a hefty amount to enhance the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries. “Russia’s ... Read More
 

Iran unveils budget of ‘resistance’ against US sanctions

Daily Pakistan Today (Dec 08, 2019)
TEHRAN: Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani on Sunday presented to parliament what he called a “budget of resistance” against crippling sanctions imposed by arch-enemy the United States. “Next year, similar to the current year, our budget is a budget of resistance and perseverance against sanctions,” Rouhani told parliament in remarks broadcast on state radio. “This budget ... Read More
 

Cashless economy for Pakistan: challenges and way forward

The Daily Times by Syed Shujaat Ahmad (Dec 08, 2019)
Cashless economic system describes an economic state where financial transactions are not conducted with money in the form of physical banknotes or coins, but rather through the transfer of digital information between the parties. Societies of such form have existed from the time when human society came into existence, based on barter and other methods of exchange and such forms have also become... Read More
 

Russia to develop stakes in Pakistan economy in big way

The Gulf Times (Dec 07, 2019)
Internews/ Islamabad: Russia has decided to develop its stakes in Pakistan’s economy in a big way and to this effect a 64-member delegation headed by Minister for Trade and Industries for the Russian Federation Denis V Manturov is visiting Pakistan for four days from today to December 11 to attend an Inter-Governmental Commission. Russia contributed a lot towards... Read More
 

ADB okays $1.3bn loans for Pakistan

The Dawn (Dec 07, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday approved $1.3 billion in loans for Pakistan for emergency budgetary support, chiefly through a relatively expensive crisis response facility. The Manila-based lending agency announced that its board of directors had app¬roved two loan progra¬m¬mes to help Pakistan build foreign exchange...Read More
 

China's defence budget increases 850 per cent over 20 years: Top Pentagon official

The New Indian Express (Dec 06, 2019)
WASHINGTON: China's defence budget has grown 850 per cent in the last 20 years from USD 20 billion to USD 170 billion in 2018, a top Pentagon official told lawmakers on Thursday. China possesses one of the largest militaries in the world. It continues to add to its capabilities and is increasingly provocative, such as its activities in the South China Sea ... Read More
 

ADB approves loan worth $1.3 bn for Pakistan’s budget support, energy sector reforms

The Daily Times (Dec 06, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved on Friday $1 billion in immediate budget support to Pakistan to shore up the country’s public finances and help strengthen a slowing economy besides approving $300 million to support energy sector reforms. The quick dispersing Special Policy-Based Loan is part of a comprehensive multi-donor economic reform program led by the... Read More
 

Inflation surges to nine-year high

The Dawn (Dec 05, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Inflation rose to 12.7 per cent year-on-year, the highest level in nine years mainly driven by an increase in prices of food items, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Wednesday. Inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), edged up by 1.3pc over the previous month after the PBS revised its calculation methodology by setting the new base year 2015-16... Read More
 

Borrowing soars to $10.4b in PTI’s first year in power

The Express Tribune (Dec 05, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government took $10.4 billion worth of foreign loans in its first year in power and 46% of these were short-term expensive commercial lending, secured at up to 5.5% interest rate. The most expensive commercial loans were obtained from Chinese banks that were contracted at six-month Shanghai Interbank Offered Rate (Shibor) plus 2.5%, according ... Read More
 

IMF dismisses proposal of tax relief for builders

The Express Tribune (Dec 04, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has shot down Pakistan’s proposal to introduce a special income tax regime for builders and developers and urged the authorities to bring equity in the distorted tax system. The government shared a draft of the presidential ordinance with the IMF in the recently held talks aimed at treating the... Read More
 

Rs3.225b for non-salary budget for schools released

The News (Dec 04, 2019)
LAHORE:Finance Department Punjab has released non-salary budget (NSB) amounting to Rs 3.225 billion for public schools across the province. These funds have been transferred into Special Drawing Accounts (SDAs) jointly operated by Chief Executive Officers of District Education Authorities (DEAs) and District Education Officer (DEOs) of the districts. School Education Department has directed the CEOs... Read More
 

Pakistan makes $1 billion foreign debt repayment

The Express Tribune (Dec 03, 2019)
KARACHI: Pakistan has successfully made a foreign debt repayment of over $1 billion, shaking up the country’s foreign currency reserves on the day Moody’s rating agency upgraded Islamabad’s credit rating outlook to ‘stable’ from ‘negative’. “We paid over $1 billion including interest payment at the maturity of a Sukuk today (Monday),” State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) official confirmed ... Read More
 

Moody’s upgrades Pakistan’s economic outlook

The Dawn (Dec 03, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: New York-based credit rating agency Moody’s on Monday raised Pakistan’s economic outlook from negative to stable on the back of the country’s reforms supported by an IMF programme, but kept its credit rating unchanged at B3. “The change in outlook to stable is driven by Moody’s expectations that the balance of payments dynamics will continue to ... Read More
 

PM satisfied with economic progress

The Pakistan Today (Dec 02, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday expressed satisfaction over Pakistan’s current economic situation, saying that progress on development projects would accelerate the growth process. Presiding over an important meeting of the economic team, PM Imran said that economic stability and creation of jobs for youth were among the priorities of the government ...Read More
 

Moody’s upgrades Pakistan’s outlook to ‘stable’, affirms B3 rating

The Pakistan Today (Dec 02, 2019)
As a sign of improving economy, Moody’s Investors Services have upgraded the country’s outlook from ‘negative’ to ‘stable’, reaffirming the country’s rating of B3, the agency announced on Monday. Moody’s had downgraded Pakistan’s ratings outlook to negative last year in June, citing heightened external vulnerability risk due to depleting... Read More
 

Positive signals rising from Pakistan’s economy

The Express Tribune (Dec 01, 2019)
Dramatically rising from the ashes of its predecessor, a phoenix, in ancient Greek mythology, is a bird reborn after a catastrophe with more strength and power. After posting 49 months of back-to-back current account deficits, Pakistan’s economy suddenly posted a surplus. The stock market rose by over 8,000 points in the last few weeks. One billion dollars of hot money ... Read More
 

Govt controls soaring budget deficit despite facing shortfall in tax collection

The Nation (Dec 01, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The government has successfully controlled the soaring budget deficit during first quarter (July to September) of the current fiscal year despite facing shortfall in tax collection. Pakistan’s budget deficit was recorded at Rs286 billion during July to September period of the year 2019-20. In terms of GDP, the country’s budget deficit was recorded at 0.7 percent ... Read More

Economy of BRI’s countries including Pakistan gets boost with enhanced Chinese investment: Su Wei

The Daily Times (Nov 30, 2019)
China’s outbound investment has boosted the economic development of countries and regions along the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) and brought tangible benefits for local peoples, said Su Wei, Deputy Secretary General of China’s National Development and Reform Commission(NDRC). Su made the remark at the opening ceremony of 11th China Overseas ... Read More

Once the world's fastest growing economy, India faces a slowdown

The Al-Jazeera (Nov 30, 2019)
New Delhi, India - The Indian economy expanded at its weakest pace in more than six years, according to official data released on Friday, adding pressure on a government that is already dealing with a sputtering economy. The economy grew at 4.5 percent for the three months ending September, down from 5 percent in the previous quarter and... Read More

Sri Lanka’s central bank holds rates watching tax cuts, budget deficit

The Economy Next (Nov 30, 2019)
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka is holding policy rates at current levels, amid a widening the budget deficit so far this year and recent tax cuts announced to stimulate economic activity, which need clarity, the central bank said. “…[R]ecent tax revisions would support lower inflation and higher economic growth in the short term, but was of the view that greater clarity with regard to the medium term fiscal ... Read More

Effects of Azadi March on Pakistan Economy

The Nation (Nov 29, 2019)
Antigovernment Azadi March set out on Sunday afternoon from Karachi towards Islamabad. Thousands of people including seminary students, are participating in the march. Thousands of protesters in Pakistan are marching to the capital of Islamabad, calling on prime minister Imran Khan to resign over the weak economy and corruption claims. While ... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 54 Nov 28, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

SBP reserves rise $240m to $8.68bn

The Pakistan Today (Nov 28, 2019)
The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank rose 2.84pc on a weekly basis, as per the data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. On November 22, the foreign currency reserves held by the SBP were recorded at $8,682.3 million, up $240 million compared with $8,442.1 million in the previous week. The central bank attributed the increase to official ... Read More
 

Leakages in transit trade badly hurt economy

The Express Tribune (Nov 28, 2019)
KARACHI: The misuse of Afghan transit trade still remains the biggest issue that is badly hitting Pakistan’s economy but the government is working on a plan to clear about 90-95% of imports without physical inspection by 2023-24. “If you ask me what is the biggest problem for me as a law enforcer in Pakistan, I will say it is the abuse and leakages in the Afghan transit trade,” Federal Board of... Read More
 

Credible deficit plan to help Sri Lanka sell $3 billion of bonds annually

The Gulf News (Nov 27, 2019)
Colombo: Sri Lanka must come up with a plan to narrow its budget deficit as the top Asian issuer of sovereign dollar debt after China this year prepares to sell $3 billion of bonds annually. The island-nation, which elected Gotabhaya Rajapaksa as its president last week, has to raise debt commercially to service earlier borrowings, Central Bank... Read More
 

Pakistan’s Economic Woes and the Way Forward

The Daily Times (Nov 27, 2019)
Pakistan is a country blessed with enormous natural reserves and manpower. Still, it is plunged in a downward spiral of economic recession. Some of the obvious reasons are bad governance, corruption, nepotism and impediments towards entrepreneurship and investments (both by domestic and foreign investors). Moreover, a miserable tax system has also added insult... Read More
 

The downside of Pakistan’s economy

The Business Recorder (Nov 26, 2019)
The government has recently been making frequent positive statements about on-going developments in the economy. Rightfully, success in the process of stabilization has been highlighted. The current account in the balance of payments was transformed into a surplus in October. Over the four-month period, July to October, the current account deficit has declined by as much as 74 percent. However, this has ... Read More
 

Pakistan receives $1 billion in hot foreign money

The Express Tribune (Nov 26, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Foreign investors have bought over $1 billion worth of Pakistan government’s debt, said Finance Adviser Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Monday – an amount that is equal to the increase in official foreign exchange reserves in the current fiscal year. Central bank data showed that the money was predominantly invested in three-month treasury bills, suggesting that foreign investors ... Read More
 

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: US claims about loans, their impact on economy rejected: Qureshi

The Business Recorder (Nov 25, 2019)
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Sunday said the process of transparent accountability would continue in the country. Talking to media here, he said no one wanted to face accountability process, and whenever people were held accountable, they attempt to create hindrances in the way of the accountability process. Responding to a question about Asif Ali... Read More
 

AIIB okays $511 million for Pakistan’s infrastructural projects

Daily Nation (Nov 25, 2019)
ISLAMABAD - Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will finance $511.81 million for four projects for the infrastructural development in Pakistan, mainly related to roads, energy, sanitation and mass transit. The amount has been approved for the projects including National Motorway M-4 of $100 million, Tarbela Hydropower Extension Projects $300 million... Read More
 

Retailers feel pinch of economic slowdown in Pakistan

Daily Express Tribune (Nov 24, 2019)
LAHORE: Pakistan’s retail sector is looking for some breathing space to remain sustainable during the ongoing economic slowdown. “The recent hike in taxes on the retail sector has caused turmoil and uncertainty,” said Chainstore Association of Pakistan Chairman Tariq Mehboob. “In fact, many retailers, which represent the organised retail sector, are initiating cost-cutting measures,... Read More
 

‘Pakistan in better position to attract investment’

The Express Tribune (Nov 24, 2019)
LAHORE: Pakistani handmade furniture products have great potential to capture world market with excellent modern designing, said Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar. Speaking at the 11th Interiors Pakistan exhibition held at Expo Centre Lahore, he said that Pakistan was moving forward and was in a better position to attract foreign investment. He appreciated the Pakistan... Read More
 

CPEC to push Pakistan deeper into debt burden, cautions US

The Dawn by Anwar Iqbal (Nov 23, 2019)
WASHINGTON: The United States has warned Pakistan that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would push the country deeper into an already stifling debt burden, foster corruption and repatriate jobs and profits to China. In a speech, described as “unusually specific” by the international media, the top US diplomat for South Asia warned on Thursday that the multi-billion-dollar project would take a toll on Pakistan’s ... Read More
 

Encouraging economic indicators

The Pakistan Today by Muhammad Zahid (Nov 23, 2019)
Any country’s progress, development and prosperity is linked with the national growth rate both directly and indirectly. If the economic growth rate is good, then there is lot of relief for the people at large. Pakistan is a developing country and its economic growth rate is not so high and keeps going up and down due to various factors every now and then...Read More
 

Big industry contracts 5.9pc in 3MFY20

The Pakistan Today (Nov 22, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Despite positive economic indicators like reduction in current account deficit and jump in the stock exchange, the fall in Large Scale Manufacturing Industries (LSMI) remains the major concern for the country. The overall output of the LSM Index decreased by 5.91pc during the first quarter (July-Sept) of FY20, as compared to the corresponding period of last fiscal year... Read More
 

Monetary policy: SBP leaves interest rate unchanged at 13.25%

The Express Tribune (Nov 22, 2019)
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) left the benchmark interest rate unchanged at the eight-year high of 13.25% for the next two months as controlling high inflation may remain a big challenge in the short run. The decision taken by the SBP Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) was largely in line with market expectations. The policy is an effective tool available with the central bank to tame ... Read More
 

In Pakistan, bottlenecks hold up $14b foreign loans

The Express Tribune (Nov 21, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday directed expeditious release of $14 billion stuck up foreign loans against the ongoing development projects. The directive came as the bureaucracy fails to finalise a viable action plan to remove bottlenecks to unlock the much-needed stimulus funds. Over a month after The Express Tribune reported that $21.6 billion... Read More
 

Foreign exchange: SBP reserves rise $45m to $8.44b

The Express Tribune (Nov 21, 2019)
KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank rose 0.5% on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. Earlier, the reserves had spiralled downwards, falling below the $7-billion mark, which raised concern over Pakistan’s ability to meet its financing requirements. However, financial assistance from the United... Read More
 

Impact of industrial operations on economy of Pakistan

The News by Muhammad Mudassar (Nov 20, 2019)
Industrialization plays a vital role in the economic development of underdeveloped countries. As the historical record shows, the developed countries of the world broke the vicious cycle of poverty by industrializing, rather than focusing on agricultural or the production of national resources. Currently, Pakistan, as a developing ... Read More
 

CPEC: unprecedented boost to Pakistan’s economy

The Pakistan Observer (Nov 20, 2019)
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), massive bilateral project to improve infrastructure within Pakistan for better trade with China and to further integrate the countries of the region. The project was launched on April 20, 2015 when Chinese President Xi Jinping and the then Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif signed 51 agreements and Memorandums of Understanding... Read More
 

Tackling economic woes

The News by Abdul Sattar (Nov 19, 2019)
The recent statement of Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing augurs well for the debilitating economy of the country. The envoy while talking to the media recently in Quetta said that China is setting up 19 factories in Gwadar. He expressed the desire of his government to contribute towards the development of Balochistan’s mining, agriculture... Read More
 

Economy showing signs of improvement: SBP governor

The Pakistan Today (Nov 19, 2019)
KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Reza Baqir on Monday said the economy has begun to show signs of improvement, adding that inflation would start easing soon as a result of the new measures. Addressing the business community at Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Baqir said the SBP has always made efforts to facilitate trade and industry as better... Read More
 

CPEC to help expand industrial base, exports of Pakistan: Khusro

The app.com.pk (Nov 18, 2019)
ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP):Minister for Planning, Development and Refomrs Makhdum Khusro Bakhtyar on Monday said that under next phase of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the industrial base of the country would be expanded, eventually to help increase the exports. The minister said that China had total trade volume worth of $4000 billion with the world ...Read More
 

Circular Debt To Be Eliminated By Dec 2020: Hafeez Shaikh

The Urdupoint.com (Nov 18, 2019)
ISLAMABAD, (APP – Urdu Point / Pakistan Point News - 18th Nov, 2019 ):Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Hafeez Shaikh Monday reiterated the government resolve to eliminate the issue of circular debt by December 2020. Briefing the leading anchorpersons of electronic media about economic performance ... Read More
 

Pakistan’s fiscal dilemma

The News (Nov 17, 2019)
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in its Annual Report 2018-19—The State of Pakistan’s Economy has strongly criticised the provinces for what it called their “lack of institutional capacity,” giving rise to “lower revenue collection that contributed less to tax-to-GDP ratio and fiscal consolidation efforts”. The report further noted that “an important agenda on ... Read More
 

CPEC effect: Taiwanese textile companies may relocate to Pakistan

The Express Tribune (Nov 17, 2019)
LAHORE: Being a cheap labour market, Pakistan can transform into an excellent destination for Taiwanese textile companies, which are willing to relocate their units outside Vietnam, said Taiwan Textile Federation President Justin Huang. “At present, Vietnam is crowded, which causes difficulties for Taiwanese textile firms there, such as labour shortages,” ... Read More

Military budget should go to common sense

The Bulletin (Nov 16, 2019)
With U.S. support for NATO waning, President Macron of France recently accused the organization of being “brain dead,” a remark undoubtedly intended to prod more robust EU leadership. Not that America’s lead’s been exemplary. Take, for example, Operation Allied Force, NATO’s 1999 air campaign over Kosovo, General Wesley Clark supreme commander. Critics called it ... Read More

Pakistan saves $3.9b as trade losses decrease

The Samaa.tv (Nov 15, 2019)
Pakistan’s trade deficit has fallen by 33.52% in the first four months of the current fiscal year in comparison to the same time last year, according to recent figures by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.This means the country has saved over $3.9 billion–the difference between the trade loss from the first quarters of last year and this year. Trade deficit figures for the current fiscal year’s first... Read More

Pakistan will thrive as more women participate in economy

The app.com.pk (Nov 15, 2019)
ISLAMABAD, Nov 15 (APP):Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar, at the US-Pakistan Women in the Economy Symposium, Friday said Pakistan will thrive as more women participate in the economy. At the event hosted by the George H W Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University in... Read More

Pakistan's economy has finally stabilised: PM

The Express Tribune (Nov 15, 2019)
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday said the country’s economy has finally stabilised and was moving in the right direction. While addressing the signing ceremony of Super-6 Wind Power Projects in Islamabad, the premier said there is so much potential for hydro-electricity in Pakistan, and the new project will provide affordable and environmentally friendly clean energy... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 53 Nov 14, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Foreigners invest $678m in debt instruments

The Express Tribune (Nov 14, 2019)
KARACHI: Foreigners have continued to step up investment in Pakistan’s debt instruments, mostly in short-term treasury bills (T-bills), and have partly helped strengthen the country’s foreign exchange reserves to over $8 billion at the beginning of November. The return of stability to the rupee-dollar parity coupled with high rates of return on debt instruments encouraged foreigners ... Read More
 

CPEC’s social, economic projects to begin before 2020

The Business Recorder (Nov 14, 2019)
Work on 17 out of 27 priority projects in social and economic development component of Chin-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would commence before 2020. According to official documents concerned, the meeting of 9th joint cooperation committee (JCC) of CPEC, Pakistan and China appreciated the progress achieved by JWG since its establishment. Practical cooperation... Read More
 

Stocks gain 401 points to storm past 37,000 level

The Pakistan Today (Nov 13, 2019)
KARACHI: Bulls of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) took charge of the market once again on Wednesday after a range-bound session a day before. Indices that started the day on a negative note soon took a U-turn to surpass the 37,000 points mark. Foreign investors ended up as net buyers for the fifth consecutive session on Tuesday with a net inflow of $1.22 million... Read More
 

Federal transfers: Sindh suffers Rs 109 billion shortfall in July-October: Murad

The Business Recorder (Nov 13, 2019)
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah Tuesday said the federal government during last four months had to release Rs 278.4 billion against which the provincial government has received only Rs 169.2 billion which shows a shortfall of Rs109.17 billion. “This is the position of vertical distribution of funds, therefore the provincial government is facing serious problems."... Read More
 

Remittances slow down to $7.48b

The Express Tribune (Nov 12, 2019)
KARACHI: Remittances sent home by overseas Pakistanis in the first four months of the current fiscal year (July-October 2019) remained almost flat at $7.48 billion. According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Tuesday, the remittances were 1.82% lower than $7.62 billion sent home from abroad in the same period of the previous fiscal year. Talking to The Express Tribune,... Read More
 

‘Study on budget making process at district level in Balochistan’ launched

The Balochistan Times (Nov 12, 2019)
Zhob: Action for Welfare and awakening in Rural Environment in collaboration with Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) launched its report entitled ‘ Study of Budget Making Process at District level in Balochistan, here in Zhob District, Chief guest of the session was CPDI provincial coordinator Muhammad Asif. Those who attended the session were included... Read More
 

FATF targets: FBR to intensify crackdown against banned outfits

The Pakistan Today (Nov 11, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: In order to meet the condition of Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regarding the control of terror financing, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to intensify its efforts against over 2,600 individuals/assets of banned organisations. The individuals and assets targeted by FBR so far were linked with various banned organizations, including Da’esh (ISIS), AL-Qaida (AQ),... Read More
 

Govt announces Rs200bn package for exporters

The Pakistan Today (Nov 11, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The government has decided to announce a support package of Rs200 billion for exporters in order to enhance the country’s exports, encourage local production and create job opportunities, said Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh. Addressing a press conference on Monday, the adviser said that the State Bank of Pakistan... Read More
 

Pakistan's economy stable, improving: PBBC

The Dunyanews.tv (Nov 10, 2019)
LONDON (APP) – Pakistan Britain Business Council (PBBC) appreciating the economic policies initiated by the government of Pakistan has said that due to its prudent policies, the economy of the country was strengthening and improving. “The latest World Bank report has also recognized and said that Pakistan has emerged as an improver in terms of ease of doing ... Read More
 

CPDI launches ‘study of budget making process at district level in Balochistan’

Daily Asia Today (Nov 10, 2019)
Chaman: Budget call letters delayed, 19 out of 23 districts stated that they have not received it, budget time line is not followed properly. Out of 23 only 6 surveyed distrits conducted pre-budget consultations. 5 districts did not hold a single consultation and 12 district done it without directly involving general public. Only 1 district issued pre-budget statement the copy was not available for... Read More
 

Pakistan wins IMF's confidence, to get $450m loan tranche

The Aljazeera.com (Nov 09, 2019)
Pakistan's fiscal deficits are narrowing, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Friday as it announced it would release the first tranche of its $6bn financial assistance programme to the country. The IMF agreed to the three-year rescue package for Pakistan in April - its 13th bailout programme for the South Asian nation since the late 1980s - as the economic outlook for the country of 208 million... Read More
 

IMF releasing first tranche of $6bn loan package for Pakistan

The Aljazeera.com(Nov 09, 2019)
Pakistan's fiscal deficits are narrowing, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Friday as it announced it would release the first tranche of its $6bn financial assistance programme to the country. The IMF agreed to the three-year rescue package for Pakistan in April - its 13th bailout programme for the South Asian nation since the late 1980s - as the economic outlook for the country of 208 million ...Read More
 

IMF reaches staff-level agreement with Pakistan on first review under EFF

The Dunyanews.tv (Nov 08, 2019)
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Ernesto Ramirez Rigo on Friday visited Islamabad from October 28 to November 8, 2019 to conduct discussions on the first review under the Extended Fund Facility (EEF). At the end of the visit, Mr. Ramirez Rigo made the following statement: “The Pakistani authorities and IMF staff have reached a staff-level agreement on... Read More
 

Pakistan flays cuts in UN peacekeeping budget

The Nation (Nov 08, 2019)
UNITED NATIONS - Pakistan has warned that arbitrary cuts in peacekeeping funding risk diminishing effectiveness of UN’s flagship operations and jeopardizing the safety of peacekeepers. “Our objective should be to enhance capabilities. This cannot be achieved by reducing resources for peacekeeping,” Aamir Khan, Pakistan’s deputy... Read More
 

Govt urged to ensure citizens participation in budget preparation

The Nation (Nov 07, 2019)
BADIN - Experts urged the federal, provincial and district governments to ensure fully and active participation of common people and citizens in the preparation of budget at district and provincial level. Addressing a seminar titled “Consultation over preparation of district Budget” organised by Indus Development Society (IDS) in collaboration with Center for Peace and Development Initiative... Read More
 

SBP reserves surge $443m to stand at $8.4bn

The Pakistan Today (Nov 07, 2019)
The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank jumped 5.6pc on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. On November 1, the foreign currency reserves held by the SBP were recorded at $8,357.6 million, up $443.3 million compared with $7,914.3 million in the previous week. The SBP, in its report, cited no reason for the increase in... Read More
 

Is e-commerce dying in Pakistan?

The Pakistan Today (Nov 06, 2019)
E-commerce in Pakistan is burgeoning and it is burgeoning at breakneck speed. In sheer numbers, e-commerce sales swelled 93.7pc in 2018, reaching Rs40.1 billion, compared to Rs20.7 billion in 2017. This growth is supported by improved internet accessibility with 159 million cellular subscribers, 66 million 3G/4G subscribers and 68 million broadband subscribers... Read More
 

Pakistan, Qatar agree to enhance trade, investment ties

The Pakistan Today (Nov 06, 2019)
Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to strengthen and expand bilateral cooperation, particularly in the fields of trade, industry, transport, energy, manpower export, education, science & technology, finance, tourism and infrastructure. The 5th session of Pakistan-Qatar Joint Commission, which undertook a comprehensive review of all the facets of bilateral relations between Pakistan and ... Read More
 

Foreign investment in Pakistan increases by 137pc: Economic Affairs minister

The Business Recorder (Nov 05, 2019)
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs has said that the total foreign investment in Pakistan increased by a whopping 137 percent in the first quarter of the financial year 2019-20. Talking to media on Tuesday, the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar briefed about the country's economic position, saying that the current /account deficit has declined by 64 percent in the first... Read More
 

Development budget of science & technology ministry increased by 600pc: Fawad

The Dawn (Nov 05, 2019)
KARACHI: Pakistan is heading towards the manufacturing of lithium batteries for solar power with the support of Chinese companies and this would boost the country’s efforts to meet its growing energy needs. This was stated by Science and Technology Minister Fawad Hussain Chaudhry during the inaugural ceremony of a four-day symposium that opened at Karachi... Read More
 

State of economy

The Dawn (Nov 04, 2019)
The last fiscal year was one of the toughest for Pakistan, and the challenges are far from over. This is the gist of the annual report just released by the State Bank of Pakistan regarding FY2019. Coming almost four months after the fiscal year concluded, the report remains timely for the important lessons it has for the present, particularly the insights it shares on why the investment scenario remains so dismal...Read More
 

Investment drifts downwards in Pakistan

The Express Tribune (Nov 04, 2019)
KARACHI: Pakistan has been largely off the radar screen for direct investors for quite a long time despite improvement in some economic indicators in the recent past, a highly liberal trade and investment regime and a large market. “What explains this persistent underinvestment – both domestic and foreign – in Pakistan in spite of a liberal trade and... Read More
 

Pakistan ranked amongst top 20 global economic reformers in the World Bank Report

The Gulf News (Nov 03, 2019)
Dubai: The World Bank has acknowledged Pakistan amongst top 10 economies that improve the most on the ease of doing business after implementing regulatory reform. The World Bank ranked Pakistan at number six amongst the top 20 global reformers. As per the report, Pakistan has improved 28 ranks, from 136 to 108. It has also acknowledged top 10 economies... Read More
 

WTO authorises Chinese tariffs on $3.6b in US goods

The Express Tribune (Nov 03, 2019)
GENEVA: A World Trade Organisation (WTO) arbitrator on Friday authorised China to slap tariffs on US imports worth up to $3.58 billion annually in a years-long dispute over US anti-dumping practices, a trade official said. China had asked the WTO for permission to hit the US with more than $7 billion in tariffs in the case. But the WTO ruling said it had determined that... Read More

IMF asks Pakistan to spend more on development

The Express Tribune (Nov 02, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday urged Pakistan to spend more on development as the combined spending by federal and provincial governments in the first quarter remained less than one-tenth of the annual allocations. The lower spending on development than the allocated budget during the July-September quarter has also... Read More

IMF hails Pakistan for primary budget surplus

The News (Nov 02, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani authorities managed to keep budget deficit at 0.9 percent of GDP, or around Rs400 billion, during the first quarter of the current fiscal – an achievement that was hailed by the IMF, but the country was advised to ensure full use of the budget to achieve the development goals, sources said on Friday. Sources said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Mission Chief Ramirez Rigo... Read More

‘Centre, provinces working closely on fiscal, taxation issues’

The Pakistan Today (Nov 01, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has said the federal and provincial governments are in continuous dialogue to improve coordination and create harmony on issues related to fiscal and budget management, multiplicity of tax rates and reconciliation of input adjustment. He made this observation while chairing a meeting at the Finance Division... Read More

Pakistan requests IMF to cut tax target by Rs300b

The Express Tribune (Nov 01, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has requested the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reduce the federal tax target by Rs300 billion to Rs5.2 trillion as shortfall in collection has widened to Rs167 billion in just four months of the current fiscal year. The request was made despite Prime Minister Imran Khan’s personal commitment to the nation that he would go all out to achieve... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 52 Oct 31, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Foreign Direct Investments–Economic Hope of Pakistan

The Business Recorder (Oct 31, 2019)
Pakistan's economy has seen several swings over the past few years. The PTI government rode to victory on the cry of economic reforms and their performance therein, became the litmus test to gauge the competency of this newborn government. Initially, the economy suffered several shocks and so did the psyche of the general populace. However, much to the chagrin of those who... Read More
 

Pakistan’s economy on right track IMF predicts Pak economic turnaround from 2020

The Gulftoday (Oct 31, 2019)
Adviser on finance Dr. Hafeez Sheikh has stated that the statistics of the first quarter of the current financial year indicate that the Pakistan’s economy is on the right track and it is gradually stabilising. He gave these remarks during a meeting with Pakistan’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations Munir Akram in Islamabad. The Adviser on Finance informed Munir Akram about the measures... Read More
 

Majority Pakistanis identify economy as biggest problem: poll

The Geo.tv (Oct 30, 2019)
A vast majority of Pakistani’s have identified economic problem, specifically inflation, as the biggest problem faced by the country, according to a Gilani Research Foundation survey released on Tuesday. A press release issued by the foundation said they concluded that the economy was the major problem for the people after carrying out a survey of a nationally representative sample across the four... Read More
 

Govt moving in right direction: IMF

The Nation (Oct 30, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday said that government is moving in right direction as it reduced the fiscal deficit and also the volatility in the exchange rate in last few months. The IMF has appreciated the positive results being produced by the policies and strategies put in place by the government to remove imbalances in the economy. “The volatility in the exchange... Read More
 

Revenue targets: Punjab finance minister expects Rs 250 billion budget surpluses

The Business Recorder (Oct 29, 2019)
Punjab Finance Minister Monday said that the province will be on almost Rs 250 billion budget surpluses if it is able to meet its revenue generation targets. The government had paid Rs 56 billion debt it owed from previous government in shape of contractors' bills. Addressing the launching ceremony of “Punjab Component of Ease of Doing Business 2020 report," the minister said ... Read More
 

Rising debt hinders Pakistan’s growth

The Express Tribune (Oct 29, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The vicious cycle of low economic growth and rising public debt has limited Pakistan’s fiscal space for propelling growth rate and the country faces difficulties in reducing the debt despite tightening fiscal policies, says a new regional outlook of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, Islamabad can reduce the accumulation of public debt by... Read More
 

CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee to meet on Nov 5

The Pakistan Today (Oct 28, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Amid uncertainty with regard to a possible sit-in of Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam leader Fazlur Rehman, the 9th Joint Cooperation Committee (JCC) of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the highest forum of the corridor, is scheduled to be held in Islamabad on November 5. The JCC, according to sources, would deliberate on recent developments pertaining to Main Line-1... Read More
 

IMF mission arrives in Pakistan amidst uncertain political situation

The Pakistan Today (Oct 28, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: While the country is going to face an uncertain political situation following the planned march by a political party towards Islamabad, a mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is visiting Pakistan to review and evaluate the country’s performance on implementation of the loan program — the $6 billion extended fund facility (EFF) given to the country. The IMF mission will... Read More
 

IMF mission arrives in Pakistan to evaluate performance under loan programme

The Dunyanews.tv (Oct 27, 2019)
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has sent its mission to review and evaluate Pakistan’s performance on implementation of its 39-month-long extended fund facility (EFF) worth $6 billion to the debt-ridden country as it hopes to secure the next tranche of approximately $460 million. The IMF mission will review Pakistan’s performance... Read More
 

Getting Pakistan out of FATF greylist: PM approves new strategy

The News (Oct 27, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Prime Minister, Imran Khan, formally approved a new strategy for implementation of 27 conditions of the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to get Pakistan out of its grey list. Imran chaired a high level meeting of the whole economic team as well as representatives of business community here on Saturday. The prime minister congratulated the departments... Read More
 

US budget deficit soars to almost $1 tn, highest since 2012

The Urdupoint.com(Oct 26, 2019)
Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Oct, 2019): America's budget deficit soared to nearly $1 trillion in the 2019 fiscal year as government borrowing swelled, the US Treasury announced Friday. The fourth straight year of broadening budget gaps underscored a new tolerance for yawning fiscal imbalances in the current political era. Republican... Read More
 

PM urges nation to pay taxes to build Pakistan

The Pakistan Today (Oct 26, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday urged citizens to play their role in the country’s progress and development by paying due taxes. Speaking to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) chairpersons, the premier emphasised the need for broadening the country’s tax base in order to provide the masses the best facilities. “Expanding...Read More
 

In Pakistan, businessmen worried about impact of sit-in on economy

The Express Tribune (Oct 25, 2019)
LAHORE: The upcoming Azadi March and possibility of yet another sit-in by opposition political parties have sparked a fresh wave of concern among the business community of Pakistan. Though the planned sit-in will take place in Islamabad, still businessmen, especially those focused on the export and import business, feel the political chaos would have adverse... Read More
 

In Pakistan, businesses continue to borrow amid economic slowdown

The Express Tribune (Oct 24, 2019)
KARACHI: Although Pakistan is facing an economic slowdown and there is a perception that almost every business is facing hardship, not all is bad. A few of the prominent businesses have continued to borrow more and make investments during these difficult times. The real estate sector, car manufacturers, information & telecommunications and pharmaceutical sectors remained... Read More
 

Sri Lanka parliament passes ambitious interim budget ahead of presidential election

The Reuters (Oct 24, 2019)
COLOMBO (Reuters) - The Sri Lankan parliament on Wednesday passed an ambitious interim budget weeks before a presidential election, with 1.47 trillion rupees ($8.11 billion) in spending for the first four months of 2020. The interim budget, passed unanimously in the 225-member parliament, expects 745 billion rupees in government revenue in the first four months of ... Read More
 

Pakistan seeks financing for CPEC’s western route

Express Tribune (Oct 23, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has once again sought Chinese financing for the western route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), requesting Beijing to sign a bilateral framework agreement for implementing the scheme that largely remains on papers due to funding constraints. The request was made during a meeting of the CPEC Joint Working Group on Transport Infrastructure ... Read More
 

2020 EU budget: Council cannot accept EP amendments

https://www.consilium.europa.eu (Oct 23, 2019)
The Council has informed the European Parliament that it cannot accept all the amendments for the 2020 EU budget adopted today in the Parliament’s plenary. This triggers a three-week conciliation process, which will start on 29 October. The Council and the Parliament will have until 18 November to bridge their differences... Read More
 

Global growth downgrade masks underlying economic strength

The Financial Times (Oct 22, 2019)
The IMF has sharply downgraded its forecast for global economic growth to its lowest level since the great recession of 2008-09 — but fears of another contraction are overblown, most data suggest. In private, policymakers are gloomy about the outlook. But the current slowdown — with just below 2 per cent growth per capita forecast for 2019 — would be a better performance ... Read More
 

IMF team to visit Pakistan as per schedule

The News (Oct 22, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Despite JUI-F’s march, the IMF’s review mission is scheduled to visit Islamabad from October 28 for holding parleys with Pakistani authorities under $6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Pakistani official sources insist that there is no change so far in the upcoming visit of IMF review mission. The IMF’s review mission will stay in Islamabad for two weeks for holding technical and policy... Read More
 

Attacking Pakistan’s Economy Via FATF

The Nation (Oct 21, 2019)
Pakistan is getting consistent blows from inimical International pro-Indian groups, the likes of FATF, for instance, if one can say. Hybrid war model has been launched against Pakistan as a joint venture of USA & India, which is being used to shatter our economy and derail our national progress. The retention of Pakistan in the grey list is a big jolt to its already fragile economy. Moreover, it has... Read More
 

3.3pc growth in FY19, govt policies have started making an impact: Finance Ministry

The Business Recorder (Oct 21, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Ministry of Finance has said that the government's macroeconomic adjustment and demand management policies for stabilization have started making an impact as visible in the moderate growth of 3.3 percent in the FY2019. As well as introduction of a host of measures to bring down inflation, jack up economic activities, strengthening of social security...Read More
 

Pakistan will achieve all FATF targets in time: Qureshi

The Express Tribune (Oct 20, 2019)
MULTAN / ISLAMABAD: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Saturday said the incumbent government would achieve all targets of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and get the country out of the anti-money laundering body’s grey list. Talking to media, he said, “India has failed to get Pakistan included in the FATF blacklist... Read More
 

Economy on the right path, Hafeez Shaikh tells US investors

The Express Tribune (Oct 20, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has said that Pakistan’s economy is on the right path to stabilisation and the US businesses should benefit from investment opportunities available in the country. “The US companies should expand their footprint in Pakistan,” said the finance adviser while attending a roundtable... Read More
 

Pakistan's economy moving forward on path of stability

The Radio.gov.pk (Oct 19, 2019)
Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance, Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has said that Pakistani economy is now moving forward on the path of progress and stability. He was speaking at a luncheon hosted by Pakistan Business Council in the honour of visiting Pakistani economic team in Washington. Dr Hafeez Shaikh informed the participants about current economic situation of... Read More

PM lauds his team for ‘turning around’ Pakistan’s economy

The Business Recorder (Oct 19, 2019)
Prime Minister Imran Khan has lauded his government for turning around Pakistan's economy within a year. In a tweet, the premier said that it is a great achievement of our economic team to turn around the economy within a year. The PM said foreign direct investment has witnessed an increase of 111.5 percent while foreign private investment has surged by 194 percent during this period... Read More

Economy on path to recovery

The Daily Times (Oct 18, 2019)
During the last one week, there were at least 39 news items that were worthy of big headlines; however, none of these were neither highlighted in print media nor discussed in talk shows. Perhaps, influenced by the opposition parties’ propaganda accusing the PTI government of the economic mess, they conveniently forgot that it was created during the last 10 years. It has to be mentioned... Read More

Pakistan warned to curb terrorist financing

The Financial Times (Oct 18, 2019)
Pakistan has been given an explicit warning that it must do more to curb terrorist financing, as it avoided being blacklisted by a global financial watchdog over its failure to tackle the issue. The Financial Action Task Force, the standard-setter on money laundering and terrorism funding, ruled it would keep Pakistan on its “greylist” until its next review in four months’ time, a boost for Prime Minister... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 51 Oct 17, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Foreign exchange: SBP reserves jump $56m to $7.8b

Express Tribune (Oct 17, 2019)
KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank increased 0.72% on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. Earlier, the reserves had spiralled downwards, falling below the $7-billion mark, which raised concern over Pakistan’s ability to meet its financing requirements. However, financial assistance from the United Arab... Read More
 

IMF predicts Pak economic turnaround from 2020

The News (Oct 17, 2019)
WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has estimated increase in economic growth for Pakistan after the year 2020. During a press conference here on Wednesday, Deputy Director Research of the IMF, Gian Milesi-Ferretti, observed that Pakistan has started implementing an ambitious programme with the IMF. "There's a need for a substantial fiscal adjustment. The deficit... Read More
 

Pakistan's debt to rise to over 78% of GDP: IMF

The Express Tribune (Oct 16, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: A new report, issued by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday, has said Pakistan’s public debt may surge this year to 78.6% of the total size of its economy, which is not only higher than the previous year but also in violation of an act of the parliament. The Global Financial Stability Report further said the budget deficit -gap between expenditures and revenues... Read More
 

IMF keeps macroeconomic projections unchanged

The Express Tribune (Oct 16, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has kept Pakistan’s macroeconomic projections unchanged in its World Economic Outlook report but has showed a slight increase in the unemployment rate, indicating the impact of slowing economy. The global lender on Tuesday released the “World Economic Outlook, Global Manufacturing Downturn, Rising Trade Barriers’’... Read More
 

Pakistan Faces Blacklisting Over Terrorism Financing and Money Laundering

The Time (Oct 15, 2019)
(ISLAMABAD) — Pakistan is trying to avoid getting blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force, a global watchdog, when it meets Wednesday in Paris. A report earlier this month by the task force’s Asia Pacific Group, which monitors Pakistan’s progress, is not encouraging. The report says Pakistan has fully implemented only one item from a list of 40 measures that the country should be... Read More
 

Hafeez flies to US to attend IMF/WB annual meeting

The News (Oct 15, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has flown to US for attending annual meeting of IMF/World Bank this week and on sidelines he will finalise schedule of next IMF review mission. Top official sources pointed out that the World Bank presented horrifying report about Pakistan’s economy indicating lowest real GDP growth of 2.4 percent, public ... Read More
 

Pakistan likely to miss inflation, public debt targets

Express Tribune (Oct 14, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has cut Pakistan’s economic growth forecast for the next two years and also projected that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government would miss inflation, public debt, and fiscal deficit reduction targets. The findings that the WB reported in its annual flagship report, the South Asia Economic Focus Fall 2019, have underpinned challenges that the government will face at least till the... Read More
 

FATF to discuss Pakistan’s measures today

The Express Tribune (Oct 14, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) will discuss today (Monday) steps taken by Pakistan to stop money laundering and terrorist financing in its plenary meeting that has started in Paris. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar is leading Pakistani delegation that will have formal talks with the global body. Representatives of more than 200 countries and... Read More
 

Development strategy, not charter of economy

Daily Times (Oct 13, 2019)
Pakistan’s national assembly has a tradition of hosting the most interesting budget sessions. Similar political antics are replayed every year; providing one with the impression that the theatrics performed by the members are not spontaneous but rehearsed and orchestrated, even when they are not. The house erupts into a ruckus soon after the Finance Minister presents the budget. The opposition... Read More
 

Trade and fiscal deficits are under control: Hafeez Shaikh

The Express Tribune (Oct 12, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The ills of Pakistan’s economy – trade and fiscal deficits – have been brought under control during the first quarter, both key indicators have shown improvement by approximately 35%, announced Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Saturday. While addressing a press conference in Islamabad, he said that the trade deficit... Read More
 

Trade deficit narrows 35% to 5.7 billion in Q1

The Express Tribune (Oct 12, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s trade deficit has narrowed nearly 35% to $5.7 billion in the first quarter due to compression of imports but the government must now start worrying about exports that are not picking up despite an Rs80-billion hit on revenues and inflicting a huge cost to the economy. Trade figures that the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) released on Friday showed... Read More
 

In Pakistan, large retailers to link outlets with FBR by Dec 1

The Express Tribune (Oct 11, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Thursday notified December 1, 2019 as the deadline for all large retailers to link their retail outlets with its electronic system aimed at capturing their real income. In case, the large-sized retailers fail to link their systems with the FBR, they would not be entitled to the reduced 14% sales tax, according to the FBR’s notification...Read More
 

IMF predicts govt’s gross debt to rise to 78.6 percent

The Pakistan Today (Oct 11, 2019)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected an increase in Pakistan’s gross debt by 1.9 percent to 78.6 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020 against 76.7 percent in 2019, reported Business Recorder. According to the IMF report “Fiscal Monitor, How to Mitigate Climate Change,” it is projected that the government gross debt would rise to 78.6 percent of GDP in 2020... Read More
 

SBP reserves increase $16m to $7.7b

Express Tribune (Oct 10, 2019)
KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank increased 0.21% on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. Earlier, the reserves had spiralled downwards, falling below the $7-billion mark, which raised concern over Pakistan’s ability to meet its financing requirements. However, financial assistance from the United Arab ... Read More
 

Moody's cuts growth forecast for India to 5.8%

Express Tribune (Oct 10, 2019)
NEW DELHI: Moody’s Investors Service on Thursday cut its growth forecast for India for the fiscal year that began in April to 5.8% from 6.2% and said a weaker growth outlook will dampen the prospects for fiscal consolidation. The ratings agency had lowered India’s growth forecast to 6.2% from 6.8% in August. India’s growth fell to a six-year low of 5% in the April-June quarter led ... Read More
 

Pakistan yet to receive foreign aid worth $21.6b

Express Tribune (Oct 09, 2019)
ISLAMABAD A staggering $21.6 billion worth of foreign economic assistance has remained undisbursed due to the long completion period of projects and also because of systemic inefficiencies that have put an extra burden on Pakistan in the shape of commitment charges on idle money. Out of the $21.6 billion, there was $3.9 billion worth of foreign grants that the international donors committed to... Read More
 

Russia Gazettes Law Implementing Tax Overhaul Measures of 2019 Budget Package

Bloombergtax.com (Oct 09, 2019)
The Russian Official Gazette Sept. 29 published a law implementing tax overhaul measures announced in the 2019 budget package. The law includes measures: 1) amending provisions for valuing intangible assets for transfer pricing purposes; 2) implementing amendments for mutual agreement procedures (MAP) to resolve transfer pricing and DTA disputes; 3) clarifying expense... Read More
 

Global Economy Suffering "Synchronized Slowdown", Says IMF Chief

The ndtv.com (Oct 08, 2019)
WASHINGTON: Grinding trade disputes are undermining the global economy, which is set to see its slowest growth in nearly a decade, the new IMF chief said Tuesday. Research shows the impact of the trade conflict is widespread and countries must be ready to respond in unison with cash infusions, Kristalina Georgieva said in her first speech as managing director of the International Monetary... Read More
 

World Bank sees Pakistan’s digital finance potential at $36 billion

The News (Oct 08, 2019)
KARACHI: The World Bank is bullish on Pakistan’s cashless economy potential, estimating it at significant $36 billion and projecting a straight seven percent boost to GDP with a real-time retail payments gateway, but all, it says depends on a widespread use of online financial transactions. “To unlock Pakistan’s $36 billion digital finance potential, it will take high-level commitment, faster payments... Read More
 

ADB approves $200 million for Pakistan's social welfare program

Dunyanews.com (Oct 07, 2019)
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved additional funds of $200 million for Pakistan under the social welfare programme and the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP). The amount will be utilised for social protection and help of 855,000 women under the BISP. Earlier in September, the ADB’s Asian Development Outlook 2019 (ADO) affirmed that Pakistan... Read More
 

Govt’s measures stabilise economy, rupee: Hammad Azhar

The News (Oct 07, 2019)
LAHORE: Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar Sunday said the government had managed to stabilise economy as well as improve rupee value against dollar by taking instant and effective measures. Addressing a news conference along with Punjab Industry and Trade Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal here, he said country’s economy would now enter into growth phase. He mentioned...Read More
 

China won't be able to save the world economy this time

The Japantimes.com (Oct 06, 2019)
NEW YORK – U.S. recession indicators are growing stronger and there’s one bigger-than-usual reason why the world should be worried: China isn’t coming to the rescue this time. Last week alone, a gauge of U.S. manufacturing unexpectedly fell to its weakest reading in a decade and payrolls at private companies grew less than forecast. Economists are starting to... Read More
 

Pakistan’s economy is expected to stabilise. Is growth next?

The Scroll.in (Oct 06, 2019)
By now almost everyone acknowledges that the consumption-driven growth model that Pakistan has come to rely on to achieve high growth rates is unsustainable. Most commentators also agree that Pakistan must shift towards exports as the key driver of growth. This narrative has given significant room to the present Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government to implement... Read More
 

Analysts: Pakistan Still at Risk of Being Placed on FATF Blacklist

The Voanews.com (Oct 05, 2019)
Pakistan remains at risk of being placed on the "blacklist" of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global watchdog monitoring terror financing and money laundering around the world, experts warn. The global watchdog's regional body — Asia Pacific Group (APG) — examined Pakistan's performance on key issues related to terror financing and money laundering at a two-day preliminary... Read More

Missing IMF revenue target may lead to mini-budget: PBIF chief

The Business Recorder (Oct 05, 2019)
Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF) President+ Mian Zahid Hussain has expressed fear that despite best efforts the government has missed quarterly revenue target set by the IMF, which may lead to a mini-budget. The revenue target of Rs1,071 billion has been missed by Rs116 billion despite the imposition of new taxes worth Rs735 billion and holding back refunds, he added. Mian... Read More

Sri Lanka budget deficit to expand to 5.4 to 5.6-pct in 2019

The Economynext.com (Oct 04, 2019)
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s budget deficit may reach 5.6 percent of gross domestic product in 2019, Treasury Secretary R H S Samaratunga said, which would be around the same levels as in 2018. The revised deficit could be 5.4 to 5.6 percent, Samaratunga said. Sri Lanka was originally targeting 4.4 percent of GDP for 2019. But the 5.6 percent out-turn would be around the same levels as the 5.4 ... Read More

Govt projected to add Rs19.3tr to public debt in 5 years

The Express Tribune (Oct 04, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is projected to add Rs19.3 trillion to the public debt in its five-year term – which will be equal to 80% of the debt piled up in the past 71 years, and the debt will remain at unsustainable levels, showed figures of the Ministry of Finance. The public debt, which was at Rs24.2 trillion or 72.1% of gross domestic... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 50 Oct 03, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Foreign exchange: SBP reserves dip $724m to $7.7b

Express Tribune (Oct 03, 2019)
KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank plunged 8.54% on a weekly basis, slipping below the $8-billion mark, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. Earlier, the reserves had spiralled downwards, falling below the $7-billion mark, which raised concern over Pakistan’s ability to meet its financing requirements. However, financial... Read More
 

Inflation jumps 11.4pc in September

The Dawn (Oct 03, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Inflation surged by 11.4 per cent year-on-year in September from, reported the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Wednesday. Inflation, measured through the Consumer Price Index (CPI), edged up by 0.77pc over the previous month after PBS revised its calculation methodology. Based on the new base year (2015-16), September inflation came in at 11.37pc... Read More
 

Punjab finance minister seeks clarity ahead of PFC award

The Express Tribune (Oct 02, 2019)
LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht asked the finance department to get explanations on Section 189 and 190 of new Local Government Act 2019 so that no lacuna is left once the provincial government awards the next Provincial Finance Commission (PFC). The minister also instructed the local government department to provide updated records of local government... Read More
 

Pakistan will not return to IMF again: SBP chief

The Express Tribune (Oct 01, 2019)
KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) governor is quite hopeful that the latest International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programme will be the last one and Pakistan will not need to go back to the lender in future. The recent structural reforms implemented under commitments made with the IMF had started providing much-needed support to the economy to enable it to stand on its own feet... Read More
 

Pakistan, Germany agree to boost economic cooperation

The APP (Oct 01, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani Tuesday said that Pakistan valued its bilateral relations with Germany and desired to further expand mutual collaboration in different sectors to bring people of the both the countries closer. He emphasized the need to further strengthen the existing bilateral relations between Pakistan and Germany through... Read More
 

Sri Lanka budget deficit reaches 4.4-pct of GDP by July

The Economynext.com (Sep 30, 2019)
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s budget deficit expanded to 684 about 4.4 percent of estimated gross domestic product by July 2019, up from 3.2 percent in 2019, as revenues were hit in the wake of a currency fall last year, official data shows. Sri Lanka budgeted a 4.4 percent of GDP deficit (685 billion rupees) for the full year 2019. Total revenues fell 4.4 percent from a year earlier to 1,031.9 billion rupees to... Read More
 

Macro-economy, IMF and local pressures

The Daily Times (Sep 30, 2019)
The IMF mission recently on a visit to Pakistan gave an optimistic prognosis as Pakistan’s economy is recovering and has shown progress with a decline in current account deficit and has projected a growth rate of 2.4 percent. The IMF mission stated that “Pakistan’s economic program is off to a promising start, but decisive implementation is critical to pave the way for stronger and sustainable... Read More
 

Contrasting outlook: Economists upbeat on growth prospects

The Pakistan Today (Sep 29, 2019)
KARACHI: Pakistan based economists have estimated growth of gross domestic product (GDP) better than the ones anticipated by international and regional lending institutions for the current fiscal year 2019-20. They expected GDP growth within the range of 2.5-3.5% compared to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) forecast of 2.4% and Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) 2.8% for ... Read More
 

Pakistan on fast track to reap CPEC benefits, says Chinese envoy

The Pakistan Today (Sep 29, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing on Sunday lauded Pakistan’s rising status as an economically developing country, as he revealed significant progress made on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects along with upcoming developments. He expressed was addressing the participants of the ‘Friends of Silk Road’ forum her held under the aegis... Read More
 

Consumers show low confidence in Pakistan’s economy: survey

The Express Tribune (Sep 28, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: People’s confidence in the economy has declined in Pakistan as compared to India and global trends but respondents still have hope for improvement in the situation in the next six months, according to an Ipsos opinion poll. Ipsos – global market research and consulting firm – has conducted a survey in Pakistan for its first wave of Global... Read More
 

Peddling knowledge to those on a budget

The Express Tribune (Sep 28, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: In a country where the pristine aisles of high-end bookstores often cater only to the elite, many throng weekly book bazaars in the quest to find more affordable and often used editions of their favourite pieces of literature. Laid on sidewalks or piled by a public square, these roadside vendors offer a variety of books ranging from history and politics to... Read More
 

ADB’s assessment

The Express Tribune (Sep 27, 2019)
Pakistan’s economy is having a hard time is no revelation. While the incumbent government, led by Prime Minister Imran Khan, is doing all it can to treat the ills, many an economic expert believe it is the remedy that has worsened the malady. The policies adopted by current economic managers, meant to achieve economic stability in a country with negligible FDI and exports totalling half as much as...Read More
 

Pakistan in midst of economic crisis says UN body

The Dawn (Sep 27, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The ‘Trade and Development Report 2019’ released by the United Nations on Thursday says that Pakistan’s economic crisis has not been resolved despite the fact that support from China and Saudi Arabia and a large IMF loan have helped address the immediate problem. In a brief comment on Pakistan in the Asia section, UNCTAD’s annual flagship report went on to say that “Pakistan is in the midst... Read More
 

Pakistan is no longer a pawn, a joke, a bystander on the world stage'

The News (Sep 26, 2019)
Pakistan has emerged as a responsible global player and a harbinger of peace under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan, according to an article recently published in British publication The Independent. It was just a year back, that cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan was unable to suppress a jubilant expression as his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf was elected into power. His victory... Read More
 

Slowdown to persist as stabilisation advances: ADB

The Dawn (Sep 26, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday forecast Pakistan’s economy to slow down further and set the GDP growth target at 2.8 per cent for FY20 given the need for government to address sizable fiscal and external balances. The ADB’s ‘Asian Development Outlook 2019 Update’ said fiscal adjustments would suppress domestic demand, and demand... Read More
 

Pakistan economy continues to stabilize amidst strong headwinds

The Dunyanews.tv (Sep 25, 2019)
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Pakistan’s economy in fiscal year (FY) 2019, which ended on 30 June, is showing signs of recovery as the government’s fiscal consolidation and austerity measures to address the structural weaknesses started to take effect. However, the growth rate moderated to 3.3% during the period reflecting persistent macroeconomic imbalances and heightened external challenges... Read More
 

Asian Development Bank issues outlook report for Pakistan

The Dawn (Sep 25, 2019)
The Asian Development Bank's Asian Development Outlook 2019 (ADO) reaffirms that the country's economy is expected to grow slower than last year, with GDP growth projected at 2.8 per cent in fiscal year 2020. The ADO, released on Wednesday, notes that growth in Pakistan had decelerated during fiscal year 2019 and this reflected "lower investment amid policy uncertainty... Read More
 

Economic Watch: An open China, a beacon for world economy

The XINHUANET (Sep 24, 2019)
BEIJING, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- From a semi-closed nation that barely had any overseas contact, to a world economic engine with high-level opening up in all aspects, China has made miracles in expanding its market and contributing to the world. Since China set up four special economic zones in Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Shantou and Xiamen in 1980, the country's steps of opening up its market have never stopped... Read More
 

Afghan transit trade ‘hurting Pakistan's economy’

The Arab News (Sep 24, 2019)
September 24: The Express Tribune report by Rizwan Asif states that the Directorate General of Trade functioning under the administration of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has revealed in its report that the Afghan transit and the Afghan imports were negatively affecting Pakistan’s economy and were the basic components of black economy in Pakistan... Read More
 

IMF Program

The Business Recorder (Sep 23, 2019)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) team led by Director Middle East and Central Asia Department Jihad Azour, including the mission leader for the 6 billion dollar Extended Fund Facility programme approved by the Fund Board on 3 July 2019, in a handout stated that "the near term macroeconomic outlook is broadly changed from the time of the programme approval with growth... Read More
 

Pakistan’s economy heading in right direction: PM

The APP (Sep 23, 2019)
NEW YORK, Sep 23 (APP):Prime Minister Imran Khan Monday said despite the momentous challenge of the biggest ever current account deficit inherited by his government, they had been restructuring the country’s economy which has now been put on the right track. Responding to questions during a conversation with in the US based think-tank Council on Foreign Relations...Read More
 

Over 30 percent of Pakistan’s workers laid off amid economic meltdown — industry insiders

The Arab News (Sep 22, 2019)
KARACHI: Pakistan’s economic meltdown has eroded between 30 and 40 percent jobs from the country’s labor market, pushing more people below the poverty line, as the country takes tough measures to implement conditions attached to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package, traders and economists said. Pakistan’s ruling... Read More
 

Pakistan gets $1.5b worth of foreign loans in Jul-Aug

The Express Tribune (Sep 22, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan received $1.5 billion or Rs237 billion worth of foreign loans in first two months of the current fiscal year, higher by 108% over the same period of the previous year, aimed at meeting the country’s financing needs. Foreign disbursements have started picking up following signing of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programme, which seeks $38... Read More
 

US, Pakistan to improve economic engagement

The News (Sep 21, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The United States and Pakistan on Friday agreed to concentrate American-funded programs on economic growth, improving energy sector and other priority areas. The agreement was made during a meeting between the US Ambassador to Pakistan Paul Jones and Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar. Officials of the United States Agency... Read More

Inflation to dip, risks still there

The News by Mehtab Haider (Sep 21, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to avoid repetition of one-off factors that escalated the worse than expected budget deficit, in the last fiscal and now it should not jeopardise the current fiscal year’s targets. “The IMF staff and Pakistani authorities have analysed the worse than expected fiscal results of FY2018/19, which were partially the ... Read More

Russian budget: Stability still a priority but pressure to spend remains

The MENAFN (Sep 20, 2019)
(MENAFN - ING) The budget still focuses on macro stability The new parameters of the 2019-2022 budget, that received preliminary approval by the government is advertised as focused on economic growth, however, new projections are not that different from the ones presented a year ago. We interpret this as more of a verbal response to GDP growth concerns rather than an actual... Read More

IMF asks Pakistan to consider longer SBP governor term

The News (Sep 20, 2019)
KARACHI: International Monetary Fund (IMF ) on Thursday proposed Pakistan to extend the central bank governor’s term up to five years from three to strengthen the institution’s independence, which has been questioned in past owing to repeated political interference in monetary and exchange rate policies. “The tenure of the governor needs to be lengthened... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 49 Sep 19, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Foreign exchange: SBP reserves jump $138m to $8.6b

Express Tribune (Sep 19, 2019)
KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank increased 1.63% on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. Earlier, the reserves had spiralled downwards, falling below the $7-billion mark, which raised concern over Pakistan’s ability to meet its financing requirements. However, financial assistance from the United Arab... Read More
 

The IMF comes a calling

The Business Recorder (Sep 19, 2019)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will not revise targets already agreed, so stated the Fund's Director for the Middle East and Central Asian Department during the press conference held jointly with the Pakistan economic team led by Hafeez Sheikh and Reza Baqir. This should be a source of serious concern for Pakistan's non-political economic managers and more particularly for Prime Minister... Read More
 

Pakistan taking economic reforms, showing impressive performance: IMF

The Business Recorder (Sep 18, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: IMF’s Director Middle East and Central Asia Jihad Azour on Tuesday said Pakistan had showed impressive performance by carrying out economic reforms in accordance with the Extended Fund Facility of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “It is a new programme and it is important to give some time to the government for taking more reform measures to show good... Read More
 

Where is the economy going?

The News (Sep 18, 2019)
Mohammad Ali Tabba’s interview regarding business conditions has sent shockwaves across the country. Tabba is one of Pakistan’s best known and dynamic businessmen. Over the last many years, his group has invested heavily in the country in many sectors and can rightly be regarded as a major contributor to Pakistan’s economic growth. So, when negative comments come from a... Read More
 

Unchanged discount rate: SBP decision to play havoc with budget deficit: expert

The News (Sep 17, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan’s decision to keep discount rate unchanged at 13.25 percent will play havoc with the budget deficit as one percent policy rate exceeds deficit to the tune of Rs130 billion on per annum basis. The Ministry of Finance has estimated that the one percent hike in policy rate translates into increasing budget deficit to the tune of Rs130 billion on annual bases. “When real... Read More
 

Teachers demand fixing of minimum 7pc budget for education

The News (Sep 17, 2019)
Islamabad: Pakistan Teachers Association on Monday demanded to the government to fix seven per cent as minimum budget out of total for the education sector in the country. While talking to APP, the Senior Leadership of the Association urged the government to implement Uniform Education System properly and it should be according to the Ideology of Pakistan. They also called for bringing... Read More
 

SBP retains interest rate at 13.25% for next two months

The Express Tribune (Sep 16, 2019)
KARACHI: In line with the market expectations, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has left the key interest rate unchanged at an eight-year high of 13.25% for the next two months. The SBP Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announced status quo in the rate to control inflation, which remained high in the first two months (July-August) of the current fiscal year 2020 due to late impact from the... Read More
 

FATF and IMF conditions: Pakistan may seek US intervention for relief

The News (Sep 16, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan may seek US intervention for relief from the FATF and IMF’s tough conditions, as both would be reviewing its position in the light of conditions set out by them. The final meeting of the FATF will be held in October in Paris which will decide whether to keep Pakistan in the grey list or place it out, a federal cabinet member told The News. “The FATF is going to... Read More
 

Rudderless economy idles in reform-resistant Pakistan

The News (Sep 15, 2019)
LAHORE: Economy recently suffered two tremors in a row. One of them was a disappointing increase of 1.21 percent in exports in August, while the other a double-digit fall in remittances last month, as compared to the money sent home by overseas Pakistani workers in the month of July 2019. The current account deficit has definitely reduced due to shrinking imports, but what good will ... Read More
 

IMF SOS mission to arrive in Pakistan

The Dunya News (Sep 15, 2019)
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – International Monetary Fund (IMF) is sending its SOS (Save Our Soul) mission to Pakistan for suggesting ways to the cash-strapped government to curtail the budget deficit being faced by the country. The IMF expressed concern over Pakistan’s economic performance in the first two months and is sending its SOS mission to Islamabad. The mission will be vising Pakistan to... Read More
 

Remittances dive 17% after Eid boost

The Express Tribune (Sep 14, 2019)
KARACHI: Remittances sent home by overseas Pakistanis showed a decline of 17.1% in August 2019 because of the post-Eidul Azha impact. Overseas Pakistanis remitted $1.7 billion in August, down $348.4 million compared to inflows of $2.04 billion in the preceding month, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday. Inflows had surged in the past two months on account of... Read More
 

Pakistan needs to mobilise domestic tax revenue: IMF

The Express Tribune (Sep 13, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: International Monetary Fund (IMF) spokesperson Gerry Rice has said that one of the key elements of the global lender’s Pakistan programme was the need to mobilise domestic tax revenue to fund the much needed social and development spending while placing debt on a firm downward trend. “And this was actually something that our acting Managing Director, David Lipton...Read More
 

Pakistan likely to miss IMF's tax refund condition

The Express Tribune (Sep 13, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to miss the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) condition to refund Rs75 billion to taxpayers in the first quarter despite an incentive by the global lender that will soften the tough primary budget deficit reduction target if the country performs better in tax refunds. Under the $6 billion IMF loan deal, Pakistan is required to reduce the primary budget deficit – calculated... Read More
 

An autopsy of the Pakistan’s economic crisis

Daily Times by Salahuddin Bhutto (Sep 12, 2019)
Pakistan is the country of 208 million people. Its population is growing at the rate of nearly three percent annually. This means the country will need more and more funds and infrastructure to sustain quality life of its people in future. However, an autopsy of the state’s present economic outlook has revealed that the past and current economic policies have failed to achieve long-term objectives... Read More
 

Pakistan’s fate at FATF still hangs in balance

The Express Tribune (Sep 12, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has made some good progress in addressing deficiencies in combating the financing of terrorism framework but its fate still hangs in balance as more work is still needed on the most critical indicators –the terror financing investigations and prosecution. The Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) Asia-Pacific Joint Group (AP-Joint Group) held face-to-face meetings... Read More
 

Russia’s Expo Bank takes keen interest in Pakistan’s financial sector

Pakistan Today (Sep 11, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Expobank Chairman Igor Vladimirovich Kim has expressed keen interest to invest in Pakistan’s financial sector. Talking to Privatisation Minister Muhammad Mian Soomro and Board of Investment (BoI) Chairman Zubair Gilani at the BoI Headquarters on Wednesday, Kim said that his team would analyse the opportunities for the procurement of public sector entities that... Read More
 

Govt working on IMF’s demand

The Nation (Sep 10, 2019)
ISLAMABAD - The government is working on International Monetary Fund’s demand to ensure the system to electronically monitor the production and supply of cigarettes. Chairman Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Shabbar Zaidi has summoned a meeting of all tobacco manufacturers on September 12 2019 in order to have their views for installation of Track and Trace system... Read More
 

Pakistan enters 2nd round of talks with FATF

The Express Tribune (Sep 09, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has entered the second round of talks pertaining to the implementation of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) action plan in Bangkok, said sources in the Ministry of Finance, The Pakistani delegation is led by Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar and includes officials from the Federal Investigation Agency, State Bank of Pakistan, the Federal Board of ... Read More
 

China expedites work on $1.7bn Matiari-Lahore transmission line

Pakistan Today (Sep 09, 2019)
BEIJING: China has expedited its initial work on the Matiari-Lahore high-voltage direct transmission line project valued at $1.7 billion. To kick off the project, a Chinese company has shipped power equipment to Pakistan for the country’s first transmission project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework. Fushun Electric Porcelain Manufacturing Company (FEPMC) shipped... Read More
 

‘China plans to invest $1b in development projects in Pakistan’

Express Tribune (Sep 08, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The pace of development projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is satisfactory, said Ambassador of China to Pakistan Yao Jing Talking to a delegation at the Islamabad Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI), led by its Founder President Samina Fazil, he said that that the second phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement (CPFTA) will be finalised... Read More
 

Govt plans to raise $1b from int’l market by issuing Sukuk bonds

The Nation (Sep 08, 2019)
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has planned to raise at least one billion dollars from international market by issuing Sukuk bonds in next couple of months that would help in building the country’s foreign exchange reserves. The federal cabinet had already allowed ministry of finance to initiate Medium-Term Notes (MTN) programme covering both Eurobonds and Sukuk. An official of the...Read More
 

0.6 percent primary deficit agreed with IMF: Government banking on Rs 800 billion non-tax revenue

The Business Recorder (Sep 07, 2019)
The government is banking on Rs 800 billion non-tax revenue from renewal of cellular licenses, privatization of two power plants and State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) profit to get close to 0.6 percent primary deficit agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under $6 billion extended fund facility (EFF). Providing details, Finance Ministry officials stated that it expects Rs 300... Read More
 

Economy not being fixed

The Pakistan Today (Sep 07, 2019)
The International Monetary Fund finds it has to set a technical mission soon after giving Pakistan a $6 billion Extended Finance Facility, because the core or primary deficit in 2018-2019 has gone far beyond all the projections. As the targets set by the IMF for the EFF were based on the reining in of the primary deficit, failure to achieve it would mean that all other targets would... Read More
 

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia review progress on energy MoUs

The Nation (Sep 06, 2019)
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on Thursday reviewed progress on the existing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in energy sector and discussed possibilities for further expansion of mutual cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields. In a delegation level meeting, the two sides resolved to expedite the work on different MoUs signed in... Read More

IMF to Send SOS Team to Cash-strapped Pakistan to Curtail Budget Deficit

The News18 (Sep 06, 2019)
Islamabad: The IMF is sending its SOS mission to Pakistan this month for suggesting ways to the cash-strapped government to curtail the yawning budget deficit being faced by the country, according to a media report on Friday. In July, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) formally approved a USD 6 billion loan to Pakistan, which is facing "significant" economic challenges on the back of "large"... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 47 August 22, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Foreign investment down 22pc

Dawn (Aug 22, 2019)
KARACHI: The total foreign investment plunge d by 22 per cent in the first month of this fiscal year, reported the latest data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday. The total investment fell to $107.2 million during July, lower by 21.64pc over $136.8m recorded in same month of the previous year. This could possibly be a worrying sign for the government which has been met ... Read More
 

Another hurdle crossed as FATF meetings loom

Dawn (Aug 22, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Asia-Pacific Group a regional affiliate of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-hasadopted Pakistan`s third Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) on strengthening of anti-money laundering and countering financing terrorism (AML/ CFT) safeguards and is expected to mal(e public its assessment shortly. The Ministry of Finance on Wednesday said the 22nd Annual ... Read More
 

Economic front of Pakistan (PTI’s one year)

The Daily Times (Aug 21, 2019)
A Year is lapsed for PTI that came into power first time with rhetoric to make a new Pakistan by brining corruption free good governance. If one may execute a quantitative analysis, economic indicators may be assumed as a tool of performance together with recovery figures through accountability and broadening of Tax Net. Good news is that the Current Account... Read More
 

Pakistan current account deficit shrinks massive 73% in July

The Express Tribune (Aug 21, 2019)
KARACHI: Pakistan’s current account deficit narrowed a significant 73% to $579 million in July, the first month of the current fiscal year, following the government’s agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on implementing tough measures for a bailout of $6 billion. The current account deficit stood at $2.13 billion in the same month of last year, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported... Read More
 

Global economic slowdown set to hit Pakistan’s exports

The Gulf Times (Aug 20, 2019)
Internews Karachi: Troubled Pakistan’s economy is feared to face a shockwave as most global economic data harbouring an undercurrent recession shows it could hurt the country’s export sector and impede remittance inflows, analysts and economists said. But, some of them also find rescuer to feeble external account position in downward trend in oil prices. Former finance ... Read More
 

Aid cut improved ties with Pakistan: Trump

The Dawn (Aug 20, 2019)
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said his country’s ties with Pakistan have improved since he cut $1.3 billion in security assistance to Islamabad, rejecting the suggestion that aid is an effective foreign policy tool. Talking to reporters at his golf resort in New Jersey on Sunday evening, the US leader also recalled his July 22 meeting with Prime Minister Imran... Read More
 

Govt. will announce Rs.900 billion development budget for the next year: Special Assistant to PM

The Techjuice.pk.com (Aug 19, 2019)
Special Assistant to the PM on Political Affairs Naeemul Haq while expressing his view on the government’s first-year performance report said that the government will announce Rs. 900 billion development budget for the next year against Rs. 500 billion of the current year. PTI govt while presenting the report claimed that the country had been put on the right track and people would start getting... Read More
 

A year in economy

The News (Aug 19, 2019)
One year ago, there was great hope when the PTI took power. Despite some very familiar faces splattered across the party, Pakistan was getting a brand new prime minister and finance minister. Imran Khan and Asad Umar took over the difficult task of steering Pakistan’s economy on August 18, 2018. On April 18, 2019, only seven months in, Asad Umar was gone. For half a decade, the PTI had insisted... Read More
 

Of 19 budgets since 2000, only five were deficit

The Express Tribune (Aug 18, 2019)
PESHAWAR: The budget outlay of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) has shown that out of 19 years of provincial budgets, five budgets have been listed deficits, while 14 of them have been found to be surplus budgets in the ongoing years, starting from the year 2000. The documents released from the federal finance ministry related to Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa’s budgets since the beginning... Read More
 

Pakistani premier’s first year: economic hit and miss

The Dawn (Aug 18, 2019)
Mohammad Tariq was one of the millions of Pakistanis who voted in the July 2018 elections for first-time Prime Minister Imran Khan and his campaign to build a corruption-free Islamic welfare state, better employment and civic amenities. But for Tariq, things have even gone from bad to worse during the first year of Prime Minister Imran's government. Unlike his predecessor... Read More
 

FBR constitutes committee to finalise tax regime for traders

The Express Tribune (Aug 17, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Friday constituted a committee to finalise a new income tax regime for traders, as the government and the traders remain poles apart over the key issue of disclosing their identity for trading purposes. The 15-member committee has been directed to finalise a “fixed tax scheme for small traders/shopkeepers and simplified... Read More
 

Foreign exchange: SBP reserves rise 6.93% to $8.26b

The Express Tribune (Aug 17, 2019)
KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank increased 6.93% on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Saturday. Earlier, the reserves had spiralled downwards, falling below the $7-billion mark, which raised concern over Pakistan’s ability to meet its financing requirements. However, financial assistance from the United Arab Emirates...Read More
 

Indonesia president proposes $178bn budget for 2020 with focus on education

Pakistan Today (Aug 16, 2019)
JAKARTA: Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Friday proposed a 2,528.8 trillion rupiah ($177.56 billion) budget to parliament for 2020, focusing spending on human resources, which was central in his re-election campaign. The 2020 budget proposals set a target of 5.3pc growth in gross domestic product (GDP), the same as this year’s, although officials have often said 2019 growth would probably... Read More
 

US Aid to Pakistan reduced by $440 million

The Global Village Space (Aug 16, 2019)
News Desk |The United States has made further reductions in the aid delivered to Pakistan, reducing it by $440 million as per the commitments made under the Kerry Lugar Berman Act. The current aid is $4.1 billion, which is slightly more than half of the total amount that was promised to Islamabad in 2010. The aid was allocated to Pakistan under the Kerry Lugar Berman Act in 2009, and the... Read More
 

Pakistan’s economic situation is changing: Reza Baqir

The Pakistan Today (Aug 15, 2019)
KARACHI: Pakistan’s economy is facing with a number of problems and uncertainty but the situation is changing, said State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Reza Baqir on Wednesday while addressing the flag hoisting ceremony held at the State Bank Building to celebrate the country’s 73rd Independence Day. Baqir admitted that the economy is weak, unemployment is rising and inflation is... Read More
 

De-notify Debt Inquiry Commission immediately

The Express Tribune (Aug 14, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: According to a news story, the Debt Inquiry Commission has questioned the Ministry of Privatisation and the Ministry of Energy over the closure of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and the decision to privatise liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fired power plants. Haveli Bahadur Shah and Balloki power plants, which were based on LNG, were set up during the tenure of previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz... Read More
 

IMF conditionality: government repays Rs 1.3 trillion to SBP

The Business Recorder (Aug 14, 2019)
The federal government has repaid some Rs 1.3 trillion to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in the first month of this fiscal year (FY19) to meet the International Monetary Fund (IMF) condition. While, obtaining a 36-month $6 billion bailout package, Pakistan has agreed with the IMF that financing from SBP for budget deficit will be eliminated to support the new monetary policy framework as the Fund... Read More
 

A $1 trillion US budget deficit is one big reason the Fed may have to cut rates

The CNBC News (Aug 13, 2019)
If low inflation, a wobbly economy and tariff jitters weren’t enough to push the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates, there’s also the simple reason of the swelling national debt. The recent debt deal struck between the White House and Congress virtually guarantees trillion-dollar deficits well into the future as well as continued acceleration of the government’s collective IOU, which is now... Read More
 

Govt converts short-term debt into long term bonds

The Express Tribune (Aug 11, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has restructured its short-term domestic debt by quietly issuing long-term Pakistan Investment Bonds (PIBs) to the central bank, dramatically increasing the share of long-term debt to Rs15.3 trillion or 74% of the total domestic debt. The conversion of federal government’s short-term borrowings from the central bank into... Read More
 

Pakistan receives $500 million as ADB bets on economic recovery

The News (Aug 11, 2019)
KARACHI: Pakistan has received $500 million in loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as the policy-based lending from the lender resumed after having remained suspended for two years due to ‘extremely high macroeconomic imbalances’, a minister said on Saturday. Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar said the first tranche of $500 million has been received from the ADB. Manila-based... Read More
 

Overseas Pakistanis send home $2.03 billion in July

The Express Tribune (Aug 10, 2019)
KARACHI: In line with market expectations, Pakistan received higher remittance inflows worth $2.03 billion from overseas Pakistanis in the first month – July – of the current fiscal year 2019-20 ahead of Eidul Azha. The inflows were almost 3% higher than the $1.98 billion received in the same month last year. July was also followed by Eidul Azha in the preceding year...Read More
 

Public debt skyrockets to Rs 31.8tr in FY19

The Express Tribune (Aug 10, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: In a dangerous development, the federal government added Rs7.6 trillion to public debt in the last fiscal year, which skyrocketed to Rs31.8 trillion by the end of June and it was equal to 71% of the total debt that the PML-N government had taken in its five-year term. The addition to public debt in the previous fiscal year was also more than the total public debt that the... Read More
 

Pakistan suspends trade ties with India. Who gains, who loses from Imran Khan’s move

The India Today (Aug 09, 2019)
NEW DELHI: Relations between India and Pakistan worsened on Wednesday when Pakistan decided to downgrade diplomatic ties with India, recall its high commissioner from New Delhi, expel the Indian envoy to Islamabad and suspend bilateral trade. These decisions were taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in... Read More
 

IMF package to bring economic stability

The Nation (Aug 09, 2019)
PESHAWAR - Resident representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Pakistan Office, Ms Maria Teresa Daban Sanchez has made it clear that the harsh budgetary measures taken by the government of Pakistan in the recent budget are not part of the IMF fresh financial bailout package. While speaking in a meeting here at Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Ms ... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 48 Sep 05, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

IMF deal could be renegotiated

Express Tribune (Sep 05, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The government on Wednesday did not rule out the possibility of renegotiating the $6 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal amid an admission by the tax authorities, for the first time, that they may collect between Rs4.8 trillion to Rs5.2 trillion in taxes in light of existing economic realities. The questions about renegotiating the IMF deal started surfacing after the IMF and the... Read More
 

Govt rules out any mini-budget in near future

Dawn (Sep 05, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Amid criticism from both government and opposition members of the National Assembly over price hike and other monetary and fiscal policies, the government on Wednesday ruled out any mini-budget in the near future, saying the improvement in revenue collection would be made through technological and administrative measures. This was the crux of a meeting of the National... Read More
 

Govt borrowed only Rs3.44 trillion to finance budget deficit: ministry

The News (Sep 04, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Finance on Tuesday explained that total debt and liabilities increased by Rs10.33 trillion in the last fiscal year, however, the government has just borrowed Rs3.44 trillion to finance its budget deficit. In a statement issued here on Tuesday night, the Finance Ministry stated that the government has borrowed only Rs3.44 trillion to finance its budget deficit during FY 2018-19... Read More
 

August inflation accelerates to 10.49pc

Pakistan Today (Sep 03, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Consumer Price Index (CPI)-based monthly inflation grew by 10.49pc in August 2019, as compared to the same month of last year. On a month-on-month basis, the CPI national (with base year 2015-16) for the month of August 2019 increased by 1.64pc over July 2019, Member Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) National Accounts member Dr Bahrawar Jan told the media at a press... Read More
 

Business reforms imperative to boost industrial growth: Dawood

Pakistan Today (Sep 03, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: By introducing business reforms in the country, the government intends to boost its industrial and commercial potential, said Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, adding that the government remains committed to increasing the volume of exports through tariff rationalisation, improving the inflow of trade-related investment and introducing... Read More
 

Economy in red zone, govt should step down: PML-N

The News (Sep 03, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Monday that the country's economy is in red zone and the government should resign it is unable to run the country. While criticising government’s Kashmir policy, PML-N has decided to requisition an emergency session of the National Assembly to discuss the vital issue in the House. Addressing a press conference... Read More
 

Yuan’s fall may increase Pakistan’s trade deficit with China

Express Tribune (Sep 02, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The recent currency devaluation by China, which has brought the yuan-dollar parity to the lowest level since 2008, as part of its efforts to offset the impact of its tariff war with the United States, doesn’t augur well for Pakistan. The yuan’s sharp devaluation means that, all else equal, Pakistan’s exports to China will become less competitive, while imports from China will become... Read More
 

Sindh’s economy - challenges and solutions

Express Tribune (Sep 02, 2019)
NORTHAMPTON: The field of microeconomic analysis within the broader domain of economics attempts to explain the behaviour of individuals and organisations in a given economy. Taking the same philosophy and projecting it on a country level, regional studies explain the underlying economic and social trends of regions under the wider national fabric. A recent... Read More
 

High interest rate restricts private-sector borrowing

Express Tribune (Sep 01, 2019)
LAHORE: The All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) has urged the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to review its policies and facilitate the private sector because credit offtake fell to Rs607.5 billion in fiscal year 2018-19 against Rs618.2 billion in the previous fiscal year owing to interest rate hike. The key interest rate has been increased from 6.5% to 13.25% in just one year... Read More
 

High interest rate restricts private-sector borrowing

Express Tribune (Sep 01, 2019)
LAHORE: The All Pakistan Business Forum (APBF) has urged the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to review its policies and facilitate the private sector because credit offtake fell to Rs607.5 billion in fiscal year 2018-19 against Rs618.2 billion in the previous fiscal year owing to interest rate hike. The key interest rate has been increased from 6.5% to 13.25% in just one year... Read More
 

FATF sets new targets for Pakistan

The Pakistan Today (Aug 31, 2019)
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has set new targets for Pakistan in which terror financing, as well as the sale of jewellery and prize bonds, would be monitored. As reported by a private media outlet, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and National Counter Terrorism... Read More
 

Economy now capable of absorbing shocks: SBP chief

The Express Tribune (Aug 31, 2019)
KARACHI : Pakistan has achieved the most crucial milestone of economic stability. Improvement in foreign currency reserves, achieved through structural reforms under the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) loan programme, has helped create a buffer for absorbing internal and external financial shocks, says the central bank chief. “The State Bank’s policy and our outlook ...Read More
 

FBR to witness another month of alarming shortfall in revenue

Pakistan Today (Aug 30, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is going to witness another month of major shortfall, as the board only managed to collect around Rs241 billion so far in August 2019, against the monthly target of Rs357.3 billion. Keeping in view the track record of revenue collection in the first 29 days of August, the FBR may collect around Rs260 billion by the end of the month, a shortfall of around Rs97... Read More
 

Record budget deficit shows PM’s failure: PPP

The News (Aug 30, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Thursday said that the record budget deficit shows the inability of the prime minister and his team to run the country. How this selected government will overcome the budget deficit of Rs3000 billion,” asked Secretary Information PPP Parliamentarians Dr Nafeesa Shah while reacting to the finance report by Ministry of Finance. Dr ... Read More
 

Revised macroeconomic data

The Business Recorder (Aug 29, 2019)
Consolidated Budgetary Operation (CBO) statement for 2018-19 released by the Ministry of Finance is extremely disturbing as macroeconomic data (finalised) is markedly divergent from what was presented in the budget documents for the current fiscal year - data that was critical to enabling the Pakistan economic team led by Dr Hafeez Sheikh, Advisor to the... Read More
 

Provinces help in keeping budget deficit below 9pc of GDP

The News (Aug 29, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s budget deficit would have definitely crossed 9 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the fiscal year 2018-19 if the provinces had failed to generate revenue surplus of Rs138.87 billion. With highest ever budget deficit of Rs3,444 billion or 8.9 percent of GDP under first year rule of PTI, Pakistan’s primary deficit also climbed to 3.6 percent of GDP for... Read More
 

The ballooning deficit

Pakistan Today (Aug 28, 2019)
The 2018-2019 budget deficit was out of control. The figures are almost too wild to be true, but since they are contained in the Finance Ministry’s own Budget Operations Statement, they have to be believed. Not only was the budget deficit for 2018-2018 the highest on record, but in terms of percentage of the GDP, at 8.9 percent the highest in at least 40 years. This has happened even though development spending was... Read More
 

Pakistan's budget deficit widens to 8.9% of GDP in 2018/19

Reuters (Aug 27, 2019)
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan’s budget deficit widened to 8.9% of gross domestic product in the financial year that ended in June, according to data on Tuesday that underlines the severe economic crisis facing the country. The deficit size compared with a 7.1% estimate Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government gave in June and with 6.6% during the year that ended in June 2018... Read More
 

PTI govt books highest-ever budget deficit of Rs3.45tr

Express Tribune (Aug 27, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: In the first year of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, public finances deteriorated further with budget deficit rising to a record Rs3.45 trillion or 8.9% of the size of national economy because of its sheer failure to enhance revenues and control expenditures. Official figures released by the Ministry of Finance on Tuesday confirmed that the PTI government exceeded its budget deficit... Read More
 

Textile industry on the edge

Express Tribune (Aug 26, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to the White House late last month had been the focal point for all the print, electronic and social media. However, unlike meetings held in tenures of previous governments, this one was not about financial aid, fighter jets, weapons or any other form of financial assistance, rather it brought good news and provided some relief at a time when economic... Read More
 

A wicked trade-off between development and reforms

Express Tribune (Aug 26, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The first-year of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is over, but is the crisis over also? Let’s look at the claims of both critics and admirers of the PTI administration. The critics cite economic downturn, high inflation, high-interest rate, high unemployment, low level of exports, higher debt and now deceleration in large-scale industrial growth as main indicators...Read More
 

Pakistan govt bans creation of new jobs, purchase of vehicles to fight rising budget deficit

India Today (Aug 25, 2019)
Islamabad, Aug 25 (IANS) Pakistan's Imran Khan government has banned the creation of new posts, purchase of all vehicles, rationalised utilities spending, provision of one newspaper and decided to keep other expenditures at the bare minimum under its austerity drive for the current fiscal year, said media reports. According to media reports, the increasing budget deficit is a major concern... Read More
 

If IMF target not met, govt to move mini-budget or cut development budget

The News (Aug 25, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: In the wake of rapidly worsening fiscal position and for fulfilling the IMF condition on primary deficit, the government is left with no other options but to make policy choices either to go for mini budget or slash down development budget. Top official sources said that the policy choices will have to be made in first half of the current fiscal year as the IMF mission was expected to visit Islamabad... Read More
 

Pakistan fast gaining access to markets of developed nations

Express Tribune (Aug 24, 2019)
KARACHI: Pakistan is fast strengthening trade ties and getting access to markets of several developed countries around the globe in an attempt to increase exports, which is a must to do away with the pressure on the rupee, build foreign currency reserves and steer the country out of the financial crisis. “We have got increased market access to China, Europa... Read More

PM for preparing roadmap to revive economy

The News (Aug 24, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Taking notice of plunging into severe slowdown, Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed his economic team to prepare a roadmap for revival of national economy aligned with IMF conditions to kickstart sluggish economic activities. The independent economists are expressing their apprehensions that Pakistan is moving towards stagflation where the stabilisation programme under tight nose of IMF scrutiny will... Read More

Pakistan gets $440m worth of fresh loans in July

Express Tribune (Aug 23, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan received $440 million in fresh loans last month amid a gradual shift in the financing source from China to multilateral creditors due to completion of many China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. The borrowing of $440 million in July 2019 included $173.3 million in commercial loans from Dubai Bank and a consortium of... Read More

Different challenges for Pakistan economy

The Nation (Aug 23, 2019)
Pakistan has been facing different challenges regarding its economy. The economic situation of Pakistan is very critical and people are looking towards the solution of these challenges. Pakistan has different opportunities which can help it to solve its economic problem. But without tackling long term challenges and problems decisively, the country will no longer be able to take advantages... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 46 August 08, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Govt to return $10bn foreign debt during current fiscal year: Hammad Azhar

The Nation (Aug 08, 2019)
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar informed the National Assembly on Thursday that the government would return over $10 billion foreign debt during the current fiscal year۔ Replying to various supplementary questions during question hour, Hammad Azhar said the incumbent government returned US $ 8.39 billion foreign debt... Read More
 

ADB approves &500m loan for budgetary support

Express Tribune (Aug 08, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday approved a $500-million loan for budgetary support to Pakistan, restoring policy-based lending after keeping it suspended for over two years due to deterioration in macroeconomic conditions. The ADB board of directors approved the $500 million in budgetary support under the $800-million... Read More
 

‘Exports surge 14.2pc, imports drop 18.3pc in July’

Pakistan Today (Aug 07, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood said on Wednesday that Pakistan’s exports had increased by 14.23pc in July this year, as compared to the same month of last year. In term of dollars, the country’s exports increased from $1.63 billion in July 2018 to $1.87 billion in July 2019, the adviser informed while addressing a press conference at the ... Read More
 

Budget 2019: A step towards a future-fit India

The Fortune India (Aug 07, 2019)
Union Budget 2019 clearly underscores the theme of enablement, ease of living, and ease of doing business. Directed at enabling the world’s largest democracy to be fit for the future, institutional reforms and green technology-led growth are its underlying essence. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman has driven home the point that to be a $5-trillion economy in the next five years, proactive actioning of her pithy phrases... Read More
 

US delegation lauds Pakistan’s economic reforms agenda

Pakistan Today (Aug 06, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: A US delegation, led by its Ambassador in Pakistan Alice G Wells, called on Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Abdul Hafeez Shaikh at the Finance Division on Tuesday. Hafeez Shaikh briefed the visiting delegation on measures pertaining to economic reforms being undertaken by the government, saying that recent steps would ensure economic... Read More
 

IMF’s $6bn EFF program meant for economic reform, growth in Pakistan: Resident Representative IMF

Business Recorder (Aug 06, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Resident Representative, International Monitory Fund (IMF), Pakistan Office, Ms Maria Teresa Daban Sanchez on Monday said $6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program for Pakistan intend to support the economic reform program and sustainable economic growth of the country. The goals of the IMF package in the medium term is debt sustainability... Read More
 

Import of agricultural machinery surges 8.73pc in FY19

Pakistan Today (Aug 05, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The import of agricultural machinery into the country during the financial year 2018-19 witnessed an increase of 8.73pc, as compared the corresponding period of last year. According to the data released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, agriculture machinery worth $135.312 million was imported during the period from July-June 2018-19, as compared the import... Read More
 

Better than Egypt, Pakistan still has bumpy road ahead

Express Tribune (Aug 05, 2019)
LAHORE: Pakistan has a long history of signing the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programmes to address its balance of payments crisis and structural economic imbalances. There is much talk about imitating the IMF recipe practised in Egypt recently to address Pakistan’s lingering balance of payments challenge and other structural adjustment issues. So, there is a need to compare and analyse ... Read More
 

Pakistan to get 13 million euros from European Union

Express Tribune (Aug 04, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to initiate a five-year programme 2019-2024 in cooperation with the European Union to ensure rule of law in the country along with good governance, reforms in human rights department and decrease in poverty with a cost of 13 million euros. The draft between Pakistan and European... Read More
 

IMF may ask govt to bring mini budget if FBR shortfall widens

The Nation (Aug 04, 2019)
ISLAMABAD The International Monetary Fund (IMF) may ask Pakistan to bring mini budget if tax collection shortfall widens in next couple of months. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had already faced Rs14 billion shortfall in tax collection during first month (July) of the current fiscal year. The FBR had collected Rs277 billion in July 2019 as against the target of Rs291 billion... Read More
 

Pakistan economy to grow at less than 5pc: ADB

Pakistan Today (Aug 03, 2019)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) in a recent report has said that Pakistan’s economy is expected to grow at a rate below 4 per cent in the year 2019-20. The ADB’s report titled ‘How South Asia can continue as the world’s fastest-growing region’ said that Pakistan was focused on fighting macroeconomic imbalances and domestic demand, rendering it unable to grow at a more substantial rate... Read More
 

Major discrepancies between FBR and SBP in tax receipts

Pakistan Today (Aug 03, 2019)
Major discrepancies ranging between Rs10-24 billion have been found in the tax receipts data reported by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the cash deposited in the treasury. The FBR claimed to have collected Rs280.5 billion in revenues in July, whereas media reports have suggested that the finance ministry has said that the treasury stands Rs10 billion less than this figure at Rs270 billion. Meanwhile...Read More
 

Analysis of one of South Asia’s most fluctuant economies

Pakistan Today (Aug 02, 2019)
At the heart of South Asia lies a sleeping economic giant. A country founded on the basis of religious freedom by an outstanding group of men that put their people and their religion before themselves. A country stacked with economic potential, from the coast of Karachi to the peaks of Swat. However, despite being rich in natural resources, and having potentially one of the most strategic... Read More
 

July Inflation reaches 10.34pc, highest in last six years

The Nation (Aug 02, 2019)
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s inflation rate has touched double digit figure of 10.34 percent in July 2019, which is highest in last six years, mainly due to the economic policies of the incumbent government including rupee devaluation and increase in energy costs. Inflation rate has recorded at 10.34 percent in July 2019, which was only 5.8 percent in the same month of the previous year, according to... Read More
 

Foreign exchange: SBP reserves jump 2.04% to 7.8b

The Express Tribune (Aug 01, 2019)
KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank increased 2.04% on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. Earlier, the reserves had spiralled downwards, falling below the $7-billion mark, which raised concern over Pakistan’s ability to meet its financing requirements. However, financial assistance from the United... Read More
 

IFC may boost investments in Pakistan to support economy

The News by Mehtab Haidar (Aug 01, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank’s private- sector lending arm said on Wednesday it could increase its investments in Pakistan to revive the country’s struggling economy. “The IFC (International Finance Corporation) is looking into the possibility of increasing annual investment for Pakistan to support the country’s economy,” a government statement quoted Hans... Read More
 

US hints at greater economic engagement with Pakistan

The News by Anwar Iqbal (July 31, 2019)
WASHINGTON: The United States and Pakistan can further enhance bilateral trade if strategic ties between the two countries continue to improve, said a White House factsheet released on Tuesday. The factsheet “Working toward Peace and Stability: Building Economic Prosperity” notes that the United States and Pakistan enjoy a strong economic partnership that benefits both countries... Read More
 

FBR expands its web to non-resident Pakistanis

The Express Tribune (July 31, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reduced the stay period of Pakistanis for tax collection purposes with effect from 2015, which may result in litigation as independent legal experts argue that substantive changes in law can only be made prospectively. The FBR on Tuesday issued a circular aimed at explaining important amendments to the Income Tax Ordinance Read More
 

The last IMF-programme

The Pakistan Today by Usman Masud (July 30, 2019)
Turn a few pages in the history of the economy of Pakistan and you will see a vicious pattern. The outgoing government hands over an economy that is plagued by all kinds of meltdown– fiscal, financial, external, and real. Faced with such a dire situation, the new government’s most immediate priority becomes rescuing the economy. With debt payments around the corner... Read More
 

Budget 2019-20 resembles historic financial plans

The APP (July 30, 2019)
ISLAMABAD, Jul 30 (APP):The recently passed federal budget for the fiscal year 2019-20 resembles historic annual financial plans, as this year the plan had been prepared keeping in view the prevailing challenging economic situation. The financial crunch has left the country’s economy burdened with increased debts, decelerated growth rate, fiscal and current account deficits and shortfall... Read More
 

US economy slows in second quarter; weak business investment a red flag

The Business Recorder (July 29, 2019)
Washington: U.S. economic growth slowed less than expected in the second quarter as a surge in consumer spending blunted some of the drag from declining exports and a smaller inventory build, which could further allay concerns about the economy’s health. But the fairly upbeat report from the Commerce Department on had some red flags for the 10-year-old economic expansion, the longest...Read More
 

Govt plans to cut down circular debt to Rs225b by Dec

The Nation (July 29, 2019)
ISLAMABAD - The incumbent government has embarked on an ambitious programme to cut down circular debt to Rs 225 billion by December. The sources told APP here that the circular debt escalated to Rs 450 billion in just one year due to delay in tariff determination, absence of proper plan to stop power pilferage and power supply to high losses feeders. However, the government since its inception... Read More
 

FBR introduces strict law against smuggling

The Express Tribune (July 28, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has issued directives for the implementation of law to curb smuggling and imposition of heavy fine and imprisonment of up to seven years on traders involved in misuse of Afghan Transit Trade. A senior officer of FBR, while speaking to The Express Tribune said that a new clause 63(i) has been included in section 156 part B of Customs Act 1969, therefore,... Read More
 

Second CPEC phase to boost industrial cooperation

The Express Tribune (July 28, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is very important for Pakistan as it will give a boost to industrial cooperation and give birth to Special Economic Zones (SEZs), remarked Sichuan University Deputy Dean International Studies Professor Dr Song Zhihui. Speaking at the ICCI, Song stressed that the setting up of SEZs would in turn create new opportunities ... Read More
 

PM chose IMF deal despite alternate solution: Asad Umar

The Pakistan Today (July 27, 2019)
Asad Umar has revealed that Prime Minister Imran Khan was provided with an alternative solution to deal with the country’s financial crunch instead of opting for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package, a private media outlet reported on Saturday. “In March, I went to the prime minister and showed him the numbers. I told him that going to the... Read More
 
  

Pakistan lacks system for recording, reporting debt

The Express Tribune (July 27, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan lacks a consolidated system for recording and reporting its debt and there is also no mechanism to regulate public assets that results in discrepancies and non-reconciliation of hundreds of billions of rupees worth of funds. The final draft report of the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability Assessment (PEFA) 2019 of the World... Read More
 

IMF Board Members appreciate Pakistan’s resolve to stabilize, revive economy

The News (July 26, 2019)
WASHINGTON: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Reza Baqir had an interactive session with the Executive Directors of the IMF from G-7 countries (i.e. United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Italy, Japan and Germany), China, Russia and Switzerland, in their recent visit to.... Read More
 

Pakistan’s budget has lost credibility: World Bank

The Express Tribune (July 26, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s budget has further lost its credibility and the public finance management system has also deteriorated, according to a draft report of the World Bank that has downgraded the country’s ranking on almost all 31 fiscal management-related indicators. The Washington-based lender shared the final draft of the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability... Read More
 
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 45 July 25, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Public debt rises by $10.841b in FY 18-19

The Pakistan Today (July 25, 2019)
A whopping $10.814 billion has been added to the public debt in the past year by the incumbent Pakistan Tehreek i Insaaf (PTI) government. The massive borrowing seems to have ignored the necessary precaution that the government should have taken in securing liabilities, and severely undermines the government’s self-proclaimed desire to cut the deficit. The heavy borrowing in the past year... Read More
 

Pakistan economic slowdown to continue

The Daily Times (July 25, 2019)
LAHORE: Pakistan is seeing its economy slow as domestic policy is tightened against a background of a slowing global economy, finds ACCA’s (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and IMA’s (Institute of Management Accountants) Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS). The global poll of 1162 accountants shows that confidence remains above... Read More
 

Budget deficit of last fiscal may touch Rs 3,300 bn

The News (July 24, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The initial estimates for fiscal year 2018-19 under first year rule of the PTI suggest that Pakistan’s budget deficit is going to witness new heights of touching Rs3,300 billion, one of the highest ever absolute figure in whole history of Pakistan. This budget deficit exceeding Rs3,300 billion or 8.5 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will have far-reaching negative impact for the fiscal... Read More
 

US may release CSF funding for Pakistan

The News (July 24, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Ruling out possibility of any rescheduling of foreign debt under Paris Club arrangement with the blessings of USA, Pakistan might see positive movement on release of pending funds of $9 billion from USA in shape of Coalition Support Fund (CSF). But this could only happen if truce in Afghanistan struck successfully as Washington is expecting some ‘positive outcome’ by... Read More
 

Pakistan borrows record $16b in just one year

The Express Tribune (July 23, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: For the first time in its history, Pakistan borrowed a whopping $16 billion in foreign loans in just one year aimed at avoiding default on international debt obligations and financing its imports. The $16 billion worth of foreign loans have been obtained during fiscal year 2018-19, which included 11 months of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, showed official documents... Read More
 

Punjab government to abolish ‘unnecessary taxes’

The Express Tribune (July 23, 2019)
LAHORE: The Punjab government has assured the business community that it will abolish almost 50 unnecessary taxes besides clubbing the collection of property, professional and labour-related taxes. The assurance was given by Punjab Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakht in a meeting with Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President... Read More
 

Pakistan needs to mobilize tax revenue, cut debt: IMF acting director after meeting PM

The Dawn (July 22, 2019)
Pakistan needs to mobilise domestic tax revenue to ensure funds for social and development programs, while reducing debt, the acting director of the International Monetary Fund said on Sunday after a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan in Washington DC.  The two officials discussed recent economic developments and the implementation of Pakistan's IMF-supported economic... Read More
 

The inflation challenge

The Business Recorder (July 22, 2019)
The Monetary Policy Committee of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) decided to raise in the discount rate by 100 basis points while acknowledging that the inflation projection may be revised upward to 12 percent. The budget for 2019-20 projects inflation from between 11 to 13 percent, an estimate endorsed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff report released after the Board of Directors approved the 6 billion dollar Extended... Read More
 

No political stability without economic stability

The Daily Times (July 21, 2019)
This is what International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Representative to Pakistan Teresa Daban Sanchez has delivered to Pakistan along a set of damning conditions attached to the bailout package. Of all conditions, the condition of establishing a stable political environment in the country is the most pressing, and a doable thing by all the stakeholders. At a symposium in Islamabad... Read More
 

Businessmen worried over missing export target for 2018-19

The Nation (July 21, 2019)
LAHORE     -    The Pakistan Industrial and Traders Associations Front (PIAF) former chairman Irfan Iqbal Sheikh has expressed his serious concern for not achieving export target set for the fiscal year 2018-19, which was missed by a huge margin of over $5 billion, as the current export portfolio is marred by a lack of diversification. He observed that exports have dropped by about one... Read More
 

Govt to enhance tax net, for documenting country’s economy: Shabbar Zaidi

Business Recorder (July 20, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Chairman, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Shabbar Zaidi Friday said priority of the government to enhance the tax net and expend tax base to documenting the country’s economy. Taxation is the only way to forward for equitable distribution of wealth, as “we cannot have stabilized and equitable society unless we have a fare taxation system” he said this during a Policy ... Read More
 

How to stabilize Pakistan’s economy?

The Modern Diplomacy by Amjed Jaaved (July 20, 2019)
Pakistan approached International Monetary Fund for 13th time since 1988 to get a bail-out. This programme is touted as a recipe to `reduce Pakistan’s public debt’ and `stabilize the economy’. The suggested panacea is `market-determined exchange-rate’ coupled with tax-evasion. But a free-floating exchange-rate is no magic wand or panacea for economic stability ... Read More
 

FBR sets tax collection target at Rs300b for July

Express Tribune (July 19, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has set the tax collection target at Rs300 billion for July 2019. However, it is likely to report revenue shortfall in the very first month of current fiscal year 2019-20. According to sources within the FBR, the tax collection in the first 17 days of July stood at Rs170 billion while the remaining Rs130 billion has to be collected in 14 days... Read More
 

Inflation almost doubled in Pakistan :ADB

The Nation (July 19, 2019)
ISLAMABAD     -          The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said that Pakistan’s GDP growth had deteriorated to 3.3 percent in fiscal year 2018-2019, which was lowest rate in last 8 years. According to Asian Development Bank (ADB) report released. “Preliminary official estimates for Pakistan show growth in FY2019 (ended 30 June 2019) deteriorating to 3.3percent, the lowest rate in 8 years, pulled ... Read More
 

The IMF takeover of Pakistan

The Diplomat (July 18, 2019)
On July 3, the International Monetary Fund approved a $6 billion bailout package to help “return sustainable growth” to Pakistan’s economy. Throughout the deal spanning 39 months, the IMF will review Pakistan’s progress on a quarterly basis. As part of the agreement, $1 billion has been released to Pakistan. This is the 13th IMF bailout for Pakistan, with the Fund looking toward... Read More
 

Higher rates boost NSS receipts volume in FY 2018-19: SBP

The Nation (July 17, 2019)
Owing to higher rates offered on different instruments, the net receipts of National Saving Schemes (NSS) witnessed considerable growth during the fiscal year 2018-19 compared to the corresponding period of last year, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported. “The net receipts of National Saving Schemes (NSS) surged to Rs225.3 billion, compared to only Rs 48.7 billion recorded in the... Read More
 

Budget petard

Express Tribune (July 17, 2019)
The State Bank of Pakistan has predicted even slower economic growth in the fiscal year 2019-20, putting a damper on the ruling party’s claims of improvement coming soon. The fact that the announcement comes so soon after the federal budget, where the Planning Division set a 4 per cent growth target, is doubly worrying. Incidentally, the SBP, opposed to past practice, did not give a numeric  ... Read More
 

Foreign direct investment halved to $1.73b in FY19

Express Tribune (July 16, 2019)
KARACHI: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government failed to win confidence of foreign investors in the domestic economy as foreign direct investment (FDI) halved to $1.73 billion in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019. FDI stood at $3.47 billion in the preceding fiscal year 2017-18, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported on Monday. “Uncertainty regarding the (rupee-dollar) ... Read More
 

Budget 2019-20, CPEC and growth trajectory

The Nation (July 16, 2019)
The incumbent government presented its first formal budget of 2019-20 in June. The total budget outlay is Rs- 8,238.1 billion with 38.9 % higher than the size of previous budget. The target for expenditures is set at Rs 8,238.1 billion and Rs 3,462.1 billion for net revenues. For Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) the budget allocates Rs 1,613 billion out of which provinces share is Rs 912 billion ... Read More
 

SBP releases third Quarterly Report on State of Economy for FY 19

The News (July 15, 2019)
KARACHI: While Pakistan’s economy moved along the stabilization phase led by demand management policies, vulnerabilities in the external and fiscal sectors persisted during Jul-Mar FY19, according to the State Bank of Pakistan’s Third Quarterly Report on the State of Pakistan’s Economy released today. This implies that the current stabilization agenda needs to be reinforced with deep ... Read More
 

IMF package-bailout for govt or for economy?

The Express Tribune (July 15, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Earlier this month, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announced the much-awaited $6-billion bailout package for Pakistan, which would be received over the next three years. The transcript of the conference call on the release of IMF staff report mentions that this Extended Fund Facility has two main pillars. In the words of IMF Mission Chief for Pakistan, Middle East and ... Read More
 

Budget 2019-20 resembles historic financial plans

Urdu Point (July 14, 2019)
ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - APP - 14th Jul, 2019 ) :The recently passed Federal budget for the fiscal year 2019-20 resembles historic annual financial plans, as this year the plan had been prepared keeping in view the prevailing vexed economic situation, burdened with increased debts, slackened growth rate, fiscal and current account deficits and shortfall in revenues, hence leaving ... Read More
 

Federal Budget 2018-19 in retrospect

Daily Times by Muhammad Zahid Rifat (July 14, 2019)
PML(N)’s federal government had stepped down on May 31, 2018 on completion of its stipulated 5 years constitutional tenure. But prior to doing that, it had created a record of presenting six budgets in the five years period. It had presented the federal budget for financial year 2018-19 as early as on April 27, 2018 leaving no room for the caretakers to present budgetary proposals for the ... Read More
 

Traders shut down markets across Pakistan

Pakistan Today (July 13, 2019)
LAHORE/KARACHI/ISLAMABAD : A countrywide shutter-down strike was observed by traders in all part of the country in a protest against the “anti-business measures” taken by the federal government in the budget for the current financial year. The traders demanded that the “unfair taxes” be withdrawn, especially the value-added tax on traders. According to media reports, the strike was partially successful in Karachi, while ... Read More
 

Trade deficit shrinks 15.3% to $31.8b in FY19

Express Tribune (July 13, 2019) 
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has managed to narrow down the trade deficit by 15.3% to $31.8 billion on the back of import compression but it failed to enhance exports, which fell even below the level left behind by its arch-rival – the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Trade figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of ... Read More
 
  

Economy will improve within a year, says SBP governor

The News (July 12, 2019
ISLAMABAD: Conceding twin deficits as biggest challenge confronting Pakistan’s economy, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Dr Reza Baqir on Thursday said the economic condition of the country will improve within a year. He defended exchange rate policy under the IMF conditions arguing that it should be reflective of demand-supply gap of total dollar inflows ... Read More
 

Rising Pakistan

The Express Tribune by Kwak Sung-Kyu (July 12, 2019)
Pakistan is confronted with challenges of many types, but with a new government in the saddle now, there are renewed hopes for the country to overcome all its challenges. In July 2018, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, a relatively smaller political party, won the general election. Led by former cricket hero Imran Khan, the party has started implementing his vision for a ‘Naya Pakistan’ .... Read More
 
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 43 June 27, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

GB Assembly approves Rs 62.95b budget

The Nation (June 27, 2019)
GILGIT    -   Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Assembly here on Wednesday unanimously approved over Rs62.95 billion budget for financial year 2019-20 for which Rs 17 billion were allocated for development projects and Rs 37 billion for non-development budget in the province. The members of Treasury and Opposition benches made detailed discussion on the budget before... Read More
 

NA passes 92 demands for grant for FY 2019-20

The Nation (June 27, 2019)
ISLAMABAD   -  The PTI government in Wednesday’s National Assembly sitting approved 92 demands for grants relating to different federal ministries, division and departments for the next financial year, disapproving all the cut-motions moved by opposition with ‘voice of vote’. The house, in a daylong session, saw maximum participation of treasury lawmakers ensuring to reject all the cut... Read More
 

KP Assembly passes Rs.900 billion budget for year 2019-20

The News (June 26, 2019)
PESHAWAR: The Provincial Assembly with Speaker Mushtaq Ahmad Ghani in the chair Wednesday passed Rs.900 billion budget for the year 2019-20 amid uproar by the opposition members protesting the bulldozing of the cut motions in their absence by the chair. The assembly approved 61 demands for grants in a unilateral proceeding of the house as the opposition members... Read More
 

Budget 19-20: Opposition members move cut motions on finance bill proposals

The Dawn (June 26, 2019)
As the National Assembly session held to debate the finance bill resumed on Wednesday, members of the opposition began moving cut motions seeking changes to budget proposals, which will be voted on by lawmakers in the House today. Prime Minister Imran Khan is in attendance today, while opposition ranks appear thin as several PPP, PML-N and other leaders are gathered at a hotel in... Read More
 

NA budget debate: Govt under fire over failed economic policies

The News (June 25, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The female parliamentarians from the opposition parties while taking part in budget debate on Monday unleashed strong criticism on the government for failure of its economic policies and also called into question credibility of ruling party and its leadership. Former Finance Minister of the last PPP tenure Hina Rabbani Khar, PML-N government’s Information Minister... Read More
 

Senate approves 65 recommendations to NA about budget

The News (June 25, 2019)
While PM’s Finance Adviser Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh could not make the annual budget speech because he is not a member of either House, he spoke at length at Wednesday’s traditional post-Budget press conference, untrammelled by parliamentary restrictions, and re ISLAMABAD: The Senate on Monday unanimously approved 65 recommendations to the National... Read More
 

CPDI lauds raise in KP’s health and education budgets

The Business Recorder (June 24, 2019)
PESHAWAR: Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) has welcomed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) budget 2019-20 for increasing development allocations of education, health, social protection, energy and environment. However, declining percentage share of these sectors in overall development budget is a cause of concern. According to a press statement issued here on Sunday, the KP ... Read More
 

Qatar also offers US $3 billion to Pakistan

The Express Tribune (June 24, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Doha on Monday announced new investments worth a total of US $3 billion in the form of deposits and direct investments to Islamabad through a statement issued by the Qatari Foreign Ministry “The Qatari support comes after Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani’s [two-day] visit to Pakistan to underscore the deep relations between the two brotherly countries and ... Read More
 

Health of the budget

The News (June 23, 2019)
In its recently announced annual budget, for the fiscal year 2019-20, the Punjab government allocated Rs279 billion for health sector. While the government claimed that the allocation budget was up by 20 percent from the current fiscal year (which ends June 30), the fact is that the caretaker government had allocated Rs284 bn for health. To put it in other words, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf led provincial... Read More
 

CPDI hails KP govt for increasing development allocations

The Nation (June 23, 2019)
LAKKI MARWAT: The Center for Peace and Development Initiatives hails Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government  for increasing development allocations of Education, Health, Social Protection, Energy and Environment sectors in the recently presented annual budget for fiscal year 2019-20, claimed Haji Inayatullah Khan District Program Manager of Community... Read More
 

Fiery speeches in NA over budget

The News (June 22, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Members of the opposition on Friday delivered fiery speeches about the federal budget and PPP leader Syed Khursheed Shah reminded the PTI government its every single promise. Khursheed Shah came down harshly on the PTI government for not fulfilling any promise with the people and its leadership for taking U-turns. “Imran Khan had stated that he will not take IMF... Read More
 

Senate opposition rejects budget

The News (June 22, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Joint opposition in the Senate on Friday rejected the budget, fearing if approved by the Parliament, it would add to crime and poverty, as it had been thrashed out not by the government but by the International Monetary Fund. On the other hand, a treasury legislator insisted that there would be inquiry into the spending of Rs24000 billion in previous ... Read More
 

NA continues discussion on budget 2019-20

The Radio Pakistan (June 21, 2019)
The National Assembly continued discussion on the budget for next fiscal year on Friday. Sahibzada Sibghatullah described the budget as investment friendly. He said the country has been put on the right track and it will move forward on the path of progress and development. Khawaja Asif said the withdrawal of zero rated facility for export oriented industry will not only cut job opportunities... Read More
 

Asad finds fault with budget, discloses details of IMF talks

The Dawn (June 21, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Opposing a decision of the government of his own Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf to increase taxes on items of daily use, former finance minister Asad Umar on Thursday called for an investigation into a constant increase in sugar prices. Taking part in the debate on the budget in the National Assembly soon after the speech of a subdued Asif Zardari ... Read More
 

PM-N left budget deficit of Rs 1300bn in Punjab: Hammad

The Pakistan Today (June 20, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar on Thursday said that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) PML-N left a budget deficit of Rs1300 billion in Punjab during its tenure. Responding to the speech of MNA Dr Aisha Ghaus Pasha, who served as Finance Minister Punjab during the tenure of PML-N,  the minister said those claiming to serve the masses in past left a budget deficit of Rs1300 billion in last fiscal year ... Read More
 

Budget 2019: Will GST be removed on health insurance premium in the upcoming budget

The Financial Express (June 20, 2019)
Budget 2019 India: Union Budget 2019 India may give a fresh look at the health insurance industry paving way for lower cost in terms of premium paid towards medical insurance and giving incentives in terms of higher deductions from total income in order to boost the sector. The tax benefit under section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961, could be revised upwards. Currently, the maximum ... Read More
 

Environment protection, courts and prison neglected in Punjab dev budget: CPDI

The Business World (June 19, 2019)
Jhang: Punjab government has not given due share to environment protection, police, law courts and prison administration in its development budget 2019-20. Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) shared while reacting to, otherwise relatively balanced, budget. Climate change and terrorism are the two major issues challenging country’s economic growth in different ways ... Read More
 

Pakistan budgets for luxuries and arms, neglects development

The Asia Times (June 19, 2019)
It was quite shocking recently to see irony dying a thousand deaths as I read the sentence at the very top of recent tender notices issued by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) in Islamabad. It invited contractors to submit proposals for the construction of “New Cages for Parrots at the Zoo of Aiwan-Sadr,” the President House, which would cost 1.94 million Pakistani rupees (US$12,000), ... Read More
 

KP unveils Rs 900bn tax free surplus budget

The Pakistan Today (June 18, 2019)
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Finance Minister Taimur Khan Jhagra on Tuesday presented the provincial budget 2019-20, with Rs900 billion tax-free surplus budget. The provincial finance minister presented the annual budget in the KP Assembly amid uproar by the opposition benches that were protesting the non-issuance of a production order for former president... Read More
 

Ruckus mars NA budget session yet again

The Pakistan Today (June 18, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: A day after Prime Minister Imran Khan directed his ministers to respond in kind to the opposition, the treasury benches created ruckus in the National Assembly (NA), resulting in Opposition Leader Shehbaz Sharif’s third and another failed attempt to complete his speech on the Federal Budget 2019-20. Sharif, also the president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz... Read More
 

Budget-Not all is doom and gloom

The Pakistan Today (June 17, 2019)
Prime Minister Imran Khan’s PTI led government has announced a tough budget to arrest the alarming build up in public debt over the last decade. Dr Hafiz Shaikh in his press conference at the launch of the Economic Survey FY19 lamented that the size of the public debt has reached unsustainable levels. Public debt increased from Rs 7.7 trillion in FY2009 to over Rs 28.6 trillion in FY2019, meaning that ... Read More
 

CPDI react to fed budget 2019-20 with concern

The Frontier Post (June 17, 2019)
PESHAWAR: Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) reacts to federal budget 2019-20 with concern as development allocations for education and health sectors decrease while ambitious tax targets and multi folds increase for climate change and Water Resources seem tough to achieve. The volume of Federal Development Budget 2019-20 is RS. 949,896 million... Read More
 

Finance adviser denies budget is IMF dictated

The Express Tribune (June 16, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s grim economic situation demanded sacrifices and it was rubbish to say that it was an International Monetary Fund (IMF) dictated budget, Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said on Saturday. The finance adviser also said that it was irritating that people were saying that Rs5.550 trillion tax collection target of the Federal Board of Revenue was ... Read More
 

Missed opportunities: on economic survey and budget

The Pakistan Today by Omer Javed (June 16, 2019)
Sadly, there is not much difference in the quality of economic survey for 2018/19, from that of the past. Indeed, an opportunity was missed by the PTI government to make an in-depth survey of the economy to learn the issues facing it in a much-needed greater depth and breadth. This was important to plan for improving the economy and taking it towards the ‘new Pakistan’. Extensive teams of economic... Read More
 

Economic experts see silver lining in budget

The Express Tribune (June 15, 2019) 
While several measures taken in the federal budget 2019-20 are raising fears in nearly all sectors of economy and various segments of society, it may well pay good dividends in the longer run through measures taken for enhanced fiscal discipline and meaningful economic management. It was however essential to develop a national consensus through effective communication strategy to see off the... Read More
 
  

Govt gives south Punjab a major share in budget

The Pakistan Today (June 15, 2019)
LAHORE: Provincial Finance Minister Makhdoom Hashim Jawan Bakhat on Saturday said that equal development across Punjab, social protection and human resource development were the pivot of the provincial budget 2019-20. He was addressing a  post-budget press conference and was accompanied by Punjab Finance Secretary Abdullah Khan... Read More
 

Sindh presents Rs 1.2tr budget amid opposition’s protest

The Pakistan Today (June 14, 2019)
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who also holds the portfolio of finance minister, on Friday presented an Rs1,217 billion budget with zero deficit for the next financial year 2019-20 amid strong protest by the opposition members. Moreover, the Annual Development Programme (ADP) for the next financial year is Rs283.5 billion which... Read More
 

The cherished dream of Budget 2020

The Pakistan Today by Omer Zaheer Meer (June 14, 2019)
“I have a dream”. These were the famous words which led to a drastic change in the USA, uttered at a key junction of history. With the budget pending approval, I too have a dream to share with the readers. The dream starts with the federal budget of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan having just been approved. There are widespread celebrations across the country... Read More
 
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 44 July 11, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

PM seeks businessmen’s support to revive economy

The Pakistan Today (July 11, 2019)
KARACHI: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday assured the business community that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was committed to the ease of doing business in the country and urged them to help achieve its economic targets by becoming a part of the tax net. The prime minister held a series of meetings with different delegations of Karachi-based business... Read More
 

Budget measures slow down realty sector

The Express Tribune (July 11, 2019)
LAHORE: The federal budget for the fiscal year 2019-20 has dragged the realty sector of Pakistan into a depressing mode, at least for now. Markets are eagerly anticipating the revised rates of land, to be announced by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), which will determine the future of this sector following response from investors. In the budget, the government abolished 3% tax, which... Read More
 

Pakistan receives &991m as first tranche of IMF loan

The Pakistan Today (July 10, 2019)
KARACHI: Pakistan has received the first tranche of $991.4 million of the $6 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under its Extended Fund Facility (EFF), the chief spokesperson for the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) confirmed on Wednesday. On July 3, the IMF executive board approved a $6 billion bailout package for Pakistan and immediately released $1 billion to ease a sustained... Read More
 

FBR falls Rs 556bn short of revenue target

The Pakistan Today (July 10, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, in its first year in power, has failed miserably in achieving the revenue target of Rs4.39 trillion. The Federal Board of Revenue collected Rs3.84 trillion in the fiscal year 2018-19, depicting a shortfall of Rs556 billion. As per the sources, the tax department actually collected Rs3.8 trillion in taxes, while it included Rs42 billion, which was collected through... Read More
 

Pakistan facing ‘significant economic challenges’ economy at critical juncture, says IMF

The Financial Express (July 09, 2019)
The global lender last week formally approved the USD 6 billion loan to Pakistan, which is facing "significant" economic challenges on the back of "large" fiscal and financial needs and "weak and unbalanced" growth. Pakistan is facing “significant economic challenges” due to a weak and unbalanced growth and that its economy is at a critical juncture where it needs an ambitious and bold set of reforms... Read More
 

IMF says Pakistan bailout sets ambitious fiscal targets

The Business Recorder (July 09, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The $6 billion loan package for Pakistan approved by the International Monetary Fund last week will require “very ambitious” fiscal measures and sustained commitment for the bailout to succeed, IMF officials said on Monday. The three-year agreement approved by the IMF board last week, Pakistan’s 13th bailout since the late 1980s, has seen a sharp drop in the value of the rupee... Read More
 

Budget shows govt’s agenda to make India a product-driven country

Yourstory.com (July 08, 2019)
The Union Budget 2019, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, is one of the most critical ones in the recent past for ‘Start-up India, Standup India’, a dream initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This Budget clearly portrays the importance laid by the Modi government to turn India into a product-driven country. The Budget held a wide variety of initiatives to... Read More
 

Depressing economy of Pakistan and its revival

The Nation by Muhammad Ishan Khan (July 08, 2019)
Pakistan is a developing country and faces a host of socio-economic problems including political instability as a major burning current issue that aggregates the problems further. Currently, one of the big social problems for Pakistan is poverty. 70% of the population of Pakistan still lives in villages and agriculture encompassing livestock sector, is a major source of economic development... Read More
 

Mixed reactions to new Indian finance minister’s budget

The National (July 07, 2019)
Most business leaders and economists welcomed what is seen as a “pragmatic” annual budget from India’s re-elected government led by Narendra Modi. But it fell short of the “big bang” announcements some were hoping for. The budget was presented by India’s new Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday against the backdrop of a slowing economy and high unemployment. The government... Read More
 

Workers, activists denounce federal budget, demand better wages, pensions

The Dawn (July 07, 2019)
KARACHI: People from all walks of life, including labourers, home-based workers and rights activists, observed a ‘black day’ by holding a rally from Regal Chowk to the Karachi Press Club on Saturday against the terrible price hike. Chanting slogans, they also voiced their agony about not getting water, electricity and gas despite paying the bills through their noses. The rally, organised ... Read More
 

Institutions must be strengthened to achieve budget targets

The News (July 06, 2019)
LAHORE: Budget targets are no doubt ambitious, but to expect these targets can be achieved through weak institutions is overly ambitious. Strong institutions are vital in implementing the policies of the state in letter and spirit. Pakistan has never embarked on a sustainable growth path despite having a liberalised trade regime in the region mainly due to weak institutions. To achieve its revenue targets ... Read More
 

Budget aims to promote industrialization, FBR chief tells traders

The Pakistan Today (July 06, 2019)
LAHORE: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Shabbar Zaidi, while addressing a meeting at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Saturday, said that the main theme of the Federal Budget 2019-20 is the development of industrial sector and creation of employment opportunities. “Keeping in view the problems ... Read More
 

India budget 2019: The key announcements and what they mean

BBC News (July 05, 2019)
India's first full-time female finance minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has presented her maiden annual budget. The BBC's Aakriti Thapar explains what the major announcements were and what they mean for India. This is the first budget since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landslide victory in the general election this year. There were big expectations because it came against the backdrop of ... Read More
 

Pakistan in Economic Danger

The Daily Times by Shahabuddin (July 05, 2019)
The PM of Pakistan has created the Economic Council to find solutions to the tremendous debt Pakistan has accumulated over its life, especially during the last ten years of democratic governments. The total debt as of 2018 was Rs. 33 trillion ($201 billion at the current exchange rate) of which Rs. 3.4 trillion was borrowed in just the last six months. The total debt is 86.4% of the GDP and 36% of the ... Read More
 

IMF approves $6bn Pakistan bailout package after austerity budget

The Financial Times (July 04, 2019)
Please use the sharing tools found via the share button at the top or side of articles. Copying articles to share with others is a breach of FT.com T&Cs and Copyright Policy. Email licensing@ft.com to buy additional rights. Subscribers may share up to 10 or 20 articles per month using the gift article service. More information can be found here. The IMF has approved a $6bn bailout package for Pakistan ... Read More
 

Workers criticize federal budget, to observe ‘black day’ on Saturday

The Dawn (July 04, 2019)
KARACHI: Rights activists representing labourers, peasants and fisherfolk called a press conference at the Karachi Press Club on Wednesday to reject the recent budget and announce a ‘black day’ to be observed by them on July 6 (Saturday). Calling it an anti-people budget prepared by the government with an understanding with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the ... Read More
 

Pakistan and IMF battling economic plight together?

The Global Village Space by Bilal Abdul Ghani (July 03, 2019)
After taking control of the government, PTI is trying its best to control the economic conditions of the country. Starting from the amnesty drive to the IMF Program, the incumbency has taken every bitter step to revive the economy that is lying on the ventilator taking raspy breaths. How much of these steps are true and in right direction? Only the future can tell. Here is a ... Read More
 

Inflation surges to 5-year high target missed

The Express Tribune (July 03, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has missed its annual target of inflation that surged to a five-year high at 7.3% in the last fiscal year due to upward revision in electricity and gas prices and 32% depreciation of the rupee in one year. Against the annual target of 6%, the average inflation in fiscal year 2018-19 surged to 7.34%, reported the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics , ... Read More
 

Tax rate for token payment, registration of cars not changed in budget: FBR

The Business Recorder (July 02, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Tuesday strongly rebutted the perception that rate of tax had been changed in the Financial Budget-2019 for the token payment and registration of cars. After verification it was noticed that this misperception was due to a typographical mistake which was rectified in the Finance Act-2019, a press release by FBR said. It added the rate of tax for the ... Read More
 

IMF executive board meets Wednesday to decide on Pakistan bailout

The Pakistan Today (July 02, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in its Washington meeting on Wednesday (today) will decide about approval of the bailout package to Pakistan. Pakistan’s government and the IMF had already signed staff agreement on May 12. The Executive Board of the IMF will give its final nod to the agreement under which Pakistan will receive six billion dollars... Read More
 

Human development gets little attention in budget

The Express Tribune (July 01, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: In his recent address to the Karachi Council on Foreign Relations, Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh noted that “historically, Pakistan has never been able to perform well economically”. He then went on to explain the three common factors, which enabled 15 to 20 developing countries to gain prosperity since the Second World War. These included focusing on their people ... Read More
 

IMF programme may do little to reduce trade deficit

The Express Tribune (July 01, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Following a staff-level agreement and subject to approval of its board of directors, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will provide $6 billion in credit to Pakistan under a 39-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF). Opinion is divided over whether Pakistan should have gone back to the fund and whether the agreement with the multilateral donor will compound or ... Read More
 

No relief for poor in budget

The News (June 30, 2019)
CHARSADDA: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao on Saturday declared the budget controversial, saying the government didn't give any relief to the people. He was addressing the participants of a rally at the Farooq Azam Chowk here. The rally was held to protest the spiraling price-hike and ill-conceived policies of the government. A large number of QWP workers, ... Read More
 

Pakistan to share details of federal budget with IMF board

The Gulf Today (June 30, 2019)
Pakistan will share the details of the federal budget with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) board, which is scheduled to meet on July 3, after its passage in the National Assembly. The final budget measures along with a report on compliance with all prior actions will be key elements in the board’s decision to grant Pakistan’s request for accession to a $6 billion bailout facility. The final, approved... Read More
 

Punjab Assembly passes budget amid rumpus by both opposition, treasury benches

The Dawn (June 29, 2019) 
LAHORE: The opposition on Friday made up for what it lacked on Tuesday (when the provincial budget was passed): resisting the passage of supplementary budget, with an hour-long noisy protest – as long as the speaker read all 40 demands for grants under the bill. As soon as the speaker started reading the bill, grant by grant, the House lost all sense of decorum. The entire opposition ... Read More
 
  

PTI survives budget scare

The Pakistan Today (June 29, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was able to get its finance bill passed in the National Assembly on Thursday after a majority voted in its favour despite attempts by the joint opposition to thwart the bill. The total outlay of the budget was Rs7.022 trillion, focusing on fiscal consolidation, revenue mobilisation, austerity ... Read More
 

Budget 2019-20 will prove disastrous for middle-income groups:moot

The Pakistan Today (June 28, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Budget 2019-2020, as well as the government’s economic policies, will have disastrous consequences for Pakistan’s middle-income groups, who are expected to face a 40pc compression in disposable income. This was the key takeaway at the Jinnah Institute’s policy roundtable, titled, ‘Austerity Budget: Assessing the Impact on Development and Pro-poor Growth’.... Read More
 

Economists weigh on Pakistan’s economic crisis, new budget

The News (June 28, 2019)
Karachi: The Institute of Historical and Social Research held a seminar titled ‘Present Economic Crisis and the Budget 2019-20’ at the Zaki Hasan Auditorium, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Karachi. Dr. Riaz Ahmed Shaikh, Dr. Syed Jaffar Ahmad, Mr. Karamat Ali and Dr. S Akbar Zaidi were the speakers who reflected on current economic crisis in Pakistan, how it should ... Read More
 
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 42 June 13, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Federal Budget ignores education and health sectors: CPDI

The News (June 13, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) reacts to federal budget 2019-20 with concern as development allocations for education and health sectors decrease while ambitious tax targets and multi folds increase for climate change and water resources seem tough to achieve. The volume of Federal Development Budget 2019-20 is RS949896 million. The share of ... Read More
 

US budget doesn’t contain aid for Pakistan Army

Pakistan Today (June 13, 2019)
The United States’ budget for the upcoming financial year does not include any security assistance for Pakistan’s military but only civilian assistance programming, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Alice Wells will testify before the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) in a hearing on ‘US Interest in South Asia and FY 2020 Budget’. As per the statement... Read More
 

Post-budget press conference

Pakistan Today (June 13, 2019)
While PM’s Finance Adviser Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh could not make the annual budget speech because he is not a member of either House, he spoke at length at Wednesday’s traditional post-Budget press conference, untrammelled by parliamentary restrictions, and re-emphasised the message in the Budget speech itself. That was buttressed by the presence at ... Read More
 

Budget 2019-20: Salaried class to pay more taxes under PTI govt

Pakistan Today (June 12, 2019)
LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led government in its first full budget has removed tax reliefs that were introduced by the previous Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) led government for the salaried class. In its latest budget proposed yesterday, Prime Minister Imran’s administration not only announced to lower the threshold of annual income exempted... Read More
 

Pakistan budget: Overseas Pakistani in the UAE feel neglected again despite sending huge remittances

Gulf News (June 11, 2019)
Dubai: Pakistani expatriates in the UAE have strongly reacted to the first budget presented by the Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government on Tuesday. Most of them believe that the overseas Pakistanis have again been neglected in the Rs6 trillion (Dh147.32) budget. They said that they had high hopes of getting some good incentives as were promised by Imran Khan but he just like the previous government ... Read More
 

PTI’s first federal budget

Pakistan Today (June 11, 2019)
The PTI has handed over all powers to the IMF to take fiscal decisions for the next 40 months. The present Budget underlines what happens to the people when the real budget-makers are not elected representatives. The budget speech by Minister of State Hammad Azhar started with token measures of austerity on the part of the government, like Cabinet members... Read More
 

Imran to roll out Rs 6.8tr ‘people- friendly’ budget

Pakistan Today (June 10, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Mired in financial crises amid high inflation rate, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan is all set to roll out its first finance bill on June 11, Tuesday. The budget brings with itself an expected deficit of Rs3 trillion as opposed to the Rs1.8 trillion in the previous budgets. It will be approved by the federal cabinet on Tuesday... Read More
 

Total revenue remains stagnant in nine months FY 19

Pakistan Today (June 10, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Economic Survey 2018-19 has presented a bleak picture of fiscal development from 2018 July to March 2019, as there was zero growth in total revenue during the first nine months of the outgoing fiscal year. The survey shows that total revenue increased to Rs3,583.7 billion (9.3pc of GDP) during the first nine months of FY2019 from Rs3,582.4... Read More
 

Pakistan budget: Imran Khan government to present its first budget on Tuesday

Gulf News (June 09, 2019)
ISLAMABAD:The Pakistan Tahreek-i-Insaf led government is all set to present its first Federal Budget for the fiscal year 2019-20 in the Parliament on June 11 (Tuesday). The budget envisages fiscal management, revenue mobilisation, measures for economic stabilisation and growth, reduction in non-development expenditures and boosting exports besides providing relief... Read More
 

PTI govt set to impose ‘health tax’ on cigarettes, carbonated drinks

Express Tribune (June 09, 2019)
The federal government has decided to impose a ‘health tax’ on cigarettes and carbonated drinks in the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2019-20. This was confirmed by Prime Minister’s Focal Person for Tobacco Control Babar Bin Atta on Sunday. As part of the proposed move, the federal government has decided to impose a tax of Rs10 on a pack of 20 cigarettes. The government has ... Read More
 

Pakistan sees 2019 GDP growth at 3.3pc, sharply below target

Pakistan Today (June 08, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Ministry expects economic growth in the financial year ending in June to hit 3.3pc, well below a target of 6.2pc set last year, with key sectors all performing worse than expected, according to a planning document seen by Reuters. The document also sets a target of 4pc growth for the 2020 financial year, underlining the economic headwinds ... Read More
 

Cut in defence budget not due to IMF pressure, says Qureshi

Pakistan Today (June 07, 2019)
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has rejected the impression that Pakistan has decided to cut its defence budget on the instructions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In a statement, Qureshi said that Pakistan’s armed forces have themselves decided not to take an additional share under defence budget in order to lessen the burden on the nation... Read More
 

Pakistan Army Chief: Voluntary cut in defence budget will not impact response to threats

Gulf News (June 06, 2019)
Islamabad: Pakistan’s Army Chief has said that the voluntary cut in defence budget offered by the military to ease financial woes will not influence their response to any security threat. Talking about the defence cutbacks in upcoming budget, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Wednesday that “there shall be no impact on our response potential to all types of threat and quality of... Read More
 

Govt plans to remove advance tax on tobacco in next budget

The News (June 05, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The government plans to remove the Advance tax on tobacco in the upcoming Federal Budget 2019 – 2020. The Advance tax of Rs300 per kg is applicable only on the tobacco that enters the Green Leaf Threshing (GLT) plant. All manufacturers who purchase tobacco from farmers must process tobacco through GLT before it can be used for manufacturing of cigarettes. According to ... Read More
 

PM Imran Khan lauds Pakistan Military for voluntarily cutting defence budget

The News (June 05, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Tuesday lauded the "unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts" by the Pakistan armed forces, in view of the country's critical financial situation. The prime minister was particularly appreciative of the armed forces' decision, in view of the "multiple security challenges" confronting the nation. In an unprecedented move for the betterment of ... Read More
 

Inflation up 9.1% in May

Express Tribune (June 04, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: In line with expectations, the inflation rate edged up to 9.1% in May, which raised questions over the SBP move to increase the key discount rate to 12.25% to meet a condition of the IMF. Core inflation – non-food and non-energy price index – which in April stood at 7% also marginally increased to 7.2% last month, reported the PBS on Monday. The headline as well as core inflation in May was largely ... Read More
 

Industrial development imperative for economic uplift: Dawood

Pakistan Today (June 03, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood on Tuesday termed projects like Allama Iqbal Industrial City “imperative for industrial development” in the country. Talking to Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company (FIEDMC) Chairman Mian Kashif Ashfaq during a meeting in Lahore, the adviser lauded the ... Read More
 

Pakistani stocks close in red ahead of federal budget

Daily Times (June 03, 2019)
Pakistan equities closed on Monday on a negative note with benchmark KSE 100 Index shedding 469 points, closing at 35,505 levels, down 1.3 percent. The local bourse kicked off on a negative note where the market nosedived, making a low of -549 points. An equity analyst at IIS Securities said KSE 100 Index opened on a negative note, negative sentiments were carried by ... Read More
 

ICCI calls for solid measures in Budget to reduce inflation

Urdu Point (June 03, 2019)
ISLAMABAD (UrduPoint/ Pakistan Point News / Online 03rd June, 2019) The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry has called upon the government to take solid measures in the forthcoming budget to reduce inflation as rising inflation has significantly squeezed the purchasing power of people due to which business activities were badly... Read More
 

A budget looking beyond economic growth

Pakistan Today by Omer Javed (June 02, 2019)
The PTI government came on the agenda of change towards a radically different Pakistan– a new Pakistan– and soon it will be presenting its first budget. One of the main steps to deliver this new Pakistan is to change the way governments have previously thought about budgets. Traditionally, budgets have focussed on economic growth being the main goal– whether it be the increase in the level of output at the... Read More
 

Budget and oppressive taxes

Daily Times by Dr. Ikramul Haq (June 02, 2019)
In the forthcoming budget, to be announced on June 11, 2019 under a new economic team selected by Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on the dictates/recommendations of International Monetary Fund (IMF), there will be enhancement in rates of existing taxes and imposition of new duties as target of Rs. 5500 billion has been agreed with lender of the last resort! The new Chairman... Read More
 

Modi govt to present Budget 2019-20 on July 5

www.yourstory.com (June 01, 2019)
The newly-appointed Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the full Budget for 2019-20 on July 5 in the Lok Sabha. This will be first full Budget of Modi 2.0 government. In view of the general elections, the interim Budget for the current fiscal was presented by the then Finance Minister Piyush Goyal. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in its first meeting has... Read More
 

PTI govt to present common man’s budget: Hafeez Sheikh

Pakistan Today (June 01, 2019)
Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said on Saturday the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s top priority is to give relief to the common man in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget. Speaking to a delegation of businessmen, he said tough decisions are being made by the government to steer the country out of the prevalent... Read More
 

Pakistan to repay over $9b on debt servicing

The News (May 31, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will have to repay over $9 billion on account of debt servicing of foreign loans both in shape of principle and interest payments during the next budget 2019-20, The News has learnt. This whopping loan repayment of $9 billion will be due despite getting rollover assurances from the friendly countries including China under the IMF loan conditions and ... Read More
 

Pakistan economic crisis: USD 1 May equal 200 PKR by Year-End

valuewalk.com (May 31, 2019)
Pakistan’s rupee has dropped more than 5% in May, breaching the 150-per-dollar level last week. The drop was primarily the result of Islamabad agreeing to another International Monetary Fund loan to avert Pakistan’s economic crisis. However, experts feel that Pakistan’s rupee could drop further and may even hit 200 per dollar if the trend continues... Read More
 
 
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 41 May 30, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Pakistan’s financing needs grow to 42.3pc of GDP: IMF

The Dawn (May 30, 2019)
WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s gross financing needs during 2019 increased to 42.3 per cent of GDP as budget deficit increased to 7pc and maturing debt widened to 35.1pc of the GDP, data released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) showed on Tuesday. The IMF in its fiscal monitor for April said that, “in Pakistan, the overall deficit was 2.5 percentage points of GDP looser than budgeted, owing to... Read More
 

Govt recommends Rs36.7b as development budget for finance ministry

The Nation (May 30, 2019)
ISLAMABAD - The federal government has recommended Rs36.7 billion as development budget for the ministry of finance that included Rs25.3 billion for tribal districts development in the next budget for fiscal year 2019-2020. READ MORE: Russia rejects US claims on Nuclear Test Ban Treaty violation: Ambassador The overall development budget of the ministry of finance... Read More
 

NEC approves 4pc GDP growth target for next fiscal year

Pakistan Today (May 29, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, approved the National Development Outlay 2019-20 amounting to Rs1.837 trillion, including the federal Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and provincial Annual Development Plans (ADPs). The meeting, which was held at the PM Office, reviewed the Annual Plan ... Read More
 

Govt to present budget on June 11

Pakistan Today (May 28, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Amid a recent reshuffle in the finance team and economic uncertainty, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has decided to present the budget for the financial year 2019-20 on June 11. This was announced by Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan in a press conference after a meeting of the federal cabinet... Read More
 

Trade deficit of Pakistan- a vicious cycle

Express Tribune (May 27, 2019)
KARACHI: As the government undertakes yet another programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the challenge to steer the economy away from the vicious cycle of high fiscal and current account deficits, coupled with critically low foreign currency reserves, is insurmountable. The recent attack by currency speculators on the foreign exchange... Read More
 

All stakeholders being taken on board to finalize budget: Finance Division

Radio Pakistan (May 27, 2019)
Spokesperson of Finance Division Dr. Khaqan Hassan Najeeb says extensive work is underway for finalization of a budget reflective of the needs of the economy.  In a tweet today, he said government is taking all stakeholders on board through consultation. Dr Khaqan Hassan Najeeb said the private sector, Chambers, Trade Associations and academia is... Read More
 

Hafeez Sheikh reviews budget proposals

Pakistan Today (May 26, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh Sunday chaired a meeting to review Budget proposals. On the occasion, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Shabbar Zaidi gave a presentation about the budget proposals for the 2019-2020 and proposed various steps to expand the tax base and increase... Read More
 

Rs5.5tr revenue target will choke economy: Dr Ashfaq

The News (May 26, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Renowned economist Dr Ashfaq Hasan Khan has termed government’s revenue target of Rs5.5 trillion in coming budgetary year at a projected growth of 4 percent a mere joke, adding it is tantamount to further choking the economy. No one can understand as how this economic team will achieve the target of additional taxation of over Rs1 trillion in the... Read More
 

Pakistan bracing for austere budget under IMF

Business Recorder (May 25, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is preparing a belt-tightening budget to tame its fiscal deficit, Hafeez Shaikh said on Saturday, adding that both civilian and military rulers agreed austerity measures were needed to stabilise the economy. But Hafeez Shaikh, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s top finance adviser, declined to say whether the military’s hefty budget would be cut following last... Read More
 

Punjab aims for 7% growth by 2023

Express Tribune (May 25, 2019)
Lahore: The Punjab government launched its growth strategy for the next five years (2018-2023), with an ambitious vision of provincial bureaucracy and few senior economists, particularly if examined in the current context of the country’s overall economy. The provincial government hopes to achieve a globally connected and competitive Punjab with sustainable economic... Read More
 

Uplift budget cut by 13% for FY 2019-20

Express Tribune (May 24, 2019)
ISLAMABAD.: The federal and four provincial governments have proposed nearly Rs1.6 trillion for development spending in next fiscal year, which is lower by Rs227 billion or nearly 13 per cent due to International Monetary Fund-backed fiscal consolidation programme. The Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) recommended on Thursday Rs1.586-trillion National Development... Read More
 

Minister vows to end circular debt by Dec 2020

Pakistan Today (May 24, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Power Minister Omar Ayub Khan said on Friday that a system of automatic metering is being introduced in the country to bring efficiency in the power sector and to stop power pilferage. Addressing a news conference, he expressed confidence that circular debt would be completely eliminated by December next year. “The energy sector will observe a... Read More
 

Sales tax rate may be raised from 17pc to 18pc in budget

Business Recorder (May 23, 2019)
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is considering increasing standard rate of Sales Tax from 17 to 18 percent, increase in rate of Federal Excise Duty (FED) on certain excisable commodities and imposition of FED on a few new items and withdrawal of income tax exemptions available to the privileged class in coming budget (2019-20). Sources told Business Recorder... Read More
 

Deal with IMF must be renegotiated: Dr Pasha

The News (May 23, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The budget of current fiscal year has gone out of control of the incumbent regime on account of zero growth in revenue and the budget deficit in first nine months has surged to 5 percent of the GDP which hasn’t happened in the last 11 years. If this trend continues, the budget deficit is feared to swell up to Rs2,800 billion (over 7 percent of GDP) by June 30, 2019. This has happened ... Read More
 

FDI drops 52% as economic uncertainty bites

Express Tribune (May 22, 2019)
KARACHI: Foreign direct investment (FDI) dropped 52% to $1.37 billion in first 10 months (Jul-Apr) of the current fiscal year due to spread of economic uncertainty. The FDI had been recorded at $2.84 billion in the same period of previous year, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported on Tuesday. “Economic uncertainty prompted foreign firms to put their investment decisions on... Read More
 

Rs 1,922 billion highest budget deficit in the nine months

The News (May 22, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Owing to zero growth in total revenues and increase in interest payment and defence expenditures by 24 percent, Pakistan’s budget deficit has sharply widened to Rs1922.4 billion or 5 percent of GDP in first nine months of the current fiscal year. This is highest ever budget deficit materialised in first nine months in percentage of GDP during the last 30 years since 1991. The budget deficit both in... Read More
 

Total debt getting close to size of economy

Express Tribune (May 21, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s debt and liabilities have risen steeply to Rs35.1 trillion or 91.2% of size of the economy, further deepening concerns over debt trap that has started limiting the government’s policy options. The statistics released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) at the weekend showed that only from July through March of this fiscal year, there was a net addition of Rs5.2 trillion in the country’s... Read More
 

IMF aid programmes mostly help but need fine-tuning: report

Pakistan Today (May 21, 2019)
WASHINGTON: Three-quarters of International Monetary Fund aid programmes over a six-year period attained their goals fully or partially but there were some failings, including rose-coloured growth forecasts, the fund said Monday. Between 2011 and 2017, the IMF oversaw 133 economic aid programmes for member countries, according to a review... Read More
 

Tech start-ups can transform Pakistan’s economy

Express Tribune (May 20, 2019)
ISLAMABAD:  Careem is the first Pakistani unicorn. Oh wait. No. Mudassir Sheikha is Pakistani but the co-founder is not. And the company started operations in Dubai. Uber bought it for over $3.1 billion, but where will the money go? How will it affect the next cycle of Pakistani entrepreneurs? Let’s look at another example: Elastica. The founder, Rehan Jalil, is Pakistani... Read More
 

Economy will come out of crisis soon, says PM

Dawn (May 20, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed confidence on Sunday that problems confronting the economy would be overcome soon through concerted efforts by the government and the business community. Mr Khan was speaking to a delegation of leading businessmen who called on him to offer suggestions to pull the country out of the economic crisis... Read More
 

Pakistan’s latest IMF bailout will not succeed without major cuts in the defense budget. EFSAS Commentary

Pakistan Christian Post (May 19, 2019)
In its recently published commentary, “Pakistan’s latest IMF bailout will not succeed without major cuts in the defense budget”, the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) comments on the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) announcement that it had reached a Staff-Level Agreement with Pakistan for about $6 billion. If approved by the IMF’s Executive... Read More
 

Budget to make no changes in amnesty scheme: Zaidi

Dawn (May 19, 2019)
KARACHI: Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman Shabbar Zaidi on Saturday said there was no ambiguity in the tax amn­esty scheme and that no changes would be made in the Finance Bill in this regard. Addressing members of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), he said the tax amnesty scheme would be made part of the Finance Bill for its formal approval by parliament... Read More
 

Don’t blame the IMF

Dawn by S Akbar Zaidi (May 18, 2019)
THERE is little disagreement that Pakistan’s economy is in a disastrous state. Even the prime minister and Pakistan’s last finance minister have acknowledged this truth, publicly. In fact, the last elected politician to hold the job as finance minister was fired precisely because the economy was in such a mess. Not only is every key economic indicator in poor shape, all indications suggest that... Read More
 

PSX delegates call on Hafeez Sheikh amid depressed market sentiment

Business World (May 18, 2019)
KARACHI: A delegation of leading businessmen and brokers here on Friday held a meeting with Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and discussed overall macro-economic situation and its impact on capital markets in the country. The delegation, comprising Chairman Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Sulaiman Mehdi, Bashir Jan Mohammad... Read More
 

NA Speaker opens debate on pre-budget proposals

News (May 17, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser on Thursday initiated comprehensive discussion on pre-budget proposals for agriculture development and outlined that farmers’ profitability, improved productivity, technology transfer and adaptation, access to new markets and rapid shift from low value to high value agricultural products... Read More
 
 
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 40 May 16, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Trade deficit contracts 13% in Jul-Apr FY 19

Express Tribune (May 16, 2019)
KARACHI: Pakistan’s trade deficit widened over 22% to $2.66 billion in April 2019 because of increase in imports, particularly the expensive petroleum products for running oil-fired power plants during the current summer season when demand rose sharply. The trade deficit stood at $2.18 billion in the previous month of March, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Wednesday... Read More
 

Agreement with IMF to end uncertainty

The Nation (May 16, 2019)
KARACHI - President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA), Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister, Mian Zahid Hussain on Wednesday said the long-delayed agreement with IMF may help calm the markets. After the agreement, the local and foreign investors will be able to take... Read More
 

Imran govt approves first tax amnesty scheme

Pakistan Today (May 15, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government on Tuesday finally approved the Asset Declaration Scheme after weeks of scrutiny amid internal opposition in a bid to “document the economy and to bring dead assets into the economy and make them functional”. PM’s Adviser on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh briefed the media on the scheme after a meeting of the federal ... Read More
 

Rs 750-800 billion PSDP likely: Hafeez explain criticality of IMF bailout

Business Recorder (May 15, 2019)
Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Hafeez Shaikh has said that the government is likely to allocate Rs 750-800 billion under Public Sector Development Programme (PSPD) in the upcoming budget for 2019-20. Addressing a press conference here at Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) House on Tuesday, the advisor said that the government is likely to unveil the budget for 2019-20 on June 10 or... Read More
 

Budget proposals: SCCI calls for review of APTTA

Business Recorder (May 13, 2019)
Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has called for review of Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) for the facilitation of imports with Afghanistan and introduction of an effective mechanism based on some quantitative ceilings to collect duty at import stage. Similarly, it has also recommended the streamlining of exchange control mechanism for financing... Read More
 

Pakistan finalizes $6bn IMF bailout package

Aljazeera (May 13, 2019)
Islamabad, Pakistan - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan have agreed on terms for a $6bn bailout package, to be disbursed over a span of more than three years, bringing an end to months of negotiations with the international lender. The agreement was confirmed by the IMF which added that the funds would be disbursed over 39 months. "Pakistan... Read More
 

Self-defeating economic thought process

Pakistan Today (May 12, 2019)
Exports have risen negligibly during the tenure of the PTI government. Given that the country inherited a huge current account deficit, and a large external debt servicing requirement, disappointingly, raising exports could still not become one of the government’s main areas of focus. The delay in announcing any meaningful steps to boost exports points to the PTI’s lack of preparedness... Read More
 

Pakistan agrees another multi-billion IMF bailout

Reuters (May 12, 2019)
ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistan has reached an accord with the International Monetary Fund for a three-year, $6 billion bailout package aimed at shoring up fragile public finances and strengthening a slowing economy, officials said on Sunday. The deal, which still needs approval by the IMF board in Washington, would be the 13th such bailout since the late 1980s Finance Minister Abdul... Read More
 

Budget Blues

Pakistan Today (May 11, 2019)
Barring a last minute glitch, around a $7billion IMF (International Monetary Fund) bailout package is virtually clinched. Now begins the hard part of meeting the international lending agency’s tough condtionalites. The conventional wisdom is that in the end analysis Islamabad completely capitulated in negotiations with the IMF officials. In the backdrop of an unprecedented shuffle in the finance team... Read More
 

APWC for introducing economic reforms in budget

The Nation (May 11, 2019)
LAHORE (PR) All Pakistan Workers Confederation has said that federal and provincial governments may announce far reaching economic and social reforms in their forthcoming annual budgets. It also called for adopting austerity measures in the country and develop national industries and agriculture and trade. It was also called upon the government to ensure safe and healthy... Read More
 

Pakistan economy grows by mere 3.3 percent in 2018-19 amid IMF bailout threat: Reports

Indian Express (May 10, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's economy registered a dismal 3.3 per cent growth in 2018-19, achieving just over 50 per cent of its projected target, as all key sectors failed to perform in the first year of Prime Minister Imran Khan's government, according to media reports on Friday. The poor show came as the cash-strapped Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government was negotiating a bailout package from the... Read More
 

Budget 2019/20 should be based on ‘low-tax-rate’, long term growth

Daily Times (May 10, 2019)
ACCA (the “Association of Chartered Certified Accountants”) believes that it is time to make radical changes in the approach towards budget and the economic model of Pakistan. We are compelled to think beyond twelve months and take medium to long term perspective focusing on inclusive economic growth and development model for Pakistan rather than just managing cash... Read More
 

Pakistan’s exports to India grow 1pc in 8 months

The Nation (May 09, 2019)
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s exports of goods and services to India grew by one percent during the first eight months of the current fiscal year compared to the corresponding period of last year, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported. The overall exports to India were recorded at $273.530 million during July-February (2018-19) against exports of $270.843 million during July-February... Read More
 

FO terms increase in Indian defence budget an attempt to start arms race in region

Dunya News (May 09, 2019)
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Foreign Office Spokesperson Dr Muhammad Faisal on Thursday termed the increase in Indian defence budget an attempt to start an arms race in the region but New Delhi know that increasing the budget won’t affect anything. Addressing a weekly news briefing in Islamabad on Thursday, he said that passion is most important for the defence of the... Read More
 

Chaos in FBR as govt aims for budget on May 22

Dawn (May 08, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The government is aiming to announce the federal budget on May 22, according to a communication received at the tax bureaucracy last week, as confusion reigns over the status of the current and incoming chiefs of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). Meanwhile, the summary to appoint Shabbar Zaidi, a Karachi-based chartered accountant, as new chairman of the FBR was... Read More
 

Money laundering is a major threat to economy

Daily Times (May 08, 2019)
Money laundering, white-collar crime, corruption and tax aversion are global issues and not a challenge for Pakistan alone. That said, they have had a major role in the destruction of Pakistan’s economy. The recent inflation and the hike in prices of fuels is all because of corruption and money laundering. Money laundering is a serious crime against the state. A ‘launderer’ disguises the origin of the money... Read More
 

Inflation, price hike and Pakistan’s economic structure-II

Business Recorder (May 07, 2019)
It is a common knowledge in Paki-stan that in the present day market mechanism, middlemen buy crops or product of the agriculturist 'upfront' much before the production as the agriculturists/producers do not possess sufficient money for seed, fertilizer, pesticides and labour. It is quite interesting to note that in many sectors the number of actual producers for a particular... Read More
 

Budget likely to be postponed till mid-June

Pakistan Today  (May 07, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Amidst prolonged negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government has started thinking about delaying the next budget to the second week of June, it was learnt on Tuesday. “Instead of presenting federal budget for the financial year 2019-2020 on May 22nd, as announced earlier by the government... Read More
 

Pakistan doesn’t need additional taxes to cover revenue shortfall: WB

Dawn (May 06, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has substantial potential to increase tax receipts without imposing new taxes or increasing their rates. The country’s tax revenue potential would reach 26 per cent of GDP, if tax compliance were to be raised to 75 per cent, which is a realistic level of compliance for lower middle income countries. This means that Pakistan’s tax authorities are currently capturing only... Read More
 

Budget expectations

Daily Times (May 06, 2019)
A country’s Budget is a most powerful financial document of its kind. It is a tool to control future commitments with the available resources. An ideal situation for Financial Managers making a country’s budget is where revenues may be more than expenditures. This situation never exists specially in third world countries where resources are scarcer than requirements... Read More
 

ICAP for focusing on ease of doing business, reforms in budget

The Nation (May 05, 2019)
ISLAMABAD   -   The Institute of Charter Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) here on Saturday recommended the government to pay its special attention on ease of doing business, reforms in tax laws, harmonization of taxation system and broadening the tax base in upcoming federal budget for the fiscal year 2019-20. “Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio is the main impediment in the economic development... Read More
 

CPEC: Economic prosperity for Pakistan

The News (May 05, 2019)
Pakistan has embarked on a journey of economic growth. Being the 23rd largest economy in the world by Purchasing Power Parity, Pakistan has now picked up the pace in collaboration with economic partners from around the world. The state now possesses the capability to boost its semi-industrialized economy and gain acknowledgement over its manufacturing, agriculture... Read More
 

IMF asks Pakistan to maintain uplift spending

Daily Times (May 04, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) wants Pakistan to “protect” its development spending at this year’s level in the coming budget. Head of IMF Mission to Pakistan Ernesto Rigo gave these views during a meeting with Planning, Development and Reform Secretary Zafar Hasan, according to the planning ministry officials. Rigo is leading... Read More
 

$1bn ADB loan likely for budgetary support

Dawn News (May 03, 2019)
THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday agreed to give $1bn budgetary support to Pakistan soon after a green signal from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as the government had promised to have a majority transformation of its high debts having serious socio-economic and financial repercussions. Speaking at a news conference at the 52nd Annual... Read More
 

‘Budget to focus on macroeconomic stability, welfare of vulnerable segments’

Pakistan Today (May 03, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said on Friday that the upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2019-20 would focus on bringing about macroeconomic stability in the country, adding that the government also intends to introduce reforms that could uplift the vulnerable segments of the society. “The budget will comprise measures... Read More
 
 
 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 186 E - Alert Issue Date: 01-08-2019
 
 
India
Five Times Right To Information Act Helped Unearth Major Scams
The Logical Indian
The Rajya Sabha on July 25 passed the Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019. This bill seeks...

 

Pakistan
Community social audit report: 43 water supply schemes dysfunctional in Karak
The News International
The social audit reports on two southern districts Lakki Marwat and Karak were unveiled in a seminar organized by...

 

USA
My freedom of information law saga continues
Post Star
The new owners of a large portion of the former General Electric Co. dewatering site in Fort Edward held their first public meeting ...

 

Luxembourg City
Freedoms of information and the press could outweigh infringement
IPPro Magazine
The Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) has ruled freedom of information and the press cannot justify the infringement...

 

Ghana
Coalition on the RTI, Ghana, honours stakeholders
Business Ghana
The Coalition on the Right to Information, Ghana (RTI Coalition), has presented citations of honour to former Steering Committee members...

 

Scotland
Scottish Government departments failing on freedom of information
The Ferret
The efforts of departments in the Scottish Government to improve their freedom of information performance...

 

Bangladesh
Govt officials’ restrictive mindset hindering people’s right to information: experts
The Daily Star
While the Right to Information (RTI) Act is a powerful tool for people’s empowerment, some inherent flaws and restrictive mindset of a section of public servants stand as barriers...

 

Russia
Russian journalist Mikhail Romanov found guilty of ‘abuse of freedom of information’ and ‘false’ news
Committee to Protect Journalists
It was the first time the authorities have charged a journalist under the provision in the administrative code that pertains to “false” information...

 

Malta
Neville Gafa contract disclosure through Freedom of Information Act request refused
Independent.mt
The request was originally made on 2 July, following over seven months of unanswered questions and stonewalling by the government...

 

Pakistan
FBR directed to provide information under Right of Access to Information Act 2017
The News International
The FBR was requested to provide certified information under Right of Access to Information Act 2017 about total vacancies in the revenue board...

 

India
Madhya Pradesh: Officials face Rs 2.5 lakh fine for not giving information under RTI
India Today
Narendra Kumar Pandey, Public Information Officer of the civic body, did not give information in the stipulated 30 days or took any other decision on the applications...

 

 
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 185 E - Alert Issue Date: 23-07-2019
 
 

Ghana
I'm against Right to Information Law - Kennedy Agyapong
Ghana Web
Anti-corruption campaigner and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin...
 

Ireland
Up to 37000 freedom of information requests made in 2018 Irish Times
Nearly 37,000 freedom of information requests were made to public bodies last year, an 8.5 per cent increase on the previous year...

 

Pakistan
RIC commissioner appointed
Dawn
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on appointed journalist Riaz Khan Daudzai as commissioner of Right to ...
 

Australia
Access to Information
Australian Office of Financial Management
We make a range of information available for public access on our website. You can formally request access to information...

 

Scotland
Hunterston dredging plan uncovered by freedom of information request
Largs and Millport
PLANS to dredge a huge area of the seabed at Hunterston as part of an oil rig decommissioning yard project has been ...

 

Bangladesh
A healthy right-to-information regime is in everyone's best interest
Daily Star
School supplies siphoned off by a contractor. Ghost workers created to claim benefits...

 

India
Defence Ministry spent ₹7.85 crore on legal fee
The Hindu
While the debate continues over taxing disability pension for military personnel and assurances by Defence Minister...

 

Kenya
Enlighten Kenyans on their right to access information
Business Daily
Article 35 of the Kenyan Constitution reaffirms the right of the public to access information from government and private entities...

 

South Africa
EPA's Rule Changes Would Undermine Freedom of Information Act
The Media Institute
Participated in a letter (with the Reporters Committee and other news media organizations) sent to the Environmental Protection Agency...

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 184 E - Alert Issue Date: 01-07-2019
 
 

Sri Lanka
The government is attempting to limit access to information
The Kathmandu Post
At a time when the government is facing widespread criticisms for attempting to curtail freedom of expression and the free press, and generally attempting to push through regulations and...

 

Ghana
CCB Denies Freedom of Information On Asset Declarations By Presidents, Others On Ground Of
Modern Ghana (press release) (blog)
The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has denied a Freedom of Information request demanding specific details of asset declarations submitted to it by successive presidents and state...

 

Pakistan
Paris Peace Forum chooses KP to asses RTI implementation
The News International
The Paris Peace Forum has chosen Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s project, from among the provinces and the country, to assess the implementation and evolution of the Right to Information Act ...

 

Philippine
CHR says access to information a basic right; reminds congress of role in approval of franchise
Manila Bulletin
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has asserted that public’s access to timely and relevant information is a basic right that empowers the people to make sound decisions...

 

Gambia
CSO Coalition on Freedom of Information meets Justice Minister
Freedom Newspaper
The Gambian Civil Society Coalition on Freedom of Information on Monday June 24, handed over a draft Freedom of Information Bill 2019 to the Honourable Attorney General ...

 

UK
Tip: Freedom of Information requests 101
Journalism.co.uk
Everybody has access to this public data, but knowing how to ask is a different story - here is how to find the statistics you need for your next article...

 

India
RTI reply on Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa's dissent note could endanger life: ECI
India Today
The RTI filed by India Today Group was on Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa's dissent over the ECI clean chits to four speeches of PM Modi and one of Amit Shah...

 

Myanamar
Ministry cuts off internet access in Rakhine, Chin
Eleven Myanmar
Due to a threat to the peace, stability, security and rule of law, the ministry has cut off internet access in Rakhine and Chin States, said Soe Thein, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Communications on June 22...

 


Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 183 E - Alert Issue Date: 18-06-2019
 

 

Pakistan
KP academics being ignored
The Express Tribune
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information (KP RTI) Act of 2013 was passed with the objective to ensure the citizens had access...  

 

Scotland
Lib Dems challenge Scottish Goverment over FOI legislation
The Scotsman
A submission has been made to the Public Audit and Post-legislative Scrutiny Committee which is currently examining the Freedom of Information...

 

Ireland
Department told to release details of jet use by Higgins, McAleese
Irish Times
Information about the use of the government jet by President Michael D. Higgins and his predecessor Mary McAleese should be released...

 

Jammu & Kashmir
Implement RTI Act in letter and spirit: RTI Movement to interim J&K Bank chairman
Kashmir Reader
The Jammu & Kashmir Right to Information Movement (RTIM) appealed to interim chairman of J&K Bank, R K Chibber to implement Right to Information...

 

India
Agenda for next government: Protecting right to information
India Today
The significance of access to information about the government's functioning can't be over-emphasized...

 

Bangladesh
Our right to easy access to information
The Daily Star
Information is prerequisite for humans to perform several activities. It is recognised that knowing and circulating information is very vital for ensuring transparency...

 

Sierra Leone
RAIC boss shares Sierra Leone's PDI experience at OGP global summit
The Patriotic Vanguard
The Chairman and Information Commissioner of the Right to Access Information Commission, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw has said that one of the biggest challenges...

 

Philippines
Freedom of Information: Our Battle for Democracy
Manila Bulletin
There was an old saying, information is power. Anyone who has it rules over everyone. One becomes invincible if he/she...
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 182 E - Alert Issue Date: 16-05-2019
 

Namibia
Namibian media not free enough – editors
Namibian
Editors and experts in the media sector yesterday said despite Namibia's good rankings on media freedom, more needs to be done...


Bangladesh
Two workshops on RTI held
The Daily Star
Two workshops on right to information (RTI) were held at deputy commissioner’s office in Sylhet yesterday...


Jammu & Kashmir
Data shows departments miserly in revealing info under RTI Act
Greater Kashmir
With 224 appeals and 29 complaints a year, the Right to Information Act in Kashmir is not getting the priority it merits in the government departments...


Pakistan
As RTI commission is dysfunctional, complainants move court
The News International
In February this year, Aftab Alam, dispatched Right to Information requests to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and three of its subordinate departments...


Scotland
FOI brings transparency and honesty
Law Society of Scotland
The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 has led to a major improvement in government transparency and has set strong standards...


Australia
RTI application fees and charges
Department of Justice and Attorney-General
You will need to pay an application fee of $49.70 when you apply for information under the Right to Information Act 2009...


Sri Lanka
RTI activism in Sri Lanka and India: Can India continue to be an example in future?
The Daily Mirror
The decomposed body of a 32-year old RTI activist who went missing in January was found in Pune, a city in the Indian State of Maharashtra early February...



Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 181 E - Alert Issue Date: 02-05-2019
 

California
California is fighting over the future of freedom of information laws
Fast Company
Many people argue that public records laws are essential to democracy. Others say they’re being used by corporate interests to stifle important research...

Namibia
Is Government Committed to Transparency?
Namibian
President Hage Geingob really wants a government as transparent as a glass that is not tinted. On a personal level, Geingob loves a debate...

Jamaica
Ja ranked highest in the C'bean on respect for freedom of information
Jamaica Observer
The Paris-based Reporters without Borders (RFS) named Jamaica as the highest Caribbean country that most respect freedom of information...

Canada
How the freedom of information system often results in secrecy instead of transparency
Toronto Star
The freedom of information (FOI) system is meant to benefit all of us, the public. It’s supposed to be there so we can know what data our government...

United Arab Emirates
AI journalism promises a revolution in freedom of information, and a free flow of information
Gulf Today
How does Artificial Intelligence Journalism assure freedom of information? One of the key pillars on...

India
Provision in RTI Act allowing transfer of application to 'appropriate' department gives authorities
First Stop
One of the foundations of accountability for our democracy is the Right to Information Act (RTI) of 2005. It can be hailed as a revolutionary...

Germany
Germany: Personal Data: Comprehensive Right To Information Of The Employee
Mondaq News Alerts
The Regional Labor Court (LAG) of Baden-Württemberg, in its ruling of December 20, 2018 granted an employee...

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Budget Study Centre   Issue 39 May 02, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Bailout talks with IMF far from conclusion

Express Tribune by Shahbaz Rana (May 02, 2019)
ISLAMABAD:  Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have yet to bridge their differences in three major policy areas, as the global lender seeks upfront monetary tightening and elimination of the flow of circular debt from the first year of the programme. Pakistani and IMF officials held a first face-off plenary meeting on Wednesday in which all key policy areas were discussed... Read More
 

Budget deficit likely to touch record Rs2.7 trillion despite mini-budget

The Nation (May 02, 2019)
ISLAMABAD-Pakistan budget deficit is expected to touch record Rs2.7 trillion in current fiscal year mainly due to massive shortfall in tax collection and increase in interest payment. The country’s budget deficit would widen to Rs2.7 trillion in the current financial year, which would be equal to 7 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). The budget deficit would be highest ever... Read More
 

FBR misses tax revenue target by record margin

Express Tribune (May 01, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The shortfall in tax collection has widened to a record Rs345 billion in the first ten months of this fiscal year amid differences between Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over a strategy to achieve the tax target for the next fiscal year. Despite a steep shortfall in tax revenues, the federal government on Tuesday surprisingly... Read More
 

Free trade agreement with China to help revive Pakistani economy

Global Times (May 01, 2019)
The second phase of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Pakistan and China will give a boom to Pakistan's agriculture besides supporting its industry as more Pakistani products are expected to have access to the Chinese market with zero tariff. China is already investing dozens billion US dollars through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Pakistan, and local observers believe that the... Read More
 

Cabinet unlikely to consider tax amnesty scheme, budget strategy paper today

Business Recorder by Zaheer Abassi (Apr 30, 2019)
A meeting of the federal cabinet is unlikely to consider budget strategy paper and tax amnesty scheme today (Tuesday) as a special meeting will be convened for extensive discussion on them before their approval due to their impact on the people. Sources on condition of anonymity stated as measures finalised in the budget strategy paper will have impact on people''s life, therefore... Read More
 

FY19 budget: Rs 20 million earmarked to pick up cost of remittances

Business Recorder (Apr 30, 2019)
The government allocated Rs 20 million in the budget for 2018-19 to pick up the transaction cost of remittances with the objective of facilitating overseas Pakistanis to remit money through formal channels under Pakistan Remittance Imitative (PRI). This was stated by sources in the finance ministry and State Bank of Pakistan. Specific cost of the remitter or an institution... Read More
 

Revenue-generating sectors to get priority in next budget

Dawn News (Apr 29, 2019)
QUETTA: The Balochistan government has decided to give importance to revenue-generating sectors in the next budget. A meeting presided over by Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani reviewed budget proposals for the next financial year and implementation of the ongoing development schemes. The meeting observed that the sectors which had no role in revenue generation... Read More
 

IMF team arrives today for talks on bailout package

Daily Times (Apr 29, 2019)
A team of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to arrive in Pakistan on Monday (today) to hold technical-level talks on a three-year bailout package. The IMF mission, headed by Ernesto Ramirez Rigo, will reach on April 29 and will stay in the country till May 7. The mission will also visit various institutions during their stay in the country. Pakistani side for negotiations with the IMF will be led by... Read More
 

Upcoming budget termed crucial

The News (Apr 28, 2019)
LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has warned that the ongoing economic scenario has made upcoming budget more crucial, a statement said. Business community expects the government to keep its suggestions on top if it wants to reduce the economic challenges, it added. LCCI office-bearers said electricity and gas prices must be uniform in... Read More
 

Budget 209-2020: PCMA demands relief package for development of chemical industry

Business Recorder (Apr 27, 2019)
Pakistan Chemical Manufacturers Association (PCMA) has demanded of the government to provide a comprehensive relief package for development of chemical industry in the forthcoming budget. PCMA's Secretary General Syed Iqbal Kidwai on Friday said the association's member companies are playing key role in providing important chemicals to export oriented sectors. But, despite huge potential... Read More
 

EFP-EC present Federal Budget proposals 2019-2020

Daily Times (Apr 27, 2019)
Majyd Aziz, President EFP, while introducing Federal Budget Proposals 2019-2020 stated, “The Economic Council of the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan in its first ever endeavor initiated pragmatic, doable, and workable solutions to the various economic and financial issues impeding the economic growth and prosperity of Pakistan. The proposals have been formulated after intensive... Read More
 

PM Khan calls for tackling climate change poverty as Pakistan, China enter next CPEC phase

Dawn News (Apr 26, 2019)
Prime Minister Imran Khan, in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the second Belt and Road Forum in Beijing on Friday, called for greater attention to tackling climate change and poverty as Pakistan and China enter the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The prime minister appreciated the significance of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), saying it "marks a... Read More
 

Pakistan to begin talks with IMF from April 29

Pakistan Today (Apr 26, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will begin discussing the aid package for Islamabad from April 29. The IMF mission, headed by Ernesto Ramirez Rigo, will reach Pakistan on April 29 and will be in the country till May 7. The mission will also visit various institutions during their time in the country. According to the sources, the Ministry of Finance issued a notification... Read More
 

Inflation not deficits is the new challenge for Pakistan’s economy

The Bloomberg (Apr 25, 2019)
High inflation is emerging as the new challenge for Pakistan, where authorities are trying to secure an International Monetary Fund bailout to avert a balance-of-payments crisis. Consumer prices in March rose to the highest level since 2013, with gains seen hovering above 8 percent through the first-quarter of 2020. That is likely to put the State Bank of Pakistan, the... Read More
 

Govt to present next budget by end of May

Pakistan Today (Apr 24, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The government will be presenting the Federal Budget 2018-19 by the end of next month, a government official revealed on Wednesday. Talking to media after the meeting of National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs, Finance Secretary Younus Dagha said that his ministry has expedited its work with regard to the next fiscal budget... Read More
 

Early warning? The resignation of Pakistan’s Finance Minister raises unpleasant questions

The Diplomat (Apr 23, 2019)
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s confidant and a longtime member of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party, Asad Umar, resigned as finance minister last week. The development comes at a time when Pakistan is facing a serious economic crisis. Umar’s resignation raises fresh questions regarding Pakistan’s plans for averting an economic crisis amid bailout talks with the... Read More
 

PM Imran directs for pro-people budget

Pakistan Today (Apr 23, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday directed his cabinet members to introduce policies in the public interest and improve their performance in order to resolve the issues faced by the people. Briefing media persons about the decisions of the federal cabinet meeting, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan said that the prime minister had... Read More
 

Pakistan government ready to pay political cost to salvage sinking economy

Arab News  (Apr 22, 2019)
KARACHI: As Pakistan steps up efforts to negotiate loan program from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) before presenting federal budget for fiscal year FY20 next month, the top officials say the government is taking steps to salvage sinking economy, bracing itself for political repercussions. Pakistan is currently negotiating with IMF expecting $6-8 billion loan program for ... Read More
 

Dr Hafeez Shaikh ‘ineligible’ to chair NFC meeting, present next budget

Pakistan Today (Apr 22, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Since the government has replaced the finance minister with an adviser, a number of issues have surfaced at the finance ministry amidst the absence of a full-fledged minister, it was learnt on Monday. As the important meeting of the National Finance Commission (NFC) is scheduled to be held on April 29, a legal issue has been raised that whether Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance... Read More
 

PFC presents proposals on budget 2019-20 for enhancing furniture export

Dunya News (Apr 21, 2019)
(APP) – Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq on Saturday, on behalf of furniture producers, presented a set of proposals for upcoming Federal Budget 2019-20 to the Advisor to the Prime Minister, Abdul Razak Dawood. The PFC demanded allocation of special chunk of funds to boost furniture exports, besides giving the sector the... Read More
 

PFC presents budget proposals to Dawood

The Nation (Apr 21, 2019)
ISLAMABAD   -    Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq Saturday, on behalf of furniture producers, presented a set of proposals for upcoming federal budget 2019-20 to Advisor to Prime Minister Abdul Razak Dawood. The PFC demanded allocation of special chunk of funds to boost furniture exports, besides giving the sector the status of a full-fledged... Read More
 

‘Govt striving to promote industrialization, lure foreign investors’

Pakistan Today (Apr 20, 2019)
Advisor to Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms Dr Ishrat Hussain said on Saturday that the government is offering a number of incentives to entice foreign investors in various sectors of Pakistan’s economy. “The economic conditions of the country are continuously improving and can be gauged through various indicators,” he added while addressing an event titled... Read More
 

Hafiz Shaikh says budget to be announced not earlier than May 24

Dawn News (Apr 20, 2019)
In his first interaction with the media since being appointed the prime minister's adviser on finance, Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh revealed that he had already spoken to finance ministry officials regarding the budget for the next fiscal year. Speaking outside the finance ministry on Saturday, shortly before he left for a meeting with the prime minister, Shaikh said he had directed the... Read More
 

HEC may face up to 50% budget cuts

Pakistan Today (Apr 19, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: A special meeting of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Friday, under the Chairmanship of its chairman Dr Tariq Banuri, reviewed the implications of ongoing fiscal crisis for the higher education sector, and in particular the budgetary projections for the fiscal year 2019-20. The commission was informed that the projected recurring budget demand of the higher education... Read More
 

Pakistan’s GDP growth to fall behind Nepal, Maldives this year: UN

Dawn News (Apr 05, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The annual Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2019 titled ‘Ambitions beyond Growth’, released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) on Thursday, forecast Pakistan’s GDP to remain lowest in the region at 4.2 per cent in 2019 and 4pc in 2020 compared to Bangladesh’s 7.3pc... Read More
 
 
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 38 April 18, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Asad Umar steps down as finance minister

Pakistan Today (April 18, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Asad Umar on Thursday announced his decision to leave the post of federal finance minister. Umar took to Twitter and wrote, “As part of a cabinet reshuffle PM desired that I take the energy minister portfolio instead of finance. However, I have obtained his consent to not take any cabinet position. I strongly believe @ImranKhanPTI is the... Read More
 

Govt formulating policies to deal with budget, current account deficit: ADB

The News (Apr 18, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: While indicating $11.129 billion committed loans remained un-disbursed so far, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday stated that Pakistan’s new government was formulating policies to deal with vulnerabilities of budget deficit and current account deficit in order to restore its economic growth. In its annual report and financial... Read More
 

Pakistan’s GDP growth to hover around 5 percent in 2019: GECS

The News (Apr 17, 2019)
LAHORE: Pakistan’s economy is likely to grow by around 5 percent this year, but it faces challenges in the shape of alarmingly large fiscal and current account deficits, both running around 6 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). These are the findings of Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS) report for the first quarter (Q1) of 2019...Read More
 

Pakistan’s economy to weigh on region’s growth: IMF official

Dawn News (Apr 17, 2019)
WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s economy is projected to slow down significantly and weigh on the region’s aggregate growth rate, says Jihad Azour, director of the Middle East and Central Asia department at the International Monetary Fund. At a recent talk on the economic outlook for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan (MENAP) region...Read More
 

Pakistan eyes $22b package from lending agencies in three years

Express Tribune (Apr 16, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday announced that it will send a staff-level mission to Pakistan to finalise a bailout programme, as Finance Minister Asad Umar hoped to secure nearly $22 billion packages from three multilateral agencies in the next three years. “At the request of the (Pakistani) authorities, an IMF mission will... Read More
 

Trade bodies demand tax exemptions worth Rs 800b: FRB

Pakistan Today (Apr 16, 2019)
ISLAMABAD:  As the trade bodies and associations are giving budget suggestions to the government, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has complained that the business community is demanding tax exemptions worth Rs 800 billion. “FBR is already giving Rs 700 billion worth exemptions to various sectors. How and from where we can collect taxes... Read More
 

Pakistan to avail $6-8bn IMF package, says Asad Umar

Pakistan Today (Apr 15, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Asad Umar on Monday said that Pakistan is all set to avail a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) ranging between $6-8 billion. Addressing a press conference after his return from New York on Monday, the finance minister said that Pakistan and IMF have signed a policy-level agreement and both sides have also... Read More
 

Govt devises strategy to streamline budget allocations

The Nation (Mar 15, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The government has been working on a comprehensive strategy to streamline budget allocations for each ministry with an aim to reduce expenditure rigidities. “Rather than providing budgetary funds to the line ministries in itemized details, the budget allocations for each ministry will be made under only two heads including employee related... Read More
 

Foreign reserves increase, fiscal deficit decreased: Khusro

Pakistan Observer (Apr 14, 2019)
Islamabad: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar has asserted that the federal government has been formulating and implementing effective reforms to strengthen the national economy. He spoke to a private news channel, and stated that improvement in every sector could be observed in the country... Read More
 

The development budget

The News (Apr 14, 2019)
Government spending on economic development is likely to take another hit next year as the finance ministry has indicated that the development outlay will remain the same for next year. Coming after a year of severe inflation, keeping the Public Sector Development Programme at Rs675 billion for 2019-20 equates to a real reduction in development spending... Read More
 

Bailout package with IMF almost worked out: Asad

The Dawn (Apr 13, 2019)
WASHINGTON: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have — more or less — reached an understanding on a package for bailing out the country’s ailing economy, says Finance Minister Asad Umar. “During the last two days, we have, more or less, reached an understanding. In the next day or two, we hope to reach a full agreement and then we will share... Read More
 

Budgetary borrowing up 9pc

Dawn News (Apr 13, 2019)
KARACHI: The government’s borrowing for budgetary support increased by 8.8 per cent year-on year during 9MFY19, reported the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Friday. The budgetary borrowing rose to Rs876 billion from July to April 5 FY19, compared to Rs805bn during the same period last fiscal year, representing an increase of Rs71bn or 8.8pc... Read More
 

Liquid foreign reserves stands at $17.22b

Pakistan Observer (Mar 12, 2019)
Karachi: The total liquid foreign reserves held by the country stood at US$17,228.3 million on 05April2019. The break-up of the foreign reserves position. Foreign reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan $ 10,271.9 million. Net foreign reserves held by commercial banks $ 6,956.4 million. Total liquid foreign reserves $ 17,228.3 million... Read More
 

Next budget to be made in light of IMF programme

Pakistan Today (Apr 12, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and International Monitory Fund (IMF) have reportedly finalised the talks for the next bailout programme and have agreed to move forward towards the staff level agreement, it has been learnt. According to sources, after the positive talks with the IMF officials in Washington, the Fund would be sending its mission to Pakistan this... Read More
 

Despite no growth in exports, trade deficit shrinks 13%

Express Tribune (Apr 11, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s exports flattened at $17 billion in first nine months of this fiscal year despite 34% currency devaluation in the last over one year, underscoring the need to review a strategy to weaken the currency for gaining export competitiveness. Where the growth in exports flattened in nine months, it, in fact, dipped over 11% on a year-on-year basis in... Read More
 

Foreign exchange: SBP reserves fall $220m to stand at 10.3b

Express Tribune (Apr 11, 2019)
KARACHI:  The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank declined 2.1% on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. Earlier, the reserves had spiralled downwards, falling below the $7 billion mark, which raised concern over Pakistan’s ability to meet its financing requirements. However, financial... Read More
 

FPCCI seeks viable budget proposals from all chambers

The News (Apr 10, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers and Commerce (FPCCI) on Tuesday sought viable budget proposals from all chambers for timely submission to the federal government for fully ensuring growth-oriented and business-friendly environment to boost the economic activities. FPCCI President Daroo Khan Achakzai said this during a meeting... Read More
 

IMF puts country’s growth rate at 2.5%

Express Tribune  (Apr 10, 2019)
ISLAMABAD:  Just a day after Finance Minister Asad Umar claimed that the economy is out of the woods, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said Pakistan’s economy will grow at an average rate of just 2.5% during the next five years and its external imbalance will remain elevated. If the IMF’s prophecy turns out to be true, Prime Minister Imran Khan... Read More
 

Govt urged to facilitate furniture sector in upcoming budget

Pakistan Today (Apr 09, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Furniture Council (PFC) on Tuesday urged the federal and provincial governments to allocate a special chunk of funds in the upcoming fiscal budget 2019-20 to boost furniture exports, besides giving the sector the status of a full-fledged industry. PFC Chief Executive Mian Kashif Ashfaq expressed these views while chairing a board of... Read More
 

SMEDA sends proposals for budget 2019-20

Pakistan Observer (Apr 09, 2019)
Lahore: The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) has sent a set of proposals for Federal Budget 2019-20, which demands that SMEs being an important sector of our economy require assistance and support to ensure their sustained growth. The budget proposals compiled by SMEDA through extensive consultation with stakeholders... Read More
 

China denies CPEC intensified Pakistan’s economic risks

Economic Times (Apr 08, 2019)
BEIJING: China on Monday refuted criticism that the USD 60 billion CPEC has intensified Pakistan's economic risks, saying that less than 20 per cent of the current projects under the initiative are using Chinese loans. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship... Read More
 

Economy has come out of crises: Asad Umar

The News (Apr 08, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister of Finance Asad Umar said on Monday that the situation of crisis in the country has ended and we are now in a stage of stability which will continue for next year and a half. Addressing an event in the federal capital, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader stated that the country’s economy is presently encountering three major... Read More
 

Pakistan’s GDP growth may slow down to 3.4%: World Bank

Express Tribune (Apr 07, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s public debt would jump to 17 years highest level of 82.3 per cent of the size of its economy and budget deficit is projected to be over Rs2.6 trillion by the end of the current fiscal year, says a new report of the World Bank. The projected levels of the budget deficit – gap between expenditures and revenues – and public debt to Gross Domestic... Read More
 

PTI-led govt’s debt surges to Rs 27.6tr by Feb-end

The Express Tribune (Apr 06, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The federal government’s debt has soared to Rs27.6 trillion with a net addition of Rs3.4 trillion in just eight months at a pace of nearly 14% due to low tax revenue, high expenditure and currency depreciation. From July through February 2018-19, the government on an average added Rs14 billion a day to its debt, which included almost six and... Read More
 

Pakistan’s GDP growth to fall behind Nepal, Maldives this year: UN

Dawn News (Apr 05, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The annual Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2019 titled ‘Ambitions beyond Growth’, released by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) on Thursday, forecast Pakistan’s GDP to remain lowest in the region at 4.2 per cent in 2019 and 4pc in 2020 compared to Bangladesh’s 7.3pc... Read More
 
 
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 37 April 04, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

ADB forecasts grim outlook for Pakistan economy

The Nation (April 04, 2019)
ISLAMABAD   -   The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Wednesday forecasted that Pakistan’s GDP growth would decelerate to 3.9 percent during current fiscal year (FY2019) as macroeconomic challenges continue. “GDP growth is forecast to decelerate further to 3.9% in FY2019 as macroeconomic challenges continue and despite steps to tighten fiscal and monetary policies to rein in high and unsustainable twin deficits,” the ADB noted in its recent... Read More
 

KP CM for ensuring 100 pc utilization of development budget

Pakistan Today (Apr 04, 2019)
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister (CM) Mahmood Khan here on Thursday directed all departments to ensure 100pc utilisation of developmental budget with a focus on the provision of quality services to people. The Chief Minister further directed all the departments to surrender unutilized budget by April 15 and additional and supplementary grant should be released after his consultation... Read More
 

Pakistan’s GDP expected to slow down to 3.9pc: ADB report

Dawn News (Apr 03, 2019)
Pakistan will continue to face macroeconomic challenges despite steps to tighten fiscal and monetary policies to rein in high and unsustainable twin deficits, and in this backdrop, the country’s GDP is forecast to decelerate to 3.9 per cent in fiscal year 2019, says the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in a new report released on Wednesday. The report forecasts that continued fiscal consolidation (reduction in underlying fiscal deficit) in FY-2020 will keep growth subdued at 3.6pc...Read More
 

Influence of elite is a big problem for Pakistan’s economy

Sama TV (Apr 03, 2019)
One of the biggest problems for Pakistan’s economy is the influence of the elite, says Finance Minister Asad Umar. He expressed the belief that this influence can be reduced if not finished. The finance minister was speaking at a pre-budget seminar held in Islamabad on Tuesday. The withholding tax net has increased, he said, adding that many of the 41 barriers to trade have been finished. The property sector needs reforms, he said, adding that withholding tax for non-filers in the banking...Read More
 

Budget 2019: Government’s tax relief will make a big difference to Indian community

SBS.com (Apr 02, 2019)
In his first Budget speech, Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has handed down a pre-election budget for the Coalition government with a budget surplus of 7.1 billion dollars for 2019/20 and announced more tax relief for low and middle-income earners. “As part of our plan for a stronger economy, we will provide tax relief to Australian taxpayers with immediate relief for low- and middle-income earners,” Minister Frydenberg told Parliament. “The Government will provide...Read More
 

Budget 2019-20 likely to be presented in Parliament on May 24: Finance Minister

Sama Tv (Apr 01, 2019)
The federal government is likely to present a new budget for the fiscal year 2019-20 in the National Assembly and Senate on May 24,  Finance Minister Asad Umar told the media in Islamabad on Monday. “Earlier, May 17 was proposed for the presentation of the new budget, but now May 24 is under consideration and a decision will soon be taken in consultation with the National Assembly speaker,” he said...Read More
 

Pakistan diverts CPEC corridor funds: China ties under pressure

Economic Times (Apr 01, 2019)
NEW DELHI: A controversy has erupted over the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) ahead of the second Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) summit in Beijing following allegations that the Pakistani government has diverted Rs 2,400 crore (around $171.6 million) meant for joint infrastructure development projects with China under BRI to other projects. China had given the money as part of the $62-billion infrastructure funding to build the CPEC. However, Pakistan’s... Read More
 

CPEC’s effects on Pakistan’s economy analysed

The News (Mar 31, 2019)
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will have a positive effect on Pakistan but certainly not a transformative one. These views were expressed by Dr Matthew McCartney, associate professor of political economy and human development in South Asia, Oxford School of Global and Area Studies, University of Oxford, UK, while addressing the members of the Pakistan Institute of International Affairs (PIIA) and the media on Saturday evening...Read More
 

A stabilizing economy; Reversing the damage

The News (Mar 31, 2019)
A little more than 200 days have passed since the PTI took over reins of the country in the midst of the worst economic crisis. It inherited multiple deficits that were allowed to surpass levels that are enough to run any economy to the ground. This article broadly lays out the significant progress on the economic stabilisation front in the first 200 days of PTI’s government and the direction that economic policy will take in the coming days. A country like Pakistan needs an adequate... Read More
 

Massive drop in foreign assistance, only $2.94bn received in July-Feb

Dawn News (Mar 30, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan received a paltry $2.94 billion of budgeted foreign assistance in first eight months (July-February) of the current fiscal year, showing a massive decline of over 61pc over last year. This was despite the fact that Pakistan needed significantly higher inflows to finance a large current account deficit. Resultantly, the government had to mostly bank on short-term deposits and commercial loans worth more than $9bn from bilateral sources — Saudi Arabia, United ...Read More
 

Government’s projected indicators

Business Recorder (Mar 30, 2019)
According to a Business Recorder exclusive, the government's projected macroeconomic indicators for the current year shared with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) include: (i) growth rate of 3.7 percent (Planning Ministry had earlier showed a growth rate of 4.2 percent and downgraded it to 4 percent in February this year though the SBP second quarterly report projected a rate of 3.5 to 4 percent); (ii) budget deficit at 5.6 percent of GDP (Fitch rating agency projected a ...Read More
 

Budget 2019-20: Essential reforms

Business Recorder (Mar 29, 2019)
In this article, we are presenting some fundamental institutional/ structural reforms in tax system prior to announcement of budget 2019-20. For the last many decades, the main emphasis of every budget has been meaningless and cumbersome changes in the existing outdated, oppressive and anti-growth tax system, which itself is the root cause of major fiscal ills. It is strange and shocking that we want to reform a system that needs to be dismantled in entirety and should be... Read More
 

Finance minister to chair 9th NFC Award meeting today

The News (Mar 29, 2019)
LAHORE: Finance Minister Asad Umar will chair the fifth meeting of 9th National Finance Commission Award here today (Friday) which will be attended by the finance ministers of all the four provinces, and their nominated non-statutory members including Dr Salman Shah, Dr Asad Saeed, Musharraf Rasul, Mehfooz Ali Khan and other officials concerned including FBR chairman to brief about the performance of the six working groups constituted for ...Read More
 

Govt spending massively up, subsidies down in last FY

The Nation (Mar 28, 2019)
ISLAMABAD - The federal and four provincial governments massively slashed the subsidies by over 35 percent in last fiscal year 2017-18. The federal and provincials governments of the country had paid Rs260 billion as subsidies during the year 2017-18 as against Rs403 billion in preceding year showing reduction of over 35 percent. Pakistan’s budget deficit had ballooned to highest ever level of Rs2.26 trillion during last fiscal year despite slashing the subsidies massively...Read More
 

What Sri Lanka’s 2019 Budget Tells Us About Its Economic Health

The Diplomat (Mar 27, 2019)
Following one of the most dramatic political crises in the recent history of South Asia, Sri Lanka’s government budget for 2019 was approved by the majority of the parliament on March 12. The 2019 budget was supposed to be presented to the parliament in November 2018, but President Maithripala Sirisena’s unexpected (and later overturned) decision to change prime ministers in October 2018 pushed back the budget. Later, a Vote of Account was... Read More
 

Shujaat calls for APC on economy

Pakistan Today (Mar 26, 2019)
Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain on Tuesday underscored the need for an all parties conference to boost economy. Talking to journalists, Shujaat said that the prevailing political situation was harmful for economic stability. Referring to the train march of Pakistan People’s Party, he said that some elements were giving preference to personnel interests over national interests. The PML-Q said that nothing would... Read More
 

Pakistan eyes package as IMF mission chief arrives today

Dawn News (Mar 26, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: As the arrival of $2.1 billion Chinese loans jacked up Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves to $17.58bn — highest since April 2018 — the government is expecting finalisation of a bailout package with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in four-six weeks to form the basis for next year budget. IMF’s new mission chief for Pakistan Ernesto Ramirez Rigo is set to touch base with Finance Minister Asad Umar and senior officials of his ministry on Tuesday over authorities’... Read More
 

Macro-economic stabilization steps start yielding: SBP report

The News  (Mar 25, 2019)
KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday released its second quarterly Report on "The State of Pakistan's Economy for fiscal year 2018-19," which stated the effects of macroeconomic stabilization measures taken since December 2017 have started to unfold as the economy moved into the second quarter of fiscal year 2018-19. More specifically, monetary tightening along with exchange rate adjustments, reduction in development expenditures of the federal... Read More
 

EU, Pakistan agree on new engagement plan for trade, economy

The Geo Tv (Mar 25, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the European Union (EU) on Monday agreed to a new strategic engagement plan for building a sturdy partnership in the fields of defence, trade, democracy, governance and human rights. The agreement to this effect was reached during the fourth round of a strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the European Union here. Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi led the Pakistani side, while EU Representative for Foreign Affairs and...Read More
 

China finance minister says balancing budget revenue and spending difficult this year

The Reuters (Mar 24, 2019)
BEIJING (Reuters) - China’s Finance Minister, Liu Kun, said on Sunday it will be difficult for the government to balance its budget revenue and spending this year due to various tax and fee cuts planned this year to support growth. Liu, speaking at the China Development Forum, said the government is still able to balance its budget overall through a variety of means, adding that general central government spending will be cut by more than 10 percent this year...Read More
 

To fix the economy, start with the power sector

Dawn News (Mar 24, 2019)
From time to time Dawn invites people with stakes or expertise in any area of the economy to contribute their thoughts on issues of pressing concern. Today we invite Dr Kamal Munir, a professor of strategy & policy at the University of Cambridge and Salman Khalid, an emerging markets investment professional and a former Fulbright Scholar, to reflect on the rising costs of power in Pakistan...Read More
 

‘Pakistan can become economic leader’

The Express Tribune (Mar 23, 2019)
LAHORE: Pakistan should aim for achieving top position in the international ranking for ease of doing business instead of considering jumping just a few notches. It was stated by Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Almas Hyder while briefing a three-member World Bank delegation, led by Lars Grava. During the meeting, textile, information technology, agro-business and other sectors of the economy came under discussion. Hyder added that Pakistan...Read More
 

Declining investment-to-GDP ratio

Business Recorder (Mar 23, 2019)
A World Bank report titled "Pakistan@100 Growth and Investment" maintains that Pakistan's low public and private investment will place it at a disadvantage to peer countries. The investment-to-GDP ratio in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia and India has been continuously higher than in Pakistan for the past 10 years; savings in Pakistan at present are 13.8 percent of GDP with an investment at 15 percent of GDP and in contrast, Sri Lanka's savings...Read More
 

Pakistan to receive $2.1 billion loan from China by March 25

The Khaleej Times (Mar 22, 2019)
Cash-strapped Pakistan will receive over $2 billion loan from China by Monday to provide a boost to its ailing economy, the Finance Ministry has announced. Ministry's adviser and spokesperson Khaqan Najeeb Khan said that "all procedural formalities" for the transfer of $2.1 billion (15 billion yuan) loan being provided by the Chinese government have been completed, and "the funds will be deposited in the State Bank of Pakistan's account by Monday, March 25", the...Read More
 

Murad says provinces face financial crises due to poor state of national economy

Dawn News (Mar 09, 2019)
JAMSHORO: Sindh Chief Min-is¬ter Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that provinces face severe crisis due to poor state of national economy as federal government has thus far failed miserably to improve conditions. The government should work harder to bolster economy and scale up tax collection instead of launching scathing attacks on others and issuing boastful statements, said Mr Shah while talking to media persons after graduation ceremony at the US-Pakistan Centre for...Read More
 

CPEC likely to contribute 3.5%to Pakistan’s GDP

The Express Tribune (Mar 22, 2019)
KARACHI: China’s investment of over $60 billion in Pakistan’s infrastructure and power projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is expected to increase Pakistan’s economic growth by around 3.5 percentage points, said Standard Chartered Bank (Pakistan) CEO Shahzad Dada on Thursday. “CPEC projects are estimated to contribute around 3.5 percentage points to Pakistan’s GDP (gross domestic product) growth once they are fully delivered,” he... Read More
 
 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 180 E - Alert Issue Date: 16-04-2019
 

South Carolina
After suit accused USC of violating open records law, the university agrees to change
Greenville News
The University of South Carolina has agreed to fix how it responds to public records requests, court documents show...
Pakistan

Extension of right to information law to Malakand sought
Dawn News
The members of civil society and local journalists demanded the provincial government to direct the administration of Malakand division to provide information...

Namibia
'ECN only scratching surface on voter education'
Namibian
Media ombudsman John Nakuta criticized the Electoral Commission of Namibia for only doing the “bare minimum” when it comes to voter education...

India
Delhi HC seeks reply from Centre, COAS over plea seeking de-classfying Sambha spy scandal documents
Business Standard
The Delhi High Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) over a petition seeking to de-classify all official documents relating...

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s Northern Province journalists win awards for using RTI for reporting
Daily FT
The Delhi High Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) over a petition seeking to de-classify all official documents relating...

Bangladesh
Use of RTI in Bangladesh
The Daily Star
International observers who follow global trends on the progress of transparency and accountability instruments, such as Right to Information (RTI) or Freedom of Information (FOI), which have...

Canada
'Seduction of secrecy': Will anyone fix Alberta's freedom of information system?
Edmonton Journal
David Khan, leader of the Alberta Liberal Party, had heard the stories about the issue — how paramedics in some cases were waiting more than an hour to hand a patient...

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 179 E - Alert Issue Date: 01-04-2019
 

Ireland
Make Freedom of Information Act a priority, think tank tells govt
Free Malaysia Today

The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) today presented several suggestions on combatting corruption, one of which is FOI...

South Africa
City to educate public on Promotion of Access to Information Act
Independent Online
The City of Cape Town will be hosting an information sharing event to raise awareness of the Promotion of Access to Information Act...

Morocco
El Othmani: Morocco’s New Law on Access to Information Will Succeed
Morocco World News
The Moroccan Head of Government Saad Eddine El Othmani has promised to ensure equal access to information...

Ghana
Reconsider the decision to mine in Atiwa Forest – CSOs to government
Ghana Business News
According to the CSOs it poses a threat to the Atiwa Forest and, therefore, is not in the national interest...

Nigeria
Delta Assembly passes Freedom of Information Bill
Daily Sun
FOI Act will soon be domesticated in Delta State, following the passage of the state Freedom of Information Bill during plenary...

Philippine
Secret loan terms fan 'debt trap' fears
Philippine Star
President Duterte should order full disclosure to allay fears that the huge Chinese loans he had contracted to finance...

USA
State budget measure would limit access to mugshots, but not arrest reports
Buffalo News
State lawmakers have revised plans to limit public disclosure of arrest booking information, following an outcry from freedom of information advocates...

Pakistan
CPDI stressed effective legislation on RTI law in Balochistan
The Balochistan Point
CPDI has urged the Balochistan government to make amendments in RTI act, 2005 in the light of international best practices...

India
Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde claims credit for EMRs at station, RTI says otherwise
DNA India
A 10-year-old HC order to set up EMRs across railway stations has started a war of credit in Thane region...

 
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795 URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Budget Study Centre   Issue 36 March 21, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Pakistan to receive $2.1bn loan from China by Monday

The Pakistan Today (Mar 21, 2019)
The Ministry of Finance has announced that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) will receive a loan of 15 billion yuan ($2.1 billion) from China by Monday, a private media outlet reported on Thursday. The ministry’s advisor and spokesperson Dr Khaqan Najeeb Khan said that “all procedural formalities” for the transfer of the loan being provided to Pakistan by the Chinese government have been completed, and “the funds will be deposited in the SBP account by Monday 25th March”... Read More
 

ECC approves Rs 17.5 billion supplementary budget

The Express Tribune (Mar 21, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The government on Wednesday approved Rs17.5 billion supplementary budget for largely meeting expenditures of legislators and temporarily displaced persons including Rs400 million for maintaining an aircraft being used by Prime Minister Imran Khan. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet also approved higher hydel profit for Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government that will provide Rs10 billion additional income to... Read More
 

Pakistan can become a $2trllion economy- World Bank

The Eur Asian Times (Mar 20, 2019)
According to the World Bank, Pakistan could become a $2 trillion economy in the next 28 years if it remains constant in its reforms and works to reduce its population growth rate. “With sustained reforms, Pakistan could be a $2 trillion economy when it will turn 100 in the next 28 years,” said the World Bank (WB) Country Director Patchamuthu Illangovan while sharing the main findings of the ‘Pakistan @100- Sharing the Future 2047′ report on Monday...Read More
 

World Bank suggests involvement of more countries in CPEC

The Pakistan Today(Mar 20, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: A new World Bank report has stated that multi-country involvement in the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can help achieve greater regional integration. Suggesting various steps to be taken towards greater regional integration to liberalize trade and improve logistics, a WB report titled “Pakistan@100: Shaping the Future” said CPEC can be used to improve relations with other countries that could benefit from it, including Iran, India, Afghanistan...Read More
 

Business urged to submit budget proposals on time

The Business Recorder (Mar 19, 2019)
LAHORE: Private sector should prepare their actionable proposals and submit them timely for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government’s first federal budget 2019-20. Likewise, the Planning Commission is formulating the 12th Five-Year Plan and Ministry of Commerce is formulating three-year Strategic Trade Policy Framework for which business community should proactively engage with the relevant departments and submit sector-specific...Read More
 

‘Pakistan IMF agree on policy directions’

The News (Mar 19, 2019)
KARACHI: Pakistan and International Monetary Fund (IMF) have generally reached an agreement over the bailout program to meet the financing gap, but timing and pace of stabilisation policies are under discussion, SBP Governor said on Monday. “There is a general agreement regarding the policy direction between us and the IMF; the differences are only on the timing and pace of stabilisation policies,” Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Tariq Bajwa said...Read More
 

Shaping a brighter future for Pakistan

Dawn News (Mar 18, 2019)
In a new report, the World Bank takes a deep look at what Pakistan needs to do to have a better future for its people by 2047, a full ¬century after the country’s birth. In this series, the authors provide a brief summary of key recommendations of the report. IN 28 years, Pakistan will turn 100 years old. The children born this year will be adults then. I wonder what they will see when they look around...Read More
 

Spend less on defence and more on human development, World Bank tells Pakistan

The SAMAA by Farooq Baloch and Shakeel Ahmad (Mar 18, 2019)
If Pakistan wants to be a strong upper middle-income country by the time it turns 100, it has to reduce its population growth rate by half and more than double its spending on education and healthcare, World Bank said in its latest policy report ‘Pakistan@100: Shaping The Future’. The global lender has expressed its concerns on the ever increasing defence expenditures in the South Asia region amid recent tensions between India and Pakistan...Read More
 

GDP expected to grow at an average of 5.4pc in next five years

The Pakistan Today (Mar 17, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to grow at an average of 5.4 per cent during the next five years, with highest growth of 6.7 per cent to be witnessed in fiscal year 2022-23, according to preliminary figures of 12th Five Year Plan (2018-23). According to the provisional figures of the draft of the 12th Five Year Plan, the economy would grow at four per cent during the current fiscal year (2018-19), followed by 4.6 per cent growth rate in FY 2019-20, 5.5... Read More
 

Pakistan closer to reaching accord with IMF: Asad

Dawn News (Mar 17, 2019)
TAXILA: Federal Finance Minister Asad Umar has hinted that bailout package talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are in their final stages and the government will have further negotiations with the newly appointed IMF mission before reaching an agreement. “Pakistan has come closer to reaching an agreement with the IMF as the differences between Pakistan and the IMF over a possible...Read More
 

Trump’s trade war cost US economy $7.8bn in 2018: Study

The Pakistan Today (Mar 16, 2019)
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump’s trade battles cost the US economy $7.8 billion in lost gross domestic product in 2018, a study by a team of economists at leading American universities published this week showed. Authors of the paper said they analyzed the short-run impact of Trump’s actions and found that imports from targeted countries declined 31.5pc while targeted US exports fell by 11pc. They also found that annual consumer and producer losses from higher costs of...Read More
 

Pakistan seeks $500 million loan from ADB

The Express Tribune (Mar 16, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has requested the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to approve a $500 million loan in budgetary support before June this year, as it faces difficulties in retaining foreign exchange reserves because of mounting external financing needs. The request has been made to Werner Liepach, director general for Central and West Asia Department of the ADB, who is on a visit to Pakistan, a top official of the Finance Ministry told The Express Tribune....Read More
 

No new mega projects in next year’s PSDP

The Express Tribune (Mar 15, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: A parliamentary body on Thursday took up the issue of ‘insignificant’ research and development funds of Rs1.4 billion for the entire year out of a total budget of Rs6 trillion. “There should be a special meeting just to cry over the poor state of funding for research and development,” said Senate Standing Committee on Science and Technology Senator Mushtaq Ahmed. The committee met to discuss the budgetary allocations for the ministry and the utilisation of funds...Read More
 

ADB reaffirms support to Pakistan’s development

The Pakistan Today (Mar 15, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Asad Umar said on Friday that the government is keen to devise an innovative financing model, develop capital markets and mobilise private sector investment in infrastructure and social sectors. “These initiatives will not only provide fiscal space to the government but will also be helpful to boost economic activities in the country,” said the finance minister during a meeting with a high-level delegation of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)...Read More
 

IMF endorses Sri Lankan government budget

The WSW (Mar 14, 2019)
The second reading of the 2019 government budget presented by Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera was passed by the Sri Lankan parliament on Tuesday. The final vote on the United National Party (UNP)-led government’s measures, which are in line with International Monetary Fund (IMF) demands, will be taken on April 5, after further debate. The IMF mission chief for Sri Lanka, Manuela Goretti, told the Dailyft on Tuesday that “a prudent policy mix is necessary”,...Read More
 

US aid to Pakistan for 2020 to be dismal

The Hindustan Times (Mar 14, 2019)
The Trump administration has cut by half its budgetary request for a fund that the US uses to compensate coalition partners for military and logistical support, which could mean Pakistan, the principal beneficiary of the allocation, will get next to nothing from it. The fiscal year 2020 budget request for Coalition Support Fund (CSF) of $450 million reflects a $450 million (50%) decrease from the FY 2019 enacted level of $900 mn, the US department of defence said in a summary of its budgetary...Read More
 

Pakistan’s resources can make it an economic power

The Express Tribune (Mar 13, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: A Ghanaian diplomat has said that Pakistan has matchless natural and human resources which could soon turn the country into a global economic power. This was stated by the visiting Ghanaian Diplomat Muhammad Karandi while speaking to Ghana’s Honourary Consul General Shahid Rasheed Butt on Tuesday. Karandi, who works at the Ghanaian embassy in Tehran but is visiting Islamabad, said that Pakistan has all...Read More
 

Pentagon rolls out $718 billion budget for 2020

The Economic Times (Mar 13, 2019)
WASHINGTON: The US Department of Defence has rolled out its $718 billion budget request for the fiscal 2020, with a substantial hike in war funding aimed at circumventing a budget gap. "This strategy-driven budget makes necessary investments in next-generation technology, space, missiles and cyber capabilities," Acting Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan said in a statement on Tuesday. "The operations and capabilities supported by this budget will...Read More
 

Pakistan for promoting regional economic integration

The Business Times (Mar 12, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister, Asad Umar said Tuesday that Pakistan strongly believed in promoting regional economic integration for development of the whole region. Talking to a Turkmenistan delegation, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Rashid Meredov, the Finance Minister said that it was the vision of Prime Minister of Pakistan to develop regional economic integration, which he said was highly essential for the social and economic prosperity of the region...Read More
 

Punjab Assembly begins pre-budget debate

The News (Mar 12, 2019)
LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly began pre-budget debate on Monday as Finance Minister Hashim Jawan Bakht reiterated his government’s resolve to address the problems and sense of deprivation among dwellers of southern Punjab. He asked the assembly members to present their suggestions for improving the upcoming budget for fiscal year 2019-20. Opposition leader in Punjab Assembly, Hamza Shahbaz, complained of victimisation of Pakistan Muslim League...Read More
 

Mini-budget: still a work in progress

Dawn News (Mar 11, 2019)
The National Assembly passed the second mini-budget of the current fiscal year last week with a rare 45-day gap following its presentation. Instead of considering ecommendations made by the Senate, Finance Minister Asad Umar rushed through many amendments to the Jan 23 document. The Senate Standing Committee on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs had proposed about 55 amendments to the Finance Supplementary...Read More
 

Trump invites a new fight with Democrats over 2020 budget, seeks $8.6 billion for wall

The CNN (Mar 11, 2019)
Washington (CNN)The Trump administration is headed for a budget clash with Congress, with calls for deep domestic spending cuts that lawmakers are likely to ignore as the nation's debt reaches record levels. On Monday, President Donald Trump is set to deliver his budget roadmap with a promise to balance the budget in 15 years, marking the first time he'll unveil a spending proposal under a divided government with Speaker Nancy Pelosi at the helm of a Democratic-controlled House, and he is...Read More
 

China’s funding for science and research to reach 2.5 percent of GDP in 2019

The South China Morning Post (Mar 10, 2019)
China’s spending on science and research funding is set to continue rising to 2.5 per cent of its GDP this year, as the nation seeks to catch up on the technology front amid an economic downturn. The funding target was revealed in a meeting of the country’s peak advisory body, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, on Sunday. It means China will reach its budget goal for research and development a year ahead of schedule, though scientists say they still do not get...Read More
 

Pakistan set to receive US$2billion (Dh7.35 billion) deposit from the UAE

The Gulf News (Mar 10, 2019)
Dubai: The United Arab Emirates is expected to deposit US$2 billion (Dh7.35 billion) in the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) as foreign currency reserves in a few days to help Islamabad meet international payment pressures. “US$2 billion in deposits are expected to be received by the SBP within days,” a spokesperson of the SBP told media in Pakistan. Abu Dhabi had released the first tranche...Read More
 

Murad says provinces face financial crises due to poor state of national economy

Dawn News (Mar 09, 2019)
JAMSHORO: Sindh Chief Min-is¬ter Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that provinces face severe crisis due to poor state of national economy as federal government has thus far failed miserably to improve conditions. The government should work harder to bolster economy and scale up tax collection instead of launching scathing attacks on others and issuing boastful statements, said Mr Shah while talking to media persons after graduation ceremony at the US-Pakistan Centre for...Read More
 

FY 2018-19: Pakistan post’s deficit projected to cross Rs 12 billion

The Business Recorder (Mar 09, 2019)
Amid deteriorating postal services owing to lack of innovation to compete with private couriers and electronic alternatives, Pakistan Post's deficit is projected to cross Rs 12 billion by the end of current fiscal year 2018-19. Official sources revealed to Business Recorder that the government has set a revenue target of around Rs 15 billion for Pakistan Postal department for 2018-19 after it missed revenue target of Rs 13 billion for 2017-18...Read More
 

FY 2017-18: Government regularize Rs 354.2 billion excess expenditures

The Business Recorder (Mar 08, 2019)
The federal government has regularized excess expenditure of Rs 354.2 billion during financial year 2017-18 and supplementary grants of over Rs 39 billion for the financial year 2018-19, official sources told Business Recorder. According to the Finance Ministry, Article 84 of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, lays down the procedure for supplementary grants and excess grants. It provides that the federal government shall have power to authorize expenditure in case the amount...Read More
 
 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 178 E - Alert Issue Date: 18-03-2019
 

Ireland
Families of murder victims have a legal right to information about the case
The Journal
The Victims of Crime Bill 2015 legally obliges and the Director of Public Prosecutions to keep victims informed...
 
Israel
‘DON’T VOTE FOR PARTIES THAT DO NOT OPERATE TRANSPARENTLY’
The Jerusalem Post
Election season is upon us. This is a time when the public focuses on the candidates, the campaigns and the new...  
 
Pakistan
Access to information body unable to appoint staff, carry out functions
Dawn
The Commission on Access to Information remains non-functional four months after it was notified in the absence of funding...  
 
Scotland
Holyrood asks how well freedom of information law is working
Scottish Legal News
A Holyrood committee is seeking views on the operation of Scotland’s freedom of information legislation...  
 
USA
Sunshine Week spotlights freedom of information
The Times Telegram
March 10 through March 16 is Sunshine Week, an annual initiative organized by the American Society of News Editors to promote dialogue about...  
 
France
Government transparency vital for Lamar County residents
Paris News
Of all the things we think of as our fundamental American rights — life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — as well as things like freedom of speech...  
 
Sri Lanka
RTI Unearths 230 Complaints against Quack ‘Islamic’ Judges
Colombo Telegraph
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has released data under the Right to Information Act indicating that an enormous number of 230 complaints have been filed...
 
India
How the RBI Dodged RTI Appeals for Minutes of Meeting on Demonetisation
The Wire
After two years of stubborn refusal to part with any details regarding the minutes of its board meeting on demonetisation, the RBI has demonstrated its sheer disdain for the RTI Act...
 
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795 URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Budget Study Centre   Issue 35 March 07, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Finance bill ushers in sweeping ‘incentives’ for banks, industry and green field investors

The Dawn (Mar 07, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The PTI government in its second Finance Supplementary Bill, 2019 has agreed to introduce 10 major amendments to the Finance Act 2019 with most related to boosting investment. Of all the recommendations, five are related to income tax measures, one caters to sales tax, two to customs and one for federal excise duty. These amendments will come into effect retrospectively from July 1. However, the sales tax, customs and federal excise duty will come ... Read More
 

Second mini-budget gets NA nod amid protest

The Express Tribune (Mar 07, 2019)
The National Assembly on Wednesday approved the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s second mini-budget amid opposition’s uproar and boycott, allowing non-filers of the income tax returns to purchase luxury cars while also extending the super tax indefinitely. Although Finance Minister Asad Umar described his second mini-budget in five months as a reform package that will also boost industries and trade, he has taken certain... Read More
 

‘Biotechnology can transform Pakistan’s economy’

Express Tribune (Mar 06, 2019)
FAISALABAD: A close and productive working relationship between the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI), National Textile University (NTU) and National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetics Engineering (NIBGE) is imperative to reorganise the industrial sector on modern scientific lines. Addressing the FCCI Standing Committee on Technical Training and Industry-Academia Linkages, NIBGE Director Dr Shahid Mansoor...Read More
 

Govt approves Rs8b addl budget for PAF, others

The Pakistan Observer(Mar 06, 2019)
Islamabad: The government on Tuesday approved nearly Rs8 billion supplementary budget to meet additional needs of the Pakistan Air Force and civilian armed forces, seeking financial assessment of further defence needs of the country in wake of tensions with India. The Economic Coordination Committee of the cabinet approved the additional budget for the PAF and management of western borders by civil-armed forces, said the Finance Ministry officials. It has...Read More
 

Govt now focusing on promotion of NFIS targets three million new jobs, $5.5bn additional exports by 2023

The Pakistan Today (Mar 05, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The government has set a target of creating at least three million new jobs and additional exports of $5.5 billion by 2023. National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), according to the Ministry of Finance, will enhance the usage of digital payments to 65 million active digital transaction accounts, increase deposit-to-GDP ratio to 55pc, promote financing to 700,000 small and medium enterprises, increase agricultural finance disbursements to Rs.1.8 trillion, serve...Read More
 

Govt now focusing on promotion of economic growth, PM Khan tells business leaders

Dawn (Mar 05, 2019)
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday said that after overcoming the "most difficult challenge" of stabilising the economy during the first six months of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)-led government, the focus is now on the promotion of economic growth in the country. In a meeting with a delegation of business community leaders and representatives, the premier said that with trade and investment being an important pillar of the government's foreign policy, there was...Read More
 

GDP and foreign aid shrinking, Pakistan economy crosses a line of control

The Business Standard (Mar 04, 2019)
The recent flare-up with India has possibly lengthened the odds against Pakistan to get the foreign aid that it needs immediately. The choices are, principally, two: From China or the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Of the total foreign loans Pakistan raised in 2017-18, more than 40 per cent came from these two sources. Islamabad also raises commercial loans of approximately the same amount from abroad. Foreign loans from both streams account for 30 per cent of the country’s GDP...Read More
 

Sri Lanka Finance Minister burning midnight oil to finalize budget 2019

The Colombo Page (Mar 04, 2019)
Colombo: Sri Lanka's Minister of Finance Mangala Samaraweera is preparing to present the budget for 2019 in parliament on Tuesday, March 5. Seen here is the Minister finalizing the budget for the year with the Secretary to the Treasury Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga at his private residence in Gorakana, Panadura. "Finalizing the Budget 2019; Enterprise Sri Lanka, Empowering the people, nurturing the poor. Thanks to ST, Mano Tittawella, Deshal de Mel for burning the ...Read More
 

AN IMF deal

The News (Mar 03, 2019)
There seem to be positive signs on the IMF front for Pakistan, now with Fitch Solutions too saying that it expects the country to reach a bailout agreement soon. However, all is not hunky dory, as Pakistan is expected to be pushed to pursue greater austerity measures. The expected $12 billion bailout deal will be twice the last bailout agreement, and is likely to come with severer conditions than before as the IMF will attempt to ensure that Pakistan does not return to it with a... Read More
 

Universities face financial emergency because of budget cuts

The News (Mar 03, 2019)
Islamabad : Vice Chancellors and Rectors of public sector universities say that they face a financial emergency because of budget cuts in the past three years. The issue was discussed at a two-day meeting held at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) where the university heads met to explore solutions to the financial crisis. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, Chairman Vice Chancellors Committee, said that the recurring budget of the higher education sector is facing a ...Read More
 

Lower House oks record ¥101 trillion budget for fiscal 2019

The Japan Times (Mar 02, 2019)
The Lower House approved a record ¥101.46 trillion ($913 billion) budget for fiscal 2019 early Saturday, ensuring its enactment before the new fiscal year begins on April 1. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s ruling coalition pushed the spending plan through the House of Representatives past midnight, after opposition lawmakers halted deliberations the previous day by submitting a no-confidence motion against labor minister Takumi Nemoto over his handling of a faulty ...Read More
 

Soaring budget deficit getting out of economic managers’ control

The Pakistan Observer (Mar 02, 2019)
ISLAMABAD - The economic managers of the country might struggle to control the soaring budget deficit due to the massive shortfall in tax collection during eight months of the current fiscal year. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has faced massive shortfall of Rs230 billion in tax collection during July to February period of the year 2018-19 despite introducing mini budgets. The FBR had collected Rs2335 billion during eight months (July to February) of the ongoing ....Read More
 

Border line: State of Pakistan economy

The Economic Times (Mar 01, 2019)
Pakistan's economy faces multiple challenges ranging from high inflation and a sharply deteriorating currency to foreign exchange reserves for about a few months of imports. Government’s finances are also in shambles with high fiscal deficit. Any escalation in hostilities will drag it down further...Read More
 

More Steps in budget for ease of doing business

The Express Tribune (Feb 28, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Asad Umar said on Thursday that the government had taken steps for the ease of doing business and was facilitating both domestic and foreign investors by offering various incentives including rationalisation of taxes. Talking to a visiting Singaporean business delegation, Umar revealed that more such steps were envisaged in the new budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2019-20. He told the delegation...Read More
 

India’s defence budget five times larger than Pakistan’s

The Times of India (Feb 28, 2019)
NEW DELHI: In 2018, India's defence budget stood at $58bn, five times larger than Pakistan’s one. Also, Indian Army boasts of 12 lakh active troops, while Pakistan has mere 5.6 lakh personnel in its army. As tension between India and Pakistan escalates after strike by Indian Airforce at Jaish terror camps in Pakistan following a suicide bombing in Kashmir that killed 44 Indian security personnel. Here’s quick assessment of the two nation’s military might...Read More
 

Budget deficit hits six-year high says QWP leader

The News (Feb 27, 2019)
PESHAWAR: Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) leader and former senior minister Sikandar Sherpao on Tuesday criticised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for its flawed economic policies, saying that budget deficit had hit a six-year high. According to a press release issued from Watan Kor here, he was talking to a delegation of the QWP workers from the Buner district. Sikandar Sherpao said the budget deficit had reached Rs1.03 trillion in the first half of...Read More
 

Why is the economy not responding?

The Pakistan Today (Feb 27, 2019)
Nearly eight months down the road one is beginning to wonder that while the government is well meaning, its heart and mind are in the right place, its economic team is not only experienced and has has reasonably good credentials, but also seems correct in its policy direction, so why then is the Pak economy not responding. Could it be that the policymakers say one thing while they do another or is it that they are failing in combining to deliver the promised ‘ ...Read More
 

Debate begins in NA on amendments to mini-budget

Dawn News (Feb 26, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The proposed 55 amendments in the Finance Supplementary (Second Amendment) Bill 2019 were laid for discussion by state minister for parliamentary affairs on behalf of Finance Minister Asad Umar in the National Assembly on Monday. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Khan on Monday laid the proposed amendment report in the NA amid the opposition’s protest over the arrest of Sindh assembly’s speaker...Read More
 

Taiwan concerns mean China defense budget likely to defy slowing economy

The Reuters (Feb 26, 2019)
BEIJING (Reuters) - A slowing economy is unlikely to crimp China’s 2019 defense budget rise, as Beijing earmarks more spending for modernization and big-ticket items like stealth jets, and focuses on Taiwan after a stern new year’s speech from President Xi Jinping. The defense spending figure is closely watched worldwide for clues to China’s strategic intentions as it develops new military capabilities, including aircraft carriers and anti-satellite missiles...Read More
 

Sri Lanka may have to push IMF budget targets to 2020 or beyond

The Economy Next (Feb 25, 2019)
ECONOMYNEXT- Sri Lanka may have to renegotiate a more realistic budget deficit target for 2019 and beyond under a 1.5 billion dollar balance of payments relief program with the International Monetary Fund, an economist said. "The consolidation is slower than the IMF forecast," Standard Chartered Bank South Asia Economist Saurav Anand said at a media briefing. Sri Lanka was expected to reach a budget deficit of 3.6 percent in 2019 under the ...Read More
 

The US can solve its trade problems while relaunching the world economy

CNBC News (Feb 25, 2019)
Pursuing one of American core national interests, the U.S. administration lost a multilateral dimension of its forceful quest to balance trade accounts. Washington's unassailable trade case against China, the European Union, its North American neighbors and Japan is fundamentally an issue of world economy. Reducing that case to bilateral quarrels robs America of a powerful negotiating advantage, and of the high moral ground of a world leader. Buying more than half-a-trillion...Read More
 

Finance Ministry fince-tunes populist Budget 2019

The Sunday Times (Feb 24, 2019)
The Finance Ministry is now fine-tuning the upcoming budget 2019, the first by the United National Front (UNF) Government following the breakaway of the coalition with the SLFP, to be presented in parliament on March 5 amidst falling revenue, mounting public debt and severe balance of payments difficulties. Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera told a forum organised by American Chamber of Commerce this week that the upcoming budget 2019 will be “important and...Read More
 

Ballooning budget deficit contradicts PM’s claims

The Express Tribune (Feb 24, 2019)
LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former finance minister Miftah Ismail has said the budget deficit has ballooned to Rs1,030 billion during the first six months of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s tenure. “This is the highest amount ever witnessed during the first six months of any government in the country’s 71-year history,” said the former finance minister in a statement on Saturday...Read More
 

Pakistan’s new Five Year Plan draft eyes 5.4% GDP growth rate

The Gulf Times (Feb 23, 2019)
The Planning Commission (PC) of Pakistan has shared the draft of highly ambitious 12th Five Year Plan. However, the leading economists have termed it ‘redundant framework’ in case the PTI-led government approaches the IMF for a fresh bailout package. The commission in its envisaged macroeconomic framework has set an average GDP growth target of 5.4%, jacking up allocation of development outlay to Rs11.7tn including Rs6.2tn at federal level in which Rs1tn will be financed...Read More
 

Budget 2019 likely to boost India’s education sector

The Digital Learning (Feb 23, 2019)
India’s Annual Budget decides the way ahead for different sectors in the country. In this year’s Budget, the Government has emphasised on education along with other sectors. How the Budget 2019-20 will pave way for improvement in education sector, observes Akhil Shahani, Managing Director, The Shahani Group, for Elets News Network (ENN). The acting Finance Minister, Piyush Goyal said that India is among the youngest nations in the world and the Government is...Read More
 

Mohammad Bin Salman looks east but worries about the west

The Haartez (Feb 22, 2019)
For the pigeon farmers of Islamabad it was a celebration. The authorities bought 3,500 pigeons from them for the birds to be released at this week’s reception ceremony for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Some 750 rooms in the capital’s grand hotels were reserved for the entourage, and it seems all the BMWs in the city were enlisted to drive the guests around. Pakistan’s highest civilian award was polished well before it was awarded to Mohammed, a...Read More
 

Pakistan to be among 5 biggest world economies by century end

The News (Feb 22, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance Asad Umar said that Pakistan would be among five biggest economies of the world by the end of this century. He said that India’s decision to slap 200 percent duty on Pakistani products and withdrawal of Most Favored Nations (MFN) status was tantamount to harm New Delhi’s economy more instead of causing any loss to Pakistan. He also said that the differences with the IMF were narrowing down and discussions at technical levels were continued ...Read More
 
 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 177 E - Alert Issue Date: 28-02-2019
 

Pakistan
Sindh Information Commission starts working next month
The News International
The Sindh Information Commission will finally start functioning under the Sindh Transparency and...
 
Morocco
UNESCO Agree to Cooperate on Right to Access to Information
Morocco World News
Director of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization...
 
Colombia
More than half of Colombia's media reliant on state propaganda funds
Colombia Reports
Colombia’s media is overly reliant on shady contracts to publish or create government propaganda...
 
Ghana
Latest amendment to RTI Bill problematic – Coalition
Charleston Post Courier
The Coalition on the Right to Information (RTI) Ghana, the Media Coalition on RTI and Occupy Ghana; collectively known...
 
Sri Lanka
Right to Information
Groundviews
In 2017, Groundviews filed a series of RTI requests to ascertain more about Sri Lanka’s early warning system...
 
Kenya
Access to public information an uphill struggle in Kenya despite law
Business Daily
A recent legal tussle between lawyer Apollo Mboya and utility firm, Kenya Power over inaccurate customer billing perhaps underlined the deep...
 
India
Apex court opposes amendment to RTI
The Hans India
RTI Act is the best enactment, but it is not giving best results in securing the access to public records...
 
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795 URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 176 E - Alert Issue Date: 04-02-2019
 

Pakistan
Dir officers asked to resolve people's issues
Dawn
The Lower Dir deputy commissioner on Tuesday directed all officers in the district to resolve public grievances...
 
Brazil
Brazil changes freedom of information act
ZDNe
Brazil's freedom of information law has seen significant changes with a new decree signed by interim president...
 
India
Why no experts on RTI panels, asks Supreme Court
The Hindu
The Supreme Court asked why Right to Information bodies, especially the apex forum of Central Information Commission...
 
Pakistan
RTI’s complaints commission itself in complainant mode
The News
It has neither been allocated the staff required to start work nor given the proper office whereas the information commissioners...
 
UK
Devon and Cornwall Police under investigation over Freedom of Information requests
Devon Live
Devon and Cornwall Police is under investigation after failing to deal with more than 100 FOI requests...
 
Pakistan
Info Commission in vain as govt delays service rules
Pakistan Today
PIC to suffer from shortage of staff till govt approves proposed service rules...
 
Ghana
RTI And Two Other Bills To Be Prioritized As Parliament Resumes Sitting
Modern Ghana
Before going for that festive break, the speaker of Parliament Professor assured that the RTI bill will...
 
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795 URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Budget Study Centre   Issue 34 Feb 21, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Pakistan, IMF likely to conclude talks by April

The Pakistan Today (Feb 21, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are likely to conclude talks with regard to the bailout package by April 2019. According to sources, the ongoing talks would be concluded by the mid of April before the spring meetings of the World Bank Group and the IMF, scheduled to be held in Washington from April 12-14, 2019. On the sidelines of the said meetings, IMF officials and Pakistan’s Finance Minister Asad Umar would finalize the programme, which was... Read More
 

Budget deficit hits six-year high at Rs 1.03tr

The Express Tribune (Feb 21, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The budget deficit hit a six-year high at Rs1.03 trillion, or 2.7% of the total size of national economy, in first half of the current fiscal year due to a double-digit growth in defence and debt spending, and negligible improvement in revenues. The budget deficit in the first half of FY19, when the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) came to power, was worse than the deficits recorded in the July-December period of previous years, when Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz... Read More
 

PM directs FBR to tight noose around big tax dodgers

Express Tribune (Feb 20, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday ordered the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to flex its muscles against big tax evaders and make them cough nearly Rs200 billion in the next four months amid his annoyance over the poor show of the tax machinery. The PM also directed to present a new Whistleblowers Bill next month to reward people who help nab corrupt officials and politicians...Read More
 

Business community presents joint proposals on budget 2019-20

The Pakistan Today (Feb 20, 2019)
LAHORE: Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Almas Hyder, on behalf of the business community, presented a set of joint proposals regarding Federal Budget 2019-20 to Finance Minister Asad Umar. LCCI President Almas Hyder was heading a delegation comprising chamber presidents of Khanewal, Kohat, Gujrat, Azad Jammu Kashmir, Gujranwala, Mohmand Agency and Haripur, and representatives of Federation of Pakistan Chamber of...Read More
 

Pakistan to receive $21 billion investment from Saudi Arabia over next five years

The Pakistan Today (Feb 19, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The Petroleum Division on Monday disclosed Saudi Arabia has committed to invest around $21 billion in Pakistan over a duration of the next two to five years. As per details shared by the Petroleum Division, Saudi Arabia is set to invest around $7 billion in the short-term, utilizing $4 billion to purchase two LNG-fired power plants established by the previous administration in Punjab which will be privatized via open bidding, reports an English daily...Read More
 

Market watch: Profit-taking drags down KSE-100 40,000 points

The Express Tribune (Feb 19, 2019)
KARACHI: The stock market lost ground for the fifth successive session on Tuesday as institutions resorted to profit-taking, which pushed benchmark index below the 40,000-point mark. After staying positive briefly, the KSE-100 index kicked off a negative run due to dismal data of foreign direct investment (FDI), which stood at just $1.45 billion for July-January FY19, down 17% on a year-on-year basis, and concern over deteriorating Pakistan-India ties...Read More
 

Rs 319.3bn released under PSDP 2018-19

The Pakistan Today (Feb 18, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has released Rs319.3 billion against the total allocation of Rs675 billion under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2018-19 for various ongoing and new schemes. The released funds include Rs136.9 billion for federal ministries, Rs137.231 billion for corporations, and Rs25.963 billion for special areas, according to latest data released by Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform. Out of these allocations, the...Read More
 

Saudi minister calls for increasing Pak-KSA bilateral trade

The Pakistan Today (Feb 18, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabian Minister for Commerce and Investment Majid Al-Qassabi on Monday said that Saudi Arabia and Pakistan could jointly deal with the challenges faced by both the countries. “Pak-Saudi relations are moving in a new and positive direction and strategic relations between both the brotherly countries are of paramount importance to the region,” Majid Al-Qassabi said while addressing the Pak-Saudi Business Conference in Islamabad along with ...Read More
 

Vision 2030of Saudi Arabia opportunities for Pakistan

Daily Times (Feb 17, 2019)
Last decade observed miracle changes in economic and governance systems in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). For the first time KSA appointed a young and dynamic leader Muhammad Bin Salman as the crown prince. The Crown Prince, is member of the next generation in the royal family who is trying to revolutionize the governance and economic system of KSA. He believes in opening up of the society, culture of entertainment and sports but with strict Islamic values, morals... Read More
 

Saudi refinery to reduce oil import bill by $1.2b: petroleum minister

The Express Tribune (Feb 16, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has no concerns about the security situation in Balochistan where it plans to invest billions of dollars in refinery, minerals and renewable sectors, said Petroleum Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan. “The security situation in Pakistan has improved a lot and therefore different countries are interested to make multibillion dollars investment. Saudi Arabia is going to invest over $10 billion in setting up an oil refinery and...Read More
 

Rupee strengthens against dollar

The Express Tribune (Feb 15, 2019)
KARACHI: The rupee strengthened against the dollar at Rs138.65/Rs139.15 in the inter-bank market on Thursday compared with Wednesday’s close of Rs138.85/Rs139.35, according to forex.pk. Last year in November, the rupee fell to an all-time low at Rs144 against the dollar in intra-day trading before recovering to Rs139.05 in the sixth round of devaluation since December 2017. Cumulatively, the rupee has lost 31.8% of its value in the last 13 ...Read More
 

Debt servicing estimated to cross Rs2trln in FY 2019

The News (Feb 15, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Debt servicing on both local and foreign loans is estimated to surpass two trillion rupees during the current fiscal year of 2018/19 compared with the annual target as monetary tightening was dubbed as one of the reasons of rise in cost of borrowing, sources said on Thursday. The sources said the debt servicing, which has already become the largest ticket item on expenditures side, is all set to cross the two trillion rupees mark during the current ....Read More
 

Budget bill, Chinese intransigence and retail sales numbers hit stocks Thursday

CDN.com (Feb 14, 2019)
WASHINGTON. As we noted in Wednesday’s article, the market has been a lot of fun for the bulls lately. But we noted the party couldn’t go on forever, as much as the bulls might wish it so. Today, Thursday, we’re getting at least some payback. Futures indicated another great day for the bulls was at hand. But once the market actually opened, stocks dropped like a rock. The government’s pending budget bill finale and Chinese intransigence in bilateral trade negotiations are blamed...Read More
 

Senate body irks over cut in MoIT development budget

Business Recorder (Feb 14, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Senate Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunication on Thursday expressed displeasure over the cut in the ministry’s development budget and stressed to restore the funds to its original allocation. Senator Robina Khalid chaired the committee, which met here at the Parliament House. The Senate body meeting was attended by Senator Abdul Rehman Malik, Senator Ghous Muhammad Khan Niazi, Senator Tahir...Read More
 

US posts $14 billion budget deficit as revenues sag after Trump tax cuts

The.cnbc.com (Feb 13, 2019)
The U.S. federal government ran a $14 billion budget deficit in December as revenues sagged following last year's tax cuts even as the economy appeared strong, Treasury Department data showed on Wednesday. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected an $11 billion deficit for the month and the gap was the latest sign of deterioration in the government's fiscal position. A strong U.S. job market has appeared to power economic growth this year, an...Read More
 

Pakistan expects 8 investment deals during Saudi prince’s visit

The.cnbc.com (Feb 13, 2019)
ISLAMABAD, Feb 13 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia will announce eight investment agreements during a visit to Pakistan by Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, officials said on Wednesday, a trip that is expected to set the seal on growing closeness between the historic allies. The investment is welcome in Pakistan, which is facing sharply slowing economic growth this year, a ballooning budget deficit and foreign currency reserves dwindling to less than $8 billion or two months' of...Read More
 

Moody’s assigns negative outlook to Pakistani banks

The Express Tribune (Feb 12, 2019)
KARACHI: Moody’s, one of the top three global rating agencies, has assigned a ‘negative’ outlook to Pakistan-based banks due to economic slowdown and the banks’ higher investment in sovereign securities’ papers of the government. “Our outlook for Pakistan’s banking system is negative,” Moody’s Investors Service said in a research publication on Monday. “A slowing economy and high exposure to sovereign debt drive our negative ...Read More
 

Pak-IMF differences still exist

The News (Feb 12, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Differences still persist over adjustment programme between Pakistan and the IMF as Islamabad wants to adopt staggered approach on raising discount and energy rates and taking additional revenue measures to curtail the budget deficit but the Fund insists upon taking major steps through prior actions. Top official sources confirmed to The News in background discussions that IMF wanted frontloaded programme where the PTI-led government...Read More
 

Income boost for farmers in Interim Budget: Who will be the beneficiaries & how much will it cost the exchequer

The News (Feb 11, 2019)
Income support for farmers announced in the Interim Budget and opposition Congress’ promise of a minimum income guarantee to the poor if voted to power has revived discussions over providing Indians with Universal Basic Income. Since neither the ruling NDA nor the Congress has proposed a truly universal scheme, who will be the beneficiaries and how much will it cost the exchequer? ...Read More
 

What IMF expects from Pakistan

The News (Feb 11, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund have almost agreed on a programme for a period of three years and agreement in this regard is likely to be inked in June before or soon after budget 2019-20, The News reliably learnt on Sunday. Further details of the agreement finalised will not be made public till the agreement is signed. IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde in a meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan promised to support Pakistan’s...Read More
 

Saudi Arabia’s oil investments could be lifeline for Pakistan’s economy

The Gulf News (Feb 10, 2019)
A record investment package being prepared by Saudi Arabia for Pakistan will likely provide welcome relief for its cash-strapped Muslim ally, while also addressing regional geopolitical challenges, analysts say. At the heart of the investment is a reported $10 billion refinery and oil complex in the strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea, the ultimate destination for the massive multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which lies not far from the Indo-Iranian...Read More
 

IMF assures Pakistan of support in shoring up economy

The Express Tribune (Feb 10, 2019)
International Monetary Fund (IMF) head Christine Lagarde on Sunday said the organisation was ready to support Pakistan in its efforts to shore up the crippling economy. She said this in a statement issued after her meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan on the sidelines of 7th World Government Summit in Dubai...Read More
 

Pakistan ranked 131st freest economy, receives freedom score of 55: Report

The Pakistan Today (Feb 09, 2019)
LAHORE: A 2019 Index of Economic Freedom report has given Pakistan an economic freedom score of 55.6, up by 0.5 points and ranking it as the 131st freest in the index released this year. According to the report, the country’s overall score has risen by 0.6 points, with increased scores for judicial effectiveness and property rights outmatching declines in monetary freedom and fiscal health. It added Pakistan was ranked 32nd amongst 43 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and its overall...Read More
 

Only Rs 4.5b Haj subsidy withdrawn from 230b to other sectors

The News (Feb 09, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The federal government is paying almost Rs230 billion annual subsidy to private and public sectors but has withdrawn the financial assistance of Rs4.5 billion for religious ritual of Haj only. Besides, the government is paying another Rs55 billion subsidies and grants to Pakistan Railways, wheat subsidy to Gilgit-Baltistan and to other sectors. In total, the government is paying Rs 230 billion subsidy to different government departments/institutions as well as private ...Read More
 

‘Saudi investment highlights trust in Pakistan’s economy’

The Express Tribune (Feb 08, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Saudi investment in different sectors depicts the trust of Saudi Arabia’s leadership and investors in Pakistan’s economy, said Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani. During a meeting with Saudi Arabia Ambassador Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki on Thursday, he pointed out that trade, economic and investment ties would help lift bilateral cooperation to new heights in the days to come. Sanjrani expressed hope that the upcoming visit...Read More
 

Economy in shambles but Pakistan wants to increase its defence budget

The ZEE NEWS (Feb 08, 2019)
Pakistan's economy is in a shambolic state but the country is looking at ways to increase its defence budget instead of reducing it to address more pressing problems. Speaking to members of the local press, the country's information minister Fawad Chaudhry said that Pakistan cannot afford to make cuts in its defence budget because it was already on the lower side when compared to South Asian neighbours. "The country’s defence budget is already low as ...Read More
 
 
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 33 Feb 07, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

NFC forms six panels to sort out thorny issues

The Express Tribune (Feb 07, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The National Finance Commission on Wednesday set up six working groups to thrash out the thorny issues amid Sindh’s objections to the constitutional and legal status of the Commission and the 6th population census. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also sought a cut in the vertical share of the Centre to the extent of fiscal resources that the federal government was earlier spending on erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) which... Read More
 

Budget 2019-20: A Budget for a ‘new India’

The Financial Express (Feb 07, 2019)
The Interim Budget of 2019-20, the last one of the government before the Lok Sabha polls, was always headed towards being populist in nature. The interim finance minister, Piyush Goyal, started off on a very positive note, and proudly stated that the current government has prepared the foundation for sustainable growth, progress and better quality of life for all the Indians. In his Budget speech, he also highlighted some of the key measures taken by the ... Read More
 

70 pc of Pakistan’s economy is informal, which is of high concern: PBIF

The Nation (Feb 06, 2019)
President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President All Karachi Industrial Alliance (AKIA), Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister, Mian Zahid Hussain on Wednesday said that as per International Labour Organization, the informal economy is accounted for more than 70 percent of the employment in main jobs outside agriculture sector. The informal economy has observed speedy...Read More
 

The new budget and after

The Pakistan Today (Feb 06, 2019)
Finally the state minister for revenue – whatever that title means – let slip what everybody in the government had been denying all this time. It turns out that, all things considered, the unique approach of side-stepping – or at least trying to side step – a structural adjustment program with the IMF in favour of bailouts from friendly countries hasn’t quite panned out the way PTI would have hoped. Inflation is already above seven percent, growth is supposed to trickle down to less...Read More
 

ICCI calls for single tax regime in next budget

The Pakistan Observer (Feb 05, 2019)
Islamabad: The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) has called upon the government to consider introducing single tax regime in the country that would help reduce taxpayers’ problems. The President of ICCI, Ahmed Hassan Moughal, said at present a businessman have to cope with 47 taxes including sales tax, income tax, withholding taxes, customs & excise duties, EOBI tax, Workers Profit Participation Fund and Workers Welfare...Read More
 

Non-utilization of allocated budget

The Pakistan Observer (Feb 05, 2019)
This refers to news published in newspapers that departments of Government of Sindh have not completely utilized their funds allocated in the budget-2018/19 which raises questions that why budget is not utilized albeit budget is allocated to each department by Finance Department on the request made by departments based on their anticipated expenditure. It was reported that approximately only 8% or may be little more utilization of allocated budget is made so far...Read More
 

Aurn Jaitley indicates won’t be back in India to reply to Budget debate

The Economic Times (Feb 03, 2019)
Union Minster Arun Jaitley Sunday said his medical treatment at a US hospital is all over but hinted that he may not return to India in time to reply to the debate on Interim Budget in Parliament. Jaitley, 66, had missed presenting the sixth and final budget of the Narendra Modi government's present term as he had to fly to the US due to ill health. In his absence, the charge of the finance ministry was given to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, who on February 1 ...Read More
 

Rating agency Moody’s terms Pakistan mini-budget positive for export sector

The xinhuanet.com (Feb 03, 2019)
ISLAMABAD, Feb. 3 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. rating agency Moody termed the Pakistani government's recently presented mini-budget as "positive" for manufacturing and export-oriented sectors, local media reported Saturday. Moody's said that the mini-budget will lend much-needed support to enhancing the country's foreign income and curb the current account deficit, Express News reported. The agency also said that the new budgetary measures weakened the ...Read More
 

China agrees to provide $2.5 billion loan to bolster foreign exchange reserves

The Pakistan Today (Feb 02, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: In a largely expected development, China has agreed to provide $2.5 billion in loans to help bolster Pakistan’s sliding foreign exchange reserves which will be deposited with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). According to a report in an English daily, a top government official has said that China has agreed to park $2.5 billion in deposits in the central bank. This follows the previous $2 billion loan provided by China at the end of July last year to bolster foreign... Read More
 

Reform package mistaken as mini-budget: Asad

The News (Feb 02, 2019)
Islamabad/Lahore: Federal Minister for Finance Asad Umar on Friday said the mini-budget was in fact an economic reforms package designed to improve the state of the country’s economy. Speaking in the Senate, he said the opposition indulged in point-scoring in his absence and whenever he was present in the House to answer their questions, they were absent. The minister highlighted the improved environment in the stock market last month, explaining that it had ...Read More
 

Moody’s terms mini-budget positive for export sectors

The Express Tribune (Feb 1, 2019)
KARACHI: Moody’s – one of three big global credit rating agencies – has termed the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s second mini-budget positive for manufacturing and export-oriented sectors, which will lend much-needed support to enhancing the country’s foreign income and curb the current account deficit (CAD). The US-based rating agency, however, stated that new budgetary measures weakened the government’s income generation side as tax incentives ...Read More
 

Here is how the Budget 2019 benefits the Indian middle class

The Saudi Gazette (Feb 1, 2019)
NEW DELHI — India's Hindu nationalist-led government pledged 750 billion rupees ($10.56 billion) to support farm incomes and reduced the tax burden for middle class voters on Friday, hoping to refind favor with its last budget before a general election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing discontent over depressed farm incomes and doubts over whether his policies are creating enough jobs. With opinion polls suggesting that Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) could lose its parliamentary majority in an election that must be held by May, the ....Read More
 

PM directs FBR to focus on big tax evaders, non-filers

The Business Recorder (Jan 31, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to focus on recovery from the big tax evaders and bring the non-filers into the tax net. He was chairing a meeting over reforms in the FBR here at the Prime Minister Office. Minister for Finance Asad Umar, Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar, FBR Chairman Jahanzaib Khan and other high officials attended the meeting, a press release said. The FBR Chairman briefed ...Read More
 

‘Govt to provide time-based subsidy to engineering sector’

The Express Tribune (Jan 31, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce, Textile, Industry and Production Abdul Razak Dawood on Wednesday has said although he doesn’t support the idea of subsidies but the government would provide a time-based subsidy on the export of motorcycles and engineering products to boost trade. The advisor while addressing a press conference alongside Chairman Board of Investments Haroon Sharif argued that it is not practical to provide subsidy for as long as 50 years and...Read More
 

Interim budget: Defence experts pitch for increase in funds

The Times of India (Jan 30, 2019)
New Delhi: (India): Ahead of the interim budget to be presented on February 1, defence experts are the view that the government must increase its expenditures on the defence sector. Defence analyst Swaran Singh said the defence budget is usually seen in comparison to India’s neighbours. “Last year, when Pakistan’s defence budget went up by about 18 18 per cent, India’s defence budget went up only by about 5.5 per cent. This was seen as a matter of concern. Likewise, Chinese defence...Read More
 

Pakistan needs to take tough decisions: DFID

The Dawn (Jan 30, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The UK Department for International Development (DFID) has asked the government to take ‘tough decisions’ to reform various sectors of the economy. The DFID is working with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank to support Pakistan’s economic reform programmes. Talking to a group of journalists on Tuesday, DFID Chief Economist Rachel Glennerster said there exists a good understanding of what is to be done, and ...Read More
 

No relief: Despite two finance bills, Pakistan’s fiscal miseries to persist

The Express Tribune (Jan 29, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s fiscal woes would not ease even after the introduction of two finance bills in the past five months as the government’s internal assessment showed that the budget deficit would still remain above 6% of the size of national economy or Rs2.4 trillion in the current fiscal year. In absolute terms, the projected budget deficit is higher than the one left behind by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government in its last year in power...Read More
 

Finance Minister vows to club taxes in next budget

The Pakistan Observer (Jan 29, 2019)
Lahore/Sialkot: Federal Finance Minister Asad Umar has pledged to make clubbing of taxes in the federal budget to facilitate the businessmen who paying a large number of taxes. He made this announcement on demand of the LCCI President Almas Hyder while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Asad Umar said that business community would be given the facility of single tax collector in the coming federal budget. He said that trust building between...Read More
 

Budget 2019: Farm stress busters, tax sops on government agenda

The Economic Times (Jan 28, 2019)
NEW DELHI: The Narendra Modi government’s last budget before the general election will focus on India as well as Bharat as it strives to win a second term in office. The interim budget, which is likely to be much more than a vote-on-account, will draw from precedents established by former finance ministers Pranab Mukherjee and P Chidambaram, who did not shy away from introducing tax measures as part of stimulus packages, said a senior government official...Read More
 

Mini-budget termed ‘anti-worker’

The Dawn (Jan 28, 2019)
KARACHI: Labour leaders at a rally against retrenchment of workers and violation of labour laws on Sunday termed the federal government’s recent ‘mini-budget’ ‘totally anti-worker’ and observed that it showed its leaning towards the rich. The rally was organised by the National Trade Union Federation and Textile, Garment General Workers Union Korangi. The labour leaders demanded that the government give an end to the continued retrenchment in factories, etc, and make sure all ...Read More
 

Mini or non-budget?

The Pakistan Today (Jan 27, 2019)
Old wine in a new bottle; Finance minister Asad Umar is so cocksure that measures already taken have revived a moribund economy that he is not willing to brook any criticism of his policies. When a correspondent at his post mini-budget conference asked him a question regarding possibility of a cheaper loan package from the IMF (International Monetary Fund) he was visibly irritated. In an emotional tone he declared that we would not go on our knees nor take any dictation from...Read More
 

Razak Dawood instrumental in shaping business-friendly mini-budget

The Pakistan Today (Jan 27, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Unlike the previous ministers of commerce and industry, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood has proved to be highly influential in the federal cabinet of this government to make the supplementary budget more business/trade friendly. The proposals made in the mini-budget show that most of the recommendations forwarded by commerce division and the ministry of industries have been accommodated. “Previously...Read More
 

RCCI terms mini-budget business friendly

The Dawn (Jan 26, 2019)
RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) on Friday termed the supplementary finance bill 2019 business friendly. “It will offer incentives to Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), industry, agriculture and capital market that will set the direction of the economy,” RCCI President Malik Shahid Saleem said in a press release. He said that despite economic crunch and a number of domestic and international challenges, the government had announced ...Read More
 

PTI presents a directionless mini-budget

The Global Village Space (Jan 26, 2019)
News Desk | GVS spoke with Express Tribune economics reporter Shahbaz Rana to get his thoughts on the government’s mini-budget and if it will achieve what the government needs in terms of economic growth, jobs, FBR tax collections and set Pakistan up on the right path for the next five years. GVS: What does the government need to do to generate economic growth and has the January mini-finance bill gone any way towards that? Pakistan’s fundamental problem is to ...Read More
 

Is the mini-budget a ruse?

The Dawn (Jan 25, 2019)
With the mini-budget announced by the incumbent government on Wednesday amid a ruckus and rowdy behaviour by the opposition, the next question arises how it will cope with the forthcoming challenges in the coming months. After the announcement of the mini-budget on Wednesday, the sentiments of the business community have largely been positive and felicitated the government for presenting a pro-business budget. However, the finance minister Asad Umar...Read More
 

Senate opposition rejects mini-budget

The Dawn (Jan 25, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The opposition in the Senate on Thursday rejected the mini-budget as an attempt to appease the corporate sector, multinationals and capitalists. Taking part in the discussion on the money bill, senators from the opposition criticised the government for what they called a ‘directionless policy’, and its failure to address issues facing growers. They said that the government was adding to citizens’ problems by continuing to increase gas and electricity tariffs...Read More
 

Pakistan’s mini-budget to be huge for SMEs, farmers

The valuewalk.com by Michelle Jones (Jan 25, 2019)
Pakistan stocks have been rallying since Finance Minister Asad Umar presented what he called a “mini-budget” — officially called the Finance Supplementary Bill of 2019. The bill aims to improve the business environment in the South Asian nation, and investors applauded the measures. However, analysts from one firm note that more information on Pakistan’s financial standing is still needed. Credit Suisse analysts Fahd Niaz and Farhan Rizvi outlined and ...Read More
 
 
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 32 Jan 24, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Pakistan’s mini-budget to be huge for SMEs, farmers

The Khaleej Times (Jan 24, 2019)
Pakistan's Finance Minister, Asad Umar, on Wednesday unveiled details about Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's (PTI) 'mini-budget', which is targeted towards encouraging investment in the country and is expected to invigorate the country's stock market, agriculture, and industrial sectors. Speaking at the National Assembly session, Umar described his party's mini-budget as more of a corrective measure that will reduce the gap between Pakistan's rich and poor by addressing... Read More
 

Measures in mini-budget hailed

The News (Jan 24, 2019)
PESHAWAR: Former chairman Standing Committee of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Ahmad Jawad has welcomed the measures taken in the mini-budget including the lifting of the ban to purchase vehicles on non-filers and removing the embargo of tax on withdrawal of the amount starting from Rs50,000. The measures, he said, also includes the abolition of super tax on non-banking companies as well as on duty on... Read More
 

CPEC to play larger role in driving Pakistan’s economy

The Global Times (Jan 23, 2019)
China and Pakistan have decided to widen the scope of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Economic Times reported, adding that the two countries have signed new agreements to launch industrial, agricultural and socio-economic projects under this initiative. Why take this step at this very sensitive moment? In recent months, the project has been blamed for causing a debt trap and economic woes for Pakistan. There...Read More
 

Here’s what to expect from PTI’s mini-budget

www.samaa.tv (Jan 23, 2019)
Pakistanis should brace themselves for harder times ahead. The PTI government will present its second mini-budget today (Wednesday). The National Assembly will come into session at 4:30pm. Mobile phones, electronics and hundreds of luxury items are likely to get more expensive. The price of nearly 100 imported products is expected to rise too. It is expected that tax will be charged on Rs500 mobile balance. The ...Read More
 

Govt may abolish duty on 150 to 250 items in mini-budget

The News by Mehtab Haider (Jan 22, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: With the decision to increase import duty on 1800cc cars by 10 percent and jacking up tax on import of high end user mobile phone sets, the government is considering major relief in terms of downward adjustments in four import slabs by 1 percent as well as abolishing Regulatory Duty on 150 to 250 items through upcoming supplementary finance bill. “The government is going to announce implementation on five-year Strategic Trade Policy ...Read More
 

Mini-budget; Businessmen expect relief and economic direction from govt

The Daily Times (Jan 22, 2019)
The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) President Malik Shahid Saleem has said that business community has high hopes and expectations from upcoming economic package to be presented at national assembly on January 23. “We are anticipating big relief in taxes, regulatory duties and low tariff for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs),” they expressed their aspirations. Addressing a press conference at Chamber house here on Monday, RCCI President Malik...Read More
 

A Budget tale: When a boy wrote a poem justifying India’s first income tax act

The Economic Times (Jan 21, 2019)
NEW DELHI: In 1860, James Wilson, the finance member in Viceroy Lord Canning's council in undivided India, prepared India's first Budget, and also created the first income tax act. The levy of the income tax did not go down well with the Indians. The tax drew sharp reactions and some odd praise too. Military expenditure had ballooned in the aftermath of what the British call the Sepoy Mutiny and Indians their first War of Independence in 1857. The land revenue showed no scope of...Read More
 

Overseas Pakistanis pin hopes on mini budget

The Khaleej Times by Muzzafar Rizvi (Jan 21, 2019)
Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar is set to introduce an economic reform package in his second mini-budget speech this week to put the economy back on track after securing over $14 billion in financial assistance from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and China. Umar will unveil tax reforms, incentives to the stock market and announce new initiatives to ensure the ease of doing business in Pakistan. He is also expected to launch Pakistani diaspora bonds to raise $3 billion of funds through...Read More
 

‘Serious reservations’ in Cabinet over upcoming mini-budget

The Pakistan Today (Jan 20, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: While Finance Minister Asad Umar has announced to introduce the mini-budget on January 23, the government has yet to develop consensus among its cabinet members on the supplementary budget proposals. According to insiders, the members of the federal cabinet have serious reservations on a number of proposals aimed at increasing revenue and reducing expenditures through the supplementary budget. The finance ministry, sources claim, is yet... Read More
 

Market hold steady with 3rd budget of FY19 around corner

The Nation (Jan 20, 2019)
LAHORE - After two positive sessions, carrying on the momentum from the previous week, the market lost steam midway, ending slightly higher at 39,306 points, up by 0.7 percent WoW. News flows regarding the upcoming reform package kept investors sideways during the week. Volumes remained lower than the previous week for a large part, averaging 118m shares per day, while average daily traded value depicted a similar trend, ending down 14 percent WoW. During...Read More
 

KATI hopes relief for industry in ‘mini-budget’

Pakistan Observer (Jan 20, 2019)
Karachi: Acting president of Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI) Faraz-ur-Rehman hoped the government would provide relief to industry in upcoming “mini budget”, would be announced in coming week. In a statement released by KATI Acting President of KATI Faraz-ur-Rehman and Vice President Maheen Salman applauded the efforts of federal government to promote exports and measures to lower down production cost of Industry. Faraz-ur-Rehman...Read More
 

Socio-economic opportunities in Pakistan

The Nation by Syed Tauseef Shah (Jan 19, 2019)
Reliance on science and technology will place Pakistan’s economy on a path of sustained development. There is need to strengthen science & technology as this was the critical need of the time. Value addition and knowledge input are key components for economic activity and are important determinants for growth. A 21st century economy cannot hope to grow without high contribution to GDP from the manufacturing sector. A knowledgeable and trained work force with....Read More
 

Stocks rise on mini budget expectations

The Dawn (Jan 19, 2019)
KARACHI: Markets ended last day of the week on a positive note gaining 62.6 points (0.16 per cent) before touching an intraday high of 147 points to finally settle at 36,306.50. The sentiment was lifted by reports of government planning to announce ease of doing business measures in the mini-budget to be presented on Wednesday. Initial reports suggest the government is likely to rationalise capital gains tax, reduce or abolish advance tax on brokers and allow capital losses to be ...Read More
 

What’s the mini budget all about?

The Pakistan Today by Shahab Jafry (Jan 18, 2019)
Thing about mini-budgets is that they are, by their very nature, designed to address revenue deficiencies that crept up, for whatever reason, in the original draft. That much is at least more believable than what the finance minister implied; that a few months after the last mini budget the government suddenly felt compelled to float another mini-budget because it wanted to encourage private investment, exports, and all that. And before anybody could speculate...Read More
 

Govt mulls rolling back income tax relief in mini-budget

www.geo.tv (Jan 18, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Bitten by a shortfall in tax revenues, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) federal government is considering a rollback of the income tax relief given to the salaried class by the previous government, sources told Geo News on Friday. In its last budget shortly before general elections in July 2018, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had announced large tax cuts that included an upward revision of the minimum taxable income for salaried class to Rs1.2...Read More
 

APCTMA hopes mini-budget will facilitate tile manufacturers

The Pakistan Today (Jan 17, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: All Pakistan Ceramic Tiles Manufacturers Association (APCTMA) is hopeful that in the upcoming mini-budget, the government would take steps that would enable the local tiles manufacturers to increase their market share in Pakistan which would result in saving precious foreign exchange and creating employment opportunities for the skilled and unskilled workforce. The APCTMA spokesman said that the tile industry could grow and become an export-oriented ...Read More
 

Pakistan stocks close lower as investors await ‘Mini Budget’

The Daily Times (Jan 17, 2019)
Pakistan’s equities Wednesday closed on a negative note with benchmark KSE-100 Index losing 342 points, to finally settle at 39,272 levels, down 0.9 percent. The market started off on a weak note only to continue the downward trajectory amid low volumes and lack of participation. KSE-100 Index remained lackluster throughout the session due to lack of investors’ interest as they wait for upcoming ‘Mini Budget’ scheduled to be presented in ...Read More
 

Opportunities for female youth vital for Pakistan’s economic stability: Andleeb Abbas

The Pakistan Today (Jan 16, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Parliamentary Secretary for Foreign Affairs Andleeb Abbas has said that opportunities for channelling the potential and talent of the country’s female youth are pertinent to improve participation of women in the future of Pakistan’s economic stability. She was speaking during the Public-Private Dialogue on Gender-Focused Economic Reforms, organised by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) here on...Read More
 

Buzdar approves Lahore Ring Road council budget

The News (Jan 16, 2019)
LAHORE: Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar presided over an important meeting of Lahore Ring Road Authority and Lahore Ring Road Council at his office here Tuesday. The meeting approved budget of Lahore Ring Road Council for the year 2018-19 besides approving the revised budget of 2017-18. The chief minister approved the Southern Loop III project of Lahore Ring Road and the meeting also approved starting the land acquisition ...Read More
 

FM’s promises rejuvenate Pakistan stocks, up 364 points

Daily Times (Jan 15, 2019)
Pakistan equities Monday closed in green with benchmark KSE-100 Index settling at 39,413, up 0.93 percent for the day on the back of anticipation of relief for the stock market in the government’s upcoming mini-budget. Market kicked off on a positive note after Finance Minister’s assurances to the business community over the weekend on the upcoming Finance Bill, scheduled to be presented in the National Assembly on January 23, 2019. An analyst at Trust Securities said ...Read More
 

Budget 2019 BQView: The economy under Modi-big ideas, small successes

bloombergquint.com (Jan 14, 2019)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image has loomed large over the Indian economy in the last five years. Every big project has carried his stamp. From GST, demonetisation and the Mudra Scheme to Swachh Bharat and Ayushman Bharat, Modi has pitched big ideas of change for the economy. Some of these ideas have drawn praise; others derision. But few have resulted in any large dividends for the Indian ec...Read More
 

Mini budget session seems steamier than usual

The News (Jan 14, 2019)
LAHORE: Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Sunday said that all previous budgets were fake and now real budgets were being presented. “The upcoming January 23 mini-budget will lay a foundation of Pakistan’s strong economy,” he said and added that the PTI government would come up to th ISLAMABAD: The upcoming supplementary national budget, formation of 38 house committees and fresh efforts for choreographing terms of reference for ...Read More
 

Minister terms all previous budget fake

The EL PIAS (Jan 13, 2019)
LAHORE: Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Sunday said that all previous budgets were fake and now real budgets were being presented. “The upcoming January 23 mini-budget will lay a foundation of Pakistan’s strong economy,” he said and added that the PTI government would come up to the expectations of people. The information minister’s remarks come a day after Finance Minister Asad Umar on Saturday dispelled the impression that...Read More
 

Asad says tax-free mini budget to be unveiled on 23rd

The EL PIAS (Jan 13, 2019)
Three months later than was scheduled, the 2019 budget was filed this morning in Spain’s Congress by the finance minister, María Jesús Montero. The plans include the biggest rise in public spending since 2010, with more funds destined to social areas. The intention of Socialist Party (PSOE) Prime Minster Pedro Sánchez with the budget is to heal the wounds left behind by the dramatic global financial crisis, which began a decade ago...Read More
 

Food prices crawl up ahead of Pakistan’s mini-budget

The Gulf Times (Jan 13, 2019)
Internews/Karachi: Retailers have pushed up prices of essential food items including sugar and vegetables prices ahead of the mini-budget which will be announced by the government of Pakistan on January 23. Sugar now costs Rs60 per kg versus Rs55 per kg a few days ago following an increase in the wholesale price to Rs57-58 per kg from Rs55 per kg. Two months ago, the wholesale price of sugar was Rs52-53 per kg. Retailers with old stocks of sweetener are...Read More
 

OICCI opposes govt move to raise GST rate in mini-budget

The News (Jan 12, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: While sternly opposing any move to raise GST rate by one percent from 17 to 18 percent in the mini budget, the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industries (OICCI) has asked PTI led government to broaden the narrowed tax base instead of raising burden over existing taxpayers. The OICCI also asked the government to maintain three tier taxation system for tobacco industry and reduce the difference between duty paid and non-duty paid...Read More
 

Stocks end flat as investors wait for update on mini budget

The News (Jan 12, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: While sternly opposing any move to raise GST rate by one percent from 17 to 18 percent in the mini budget, the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industries (OICCI) has asked PTI led government to broaden the narrowed tax base instead of raising burden over existing taxpayers. The OICCI also asked the government to maintain three tier taxation system for tobacco industry and reduce the difference between duty paid and non-duty paid...Read More
 

Writ-less govt, wirless policies rudderless economy

The News (Jan 11, 2019)
LAHORE: Pakistani economy’s biggest drag is the absence of the government writ as most of the laws that ensure fair trade and better regulations are in place but authorities are unfortunately too timid to enforce them. The law for instance makes it binding on the sugar mills to make the payment of the sugarcane they purchased from the farmers within fifteen days. Yet the millers hold the payments till next season. They then ask the government to give them concessions and subsidies so...Read More
 
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 31 Jan 10, 2019

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Budget 2019 expectations: increase female participation in workforce, eliminate hiring biases

The Business Recorder by Naveed But & Sohail Sarfraz (Jan 10, 2019)
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is going to present another 'Finance Supplementary (Amendment) Bill, 2019,' envisaging taxation measures of around Rs 150 billion, in the coming session of the National Assembly to be held on January 14 to address the economic challenges of the country, it is learnt. According to sources, Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Asad Umar is likely to present the 'mini-budget'... Read More
 

‘Mini-budget’ this month

The Business Recorder by Naveed But & Sohail Sarfraz (Jan 10, 2019)
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is going to present another 'Finance Supplementary (Amendment) Bill, 2019,' envisaging taxation measures of around Rs 150 billion, in the coming session of the National Assembly to be held on January 14 to address the economic challenges of the country, it is learnt. According to sources, Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Asad Umar is likely to present the 'mini-budget'... Read More
 

Budget session to start from January 31, interim budget likely on February1

The Economic Times (Jan 09, 2019)
Parliament's Budget Session will start from January 31 and will last till February 13, according to a decision taken at the meeting of Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA). This will be the last session of the current Lok Sabha before it gets dissolved and fresh elections are held to elect a new Lok Sabha. Finance minister Arun Jaitley will table this year's Budget which will be a vote on account. The Full Budget will come only after the new government is formed...Read More
 

PTI govt set to introduce mini-budget in NA

The Nation (Jan 09, 2019)
ISLAMABAD - The PTI government in the upcoming National Assembly session has planned to present mini-budget in order to introduce a comprehensive economic plan for the next three years. The Imran Khan-led government after facing a lot of criticism from opposition on economic policies is for the first time introducing its three years economic plan. The government in the upcoming National Assembly session starting from Friday will present mini-budget with the intention to...Read More
 

Cut in development budget matter of grave concerns: ICCI

The Daily Times (Jan 08, 2019)
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) President Ahmed Hassan Moughal has expressed grave concerns over the drastic cut in the development budget as the government has sanctioned only 225.4 billion rupees for development projects for the first half of current fiscal year, which is reportedly 32% lower as compared with the disbursements made in the first half of previous fiscal year. In a statement issued here on Tuesday, Ahmed Hassan Moughal...Read More
 

Balochistan govt to present supplementary budget

The Geo News (Jan 08, 2019)
QUETTA: The Balochistan government has decided to present a supplementary budget during the next provincial cabinet meeting, sources said on Tuesday. The budget will be presented before the provincial assembly after approval from cabinet members. Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan has started consultations with coalition partners and opposition members to take them into confidence over the supplementary budget...Read More
 

Upcoming second mini budget to be defining moment for economy

The Express Tribune (Jan 07, 2019)
KARACHI: In the first five months of its term, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has done nothing different to fix the beleaguered economy that can differentiate its performance from that of previous governments. It has also remained busy in building external debt, increasing indirect taxes and providing subsidies. The much-awaited economic roadmap that would transform the country into Naya Pakistan is yet to be announced...Read More
 

Pakistan’s budget deficit projected to clock at 6% for FY 18-19: Fitch Solutions

The Pakistan Today (Jan 07, 2019)
LAHORE: Fitch Solutions in a report released on Monday said it projected Pakistan’s budget deficit to lock in at 6% in the current financial year 2018-19 compared to 5.8% in the previous FY7-18. The government will probably have to slash its expenditures over the forthcoming months as it focuses to obtain funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the bailout programme due to weak revenue growth, said the research...Read More
 

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Hold Talks with PM Imran Khan Discusses Oil Refinery in Pakistan

The News 18 (Jan 06, 2019)
Islamabad: Pakistan on Sunday said the UAE has "almost finalised" investment plan for the setting up of an oil refinery in the country as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi met Prime Minister Imran Khan and discussed economic assistance to the cash-strapped country to bolster its foreign exchange reserves. Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, who was on a day-long visit to the country after nearly 12 years, was received by Khan upon his arrival at Nur... Read More
 

Govt opposes 1% additional customs duty to raise revenue

The News by Mehtab Haider (Jan 06, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: The PTI-led government is considering different proposals for increasing taxes on cigarette industry in the range of Rs15 to 20 billion through mini budget expected to be unveiled during the ongoing month, The News has learnt. The government is considering different tax proposals for slapping additional taxes of Rs150 to Rs160 billion in remaining second half (Jan-June) period of the current fiscal year. Now different proposals are under consideration...Read More
 

UAE Prince Sheikh Mohammad to visit Pakistan, likely to announce USD 6.2 billion aid

The Economic Times (Jan 05, 2019)
The UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan will visit Pakistan on Sunday after the two sides finalised the terms and conditions for a USD 6.2 billion assistance package to Islamabad to bolster its foreign exchange reserves and the government's fiscal policies. The UAE government's financial assistance comes as Pakistan is negotiating a USD 8 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to overcome...Read More
 

China’s faltering economy gives US stonger hand in trade talks, Trump says

The Guardian (Jan 05, 2019)
Donald Trump has said China’s weakening economic growth puts the United States in a strong position as negotiators from the world’s two largest economies prepare for trade talks on Monday. US officials are heading to Beijing this weekend for the first face-to-face talks since Trump and China’s president, Xi Jinping, agreed in December to a 90-day truce in the trade war as they sought to strike a deal....Read More
 

Pakistan’s decision to declare Gulen group a banned outfit pleases Erdogan

The Express Tribune (Jan 04, 2019)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday expressed his pleasure over the Supreme Court of Pakistan’s decision of declaring Pak-Turk Education Foundation – a group backed by Fethullah Gulen – a banned outfit. The apex court had ordered to hand over custody of all 28 Pak-Turk schools in Pakistan to the Turkiye Maarif Foundation (TMF) last month. Addressing a joint press conference in Ankara with Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is on two...Read More
 

Sri Lanka plans 2019 budget with 3.5-pct deficit

Economy Next (Jan 04, 2019)
ECONOMYNEXT - Sri Lanka's cabinet of ministers had approved plans by Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera for a budget with a deficit of 3.5 percent of gross domestic product in 2019, the state information office said. The finance ministry hoped to boost revenue over 17 percent of GDP and keep current spending below 15 percent of GDP. Capital expenditure will be kept at 5.5 percent of GDP. The objective is to keep debt to GDP ratio at 70 percent, the proposal had...Read More
 

Pakistan secures further US$2b in funding from China to avoid economic crisis

South China Morning Post by Haroon Janjua (Jan 03, 2019)
China has pledged to lend an additional US$2 billion to Pakistan to increase the foreign exchange reserves of its South Asian ally, according to a government official in Islamabad. On Wednesday, an official who is not authorised to speak publicly on the matter said: “As Pakistan’s financial position is weak and to further avoid economic crisis, the government is preparing to take appropriate measures to fix the economy through financial help from China ...Read More
 

PTI govt’s economic policies have failed: Abbasi

Pakistan Today (Jan 03, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said on Thursday that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s economic policies have failed to deliver as any positive change is yet to be witnessed. Addressing a press conference along with other PML-N leaders, he said the PTI government failed to steer the country out of the existing economic crisis. “I am not criticising, rather putting the facts in front of the nation. The government...Read More
 

PTI govt’s economic policies have failed: Abbasi

The Express Tribune (Jan 02, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Former prime minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said on Thursday that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s economic policies have failed to deliver as any positive change is yet to be witnessed. Addressing a press conference along with other PML-N leaders, he said the PTI government failed to steer the country out of the existing economic crisis. “I am not criticising, rather putting the facts in...Read More
 

Expert reveals most dangerous threats to the global economy in 2019

News.com.au (Jan 02, 2019)
One of the world’s leading economists has issued a grim warning of the top hazards threatening global markets in 2019. And one of the top 30 factors is a potential “house price crash” in both Canada — and Down Under. Produced by multinational investment bank and financial services company Deutsche Bank, the list includes chief international economist Torsten Slok’s predictions of the risks which will drive financial markets in the new year...Read More
 

Oman to boost spending modestly in 2019 budget

The Reuters (Jan 01, 2019)
DUBAI, Jan 1 (Reuters) - Oman’s government expects to increase spending modestly this year under a 2019 state budget released on Tuesday, an official statement said. Spending is projected at 12.9 billion rials ($33.5 billion), up from 12.5 billion rials in the original budget for 2018. Revenues are estimated at 10.1 billion rials, assuming an average oil price of $58 per barrel this year. That would leave a 2019 budget deficit of 2.8 billion rials. In the first 10 months of 2018, the government ran...Read More
 

For Pakistan, 2018 marked by economic instability

The Express Tribune by Shahbaz Rana (Jan 01, 2019)
ISLAMABAD: Two key events at the beginning of 2018 defined the economic policies of Pakistan for the rest of the year – the change of finance minister Ishaq Dar and the United States President Donald Trump’s tweet in which he accused Islamabad of deceit and lies. Both these events symbolise instability that continued till the day, although Prime Minister Imran Khan on December 28 declared that the phase of ‘uncertainty’ is over. The country had three finance ministers in ...Read More
 

Another mini-budget on the anvil

The News by Shafqat Mahmood (Dec 31, 2018)
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) always finds “standards” reasons to justify the low revenue growth. It has been getting away with such effortless approach for ages. Not surprising is recent FBR recommendations for levy of GST on POL including crude oil as well as refined fuel per littre and for withdrawing reduction of withholding tax on salaried tax payers. Previously Senator Dar would even dub fall in oil prices as revenue loss, forgetting its salutary impact on foreign exchange...Read More
 

Govt needs three years to revive Pakistan’s economy: Fawad Chaudhry

Daily Times (Dec 31, 2018)
Finance Minister Asad Umar will give a three-year road map to revive the country’s economy, said Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry on Sunday. “It was reassuring to learn from Asad Umar that the upcoming mini budget is geared towards increasing investments and growth and he will announce a three-year roadmap to revive economy,” he Tweeted. Information & Broadcasting Minister Fawad Chaudhry quoted the finance minister as assuring him ...Read More
 

Mini-budget to press complaint taxpayers

The News (Dec 30, 2018)
KARACHI: New year is likely to press compliant taxpayers with new taxes in the second mini-budget as the cash-strapped government is struggling to increase revenue collection to slash budget deficit and create room for development expenditures. The government is set to announce second supplementary budget within less than five months after presenting its first supplementary budget in September. The government planned to introduce a mini-budget...Read More
 

Govt to pay add’l Rs 166.8b as interest payment

Pakistan Today (Dec 30, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The government would have to pay additional Rs166.86 billion on interest payment on foreign loans during ongoing fiscal year mainly due to the sharp depreciation in local currency and increase in interest rate. The ministry of finance has upward revised the interest payment on foreign loans to Rs1.79 trillion for the year 2018-19 after the massive depreciation in currency against the US dollar. Initially, at the time of budget for current fiscal year, the government...Read More
 

No economic crisis, says Imran

The DAWN (Dec 29, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the country may be facing challenges, but there is no crisis in the country. “All things are manageable. There is a lot of potential for improvement in this country. We inherited an economy with the highest-ever $19 billion current account deficit,” Mr Khan said in a brief interaction with journalists in the conference room of PM Secretariat just before he went...Read More
 

Pakistan considers another mini-budget as economic crisis looms

The Asia Times (Dec 29, 2018)
Pakistan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is planning to present another mini-budget next month to counteract the widening fiscal deficit. This will be the second mini-budget that the PTI has presented in the four months since winning a majority in the general election this July. Immediately after taking charge in September, the government tabled revised budget estimates in the national assembly and claimed that the fiscal crisis was over...Read More
 

Government to rationalize tariffs, duties for industry in next mini-budget; Razak Dawood

Pakistan Today (Dec 28, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Advisor for Commerce, Textile, Industry and Production and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood said that the government was working to rationalise tariffs structure and customs duties in the next mini-budget that would be presented in January 2019 to facilitate the growth of industrialisation as the current tariffs and customs duties were not favourable for the industry. He said after rationalisation of tariffs, the government would try to fix tariffs for 3-4...Read More
 

Mini budget in January 2019, says Finance Minister Asad Umar

The News (Dec 28, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The Finance Minister, Asad Umar has announced to bring another mini budget in January 2019. Speaking to journalists, the Finance Minister said, “The mini budget is not being brought to generate revenue.” Commenting on the conditions by International Monetary Fund, Asad Umar said, “The pace and direction of the reforms are more important than IMF conditions.” “Whatever the finance minister has made decisions yet, it has nothing to do with IMF...Read More
 

IMF ready to bailout Pakistan, but Islamabad must reduce defence budget

The Defence Aviation Post (Dec 27, 2018)
The budget deficit has to be curtailed within a range of 4 to 5 percent of GDP during the programme period. Moving towards a free float of the exchange rate and hiking power tariff by 22 percent are among other major stumbling blocks to the way of evolving a staff-level agreement between the two sides. For achieving a primary surplus on the budget deficit front, official sources said the government will have to restrict deficit in such a way that ensures out of total revenues minus...Read More
 

Mini-budget to shrink economy, hit masses: Tax Bar

The Pakistan Observer (Dec 27, 2018)
Islamabad: Rawalpindi Islamabad Tax Bar Association (RITBA) on Wednesday warned that forthcoming mini-budget to result in contraction of the troubled economy adding to the plight of masses. The new taxation measures to improve the revenue collection will also hit the business community worried over instability, it said. Mini-budget will result in the closure of many businesses and leave countless unemployed while it will widen the...Read More
 

IMF asks Pakistan to ensure primary surplus on budget deficit

The Pakistan Today (Dec 26, 2018)
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to ensure primary surplus on budget deficit to move ahead with the programme, leaving it with the hard choice of either slashing down its defence or development expenditure. The budget deficit has to be curtailed within a range of 4 to 5 percent of GDP during the programme period. Moving towards a free float of the exchange rate and hiking power tariff by 22 percent are among other major stumbling blocks to the...Read More
 

IMF puts Pakistan in a tight spot

The News (Dec 26, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to ensure primary surplus on budget deficit to move ahead with the programme, leaving it with the hard choice of either slashing down its defence or development expenditure. The budget deficit has to be curtailed within a range of 4 to 5 percent of GDP during the programme period. Moving towards free float of exchange rate and hiking power tariff by 22 percent are among other major...Read More
 

Iran presents budget to counter ‘cruel’ US sanctions

The Pakistan Today (Dec 25, 2018)
TEHRAN: President Hassan Rouhani on Tuesday unveiled Iran’s first annual budget since the return of US sanctions, saying it had been adjusted to take account of Washington’s “cruel” measures. The president announced a 20 percent increase in public sector wages in a sign of the economic challenges the Islamic republic has faced since the United States pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal earlier this year...Read More
 

Pakistan to implement ‘prior actions’ for talks with IMF

The News (Dec 24, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will have to implement remaining ‘prior actions’ including taking additional taxation measures for jacking up FBR’s annual tax collection target close to Rs4455 billion in order to resume halved parleys with the IMF in second week of next month, The News has learnt. Differences between the IMF and Pakistan still persist over exact range of competitive exchange rate in terms of pace of adjustments but Pakistani side denied ...Read More
 

China rises to 2nd largest contributor to UN budget

Daily Pakistan Global(Dec 23, 2018)
United Nations: China will become the second largest contributor to the united nations regular budget starting next year, surpassing Japan. China’s contribution will rise to 12.01 percent in the next three years from 7.92 percent for the 2016-2018 period, according to a resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on Saturday. Japan’s contribution will fall to 8.56 percent from 9.68 percent. Assessments for member countries’ contributions are made based on several...Read More
 

Resurfaced circular debt threatening the economy: PEW

Pakistan Today (Dec 23, 2018)
The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Sunday said the circular debt has again resurfaced and is threatening the fragile national economy. The infamous power sector debt has surpassed Rs1300 billion and there is no way in sight to tackle it which is adding to the problems of the government, it said. The government has decided to issue Rs200 billion Sukuk bonds to handle the debt which will calm down the issue for a year or two but not resolve the...Read More
 

Govt hospitals devour budget, torment patients

Pakistan Observer (Dec 23, 2018)
Sindh government has failed to give proper healthcare facilities to citizens and the government hospitals are made centers to torment poor patients and to devour healthcare budget, said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh chapter general secretary and parliamentary leader in Sindh Assembly Haleem Adil Sheikh, here Saturday. Haleem Adil Sheikh visited the house of a class -9 student in Surjani Town area of the city, who has been bed-ridden for two years due to hip bone...Read More
 

PM Imran will not attend World Economic Forum 2019

Pakistan Today (Dec 22, 2018)
Prime Minister Imran Khan will not attend the World Economic Forum sessions starting in Davos on 22nd January 2019, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Political Affairs Naeemul Haq confirmed. This is the second global leader’s meetup that the prime minister is skipping owing to internal commitments, the first one being the United Nations General Assembly session, in September, this year. “The prime minister believes that he should visit these forums only after...Read More
 

Turkey’s budget for 2019 ratified by parliament

Daily News (Dec 22, 2018)
Turkish parliament has ratified the country's 2019 budget following a 12-day marathon session in the general assembly. Parliament Speaker Binali Yıldırım announced in the early hours of Dec. 22 that the budget was backed by 335 lawmakers while 166 voted against it in the 600-seat chamber. Lawmakers from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) voted "yes" for the budget. For 2019, Turkey is reportedly...Read More
 

Finance Division issues budget call circular

Pakistan Today (Dec 21, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Finance Division here on Friday issued Budget Call Circular for the FY 2019-20 through the e-office facility which was recently implemented in the Division. Call circulars to the offices which have not so far shifted to the e-office system were conveyed through email. The issuance of the budget call circular electronically is in line with the government’s initiative to use the e-office facility. The budget call circular is issued every year to all federal ministries and departments...Read More
 

With eye on China, Japan unveils record defence budget

Pakistan Today (Dec 21, 2018)
TOKYO: Japan’s defence budget will swell to a record $47 billion for the next fiscal year, the government said Friday, as Tokyo beefs up its missile defence and deploys stealth jets in a bid to counter China. The defence spending was part of a $912-billion national budget for the fiscal year starting in April 2019, approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe´s cabinet. The government decided to set aside 5.26 trillion yen ($47 billion) for defence, the fifth record year in a row, defence ministry...Read More
 
 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 175 E - Alert Issue Date: 21-01-2019
 

Afghanistan
Access to information to help curb corruption: Danish
Pajhwok Afghan News
Vice-president Sarwar Danish on Sunday introduced new members to the Oversight Commission on Access to Information...
 
USA
New Interior FOIA rule could make it harder to get public documents
The Hill
Interior Department rule could make it harder for news organizations and nonprofits to get public information from the government...
 
Pakistan
WSSP launches website to bolster digital presence
The News International
The Water and Sanitation Services Peshawar (WSSP) has launched own website to bolster digital presence...
 
Scotland
MSPs to review Scotland's Freedom of Information laws
Holyrood
The Scottish Parliament’s Public Audit and Post-Legislative Scrutiny Committee has agreed to examine the FOI Act 2002...
 
Australia
Complaints about under resourced FOI system spike by 72% in a single year
The Guardian
Complaints about Australia’s FOI system spiked by 72% in a single year, heaping further pressure on regulator...
 
France
Texans deserve access to info
Paris News
Police Department officer’s pursuit of a driver who sped off after the officer signaled him to stop ended when the driver crashed into some trees...
 
Canada
With election ahead, we need to make public records truly public
The Conversation
Citizens require access to public records in order to become properly informed about the activities of their government...
 
India
PM Modi fails to use MPLAD funds on villages adopted by him
National Herald
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced early last year with much fanfare that he had adopted a fourth village in his Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency for...
 
UK
EU adviser sides with Google on 'right to be forgotten' dispute
The Telegraph
An advisor to the European Court of Justice has sided with Google in a dispute over the “right to be forgotten” rule....
 
Bangladesh
Use of RTI in Bangladesh
The Dailystar
One way of observing the progress of the law in any country is to assess existing trends and the nature of its use...
 
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795 URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 173 E - Alert Issue Date: 17-12-2019
 

Pakistan
Plea for PSL expenditure disposed of
The News International
The Lahore High Court on Friday disposed of a petition seeking details of expenditures incurred on Pakistan Super League (PSL)…

US
HRC Sends Expanded FOIA Request to ICE & CBP for Records of Treatment of Trans Detainees
Human Rights Campaign (blog)
HRC sent expanded Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to the U.S.  Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP)…

Sri Lanka
RTI Commission orders release of Ranil Wickremesinghe's asset declaration, law does not include President's
Colombo Page
Right to Information Commission has directed the Presidential Secretariat to disclose the declaration of assets and liabilities of Ranil Wickremesinghe…

India
Right to know: Now just drop into a govt. office to access information
The Hindu
Citizens seeking data from the government under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, can now simply land up at the concerned…

Ghana
I will suspend my suspension of demo - Baako readies for RTI fight
Ghana Web
The law-making body of Ghana is yet to see what pressure is, if they fail to pass the Right to Information bill before they rise as promised…

Pakistan Federal ministries yet to proactively disclose information
The News International
A study recently released by a civil society organization revealed that majority of the federal ministries and institutions have failed to proactively disclose information…

Germany
Heiko Maas: 'Freedom of expression is essential to democracy'
D.W
The right to freedom of expression and information is essential for a free and democratic state….

Pakistan
KP CM announces to increase job quota for special persons to 4 per cent
The News International
Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Mahmood Khan Monday announced to increase job quota for special persons from 2 per cent to 4 per cent besides …

Ghana
FLASHBACK: RTI bill will be passed in 100 days - Bawumia
Pulse.com.gh
It's 600 days of the government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Right to Information Bill (RTI) has not been passed…

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795 URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 174 E - Alert Issue Date: 02-01-2019
 
Ghana
ADI Demands Halt And Reflection Over RTI Bill
Ghana Web
The plans by parliament to pass the Right To Information (RTI) bill is likely to...

 

India
Lokpal Selection Committee Did Not Meet Even Once In Nearly 4 Years
NewsClic
The BJP government is blatantly attacking the institutions of accountability and transparency...

 

Jamaica
Measures Being Undertaken To Improve Access To Information
Jamaica Observer
The Access to Information (ATI) Unit will be undertaking some critical initiatives aimed at improving service delivery...

 

Pakistan
Pakistan Improves Position In Global RTI Rating
The Nation
Pakistan improves its position in international Right To Information rating from 91 to 33...

 

Australia
Secret Documents Reveal Toxic Threat beneath Sydney Airport
The Sydney Morning Herald
A pool of poisonous water underneath Sydney Airport contains some of the highest levels of toxic firefighting chemicals...

 

Nigeria
Imo to Adopt Freedom Of Information Act- Irona
The Nigerian Voice
Former member of the House of Representatives and Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party...

 

Vietnam
Law Ensures Citizens' Right to Information Access
Veitnam +
The Ministry of Justice and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) co-held a seminar in Hanoi on December 2...

 

Bangladesh
Progress and Regress of RTI in Bangladesh
The Daily Star
As the Right to Information (RTI) regime nears completion of its first decade of existence, we asked a few scholars, advocates and users of...  
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795 URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Budget Study Centre   Issue 30 Dec 20, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

SBP reserves surge 10.85pc stand at & 8.05bn

The Pakistan Today (Dec 20, 2018)
The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank increased by 10.85pc WoW, breaking a two-week losing streak, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday. Earlier, the reserves had been on a downward spiral for 14 successive weeks but financial assistance from Saudi Arabia provided much-needed support for the fast depleting reserves. The reserves had dropped to a four-and-a-half-year low, which raised concern... Read More
 

Govt offers IMF Rs190b in new taxes for bailout

The Express Tribune (Dec 20, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has offered the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to impose Rs190 billion worth of additional taxes to restrict budget deficit to Rs2.2 trillion and to further increase interest rates and devalue currency to increase foreign exchange reserves to $13 billion. These aggressive policy measures have potential to stifle economic growth rate, slowing its pace to only 3.9% in this fiscal year and stoking inflation. A major inflationary measure will be increase in... Read More
 

Information Minister says economy is biggest challenge

The Express Tribune (Dec 19, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government inherited a fragile economy, therefore stabilising it remains the key focus of the current government for ensuring sustainable growth, said Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain. Addressing the business community at the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), he said, “The government is facing no challenge on the political front, however...Read More
 

Govt. considering another ‘mini budget’ in Jan 2019

The Pakistan Today (Dec 19, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Asad Umar on Wednesday said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is likely to introduce another ‘mini-budget’ to address the economic challenges facing the country. In his briefing to the Senate’s Standing Committee on Finance, Umar said the government was mulling over bringing another supplementary budget in January 2019, but no final decision has been made as yet. “An increase in taxes had been proposed but...Read More
 

Saudi 2019 budget boosts spending in bid to spur sluggish economy

The Bizenglish (Dec 18, 2018)
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia plans to increase state spending by more than seven percent next year in an effort to spur economic growth, which has been hurt by low oil prices, according to a 2019 budget released by the finance ministry on Tuesday. Spending is projected to rise to 1.106 trillion riyals ($295 billion) next year, up from an actual 1.030 trillion riyals this year, Saudi state television quoted the budget as saying...Read More
 

Sri Lanka new government to present full budget in January 2019: Eran Wickramaratne

The Bizenglish (Dec 18, 2018)
Sri Lanka’s new government lead by United National Party will present a full year budget to parliament in January 2019 and with the expectation of passing it in February 2019, Eran Wickremeratne told reporters recently. "We need 7 days debate and committee stage debate which requires 26 days," Wickramaratne said adding that there will be a disciplined administration. However he also told reporters that an interim budget will also be presented after a new cabinet of ministers is...Read More
 

Budget allocation for health increased to two percent: President Alvi

The Belta 100 (Dec 17, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi on Monday said that budget allocation for health has been increased to 2% from the current 0.9% of the GDP towards the attainment of Universal Health Care (UHC) and sustainable development health related goals. Talking to Regional Director, World Health Organization Dr. Ahmed Salim Saif Al-Mandhari and Regional Director, UNICEF SEARO Ms. Jean Gough, who called on him in Islamabad, Arif Alvi said that increase in the spending on social sector...Read More
 

Pakistan submits Chinese package details to IMF: Asad Umar

The Belta 100 (Dec 17, 2018)
Finance Minister Asad Umar on Monday stated that Pakistan has formally submitted details of the Chinese package to the International Monetary Fund, Express News reported. While talking to the media aboard a flight from Karachi to Islamabad, the finance minister apprised State Bank of Pakistan’s monetary and fiscal policies and stressed that the supplementary budget will help improve fiscal deficit. He further said that the government...Read More
 

Budgetary process lack citizen participation

Daily The Patriot (Dec 16, 2018)
Jhang: The budget study report revealed transparency and citizen’s participation in the budget-making process was found lacking at the district level in Punjab. Budget Call letters were delayed; consultation with relevant stake holders not held, only five districts had functional websites and 116 posts remained vacant in district budget branches while in 1 district, finance officer seat remained vacant during last fiscal year. CPDI demands adherence to the “Punjab Local... Read More
 

Ishaq Dar deplores economic policies of PTI government

The Pakistan Today (Dec 16, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Former finance minister Ishaq Dar lamented the economic policies of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government and said that they caused major setbacks to the country’s stock exchange network. In an interview to a private TV channel, he said that PTI’s policies also led devaluation of Pakistani rupee, which put the country under heavy economic pressures, in term of capital flow and investment. He said that the merger of stock exchanges of Karachi...Read More
 

Pakistan receives2nd tranche of $1b from KSA

The Nation (Dec 15, 2018)
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Friday has received the second tranche of one billion dollar from Saudi Arabia while the first tranche had already been utilised in less than one month period due to external debt servicing and other official payments. “The State Bank of Pakistan has received the second tranche worth one billion dollar from Saudi Arabia that would help build the declining foreign exchange reserves of the country,” said an official of the ministry of finance. He further said that...Read More
 

Govt. may introduce another mini-budget to address economic woes

The Pakistan Today (Dec 15, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: As the incumbent government is facing severe economic issues, it is likely that another supplementary budget would be introduced soon through a financial bill, sources revealed on Saturday. According to sources, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is making arrangements to introduce another mini-budget that would be aimed at meeting the conditions of International Monitory Fund (IMF), the constitution of Sarmaya-e-Pakistan and removal of the...Read More
 

FY 2018-19: Govt. approves Rs38.39bn budget for LDA, WASA, TEPA

The Pakistan Times (Dec 14, 2018)
LAHORE: A budget to the tune of Rs38.39 billion for the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) and Traffic, Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA) for the fiscal year 2018-19 was approved on Friday. A meeting of LDA’s governing body, chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, approved the budget whereas more than Rs20 billion out of the total budget was allocated for the development works...Read More
 

FATF compliance: Govt launches crackdown against money laundering facilitators

The Pakistan Today (Dec 14, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: In a major operation against money laundering facilitators, the federal government has launched a countrywide crackdown against officials of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Pakistan Customs, Anti-Narcotic Force (ANF) and other relevant departments. According to sources, the government has launched a massive crackdown against elements involved in money laundering, terror financing and capital flight from Pakistan...Read More
 

Tight monetary, fiscal policies add to public debt: EAC member

The Express Tribune (Dec 13, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Owing to discord among economists regarding the new exchange rate policy, a key member of the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) distanced himself from fiscal and monetary policies on Wednesday and termed them self-defeating. “The tight monetary, fiscal and exchange rate policies are piling up public debt and impeding economic growth,” remarked EAC member Dr Ashfaque Hasan Khan. He was speaking at the 34th annual general meeting ...Read More
 

SBP reserves shrink by $242m, stand at $7.2bn

The Pakistan Today (Dec 13, 2018)
The total liquid foreign reserves held by the country stood at $13.7 billion on December 7, 2018. According to a statement issued by the central bank, the country’s foreign reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan stood at $7.2 billion, while net foreign reserves held by commercial banks stood at $6.4 billion. During the week under review, SBP’s reserves decreased by $242 million to $7.2 billion owing to external debt servicing and other official payments...Read More
 

Trade deficit slightly contracts to $14.5b in five months

The Express Tribune (Dec 12, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The government’s desire to make a big dent on last year’s $37.6-billion trade deficit is likely to remain unfulfilled as the deficit marginally contracted to $14.5 billion in first five months of the current year after the growth in exports tapered off. The trade deficit in July-November of fiscal year 2018-19 shrank on the back of almost flat growth in imports, showed the figures released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The $14.5-billion deficit in Jul-Nov FY19 was...Read More
 

Russia 2018 budget surplus to be close to 3% of GDP-Minister

The Financial Times (Dec 12, 2018)
Please use the sharing tools found via the share button at the top or side of articles. Copying articles to share with others is a breach of FT.com T&Cs and Copyright Policy. Email licensing@ft.com to buy additional rights. Subscribers may share up to 10 or 20 articles per month using the gift article service. Russia's budget surplus this year will be close to 3 per cent of GDP, the country's economy minister has said, higher than the official forecast thanks to strong oil revenues...Read More
 

Over$15b being remitted through illegal channel

The Express Tribune (Dec 11, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: In order to increase foreign exchange reserves, the government plans to strengthen banking channels to convince Pakistani expatriates to send remittances through legal means, and ultimately discourage other means of transmission. Currently, more than $15 billion are being remitted through the Hundi system, which is the main impediment to the growth of gross domestic product (GDP). Pakistani expatriates...Read More
 
 

Govt on track to streamline dwindling economy: Asad Umar

The Pakistan Today (Dec 11, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: With a focus to reach out to the poor, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government, despite inheriting worst financial and current account crisis, has taken major policy initiatives for financial discipline and long-term socioeconomic development. After inheriting deteriorating macroeconomic indicators, the PTI government remained successful in straight-lining the key financial areas including taxation, governance...Read More
 
 

Govt to unveil new economic roadmap: PM

The Express Tribune (Dec 10, 2018)
KARACHI: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday announced launching a new economic roadmap envisaging a strategy to overcome challenges and reset the country on the path to progress in the next six to nine months. The prime minister was on a day-long visit to the provincial metropolis during which he met representatives of the business community, Sindh Governor Imran Ismail, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and provincial...Read More
 
 

CPDI Launches ‘Study of Budget Making Process at District level in Balochistan’

Daily Asia Today (Dec 10, 2018)
Chammen: Transparency and citizen participation in budget making process found lacking at district level in Balochistan Chamman. Budget call letters delayed, budget time line is not followed properly, none of the 20 surveyed districts have involved the general public and the stockholders in budget making. Only 4 districts issued pre-budget statements where the copy was not present for the public, none of the district has a functional website ...Read More
 
 

Rupee could easily settle at 150 in next six months

The Express Tribune (Dec 09, 2018)
KARACHI: “If you have to determine a level where the rupee might settle against the US dollar, 150 is a very easy target you can see in the next six months,” remarked Alfalah GHP Chief Executive Maheen Rahman. She was addressing a seminar on “Pakistan’s Economy: Yet Another New Start” at the IBA ThinkFest on Saturday. Rahman said that there is no real level that can be fixed for the Pakistani currency, which has depreciated nearly 31% in the past 11 months...Read More
 
 

FBR recommends new taxes to bridge shortfall

The Dawn (Dec 09, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: After dealing with the external sector deficit, the government’s attention is now being drawn to a growing shortfall in tax revenues that is beginning to bite. In the first five months of the fiscal year, a shortfall of approximately Rs102 billion has been recorded in revenue collection, and this week officials from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) gave a briefing to the prime minister about the situation, with suggestions on how the shortfall can be reduced in coming months...Read More
 
 

PTI decreases Punjab development budget, increases KP’s by 11%

Urdu Point (Dec 08, 2018)
Lahore (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 8th December, 2018) The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has cut the developmental budget of Punjab by half. About 54 percent less amount was spent on the developmental projects in Punjab this fiscal year as compared to last year. On the other hand, the developmental expenditures of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) were increased by 11 percent. According to the Ministry of Finance, the developmental...Read More
 
 

Request for increase in health budget tabled to PM

The News (Dec 08, 2018)
Islamabad: While pledging transformational changes in the health sector, particularly in public sector hospitals where patients are generally denied appropriate attention, treatment and respect, Minister for Health Aamer Mehmood Kiani claimed having tabled a request to the Prime Minister for increasing the country’s health budget to 2 per cent of the GDP in the next budget. Addressing a symposium on ‘Transforming Health Care’ here at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences ...Read More
 
 

China should tolerate bigger budget deficit in 2019 to boost economy: State media

The Reuters (Dec 07, 2018)
BEIJING (Reuters) - The Chinese government should slow its deleveraging drive and tolerate a bigger budget deficit next year to support the economy as downward pressure sharply increases, a state-controlled newspaper said on Friday. A China yuan note is seen in this illustration photo May 31, 2017. As an effort to steady rising debt levels after years of credit-fuelled investment, China cut its annual budget deficit target this year - a first since 2012 - to 2.6 percent of gross domestic...Read More
 
 

Call for citizen’s participation in budget making process

The Dawn (Dec 07, 2018)
SHANGLA: Participants of a seminar held here the other day called for transparency and citizens’ participation in budget-making process at the district level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.The seminar titled ‘district government budget rules 2016’ was organised by Centre for Peace and Development Initiative (CPDI) in Bisham, which was attended by members of local government, social activists and village council secretaries. “The first draft of the district budget should be presented in April...Read More
 
 
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 29 Dec 06, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Study of budget making process at district level launched

The Frontier Post (Dec 06, 2018)
Sherani: Action for Welfare and Awakening in Rural Environment (AWARE) Organization in collaboration with Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) launched a report entitled ‘Study of budget making process at district level’ here in Sherani district. The session was aimed to identify the loopholes in preparing the district annual fiscal plan, encourage public participation and discourage political interventions. Chief guest of the session was Social Welfare... Read More
 

Citizen’s participation in budget making process urged

The Northern Post (Dec 06, 2018)
SHANGLA: Participants in a seminar in Shangla urged transparency and citizens’ participation in the budget-making process a district level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a study report revealed transparency and citizen’s participation in the budget-making process was found lacking at the district level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A seminar was organized by Center for peace and development initiative CPDI here at Bisham on Wednesday, which was attended by ...Read More
 

Study of budget making process at district level launched

The Pakistan Observer (Dec 06, 2018)
Sherani: Action for Welfare and Awakening in Rural Environment (AWARE) Organization in collaboration with Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) launched a report entitled ‘Study of budget making process at district level’ here in Sherani district. The session was aimed to identify the loopholes in preparing the district annual fiscal plan, encourage public participation and discourage political interventions. Chief guest of the session was Social Welfare...Read More
 

Study of budget making process at district level launched

The Parliament Times (Dec 06, 2018)
SHERANI: Participants in a seminar in Shangla urged transparency and citizens’ participation in the budget-making process a district level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a study report revealed transparency and citizen’s participation in the budget-making process was found lacking at the district level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A seminar was organized by Center for peace and development initiative CPDI here at Bisham on Wednesday, which was attended by...Read More
 

Pakistan’s external debt, liabilities shoot to record at $96.7b

The Express Tribune (Dec 05, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s external debt and liabilities soared to a record $96.7 billion by the end of September 2018, which appeared understated by $3 billion, as the central bank did not explicitly show the debt taken from China for shoring up foreign currency reserves. The external debt and liabilities increased to $96.7 billion as of September-end, reported the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Tuesday. The figure, in reality, could ...Read More
 

Pakistan slashed non-salary budget by 10%

The Economic Times (Dec 05, 2018)
The Pakistan government has decided to cut by 10 per cent the non-salary current budget of the civilian setup as part of an austerity drive to solve the cash-strapped nation's economic woes, according to a media report. The Express Tribune reported that the move will help save nearly Rs 10 billion in the remainder period of fiscal year (2018-19) but would not address core fiscal problems. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has also decided to continue with a ban ...Read More
 

Industrial cooperation: Pakistan expects to sign deal with China this month

The Express Tribune (Dec 04, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan hoped on Monday to achieve a breakthrough by securing Chinese financing for a crucial project of the western route and sign an agreement on industrial cooperation during a meeting of the highest decision-making body of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). While giving a briefing on the status of CPEC projects, Planning Minister Khusro Bakhtiar reiterated that Pakistan had not offered any special treatment to Saudi Arabia under CPEC...Read More
 

FBR urges people to file income tax returns at the earliest

The Pakistan Observer (Dec 04, 2018)
Islamabad: Federal Board of Revenue has urged the peoples to file their income tax returns at the earliest to take advantage of numerous facilities offered by the government for active tax payers. For the facilitation of people, the authority has already extended the deadline for filing income tax return to15th of this month. The source in FBR told Radio Pakistan that immediately after filing income tax returns, the name of the filer would be enlisted among the active taxpayers...Read More
 

Turkey inflation drops from 15-years high

The Business Recorder (Dec 03, 2018)
ANKARA: Inflation in Turkey dropped for the first time to nearly 22 percent last month after surging to a 15-year high in October, official statistics showed on Monday. The increase in consumer prices fell to 21.62 percent in November compared with he same month last year, still very high in relative terms but down from the 25.24 percent rate recorded in October and the first drop since March this year, according to the Turkish statistics office (TUIK). The figure was also... Read More
 

CPEC changing lives of people in Pakistan: Yue Yanghua

The Pakistan Observer (Dec 03, 2018)
Beijing: Deputy Director General of international department of the central committee of Communist Party of China (CPC), Yue Yanghua has said that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), economic initiative has started changing lives of the people in Pakistan with productive out-put. Addressing a delegation of journalists from South Asian and South East Asian countries, Yue Yanghua said that CPEC, the flagship project of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has...Read More
 

Rupee returns to inter-bank level after assurances of no more depreciation

The Express Tribune (Dec 02, 2018)
KARACHI: Currency dealers adjusted the Pakistani rupee in retail market to the inter-bank closing level of Rs139 to the US dollar on Saturday after higher authorities assured of no more devaluation. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) depreciated the rupee by 3.8%, or Rs5.06, to an all-time low at Rs139.05 to the greenback in the inter-bank market on its last working day of the week, Friday. It hit record intra-day low of Rs144 in the early hours of the day...Read More
 

Dull week at stock exchange as index drops 373 points

The Express Tribune (Dec 02, 2018)
KARACHI: The stock market had a bearish week as a lack of economic clarity took its toll on investors’ sentiments, leading to a decline of 373 points or 0.91% in the benchmark KSE-100 index, which settled at 40,496 points. The week kicked off on a negative note as a dearth of positive triggers kept investors on the sidelines. A widening budget deficit and plunging international crude oil prices dampened the overall mood. Although the KSE-100...Read More
 

Rupee devaluation to negatively impact economy

The Nation (Dec 01, 2018)
Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) President Syed Zia Alumdar Hussain has said that the depreciation of Pakistani rupee would have a massive negative impact on the already fragile economy of the country. In a statement issued on Monday, Hussain said that one-time jump of approximately 8 rupees is unbearable for the importers as well as exporters who have to explore new resources to fulfil their international financial deals...Read More
 

South Punjab to have separate development programme in next budget

The Pakistan Today (Dec 01, 2018)
MULTAN: Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi Saturday said that south Punjab would have a separate annual development programme in the next provincial budget. Addressing the annual general meeting of Emersonians – old students of the historic Emerson College – Qureshi said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was striving for the establishment of south Punjab province, however, amendments in the constitution and some legislation was...Read More
 

Rs250.44m Karak Council budget presented

The News (Dec 01, 2018)
KARAK: Tehsil Nazim Maulana Mehboob Janan presented annual deficit budget for the year 2018-19 with total outlay Rs250.44 million and resolved to look for new resources to increase the revenue of the Karak tehsil municipal administration.The budget session was held on Friday, with convener Haji Jehanzeb Khattak in the chair. All the members of the council attended the meeting. The tehsil nazim presented the budget with a total outlay of Rs250.44 million and said that Rs160.65 million would be...Read More
 

Indian economy grows 7.1pc y/y in Sept quarter

The Business Recorder (Nov 30, 2018)
NEW DELHI: India’s economy grew a lower-than-expected 7.1 percent in the July-September quarter from a more than two-year high of 8.2 percent in the previous quarter, government data showed on Friday. The latest quarter’s annual pace of growth was lower than a Reuters poll forecast of 7.4 percent. India’s $2.6 trillion economy, Asia’s third largest, grew 6.3 percent in the July-September quarter of 2017, the data released by the statistics ministry showed...Read More
 

Ascertained direction of Pakistan’s economy in 100 days: Finance Minister

The Dunya News.com (Nov 29, 2018)
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Finance Minister Asad Umer on Thursday said that the government has ascertained direction of country’s economy in first 100 days. Manifesto of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf will be completed at all cost. Addressing a ceremony regarding completion of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) first 100 days in government at the Convention Centre today, he said that all institutions were facing deficit when PTI came into power...Read More
 

Pakistan’s net international reserves stand at negative $4b, excluding IMF debt obligations

The Pakistan Today (Nov 29, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Figures released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday have revealed that the country’s balance of payment crisis isn’t over since its net international reserves are negative $4 billion even after eliminating IMF debt obligations. The figures released by the central bank show up to one-year obligations of the central bank surpass its gross official foreign currency reserves by around $4 billion, reports Express Tribune. Last week, the ...Read More
 

PM Imran reiterates PTI government will take Pakistan out from economic challenges

The Nation (Nov 28, 2018)
SIALKOT: Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday vowed to take the country forward and turnaround its economy through increased investment in human resource development and provision of higher and quality education to the youth. “Higher education and rise of a country are inter-linked. The main reason behind the countries which are moving forward is knowledge economy,” he said while speaking at the opening ceremony of a new campus of women ...Read More
 
 

Kalat: Local government fail to include stakeholders in the budget making process

The Balochitan Point (Nov 27, 2018)
KALAT: Study has revealed that the local governments (LGs) had failed to include stakeholders in the budget making process. Only 4 out of 20 districts released pre-budget statement that would have provided the stakeholders a chance to express their opinion on budget proposals. This study was shared with participants in a one-day workshop on ‘Study of Budget Making Process at District Level in Balochistan, here in Kalat on Tuesday. The ‘Study of Budget Making Process...Read More
 
 

$1.5 billion of foreign loans received during July-Oct FY19

The Pakistan Today (Nov 27, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan received $1.5 billion of foreign loans during the first four months (July-October) of the financial year 2018-19, according to the latest data released. In the first four months of current FY19, international creditors released $1.46 billion, according to officials of the ministry of finance, reports Express Tribune. In October, Pakistan had obtained a commercial loan of $160 million on the short-term facility from Dubai Islamic Bank...Read More
 
 

Concerns expressed over budget making process at district level

The Parliament Times (Nov 26, 2018)
SHOB: In order to identify loopholes in preparing district annual financial plan, encourage public participation and discourage political interventions. Action for Welfare and Awakening in Rural Environment (AWARE) Organization in collobration with CPDI launched a report entitled “Study on Budget Making Process a t District Level” here at Assembly Hall, Shob. Chief Guest of the event was Chairman Municipal Committee Engineer ...Read More
 
 

Looming water crisis biggest threat to Pakistan’s economy: WEF

The Nation (Nov 25, 2018)
The World Economic forum has termed water crisis as Pakistan’s biggest challenge in the coming decade. The World Economic Forum has recently published a report named ‘Regional Risks for Doing Business’, which has listed imminent risks to the South Asian nations as well. The report said that Pakistan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka will face 10 big threats such as failure of infrastructure, bad governance, inflation, cyber-attacks, unemployment etc. Another pertinent risk that the report...Read More
 
 

Budget revenue tipped to be $9.2bn higher than expected after company tax surge

The Guardian (Nov 25, 2018)
A surge in company tax is expected to push budget revenue $9.2bn higher in 2018-19 than expected in the May budget, according to Deloitte Access Economics’ latest forecast. The positive news sets the Morrison government up for a quicker return to surplus or gives latitude for pre-election sweeteners such as bringing forward personal income tax cuts as it prepares the midyear economic fiscal outlook, which is due in December...Read More
 
 

Somalia invites Pakistani businessmen to initiate joint ventures

The Express Tribune (Nov 24, 2018)
LAHORE: Embassy of Somalia Deputy Commercial Attaché Abdifitah Abdul Kadir Osman has invited Pakistani businessmen to enter into joint ventures with their counterparts in pharmaceutical and various other sectors. He extended the invitation while talking to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Vice President Fahimur Rehman Saigal. The attaché called for making visa process easy and business friendly, highlighting that Pakistan and...Read More
 
 

Pakistan records Rs541.7b budget deficit

The Nation (Nov 24, 2018)
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has recorded a budget deficit of Rs541.7 billion during the first quarter (July to September) of the ongoing fiscal (FY2019) year despite provincial government generated massive surplus and cut in development budget. The country’s expenditures have stood at Rs1.64 trillion as against the revenues of Rs1.1 trillion during July-September period of FY2019. The budget deficit has recorded at Rs541.7 billion (1.4 percent of the GDP)...Read More
 
 

Zhob: Concerns expressed over budget making process at district level

The Balochistn Point (Nov 23, 2018)
ZHOB: In order to identify the loopholes in preparing the district annual fiscal plan, encourage public participation and discourage political interventions Action for Welfare and Awakening in Rural Environment (AWARE) Organization in collaboration with Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) launched a report entitled ‘Study of budget making process at district level’ here at assembly hall Zhob. Chief guest of the event was Chairman Municipal Committee...Read More
 
 
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 28 Nov 22, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

PM approves National Financial Inclusion Strategy

The News (Nov 22, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan today approved 5-years plan for enhanced National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) during a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office. The meeting was attended by Minister for Finance Mr. Asad Umar, Advisor to Prime Minister Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Secretary Finance Mr. Arif Ahmed Khan, Governor State Bank Mr. Tariq Bajwa and senior government officials. National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) lays out the national vision... Read More
 

Gwadar’s deep-sea port set for further expansion in January

The Pakistan Today (Nov 22, 2018)
BEIJING: The Gwadar deep-sea port development will gain further momentum as work on its expansion plan is set to start from January, director general, Planning and Development, Gwadar Port Authority, Munir Ahmed Jan said on Tuesday. Under the expansion plan, five new berths would be added to the existing three berths for handling bigger ships, he said while talking to APP. Munir, who recently visited the Chinese capital to attend the CPEC Media Forum, said the first phase...Read More
 

Speakers call for enhancing capacities of LG members

The Frontier Post (Nov 21, 2018)
Lakki Marwat: Speakers at a session has called for enhancing capacities and capabilities of local bodies members in budget making to ensure utilization of financial resources on public wel fare progammes. The session on budget consultation was organized by Citizen Network for Budget Accountability at town hall building in Lakki city on Tuesday. Local government representatives and social and political activists were in attendance. To incorporate people’s suggestions and ensure active participation...Read More
 

Speakers for training LG representatives on budget making process

The Nation (Nov 21, 2018)
Lakki Marwat: Speakers at a session called for enhancing capacities and capabilities of local bodies members in budget making to ensure utilization of financial resources on public wel fare progammes. The session on budget consultation was organized by Citizen Network for Budget Accountability at town hall building in Lakki city on Tuesday. Local government representatives and social and political activists were in attendance. To incorporate people’s suggestions and ensure active participation...Read More
 

CPDI launched ‘study of budget making process’ at district level in KP

The Today’s Muslim (Nov 20, 2018)
Peshawar: CPDI launched ‘study on budget making process’ at the district level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Transparency and citizens; participation in the budget making process sought at the district level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The budget study report revealed transparency and citizen’s participation in the budget making process was fund lacking at the district level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Budget call letters were delayed consultations with relevant stake holders not...Read More
 

Pakistan’s GDP growth to slow down to 5.4% in FY19: Fitch

The Pakistan Today (Nov 20, 2018)
LAHORE: A report released by Fitch Solutions has said that Pakistan economic growth will slow down over the coming quarters and projected it to be 5.4% for FY19 compared to 5.8% in FY18. It said, “We believe that further austerity measures will likely exacerbate the cyclical slowdown in the Pakistan economy. However, that is not to say that in the absence of the IMF-induced austerity, Pakistan will be able to sustain its current growth momentum. Pakistan has been ...Read More
 

Pakistan receives much-awaited $1b from Saudi Arabia

The Express Tribune (Nov 19, 2018)
KARACHI: Pakistan has received the first tranche of $1 billion from Saudi Arabia under the $6-billion financial package aimed at stabilising the fast dwindling foreign currency reserves. The much-needed inflow comes at a time when Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are negotiating a bailout package. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) confirmed on Monday that it had received $1 billion from Riyadh, giving a boost to the foreign currency reserves. Earlier, the ...Read More
 

Increase in exports only way to avoid external debt: Asad

The Nation (Nov 19, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance Asad Umar has said that enhancing the country exports was the only way to overcome the external debt or we have to seek more loans from IMF to run the affairs of the country. Talking to a private news channel, he said when PTI government came into power the country's economy was facing the deficit of Rs 800 billion. He said that trade can be improved with all the neighboring country, including Afghanistan, Iran, China and Saudi...Read More
 

CPDI issued a survey report on district budgeting report

The Today’s Muslim (Nov 17, 2018)
Peshawar: CPDI issued a survey report on district budgeting report, according to the report, public participation transparency indicates issues related to the budgetary implementation of the public sector transparency. The report indicates improvement in the previous year. However, the public participation and budgeting process was disappointing, the budget call letter was not consulted with the late-issued stakeholder, it has been revealed that websites of only... Read More
 

PTI government decides to launch five-year roadmap

The Express Tribune (Nov 17, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government has decided to launch a five-year roadmap to ensure development work in the long run in different sectors during its tenure. The government will launch a five-year roadmap during an event at the Convention Centre, apprising the public of the progress made on the 100-day plan. The government will announce different targets under the five-year roadmap to make developments in different sectors including the social sector...Read More
 

IMF proposes government to raise GST to 18% as part of comprehensive fiscal adjustment

The Pakistan Today (Nov 16, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The government has been told by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to increase the general sales tax (GST) to 18%, that will allow it to raise an additional Rs160 billion in new taxes. This puts the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government in a quandary since it has pledged the IMF it will decrease the burden of indirect taxes, reports Express Tribune. The visiting IMF delegation is seeking tax efforts equivalent to 0.4% of gross domestic product (GDP)...Read More
 

In October: Current account deficit widens 34%, amount to $1.21b

The Express Tribune (Nov 16, 2018)
KARACHI: The current account deficit (CAD) – which is set to keep putting pressure on foreign currency reserves in the current fiscal year as well – widened for the second consecutive month in October due to an unwanted growth in imports and likely dividend payments. The deficit grew 34% to $1.21 billion in October compared with $909 million in the previous month, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported on Thursday...Read More
 

19000 more be added in tax net till June

The Nation (Nov 15, 2018)
MULTAN:- The Regional Tax Office (RTO) Multan has expanded tax base by registration of over 19,000 more tax payers ,including 440 companies to the list in a year till June 2018 by virtue of its efforts to enhance revenue generation. Chief Commissioner Inland Revenue, RTO Multan Abid Raza Bodla told APP on Wednesday that 19,742 additional tax payers had been registered and the number would rise as individuals still have time to file returns till...Read More
 

China: officials debate budget deficit

The Stratfor (Nov 15, 2018)
What Happened: Chinese authorities are debating whether it is necessary for the country to maintain a deficit that is 3 percent of the country's gross domestic product, with some economists arguing that private companies should receive a greater tax reduction, CNGold.com reported Nov. 15. Why It Matters: Chinese officials are exploring options to support the country's economy amid speculation in the property market and high leverage. More tax ...Read More
 

Pakistan looks forward to IMF’s bailout

The News (Nov 14, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan looks forward to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) support for the government’s efforts aimed at achieving an economic turnaround, the finance minister said on Tuesday. The Finance Minister Asad Umar expressed the government’s willingness for the bailout at a meeting with the visiting IMF mission led by its chief Harald Finger. The statement clearly indicates that Islamabad is willing to take a bailout package from the IMF. Yet, the program’s size...Read More
 

Russia’s federal budget in surplus of 3.6% for first time since 2011

The Intellinews (Nov 14, 2018)
Russia’s federal budget revenues were RUB15.8 trillion ($233bn) in January-October 2018, exceeded expenditures of RUB12.78 trillion by RUB3.02 trillion ($44.1bn) handing the government a surplus of 3.6% of GDP, the Ministry of Finance reported on November 13. The primary surplus, that excludes the cost of servicing public debt, was even higher at 4.5% of GDP. Russia started this year expecting a budget deficit of 1.3% of GDP, but with the unexpected...Read More
 

Pakistan, China urged to tackle global conspiracies by trading in local currencies

The Pakistan Today (Nov 13, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: A leading Chinese scholar on Tuesday called for strengthening the Renminbi (official currency of China), which would subsequently improve the value of the Pakistani Rupee. Addressing the participants of a roundtable dialogue organised by the Pakistan-China Institute (PCI) entitled, “CPEC: The Way Forward”, Dr Chen Wenling said China and Pakistan must not get influenced by the pressures imposed by the external forces and...Read More
 

China hints at Afghanistan’s inclusion to CPEC, Belt & Road Initiative

The Pakistan Today (Nov 13, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing on Monday urged Afghanistan to join the Belt & Road Initiative as well as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and said that Kabul was a “natural partner” of the mega-project. “Afghanistan can also act as a bridge to help expand connectivity between East, South and Central Asian regions. It [Afghanistan] would benefit from joining CPEC and BRI as the projects aim at social and economic development in Pakistan and would provide...Read More
 

IMF raises questions over measures to rein in fiscal deficit

The Pakistan Today (Nov 12, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) commenced their policy discussions on Monday aimed at reining in fiscal deficit and deliberate on economic and fiscal adjustments required to obtain a bailout of approximately $6 billion. A draft Memorandum of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP) had been composed by the Ministry of Finance in deliberation with other economic ministries which was the focal point of discussion with the IMF, said a senior...Read More
 
 

Gwadar rising fast in Pakistan’s economic landscape

The Pakistan Today (Nov 12, 2018)
BEIJING: Once a small backward fishing town off the Arabian Sea in the southwest Balochistan province, Gwadar now is rising fast in the economic landscape of the country and is attracting more businessmen by offering numerous business opportunities. The deep-water port became fully functional in late 2016 under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and welcomed its first liner in March 2018, China Daily reported on Monday. According to the port’s...Read More
 
 

Pakistan to hold policy-level talks with IMF this week

The Pakistan Today (Nov 11, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are to start policy-level discussions this week, starting from Monday. The IMF team which arrived in Islamabad on November 6, has so far held technical discussions with Pakistan’s authorities. According to sources, Asad Umar will head the policy-level discussions from Pakistan’s side. The talks between the IMF and Pakistan will continue till November 20. The volume of the loan would be finalised in the policy level ...Read More
 
 

Pakistan to repay $1.7 billion on account of foreign debt till December

The Pakistan Today (Nov 10, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan must make $1.7 billion on account of foreign debt repayments till December 2018, official data revealed on Friday piling up the risk to the country already plummeting foreign exchange reserves. Data obtained from various ministries reveals Pakistan requires to make debt servicing of over $1.7 billion in form of principal and markup on outstanding foreign loans in the present 2nd quarter, reports The News. Overall foreign debt obligations during the current FY19 are...Read More
 
 

Sri Lanka nearing 2018 with no budget, vote on account: economist

Economy Next (Nov 10, 2018)
ECONOMYNEXT - Sri Lanka is nearing the end of 2018 with no budget presented at Parliament for next year which has since been dissolved, raising questions about public finances an economist has warned. "This raises a serious issue about public finances, a prerogative of Parliament now dissolved," W A Wijewardene an economist who was a former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank said in a twitter.com message. "Spending for 2019 not approved;...Read More
 
 

Exports grow bu 3.52pc in four months, trade deficit swells by 1.97pc

The Pakistan Today (Nov 09, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The exports from the country during the first four months (July-October) of the current financial year grew by 3.52 per cent and reached at $7,285 million, as compared to the exports of $7,037 million during the corresponding period of last year. Meanwhile, imports into the country also witnessed an increase of 0.06pc during the period under review, according to trade data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics...Read More
 
 

Pakistan to brief IMF on wealth fund for state-owned institutions

The Pakistan Today (Nov 09, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The economic managers of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) will brief the visiting delegation of International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the proposed wealth fund for state-owned institutions (SOIs) next week. The Ministry of Finance officials will brief the visiting team about the government’s plan of revamping the public sector enterprises by establishing a wealth fund, sources said, adding that the government wants to establish a holding company...Read More
 
 

Pakistan records Rs541.7b budget deficit

The Nation (Nov 24, 2018)
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has recorded a budget deficit of Rs541.7 billion during the first quarter (July to September) of the ongoing fiscal (FY2019) year despite provincial government generated massive surplus and cut in development budget. The country’s expenditures have stood at Rs1.64 trillion as against the revenues of Rs1.1 trillion during July-September period of FY2019. The budget deficit has recorded at Rs541.7 billion (1.4 percent of the GDP)...Read More
 
 

Zhob: Concerns expressed over budget making process at district level

The Balochistn Point (Nov 23, 2018)
ZHOB: In order to identify the loopholes in preparing the district annual fiscal plan, encourage public participation and discourage political interventions Action for Welfare and Awakening in Rural Environment (AWARE) Organization in collaboration with Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) launched a report entitled ‘Study of budget making process at district level’ here at assembly hall Zhob. Chief guest of the event was Chairman Municipal Committee...Read More
 
 
 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 172 E - Alert Issue Date: 04-12-2018
 

Ghana
RTI coalition member released after arrest in Parliament
Ghana Web
A leading member of the Right to Information coalition, Elvis Darko has been released after over an hour of being held by police for displaying a placard close to Parliament during the reading of the 2019 budget...

USA
Trump Jr's Business Trip to India Cost US Taxpayers Nearly $100000: Report
News18
Washington: A business trip by Donald J Trump Jr, the son of the US president...

Pakistan
Story behind the story
The News
As I watched on TV the duel between the US President Donald Trump and CNN journalist...

India
Most Central Government Department Websites Lack Self Disclosure: Audit
NDTV
Most of the central government department websites lack in self disclosure of public information under a mandatory provision of the Right to Information (RTI) Act...

Jamoo & Kashmir
SAC approves J&K Right to Information (Amendment) Bill-2018
The Kashmir Images Newspaper
The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met here today approved enactment of the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2018...

Pakistan
Punjab cabinet approves various drafts, laws ahead of govt's 100 days
Dawn
The Punjab cabinet on Friday took up a heavy agenda approving various legislative businesses on the recommendations of the cabinet’s standing committee on legislation...

Pakistan
PPP, PML- N govts covered up funds misuse: Fawad Chaudhry
Express Tribune
Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Monday there was corruption of billions of rupees...

Pakistan
Call to ensure right to information
Dawn
Speaking to the media in Islamabad, Chaudhry said that if departments failed to provide information sought from them under the law, citizens can approach the commission...

Pakistan
Role of media, civil society highlighted for good governance
Dawn
Good governance, transparency and pro-public administration in the government departments can be achieved only through the proactive role of media and civil society...

Russia
Russia to raise issue of journalists' access to info at OSCE ministerial meeting — Lavrov
TASS
At the upcoming meeting of foreign ministers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Russia will suggest confirming the right...

India
RTI is used maximum by government employees as they know governance better than the common man
MoneyLife
Earlier this month, Prof Dr M Sridhar Acharayalu retired as Central Information Commissioner. Prof Acharayalu made waves by issuing a show-cause notice...

Sri Lanka
People still unaware of right to info
The Himalayan Times
Information Commissioner and Spokesperson for National Information Commission Yesodha Devi Timsina today said many people in the country were still not aware of their right to information....

 
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 171 E - Alert Issue Date: 30-11-2018
 

Armenia
Armenia drops one notch in Press Freedom Index 2018
Arka News Agency
Armenia has dropped one position in the Press Freedom Index 2018 compiled annually by the reporters...

Ghana
Ghanaian Parliament and Right To Information Bill
Modern Ghana
All persons shall have the right to information, subject to such qualifications and laws as are necessary in a democratic...

Jammu & Kashmir
Information Commission itself flouting provisions of RTI Act
Daily Excelsior
State Information Commission, a transparency watchdog, has failed to provide requisite information...

France
International Declaration on Information and Democracy
Rappler
Seventy years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in Paris, the "International Declaration on Information and Democracy,”...

India
Rs 5L reward for info on RTI man's murder
Mumbai Mirror
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh for information about the February 24, 2012 murder of a Right to Information (RTI)...

India
RBI refuses to state how much destruction of banned notes cost: RTI
Moneycontrol.com
The RBI has declined to reveal the cost incurred on shredding banned currency notes worth Rs 15,31,073 crore...

Pakistan
Federal Information Commission notified
Daily Times
Federal government has finally notified the Federal Information Commission to ensure access to information by the public at large...

Paris
Call to ensure right to information
Rappler
In a historic step in the context of the Paris Peace Forum today, 12 countries launched a political process...

Ghana
RTI Bill will be passed before close of 2018
Ghana Web
Speaker of Parliament Professor Aaron Mike has given the strongest indication yet that parliament will pass the RTI Bill by close of 2018...

Palestine
In Cooperation with the European Union, MADA launches the “Right of Access to Information
Palestine News Network
The Palestinian Center for Development and Media Freedoms “MADA” has launched a media campaign...

 
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
TitleDetails
Project TitleWomen in Elections – Online Portal
Supported ByIFES, Global Affairs Canada
DurationMarch 2020 - May 2021
ObjectivesThe objectives of the projects are as below
• To create an online repository of civic and political Information for women; and
• To highlight women participation in the political process

Geographic FocusOnline
Target Groups and beneficiariesWomen (including women with disabilities, women from religious minorities, transgender)
DescriptionThe ‘Women in Elections (WiE)’ project collects and provides information on women inclusion into the political and electoral process in Pakistan. It establishes a portal, which hosts information on multifarious phases of women participation and struggle in politics. The unique features of the portal allow information from far-reaching and credible sources on women in leadership and on the ladder of success, while focusing on women political rights. It also includes information about the steps taken by the government of Pakistan to promote women inclusion into political mainstream. In addition, it hosts resources, including laws and rules, about women political participation across SAARC countries, so as to facilitate and enrich debate on good practices across countries and whether some of those could be replicated in Pakistan.
TitleDetails
Project TitleIncreasing Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Electoral Systems
Supported ByUS Consulate Karachi
Duration6 Months: 1st October, 2018 to 31st March, 2019.
ObjectivesThe objectives of the projects are as below
1. To make electoral system of Pakistan more inclusive by sensitizing the political actors and policy makers about rights of PWDs.
2. To provide a platform to PWDs where they can raise their voice for veneration of their political and electoral rights.
3. To encourage PWDs to reinforce their political rights.
Geographic FocusKarachi and Quetta
Target Groups and beneficiariesPersons with disabilities (PWDs) ECP official and political parties
DescriptionThe aim of the project is to transform the electoral and democratic regime in Pakistan to be inclusive of persons with disability. Project aspire to impact the policy and implementation regime in the favor of persons with disabilities through collective action to increase there participation in political and electoral sphere of life.
TitleDetails
Project TitleWomen NIC/Voter Registration
DurationAugust 01, 2020 -February 28, 2021
Objectives1. To identify 100 potential women and 25 male allies for participation in the “She Leads” program in the target districts of Punjab.
2. To conduct beginners and Intermediate level training program for the selected 100 women and 25 male allies.
3. To facilitate and enable the trained women and male allies to develop action plans and undertake assignments with focus on women empowerment.
Geographic FocusJhang, Toba Tek Singh, Jhelum and Chakwal
Target Groups and beneficiariesThe principal stakeholders of the project are 100 young women and 25 male allies, who will undergo ‘Beginner’ and ‘Intermediate’ level of training. The beneficiaries of the project will include communities/ districts from where the training participants will be selected, as well as local and provincial political leadership, media and civil society, who will ultimately benefit from politically trained corps of young women.
DescriptionThe aim of the project is to facilitate women participation in the political/ electoral process and create a critical mass of trained young women ready to take up leadership role at different tiers and fill the leadership void existing at local, provincial and national political landscape. The overall objective of the program is to train women and male allies, and equip them with necessary knowledge and tools to play a constructive role in politics at all levels and provide leadership to various segments of the society in the matters of governance. This objective will be achieved through selection and training of at least 100 women and 25 male allies from four districts of the Punjab province, which are: Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Jhelum and Chakwal.
Budget Study Centre   Issue 27 Nov 08, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

China agrees to double its imports from Pakistan: Dawood

The Pakistan Observer (Nov 08, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce, Industry and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood here on Wednesday said that during recently concluded visit of Prime Minister, China has agreed to increase its import from Pakistan by $1 billion immediately while the imports from Pakistan would further be increased by $1 billion next year. This will help Pakistan to boost its exports to China from existing level of $1.2 billion to $2.2 billion by end... Read More
 

LTU falls short of Rs60bln in revenue in July-October

The Express Tribune (Nov 08, 2018)
KARACHI:Large Taxpayers Unit (LTU) Karachi, the main arm of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), has missed its target for the first four months of the current fiscal year of 2018/19 by 15 percent or Rs59 billion owing to a significant decline in collection from petroleum and corporate sectors, official data showed on Wednesday. The provisional figures showed that the LTU Karachi collected Rs351 billion during the July-October period as against the...Read More
 

Pakistan has debt problem, but not China debt problem’

The Express Tribune (Nov 07, 2018)
BEIJING: Pakistan has a debt problem for sure, however, it does not have a China debt problem, said Finance Minister Asad Umar. Speaking to the China Global Television Network (CGTN), at the China International Import Exhibition (CIIE), his remarks came in response to accusations that China was using debt diplomacy to expand its influence worldwide. Umar has said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was an excellent example of cooperation...Read More
 

Pakistan, IMF to start bailout talks today

The Express Tribune (Nov 07, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) are set to begin talks for a second bailout package in five years, amid Finance Minister Asad Umar’s proclamation that an immediate balance of payments crisis has been averted with the help of China and Saudi Arabia. The IMF and Pakistan would start on Wednesday two-week long parleys as Islamabad still remains on a weak footing due to disappointing fiscal results for first quarter (July-September) of...Read More
 

On the eve of IMF talks, Pakistan says balance of payments crisis over

The Pakistan Today (Nov 06, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s finance minister Asad Umar said on Tuesday that its balance of payments crisis was over, a day before an International Monetary Fund (IMF) team was due to arrive to discuss a possible aid package. Asad Umar had announced last month that Pakistan would seek an IMF funding package, its 13th since the late 1980s. But he said on Tuesday that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s securing of a $6 billion package from Saudi Arabia plus promised...Read More
 

Rs45m budget for Zhob MC approved

The Pakistan Observer (Nov 06, 2018)
ZHOB: Municipal Committee Zhob unanimously passed its annual expenditure budget for fiscal year 2018-19. Total volume of the budget is forty five million rupees. The annual budget unanimously approved by the house amounting to Rs45 million. The newly-elected Chairman MC Engineer Abdul Rehman Mandokhail presided over the budget session, while the session was attended by former chairman Abdul Saleem Mandokhail, vice chairman Haji Naseeb Nasar, Abdul Qayyum...Read More
 

Chinese loan accounts for only 6.3pc of Pakistan’s total foreign debt

The Pakistan Today (Nov 05, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The Chinese government’s soft loan for China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects accounts for only 6.3 per cent of Pakistan’s total foreign debt, said sources in the Embassy of China on Monday. They said of all the CPEC projects, only Karakoram Highway (KKH) Phase-II, Karachi-Lahore Motorway (Sukkur-Multan), Orange Line Metro Train and laying of Optical Fiber Cable have utilised the Chinese government’s soft loan, which was...Read More
 

Hammond says growth, not budget surplus, key to reduce debtst quarter FY19

The Euro News (Nov 05, 2018)
LONDON (Reuters) : Chancellor Philip Hammond raised the prospect of looser budget policy after Brexit and said faster growth was the best way to cut Britain's debt burden, but insisted he was still committed to ultimately running a budget surplus. Hammond's annual budget last week reinforced some analysts' doubts about his commitment to a budget surplus, after he used a tax windfall to fund public spending commitments rather than to make faster progress at….Read More
 

Govt releases Rs 105.46b for development projects under PSDP 2018-19

The Pakistan Today (Nov 04, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The government has released over Rs105.46 billion under its Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2018-19 for various ongoing and new schemes against the total allocation of Rs675 billion. The released funds include Rs49.02 billion for federal ministries and Rs18.6 billion for special areas, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform. Out of these allocations, the government has released Rs32.38 billion for National... Read More
 

Absence of debt strategy marred Balochistan’s budget: report

The DAWN (Nov 04, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Reviewing the performance of Balochistan’s public finance management, an assessment report released by the World Bank says the provincial government has been preparing an unrealistic deficit budget since 2013-14, which it cannot finance because it is not allowed to borrow in the absence of a debt strategy. Over the years, the government has been able to curtail annual expenditures within available resources, yet significant shortcomings exist resulting...Read More
 

KL budget sets higher deficit, cuts subsidies

The Straits Times (Nov 03, 2018)
Kuala Lumpur:&nbps; Malaysia's six-month-old government yesterday announced its budget for 2019, which set a higher deficit to tackle development expenditure and debts left by the former administration, and coun-ter slowing economic growth. Pakatan Harapan's (PH) first financial plan will tap national oil giant Petronas, which will cough up RM30 billion (S$10 billion) in a special dividend to help with payments, in particular, RM37 billion in tax refunds owed by the former administration...Read More
 

Pakistan warns against adverse effects on UN peacekeeping amid shrinking budgets

The Nation (Nov 03, 2018)
New York (AFP): Pakistan has warned that arbitrary cuts in peacekeeping funding risk diminishing the effectiveness of UN’s flagship operations and jeopardizing the safety of peacekeepers. “Our focus should be on enhancing capabilities, not across the board cuts in the peacekeeping budget,” ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told the General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, which deals with Special political and decolonization matters. “Even if the discussion is reduced to...Read More
 

Transactions through e-banking channels touched Rs47.4 trillion in FY18: SBP

The Pakistan Today (Nov 01, 2018)
LAHORE: The volume of transactions in the last financial year 2017-18 processed via retail e-Banking channels i.e. real-time online banking (RTOB), ATMs, POS, mobile phone banking, internet banking etc touched 756.5 million valued at Rs47.4 trillion. According to the State Bank of Pakistan’s “Annual Performance Review 2017-18” report, RTOB transactions accounted for 84.1 percent share in terms of the value of transactions value with a volume share...Read More
 

FBR’s revenue collection rises 6.7% YOY, misses target by Rs100 billion for July October FY19

The Pakistan Today (Nov 01, 2018)
The tax regulator’s revenue collection went up by 6.7% year-on-year (YoY) in the period between July-October 2018 FY19, collecting Rs1.1 trillion in taxes. However, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) missed its revenue collection target by Rs100 billion, reports Express Tribune. The provisional revenue collection missed the mark since the tax regulator has claimed it has stopped the practice of taking steps to fill the revenue gap. Although the tax regulator...Read More
 

Budget 2018: a missed opportunity to save public services

The Guardian (Oct 31, 2018)
For most public sector staff the budget will make little difference. The government adds £20bn more for health over five years, then waves £650m more for social care. But at the end of Philip Hammond’s show, public services are still far from fully clothed. Available money that could have saved services was instead used to seduce taxpayers; the fiscal sustainability of ageing Britain remains as bleak as ever. The size of the public sector will at best stay constant as a...Read More
 

PML-N wasted 55pc Punjab budget on bridges, metros: Minister

The News (Oct 31, 2018)
NANKANA SAHIB: Punjab Minister for Human Rights Ijaz Alam has said that priorities of the government are to provide justice, clean water and education to the people. He was talking to journalists at Gurdwara Janamasthan here on Tuesday. The PML-N government wasted 55 per cent of entire Punjab budget only on making bridges and metro bus in Lahore while the people were deprived of basic facilities in other parts of the province. He said that billions of rupees were...Read More
 

IMF deal to be Pakistan’s last: Asad

The News (Oct 30, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance and Revenue Asad Umer has said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led government would make contact with International Monetary Fund (IMF) as `last one ‘ in the history of the country through major increase in exports and decline in trade deficit in future. Speaking on floor of the House in National Assembly on Tuesday, the minister said that PPPP, PML-N and former dictators also contacted with IMF in their tenures and it...Read More
 

China to lower its de facto policy rate; EU’s budge guidelines

The Valuewalk (Oct 30, 2018)
For more than three years, the Italian 10-year government bond yield traded in a range with 2.5% serving as a market top of sorts. Then in June, that level was broken, with both fundamental and technical influencing markets. The higher rates result, in part, from budgetary issues that the EU has faced before, most notably in Greece. The moves higher in European rates come as a Capital Economics report notes that monetary easing, sending rates lower, isn’t altering China’s “gloomy” outlook for...Read More
 

Rs2.23 bn allocated for 17 health projects in south Punjab

The News (Oct 29, 2018)
LAHORE: On the direction of Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, an amount of Rs2.23 billion has been allocated for 17 mega health projects in South Punjab. Mega project of Nishter-2 will soon be started in Multan. The PTI government in its very first budget has allocated billions of rupees for health. Funds are being provided to complete health projects in Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur Division and seven new development projects are also being started...Read More
 
 

Finance ministry calls first meeting over NFC awards on 31st

The Pakistan Today (Oct 28, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Finance is going to hold its first Fiscal Coordination Committee (FCC) meeting this week to discuss the annual reports of the National Finance Commission (NFC) and the implementation status on World Bank’s financial management and service delivery programme. According to sources, the finance ministry will be holding the first meeting of the FCC, which was constituted in April 2018 to strengthen...Read More
 
 

‘Financial crisis has begun’ Italy’s budget chaos risks second credit crunch, expert warns

The Express (Oct 28, 2018)
THE RISK of another financial crisis has escalated in the wake of Italy’s high-debt budget proposal, which may drive interests rates higher and escalate the dilemma further, a former leading official has warned. Italy’s populist coalition government sparked outrage in the European Union after proposing a budget deficit of 2.4 percent - a figure almost three times the previous administration’s target. The EU subsequently rejected the proposal and ordered Italy to amend it within...Read More
 
 

The European Commission rejects Italy’s budget

The Economist (Oct 27, 2018)
Like a couple of prizefighters before a grudge match, the European Commission and the Italian government are standing toe to toe. On October 23rd Brussels demanded that the populist coalition in Rome rewrite its 2019 budget. It is the first time since the launch of the euro that the commission has rejected outright the fiscal blueprint of a member state...Read More
 
 

Budget 2018: What we know already

BBC News (Oct 26, 2018)
However, when it comes to our money, the Budget Red Book is probably the most significant publication of the year. The 120 pages - even more if you count the supporting documents - outline the chancellor's plans for public and personal finances. Yet the pages are far from fresh. Much of what is detailed in Philip Hammond's speech and in the book has already been announced. This may not be immediately clear, so here is some of what we already know...Read More
 
 

Budget to offer business rates relief for small shops

The Guardian (Oct 26, 2018)
The chancellor will cut business rates bills by a third for almost half a million small high street shops in a £1.5bn spending pledge to fight the threat posed by Amazon and other online retailers. In next week’s budget, Philip Hammond will order £900m of immediate business rates relief for small retailers in an effort to combat shuttered shops on the high street, where small businesses have been threatened by high rates and the rapid rise of online shopping...Read More
 
 

Budget 2018: BBC editors on what to expect

BBC News (Oct 25, 2018)
The prime minister has promised an end to austerity, but can the chancellor, Philip Hammond, make good on her words in the Budget? The BBC's economics editor Kamal Ahmed, business editor Simon Jack, and political editor Laura Kuenssberg explain why he cannot simply turn on the spending taps...Read More
 
 
 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 170 E - Alert Issue Date: 01-11-2018
 

Pakistan
PIC fails to update list of govt depts.' information officers
Pakistan Today By the end of this calendar year, we can expect to see members of the Queensland Parliament debating the introduction of the Mineral and Energy Resources... 

Maldives
Finance ministry admits breach of right to information law
Maldives Independent (press release)
The finance ministry has admitted to breaking the law over a right to information request filed by the Maldives Independent about a US$40 million loan……

India
Himachal RTI Activist's Murder – a Landmark Case in the Fight for Social Equality?
The Wire
It has been a little more than a month since the small hill state of Himachal Pradesh was stunned by the brutal murder of Right to Information activist…

Pakistan
Sindh govt. fails to implement Right to Information law
Pakistan Today
There has been no progress in the implementation of “The Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2017” even though a year has passed…

USA
"Right to Know" act goes in to effect in NYC
PIX 11 New York
Under the “Right to Know” act, officers will hand out business cards with information including their name, rank, command and shield number….

Pakistan
Petition seeks details of litigation expense in Dr Aafia case
Dawn
The petition maintained that the preamble of the Right of Access to Information Act clearly stated that the ”government believes in transparency and the…

India
Mumbai: Over 18400 people died between 2013 -18 in train mishaps
Times Now
Mumbai: A Right to Information plea has found that 18,423 people died and 18,847 people were injured in suburban train-related mishaps between…

Pakistan
Call to ensure right to information
The Nation
LAHORE - Speakers at the Hameed Nizami Press Institute of Pakistan (HNPIP) seminar on ‘Access to Information for Responsible Governance….

 
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Budget Study Centre   Issue 26 Oct 25, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Foreign exchange: SBP’s reserves fall $264m, stand at $7.8b

The Express Tribune (Oct 25, 2018)
KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank continued to spiral downwards for the ninth successive week as they fell 3.26% on a weekly basis, according to data released on Thursday. The continued drop in the reserves raises concern about Pakistan’s ability to meet its financing requirements as the reserves have dropped below the $8-billion mark. However, the government announced on Tuesday that it had managed to secure…. Read More
 

Pakistan improves WEF rankings by nine points

The Express Tribune (Oct 24, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: World Economic Forum (WEF) has appreciated efforts of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for eradication of corruption and ranked Pakistan at 107 among 140 countries on Global Competitiveness Index (GCI). The WEF, in its Global Competitiveness report-2018, has redefined the competitiveness index 4.0. The new index provides guidelines for countries to gear up for the fourth industrial revolution. The report indicates….Read More
 

Pakistan to go for IMF bailout, despite $6 billion Saudi Arabia support package: Report

The Pakistan Today (Oct 24, 2018)
LAHORE: Despite getting a $6 billion bailout package from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan will still be seeking an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout. According to a Bloomberg report, the Finance Ministry spokesman Noor Ahmed on Wednesday said, “Islamabad will now negotiate with the IMF from an improved position.” He added, “We’ll have to go to IMF. The Saudi Arabian package “is something you strengthened your position for talks.” Mr….Read More
 

Pakistan obtained $930 million loans during first quarter FY19

The Pakistan Today (Oct 23, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan obtained $216 million in loans from international lenders in September 2018 of the financial year 2018-19. According to available data, Pakistan in the first quarter (July-September) of the current fiscal year borrowed $930 million from different countries as well as banks. The country’s foreign exchange reserves have dwindled sharply as they touched a critically low level of $8,089 million till 12 October….Read More
 

Imran Khan leaves for Saudi conference saying Pakistan “Desperate” for loans

The Economic Times (Oct 23, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan left for Saudi Arabia to attend an investment conference boycotted by other leaders over the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Khan told an interviewer before leaving he was concerned at Khashoggi's death but could not skip the conference because "we're desperate" for possible Saudi loans to shore up Pakistan's economy.  It is Khan's second visit to Saudi ….Read More
 

Unpopular decisions needed to put economy on right patch

The Express Tribune (Oct 22, 2018)
LAHORE: The government is trying to set a new direction for the national economy by addressing the most serious macroeconomic challenge – the dwindling foreign exchange reserves. The finance ministry has unveiled a series of measures to deal with the widening budget deficit. These measures include more than $2 billion in planned development spending, doubling the tax rate on the highest-income group to 30% and hiking tariffs on ….Read More
 

Next IMF programme to be Pakistan’s last, Asad Umar Tells stockbrokers

The Dawn (Oct 20, 2018)
Finance Minister Asad Umar on Saturday claimed that Pakistan's economy is already on the road to recovery and that the next IMF programme that the government is pursuing will be its last. Umar made those remarks during a question and answer session following his meeting with a delegation of stockbrokers at the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi. Following a tumultuous couple of weeks for the bourse, the finance minister had met the traders today to allay….Read More
 

Pakistan’s textile exports inch up by 0.86 percent in 1st quarter FY19

The Pakistan Today (Oct 20, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s exports in textile and clothing group recorded an increase of 0.86 percent during the first quarter of the current fiscal year (July-September) 2018-19 as compared to the same period of last year. The textile group’s exports from the country increased to 3.285 billion during July-September (2018-19) against export’s worth of $3.257 billion during July-September (2017-18), according to data issued by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Friday….Read More
 

Trump turns attention to budget cutting after slashing taxes

The Straits Times (Oct 18, 2018)
WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - US President Donald Trump, faced with a budget deficit at a six-year high, on Wednesday (Oct 17) told his Cabinet to come up with proposals to cut spending by their agencies by 5 per cent, but he suggested the military would be largely spared. "I'd like you all to come back with a 5 percent cut," Trump told his Cabinet secretaries at a meeting attended by reporters. The administration is beginning to pull together plans for the president's... Read More
 

Annual US budget deficit hits six-year high of $779b

The Daily Star (Oct 17, 2018)
Washington (AFP) The US budget deficit hit a six-year high of $779 billion in the most recent fiscal year, the Treasury announced Monday, underscoring the cost of last year's sweeping tax cuts. President Donald Trump hails the tax cuts as a boon to the economy, but corporate tax receipts dropped sharply and America's growing debt burden to finance the deficit became increasingly costly, the Treasury Department said. In the 2018 fiscal year, which ended …Read More
 

Egypt’s economy to grow 5.3pc in fiscal 2018-19

The Business Recorder (Oct 17, 2018)
CAIRO: Egypt’s economy will expand 5.3 percent in the fiscal year that began in July, a Reuters poll of 15 economists showed, as tourism recovers and the outlook for investment improves. That median forecast was up slightly from 5.2 percent predicted in the previous poll in July but below a government target of 5.8 percent. The economists’ median growth forecast for the year starting next July was 5.5 percent. “The economy will continue.…Read More
 

Pakistan to share CPEC debt details with IMF

The Economic Times (Oct 16, 2018)
NEW DELHI: Cash-strapped Pakistan in a desperate move has announced that it is ready to share details of its debt related to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with the IMF following tough talk by the Trump administration on bailout package. Pakistan is ready to share details of the debt related to CPEC with the IMF, Finance Minister Asad Umar said on Sunday following the US decision to review loans that Islamabad has got from China. The.…Read More
 

Chancellor plans budget spending pledges to reassure MPs

The Guardian (Oct 16, 2018)
Philip Hammond is planning to pepper his budget with a series of spending announcements to reassure Tory backbenchers who are anxious about the impact of universal credit and delivering on the prime minister’s pledge to end austerity. The chancellor is understood to share fears that Theresa May’s promise at the Tory party conference to step up public spending had been interpreted too literally, putting pressure on the Treasury to.…Read More
 

Ending austerity in UK ‘incompatible’ with budget plan

ABC News (Oct 15, 2018)
The U.S. federal budget deficit rose in fiscal 2018 to the highest level in six years as spending climbed, the Trump administration said Monday. The deficit jumped to $779 billion, $113 billion or 17 percent higher than the previous fiscal period, according to a statement from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney. It was larger than any year since 2012, when it topped $1 trillion. The …Read More
 

US budget deficit expands to $779 billion in fiscal 2018 as spending surges

CNBA (Oct 15, 2018)
The U.S. federal budget deficit rose in fiscal 2018 to the highest level in six years as spending climbed, the Trump administration said Monday. The deficit jumped to $779 billion, $113 billion or 17 percent higher than the previous fiscal period, according to a statement from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney. It was larger than any year since 2012, when it topped $1 trillion. The.…Read More
 

K-P to present Rs645b ‘boring’ budget today

Express Tribune (Oct 15, 2018)
PESHAWAR: The provincial government is all poised to present its first budget for the financial year 2018-19 on Monday, with a total outlay of over Rs645 billion. With a promise of including new schemes with no new taxes, around 28 per cent of the budget will be reserved for developmental projects — old and new. Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Finance Minister Taimur Saleem Jhagra is expected to present the budget in the provincial assembly at .…Read More
 

Investors bet against Italian debt as budget fears intensify

Financial Times (Oct 14, 2018)
London: Investors’ negative bets on Italian government debt are at their highest level since the early days of the market’s five-month-long sell-off, in an indication that Italy’s budget proposals have fuelled concern about its economic outlook. More than $35bn of Italian government bonds are out on loan according to data provider IHS Markit, up from $23bn late last year and equalling the value of bonds that were out on loan in early June when Italy’s new populist government was formed .…Read More
 
 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 169 E - Alert Issue Date: 15-10-2018
 
Jordan People's right to know motivates Gov't to improve legislation on access to information AMMONNEWS Minister of State for Media Affairs and Government Spokesperson, Jumana Ghneimat, said...   India Explore use of advanced technology in giving info under RTI: SC Times of India The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to explore the use of advanced technology for providing information……   UK Right to Information a Mixed Success in the Asia-Pacific Region IDN In Depth News Freedom of information is not only a human right, but also an essential tool to engage and empower citizens…   Pakistan If PTI believes in democracy, asset declaration of public servants should be public knowledge The Express Tribune (blog) If PTI believes in democracy, asset declaration of public servants should be public knowledge…   Gambia International Right to Information Day September 28, 2018 The Point The collection of key government facts and data from which conclusion may be drawn is a powerful tool….   New Zealand NZ customs officers now have the power to demand passwords to digital devices The Star Online When you think of countries with aggressive border security, the bucolic land which provided the…   USA EPA excluded its own top science officials when it rewrote rules on using scientific studies Washington Post When former EPA administrator Scott Pruitt launched an effort to limit what kinds of scientific studies could be used to protect public health…….   India SC makes it mandatory for builders to display sanction plan at project site The Tribune Noting that homebuyers have a right to know about details of the project they are investing it….   Bangladesh  President approves Digital Security Act The Daily Star President Abdul Hamid yesterday signed the Digital Security Bill into law amid widespread criticism…………..   Nigeria Media Rights Agenda Inducts Office of National Security Adviser Into 'FOI Hall of Shame' The Nigerian Voice  Media Rights Agenda (MRA) today named the Office of the National Security Adviser…..   India 'Save RTI, Save Democracy': Hundreds Protest Attempts to Dilute the Law The Wire New Delhi: On the eve of the 13th anniversary of the passage of the Right to Information Act 2005, a protest and public meeting………   Pakistan Right to Information Act will be introduced for general public: Information Minister Radio Pakistan Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain has said that the country is moving towards right direction……  
Transparency and Right to Information Program -------------------------------------------- Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan) Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795 URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 168 E - Alert Issue Date: 02-10-2018
 

Pakistan
Right to Information Day: Experts demand more transparency.
The News
Right to Information Day (RTID) is marked annually across the world on September 28. This year’s theme is ‘Trust and Transparency’ that indicates a shift..

 

India
LIT makes a mockery of RTI Act, no annual report for past four years
The Tribune
Indifferent attitude of the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) towards implementation and monitoring of the Right to Information Act 2005..

 

Jordan
People's right to know motivates Gov't to improve legislation on access to information
Ammon
Minister of State for Media Affairs and Government Spokesperson, Jumana Ghneimat, said the government believes in the people's right to know..

 

Ghana
Right To Information Comes With Responsibilities
BBC
Media experts, at a panel discussion in Accra, have called on the Government to be proactive and finalise debates and reviews for the passage

 

Pakistan
Operationalisation of RTI laws still a far cry
The News
The Coalition on Right to Information conferred RTI Champions Awards 2018 on Riaz Khan Daudzai and Zohaib Hassan in the Journalist and Citizen and Best Performing PIO…

 

Canada
Canada slips to 55th place in global freedom-of-information law rankings
CTV News
Canada has slipped six places to 55th spot on an annual list of global freedom-of-information rankings, and is now tied with Bulgaria and Uruguay.

 

Pakistan
Govt fails to provide people's access to information: study
Express Tribune
The government has failed in dispensing citizens with their right to access of information which is leading..

 

Australia
Right to Know Day: information commissioner addresses federal FOI officers
The Mandarin
Access to information through the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act) supports transparent and accountable government…

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 167 E - Alert Issue Date: 19-09-2018
 

India
A 65 LS member, 29 RS members yet to declare assets, reveals RTI
India TV
Out of the MPs belonging to the lower house, 61 have not furnished their details since 2014, while four recently came to the house through by-elections..

 

Pakistan
Over Rs1 billion spent on KP Ehtesab commission in four years
DAWN
Details obtained under the KP Right to Information Act, 2013 show that provincial finance department released Rs1.056 billion to KPEC till May 2018..

 

England
Home Office takes years to answer information requests
BBC
There have been 192 freedom of information cases which the Home Office has taken longer than a year to answer in the past three years

 

Bangladesh
Of political parties, general elections and RTI in Bangladesh
Daily Star
RTI law allows citizens to seek information from government and public bodies on matters relating to their functions…

 

US
US rejects request for information on Idaho wolf attacks
IDAHO STATE JOURNAL
Investigations into livestock deaths in Idaho blamed on wolves don't have to be made public, the U.S. government says..


India
An RTI salute to Kuldip Nayar
National Herald
His contribution to the RTI movement is perhaps the lesser known of his many contributions as a journalist....

 

Pakistan
Government to appoint an information commission soon: Barrister Wahab Murtaza
Daily Times
Government of Sindh was soon going to form an Information Commission in order to ensure that every citizen had the right to information.

 

Srilanka
RTI law allows citizens to seek information from government and public bodies on matters relating to their functions.
Daily Mirror
This is not what we assumed. These private institutions had not even appointed an RTI officer…

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 166 E - Alert Issue Date: 28-08-2018
 

Nepal
RTI Footprints in South Asia: Tapping its potential for public causes
Newspaper
Majority of around 115 countries worldwide which have adopted the law so far have done so in little..

 

Pakistan
Parliament pledges promises to Pakistan
The News
The oath-taking ceremony administered by the outgoing Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also marked the start of the parliamentary process..

 

Malaysia
Govt to formulate Freedom of Information Act: Liew
The Sun Daily
The government will formulate the Freedom of Information Act so as to be in line with the promise made..

 

Jamaica
Access To Information Vs Official Secrets
The Cleaner
The public's right to access information concerning the activities of the government and its agents is an indelible feature of a vibrant democracy….. 

 


India
CIC divided over bringing political parties under RTI
The Economic Times
The issue of bringing political parties under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act is threatening to spiral..

 

USA
Freedom of Information Commission
New Cannanite
The town of New Canaan violated state sunshine laws by failing to notice or open to the public..

 

India
Varsity’s RTI cell seeks attestation of docus for query, student cries foul
The Times of India
The issue came into focus when a student applied to the university under Right to Information Act 2005 with self attested documents, but was told….

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Budget Study Centre Issue 25
Oct 11, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts

 

Trade deficit narrows to $8.869bln in July-September

The News (Oct 11, 2018)

KARACHI: Trade deficit narrowed 1.61 percent to $8.869 billion in the first quarter of the current fiscal year of 2018/19 as regulatory duties snipped non-essential imports into country, analysts said on Wednesday. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) data showed that trade deficit was registered at $9.014 billion in the corresponding quarter a year earlier. Merchandise exports rose 4.56 percent to $5.39 billion, while imports inched up 0.63 percent to $14.26 billion ….Read More

 

IMF, Pakistan to meet as Islamabad seeks bailout

The News (Oct 11, 2018)

NUSA DUA, INDONESIA: IMF chief Christine Lagarde said she would meet with Pakistani officials on Thursday, with expectations that Islamabad will request a bailout of its shaky economy. Pakistani Finance minister Asad Umar, who is attending the fund's annual meeting in Bali, announced earlier this week that the government would seek talks with the IMF on a "stabilisation recovery programme". Lagarde said the IMF was yet to receive anything ….Read More

 

In US-China trade war, Pakistan gets extra export orders

The Express Tribune (Oct 11, 2018)

FAISALABAD: The present tense relations between the US and China have proved to be a blessing in disguise for Pakistan as its exporters are getting extra orders from the US in the prevailing circumstances, said Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) President Syed Zia Alumdar Hussain. Speaking to trainees of the Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD) at the FCCI, Hussain said Faisalabad was a main ….Read More

 

Govt urged to adopt Taxpayers’ bill of Rights

The News (Oct 10, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: The federal government needs to start implementation of economic reform agenda by adopting Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights. The said bill clearly describes the taxpayers’ rights, the mechanism which will ensure the protection of these rights and possible remedy if taxpayers’ rights are violated or infringed upon. According to a press release issued on Tuesday, Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) urged the federal government ….Read More

 

Pakistan among economies most vulnerable to refinancing risks

The News (Oct 10, 2018)

LONDON: Sri Lanka, Armenia and Pakistan top the list of smaller emerging economies most vulnerable to refinancing risks, because they face a combination of large upcoming repayments and low foreign currency reserves, ratings agency Moody’s said on Wednesday. Emerging-market governments embarked on an issuance spree in recent years, taking advantage of record-low interest rates and major central banks that were pumping ….Read More

 

UK economy grows faster than expected in three months to August

The Independent (Oct 10, 2018)

UK GDP growth was stronger than expected in the three months to August thanks to the summer heatwave, official data on Wednesday showed. The economy expanded by 0.7 per cent over the three months, according to the latest estimate from the Office for National Statistics. That was higher than the 0.6 per cent consensus among City analysts. The three month growth rate for July was also revised up to 0.7 per cent, from 0.6 per cent previously. “The economy ….Read More

 

Record rupee devaluation pushes total debt & liabilities to shoot up by Rs900 billion

The Pakistan Today (Oct 10, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: The record 7.5 percent depreciation of the rupee on Tuesday has contributed to Pakistan’s total debt and liabilities to shoot up solely by around Rs900 billion and Rs1.4 trillion since August. The central bank on Tuesday allowed the rupee to be devalued by around Rs9.50 against the dollar in line with IMF suggestions signalling the government’s intent to completing prerequisites before it secures another bailout programme, reports Dawn. ….Read More

 

IMF warns Pakistan against ‘excessive loans’ from China

The Dawn (Oct 10, 2018)

NUSA DUA: Pakistan has not yet formally approached the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance, but if bailout talks get underway this week, the goal will be to help Pakistan reach its full potential, the IMF’s chief economist said on Tuesday. Addressing a news conference at the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in Bali, the IMF’s Maurice Obstfeld cautioned that increased Chinese involvement in Pakistan’s economy could bring both ….Read More

 

Pakistan’s debt sustainability indicators in disarray

The Express Tribune (Oct 10, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s all debt sustainability indicators have turned topsy-turvy in the last fiscal year, suggesting that the country faces serious challenges to foreign debt repayment and is also exposed to high refinancing risks due to a short debt maturity period. The Public Debt Management Risk Report of June 2018, released by the Ministry of Finance, showed that most of the indicators moved further towards dangerous levels while three... Read More

IMF warns Italy not to breach EU spending rules in next budget

The Guardians (Oct 09, 2018)

The International Monetary Fund has thrown its weight behind Brussels in its battle with Italy’s coalition government over plans to increase the indebted country’s borrowing in its next budget. The Washington-based lender of last resort, which is holding its annual conference in Bali this week, warned Rome to abide by the EU’s financial rulebook or risk a rebellion by investors that could trigger a debt default. Italy’s populist coalition is targeting a …Read More

Trump’s tariffs will harm growth in 2019, IMF predicts

The Washington Post (Oct 08, 2018)

The International Monetary Fund has cut its U.S. growth forecast for next year, warning that President Trump’s protectionist trade policies will harm growth domestically and around the world. In its World Economic Outlook, released Monday evening, the IMF says the U.S. economy is expected to grow 2.9 percent this year and 2.5 percent next year. The organization had forecast in April that the U.S. economy would grow 2.7 percent in 2019. “If you.…Read More

 

US economists win Nobel prize for work on climate and growth

The Guardian (Oct 08, 2018)

Two American economists at the forefront of work on climate change and the role of governments in boosting growth have been jointly awarded the prestigious Nobel Memorial prize for economics. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said William Nordhaus and Paul Romer were being honoured for their research into two of the most “basic and pressing” economic issues of the age. Nordhaus made his name by warning policymakers.…Read More

 

Pakistan knocks at IMF door to void default

The Express Tribune (Oct 08, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: After weeks of dilly-dallying, Pakistan on Monday announced approaching the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package aimed at avoiding default on international debt obligations and restoring confidence among the investors. “After taking into account the current situation and consultation with leading economists, the government has decided to approach the IMF for a bailout programme,” announced Finance Minister Asad Umar through a recorded video message.…Read More

 

Consumers brace for higher inflation in FY19

The Express Tribune (Oct 07, 2018

KARACHI: Pakistan is on a path of high inflation following the government’s decision to revise gas prices upwards for domestic consumers and other sectors of the economy, like fertiliser, cement and CNG fuel. Experts are on the same page as they expect an uptrend in inflation and slowdown in economic growth during the current fiscal year 2018-19. Preliminary assessment of a securities brokerage house suggests inflation may soon soar to double …Read More

 

Pakistan confronted by difficult economic situation: IMF

The Pakistan Today (Oct 05, 2018)

LAHORE: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) team concluded its week-long visit on Thursday and issued a report stating Pakistan was confronted by a difficult economic situation, with high fiscal and current account deficits and low foreign exchange reserves. The IMF delegation was led by its Washington-based mission chief Harald Finger and over a week-long visit discussed the country’s economic situation and exchanged views on necessary …Read More

 

Passage of mini-budget: A testing time for PTI govt is over

The News (Oct 04, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Running into their second eventful month in power laden with unlimited political rhetoric, the PTI government must be feeling relieved cutting the 2018-19 PML-N budget according to its needs. But the forced patch work in budget still doesn’t give even a feel, glimpse of ruling party’s election manifesto and economic vision. Perhaps, delayed temporarily? Till then, the fast track “tabddeli” (change) is on hold. Got paused -- to be more appropriate. .…Read More

 

Thar Energy gets $3.9 million investment from Chinese firm

The Express Tribune (Oct 04, 2018)

KARACHI: China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC) has acquired a 10% stake by investing $3.9 million in Hub Power Company’s (Hubco) subsidiary Thar Energy Limited (TEL) – one of the first domestic coal-fired power projects at Thar coal block-II. With majority shareholding of about 60% in the project, Hubco has established TEL for setting up a 330-megawatt mine-mouth lignite-fire The company has signed a shareholders’ agreement with .…Read More

 

World economy at risk of another financial crash, sys IMF

The Guardian (Oct 03, 2018)

The world economy is at risk of another financial meltdown, following the failure of governments and regulators to push through all the reformsneeded to protect the system from reckless behaviour, the International Monetary Fund has warned. With global debt levels well above those at the time of the last crash in 2008, the risk remains that unregulated parts of the financial system could trigger a global panic, the …Read More

 

Pakistan needs to raise $20b to avoid payment crisis

The Express Tribune (Oct 03, 2018)

DUBAI: Pakistan has to initiate bailout talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in addition to seeking investment from friendly countries. It needs to arrange a massive amount of up to $20 billion instantly to avoid foreign payment crisis. “No one party appears to be willing to provide the entire amount ($18-20 billion) required to run the country in the current fiscal year 2019,” said Citi Head of Public Sector, Middle East, Pakistan & Levant, Head.…Read More

 

Power sector losses of Rs200b to be recovered from defaulters

The Express Tribune (Oct 04, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: The country’s economic managers are looking to recover a loss of Rs200 billion from power-sector defaulters and bring down the overall loss to 16.3%, as allowed by the regulator. It turned down the Power Division’s plea to pass on the Rs200-billion loss on account of electricity theft to honest consumers which were paying their bills regularly. Officials revealed that Finance Minister Asad Umar, while chairing a recent meeting of the.…Read More

 

FBR goes after 169 wealth non-filers, many more set to face hot pursuit

The Express Tribune (Oct 2, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: In a large swoop to widen the tax net and ensure tax compliance across the country, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has started a massive drive for the recovery of taxes from big and influential tax evaders. The crackdown on the high-value targets has been launched on the instruction of Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs, Asad Umar as part of the government’s efforts to widen the tax net and bring in it all those individual.…Read More

 

Italian deputy PM threatens to sue EU boss over budget criticism

The Guardian (Oct 02, 2018)

The Italian deputy prime minister, Matteo Salvini, has threatened to sue Jean-Claude Juncker for damages, accusing the EU president of pushing up Rome’s cost of borrowing by likening Italy to Greece. Salvini, who is also Italy’s interior minister and leader of the far-right League party, was speaking after Juncker’s comments helped send the yield on Italian benchmark bonds to a four-and-a-half year high of 3.4%, while shares in Italian banks plunged. …Read More

 

Budget 2018: What can we expect from chancellor Philip Hammond’s budget this month?

The Independent by Caitlin Morrison (Oct 02, 2018)

Philip Hammond will deliver his 2018 Budget at the end of October, and with Brexit negotiations looming, there is more uncertainty than ever surrounding the state of the UK economy. The Budget falls earlier than usual this year because of the need to clarify tax, spending and other financial decisions, before a final Brexit deal can be reached with the EU. The chancellor will update the country on economic matters just 10 days after the next EU summit, but …Read More

 

Pakistan assures IMF of increase in tax collection

The Express Tribune (Oct 02, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Amid a decline in revenues, Pakistan has assured the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that its tax collection will soon get a boost as it has planned to utilise information being received under multilateral tax conventions and will also give a push to cases under litigation. The government has decided to include Saudi Arabia in the list of countries where Pakistanis have undeclared assets which have not been disclosed to the Federal Board .…Read More

 

Core inflation jumps to four-year high at 8%

The Express Tribune (Oct 01, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Core inflation jumped 8% in September 2018 – the highest level in the past four years, which was slightly lower than the key interest rate, indicating inflationary pressures that were affecting prices of almost every household item.

Core inflation – which excludes volatile food and energy prices – went up from 7.7% in August to 8% in September, reported the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Monday…Read More

 

Recovery of bad debts can help boost economy

The Express Tribune (Oct 01, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Financial institutions of a country are very important. Fiscal strength of these institutions determines the strength of the economy. However, just like other institutions in Pakistan, previous governments failed to pay attention to their improvement. Now, the responsibility is on the new Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led administration, which has so far remained undecided about how to handle financials of the country.…Read More

 

DN presents over Rs8bn 2018-19 budget for DI Khan

The Business Recorder (Oct 01, 2018)

DIKHAN: District Nazim Dera Ismail Khan Nawabzada Azizullah Alizai here Monday presented 4th annual budget of the district government for fiscal year 2018-19 amounting Rs8,356,058,000 and also got approved the revised budget for 2017-18 from District Council. Addressing on the occasion Azizullah Alizai said that in budget 2018-19, Rs410,700,000 has been allocated for developmental schemes, Rs619,657,000 for non-….. …Read More

 

IMF calls to ‘reinvigorate’ trade in face of economic war between US and China

The Telegraph (Sep 30, 2018)

Radical reforms to open up trade in services, online commerce and cross-border investment could give the world economy a major boost over the coming years, if Governments choose to seize the opportunity. The International Monetary Fund is launching a new campaign to stop the trade war and encourage nations to rediscover the benefits of trade, in the face of higher tariffs and anti-trade rhetoric, particularly as the US builds barriers…Read More

 

India’s economy overtake UK, Germany, France and Japan in the next decade, predicts HSBC

The Telegraph (Sep 30, 2018)

India will be the fastest growing big economy of the next decade, leapfrogging the UK, Germany, France and ­Japan to become the third biggest in the world, according to new forecasts. Economists at HSBC said the world’s largest democracy will grow at more than 6pc per year on average over the coming decade. By contrast growth in China is expected to slow to below 5pc per year in the late 2020s.…Read More

 

State Bank of Pakistan increases interest rate to 8.5% in new monetary policy

Daily Pakistan Global (Sep 30, 2018)

ISLAMABAD – The State Bank of Pakistan has increased the key interest rate by hundred basis points. In a monetary policy statement on Saturday, the Central Bank said the new interest rate will be 8.5 percent. The rate will be effective from Monday (1st October 2018) for the next two months in order to further consolidate efforts required to ensure macroeconomic stability, the statement added. The central bank said that though political uncertainty …Read More

 

Italy budget uncertainty returns to haunt Europe

The Times of Malta (Sep 28, 2018)

Europe’s share markets and the euro both took a tumble yesterday as reports that Italy’s long-awaited budget was facing a delay compounded an already groggy globalmood after the third US interest rate rise of the year. Italy’s main Milan bourse slumped as much as two per cent with the country’s big banks down even more as the country’s borrowing costs also hit a three-week high in the government bond markets. Investors have.…Read More

 

Investors dump Italian bonds after ministers agree ‘budget for change’

The Times of Malta (Sep 28, 2018)

Italian government bonds were set for their worst day in over three months after key Italian government officials agreed a budget overnight that will see the country run a deficit in 2019 and beyond. Italy's government on Thursday targeted the budget deficit at 2.4% of gross domestic product for the next three years, defying Brussels and marking a victory for party chiefs over Economy Minister Giovanni Tria, an unaffiliated technocrat. "There is an .…Read More

 

Budget Study Centre Issue 24
Sep 27, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts

 

WTO downgrades forecast for global economy and appeals for ‘restraint’ on trade war

The Telegraph by Anna Isaac (Sep 27, 2018)

The global umpire of trade has downgraded its economic forecast, claiming a rising tide of protectionism has dampened growth. A burgeoning trade war between the world’s two largest economies, China and the US, was cited as the chief reason for reducing 2018’s trade growth by 0.5 percentage points to 3.9pc. Trade is expected to slow further next year, to 3.7pc growth, according to the World Trade Organisation (WTO). …Read More

 

Argentina announces $57.1bn deal with IMF

The Telegraph by Wil Crisp (Sep 26, 2018)

Argentina has agreed a $57.1bn (£43.4bn) deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) designed to stabilise its economy. The new IMF agreement boosts the total funding available from the fund by $7.1bn and frontloads financing, increasing available resources by $19bn through the end of 2019. If the new plan is approved by the IMF’s Executive Board, the funding provided through the agreement would be used by Argentina for…Read More

 

US Federal Reserve raises interest rates amid strong growth

The Telegraph by Wil Crisp (Sep 26, 2018)

The US Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the third time this year, taking the range of its Federal Funds Rate to between 2.00pc and 2.25pc, up by 0.25 percentage points. The latest move is the central bank's eighth rate rise since 2015. In a statement the central bank said: "In view of realized and expected labor market conditions and inflation, the Committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate". The Federal Reserve was widely .…Read More

 

France’s 2019 budget to ease tax burden on households, firms

The Times of Malta (Sep 24, 2018)

France will reduce the tax burden on households and companies by nearly €25 billion next year, the government said in its 2019 budget bill, pushing the deficit up towards an EU cap as the economy fails to gain pace. Households will see their tax bill reduced by a total €6 billion while business taxes will fall by €18.8 billion, resulting in the overall tax burden decreasing to 44.2 per cent of national income, the lowest for France since 2012. With his …Read More

 

Foreign exchange: SBP’s reserves dip 3.07%, amount to $9.33b

The Express Tribune (Sep 24, 2018)

KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank continued to spiral downwards as they decreased 3.07% on a weekly basis, according to data released on Monday. The drop in reserves raises concern about Pakistan’s ability to meet its financing requirements as the reserves have fallen below the $9.5-billion mark. On September 14, the foreign currency reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) were recorded at…Read More

 

Turkish firm to invest $330m in setting up plant in Pakistan

The Express Tribune (Sep 23, 2018)

FAISALABAD: A Turkey-based fast-moving consumer goods company (FMCG) – Hayat Kimya – has planned an investment of $330 million in Pakistan for setting up a manufacturing unit for hygiene products. Hayat Kimya is making the ninth largest investment in Pakistan and has started work at the Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and Management Company (FIEDMC). It has acquired 100 acres of land to install a mega state-…Read More

 

Philip Hammond’s room for budget splurge trimmed as spending rises in August

The Telegraph by Tim Wallace (Sep 21, 2018)

Philip Hammond will be under more pressure in his Budget as Government borrowing jumped in August, with slower growth in tax receipts and higher spending worsening what had been a rosy picture. The deficit was £6.8bn last month, the Office for National Statistics said, up £2.4bn compared with August 2017. It ends the recent trend of falling borrowing, which has brought down the deficit for this financial year to £17.8bn, £7.8bn lower than the same period ..Read More

 

Remedial paths for the Brazilian economy

The Express Tribune (Sep 20, 2018)

In one sentence, the Brazilian economy seems to be suffering from lack of productivity yet an excessive public sector. On the one hand, the run-of-the-mill performance of productivity in Brazil in recent decades has limited its GDP growth potential. On the other, the excessive expansion of public spending has become progressively unsuited with such limits in the potential expansion of GDP, particularly since productivity has not been…Read More

 

In August 2018: Current account deficit contracts 72% due to drop in imports

The Express Tribune (Sep 20, 2018)

KARACHI: Pakistan’s current account deficit (CAD), a major source of concern for the past couple of years, surprisingly narrowed down 72% to $600 million in August 2018 compared to the previous month because of a notable drop in imports. The deficit – which is the outcome of higher expenditures in foreign currencies than the earnings – stood at $2.12 billion in the previous month of July, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported on Wednesday. …Read More

China to penalize $60 billion of US imports in tit-for-tat move

The Express Tribune (Sep 19, 2018)

WASHINGTON/BEIJING: China and the United States plunged deeper into a trade war on Tuesday after Beijing added $60 billion of US products to its import tariff list in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s planned levies on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods. The tit-for-tat measures are the latest escalation in an increasingly protracted trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies. On Monday, the US administration …Read More

Pakistan eyes $8b investment from China, Saudi Arabia

The Express Tribune (Sep 18, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan eyes nearly $8 billion investment from China and Saudi Arabia, under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), in road, energy and oil sectors, after the new government decided to pick schemes on their ‘merits’. Decisions are being taken after the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government completed its internal review of the multibillion dollar strategic initiative and came to a decision to open the corridor for investment …Read More

 

Sindh cuts development budget by Rs24b

The Express Tribune (Sep 18, 2018)

KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to cut the province’s development budget by Rs24 billion, citing financial constraints in view of the shortfall in federal transfers. The announcement came during the unveiling of the provincial budget for the remaining nine months of the fiscal year, 2018-19, at the Sindh Assembly on Monday. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who also holds the portfolio of the finance ……Read More

 

Future of the economic, monetary union

The Times of Malta (Sep 18, 2018)

On September 14, the European Commission Representation in Valletta, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Malta, hosted the conference entitled: The Economic & Monetary Union: how has Malta benefitted and what does the future hold? Following the outbreak of the economic and financial crisis, the European Union took unprecedented measures to strengthen the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and make sure that Europe is better Read More

 

PTI govt unveil Rs5.3tr revised ‘status quo’ budget

The Express Tribune (Sep 18, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) newly elected government has unveiled Rs5.3 trillion revised budget for this fiscal year but its ‘emergency’ measures lack the ideological shift that is needed to document the growing informal economy and spur economic growth to create jobs. Presenting the Finance Supplementary (Amendment) Bill 2018 on Tuesday in the National Assembly, Finance Minister Asad Umar claimed that the mini-budget will…Read More

 

New Govt to propose Mini Budget for FY 2018-19

Pro Pakistani (Sep 18, 2018)

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is set to present the revised budget for FY2018-19 on Tuesday, September 18 which is being drafted keeping in mind the macroeconomic realities and the unrealistic approach by the previous government in order to gain momentum for the elections. Earlier it was going to be presented on Friday, 14 September before the Parliament, however, the session has been postponed till next week due to the death of former First...…Read More

 

UK economy will shrink without Brexit deal: IMF

The Express Tribune (Sep 17, 2018)

MOSCOW: Britain’s economy will shrink if the country leaves the European Union next year without a Brexit deal and any deal will leave the country financially worse off than staying in, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Monday. The IMF said it expected Britain’s economy to grow by about 1.5% a year in 2018 and 2019 if a broad Brexit agreement was struck, compared with about 1.75% if it had stayed in...…Read More

 

Tough mini-budget may affect PTI’s vote bank

The Express Tribune (Sep 17, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Opposition parties may cash in on the tough measures likely to be introduced by the government in the upcoming mini-budget, political pundits insist. The government is scheduled to announce mini-budget tomorrow (Tuesday) which, according to these pundits, is not an opportune time in view of the upcoming by-elections on 37 general seats, including 11 in the National Assembly, 13 in Punjab Assembly, nine in Khyber-.…Read More

 

FDI drops 35% as investors wait for economic policy changes

The Express Tribune (Sep 15, 2018)

KARACHI: Foreign investors largely remained shy of driving up investments in Pakistan’s economy as they waited for clarity on economic policies to be announced shortly by the new government. Foreign direct investment (FDI) dropped 35% to $160.1 million in August compared to $246.8 million in the same month of previous year, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported on Friday. “Foreigners are determined to invest in Pakistan at…. Read More

 

Budget Study Centre Issue 23
Sep 13, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts

 

Govt aims to cut privileges in mini budget

The Express Tribune (Sep 13, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: The government has postponed the National Assembly session that it had convened to present mini-budget till next week, amid plans to withdraw tax free privileges being availed by the president, governors and federal ministers. “The decision to present the revised Finance Bill in the National Assembly on Friday has been deferred due to the funeral of Begum Kulsum Nawaz,” Finance Minister Asad Umar told The Express Tribune .…Read More

 

Foreign investors seek review of CPEC, free trade deals

The Express Tribune (Sep 13, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: An advocacy group of multinational companies working in Pakistan has advised the government to review the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and free trade agreements (FTA) in order to provide a level playing field for all stakeholders. The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has made these recommendations to Finance Minister Asad Umar. Foreign investors have.…Read More

 

Business Advisory Council on the cards

The Express Tribune (Sep 12, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance and Revenue Asad Umar said on Tuesday that the government was holding consultation for setting up the Business Advisory Council to establish direct liaison between the government and business community in a bid to make Pakistan a regional hub for investors. Speaking to a delegation of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), led by its President Irfan Wahab Khan, Umar said latest.…Read More

 

Balochistan cabinet approves Rs8b plan to bloster levies

The Express Tribune (Sep 12, 2018)

QUETTA: The cabinet of Chief Minister Jam Kamal on Tuesday approved a Rs8 billion plan for the restructuring and strengthening of Levies Force, to be completed in four phases. The provincial cabinet took the decision after reviewing the recommendation made by the Levies DG. Briefing the cabinet members, the DG Levies said the force needed modern training to handle the security challenges, especially in the remote …..…Read More

 

Trade deficit shrinks as exports grow faster than imports

The Express Tribune (Sep 12, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s trade deficit shrank to $6.2 billion in first two months of the current fiscal year as the pace of growth in exports beat the increase in imports, indicating government’s administrative measures have started yielding results. The trade deficit for July-August was 1.3% lower than the deficit recorded in the same period of previous fiscal year, reported the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Tuesday.…Read More

 

Govt set to deprive salaried employees of tax relief in mini budget

The Express Tribune (Sep 12, 2018)

The government has decided to introduce a mini budget with the prices of several items expected to rise. It was decided that major amendments will be made to the finance bill in an attempt to increase revenue generation. The summary of the mini-budget has been prepared and is set to be presented during the federal cabinet meeting. After the approval of the summary, the mini-budget will be shared in the National Assembly on September 14.…Read More

 

French 2018 budget deficit to rise, but respect EU limit

The Business Recorder (Sep 11, 2018)

PARIS: France’s budget deficit will rise next year but stay below the European Union’s limit of 3 percent of economic output, according to figures given by Finance Ministry officials on Tuesday. Next year’s budget, which is due to be published at the end of this month, foresees the public deficit rising to 2.8 percent of gross domestic product next year after 2.6 percent this year, the ministry officials said. Respecting the EU deficit limit is the cornerstone of President …Read More

 

CPEC is Pakistan’s economic future, says Gen Qamar

The Express Tribune (Sep 11, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: A day after a controversial interview of a key government adviser cast doubts over future of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa assured the Chinese envoy that the CPEC is Pakistan’s economic future and its security will not be compromised. The assurance came during Gen Qamar’s meeting with the Chinese ambassador, who visited the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi …Read More

 

IMF’s staff-level team to arrive by month-end

The Express Tribune (Sep 11, 2018)

Prime Minister Imran Khan reconstituted the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) on September 1 to resolve the economic crisis of the country. Chaired by the PM himself, the 18-member economic council aims to function as a regulatory body which will advise the government on both “short-term macroeconomic stabilisation interventions” and “long-term structural reforms for stable and sustained economic development”. …Read More

UK growth will slow to 1.3% amid Brexit uncertainty- KPMG

The Guardian (Sep 10, 2018)

A sharp fall in consumer spending and business investment is expected to drag Britain’s growth rate down to just 1.3% this year, dispelling hopes that the UK’s sluggish rate of expansion in the first six months will recover in the second half of the year. According to the consultancy KPMG, Brexit uncertainty will take a bigger toll on the economy than many forecasters, including the Bank of England, expect following a slump in consumer …Read More

Trump threatens new tariffs on $267bn of Chinese goods

The Guardian (Sep 8, 2018)

Donald Trump has said he has a new tranche of tariffs ready to place on virtually all Chinese goods, as Apple warned the trade war will make its products more expensive for American consumers. A package of tariffs was already close to being imposed on $200bn worth of Chinese goods imported to the US, Trump said, while suggesting a further package, worth $267bn, could also be imposed, which would sharply …. …Read More

 

Govt to revise ‘unrealistic’ annual budget

The Nation (Sep 7, 2018)

ISLAMABAD - In a major decision, the PTI-led federal government has decided to revise the annual budget for the ongoing fiscal year what the government termed unrealistic. The government disclosed it during a meeting of newly-formed Economic Advisory Council (EAC), which met under the chair of Prime Minister Imran Khan. The meeting was attended by independent economists as well as heads of economic ministries and…Read More

 

Italy’s top ministers look to reassure markets over 2019 budget

The Times of Malta (Sep 5, 2018)

Italy's top ministers issued a barrage of statements on Wednesday to reassure financial markets over the government's forthcoming budget, promising to keep state accounts in check and maintain economic stability. The concerted charm campaign helped push Italian bond yields to their lowest in almost a month, as hopes grew that the coalition, comprising the rightist League and anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, would respect European Union budget discipline. "Clearly we will not do everything …Read More

 

No woman made the cut for PM Khan’s economic advisory council?

The Pakistan Today (Sep 3, 2018)

Prime Minister Imran Khan reconstituted the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) on September 1 to resolve the economic crisis of the country. Chaired by the PM himself, the 18-member economic council aims to function as a regulatory body which will advise the government on both “short-term macroeconomic stabilisation interventions” and “long-term structural reforms for stable and sustained economic development”. …Read More

 

US economy grows in Q2 at fastest rate in nearly four years

The Times of Malta (Sep 2, 2018)

US second quarter economic growth was stronger than previously estimated, as gross domestic product (i.e. the value of all goods and services produced across the economy) rose at a 4.2 per cent annual rate, according to a report by the Commerce Department. This marked the strongest growth rate in nearly four years. The agency had earlier estimated the second-quarter growth at a 4.1 per cent annual rate. Economists expected an unchanged …Read More

 

Deal on free trade pact likely in Nov

The Express Tribune (Sep 2, 2018)

SINGAPORE: Broad agreement is expected to be reached at a leaders’ summit in Singapore in November, the city-state’s trade minister said on Saturday. The 16-nation Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which will cover about half the world’s population and a third of its GDP, has taken centre stage as Washington embarks on a unilateral, protectionist agenda. The RCEP is backed by China and notably excludes the US, which had been leading another.…Read More

 

FBR’s tax collection grows 14% to Rs506 billion

The Express Tribune (Sep 01, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has collected Rs506 billion in taxes in the first two months of the current fiscal year as the government scrambles to search for new avenues for revenue receipts in an attempt to reduce the projected budget deficit to less than 5% of the national economy. Provisional tax collection in July-August FY19 stood at Rs506 billion, according to FBR officials. It was Rs62 billion or 14% higher than the …Read More

 

Pakistan needs $9b for running domestic economy: Umar

The Express Tribune (Aug 31, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan needs $9 billion to run the country’s economic affairs, Finance Minister Asad Umar told the Senate on Friday He said Pakistan was facing an adverse economic situation because of flawed policies of previous governments. “We are deliberating on (various) options. We will map out a plan over the next few days and we will share it with the parliament,” the finance minister said. The parliament, he said, would decide whether or not the..…Read More

 

FBR reforms to be discussed in next cabinet meeting

The DAWN by Mubarak Zeb Khan (Aug 28, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: The government is gearing up to launch a drastic reform plan for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) with the objectives of enhancing revenue collection and promoting equity and transparency in the tax machinery. Dawn has learnt that the plan is in advanced stages, but nobody at the FBR is aware of it. “We have moved a summary to the cabinet for introducing reforms in the FBR” Finance Minister Asad Umar told Dawn on Monday. The cabinet is.…Read More

 

Balochistan’s budget deficit quandary

The DAWN by Nasir Jamal (Aug 27, 2018)

FINANCING its large budget deficit of approximately Rs62 billion for the present financial year remains the main concern of the new Jam Kamal Khan government in Balochistan, says a senior provincial official. “We are facing a big hole in our planned public development investment for the ongoing fiscal year,” Qamar Masood, Balochistan’s finance secretary, told this correspondent from Quetta over the telephone. “We don’t have a solution.…Read More

 

Budget deficit widens to record Rs2.26tr in FY18

The Express Tribune (Aug 26, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan booked the highest-ever budget deficit of Rs2.26 trillion in the last fiscal year due to expansionary fiscal policies in an election year and poor performance of tax machinery, throwing the country into a deeper debt trap. In its annual consolidated federal and provincial budgetary operations report, the Ministry of Finance reported that the budget deficit widened to Rs2.26 trillion in fiscal year..…Read More

 
Budget Study Centre Issue 22
August 23, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts

 

US and China escalate trade war as total sum levied reaches $100bn

The Guardian (Aug 23, 2018)

The US and China have escalated their ongoing trade war by implementing 25% tariffs on $16bn worth of imports on both sides, bringing the amount levied to a combined $100bn (£78bn) since July. Beijing began implementing the new tariffs on Thursday, when the US said it would begin collecting extra duties in retaliation for what it claimed were unfair Chinese trade practices. “China firmly opposes [the US tariffs] and has to continue to make…….…Read More

 

Current account deficit balloons by 14pc

The Nation (Aug 22, 2018)

KARACHI/ISLAMABAD - The current account deficit of the country ballooned by 14 percent in July 2018. The current account deficit expanded to $2.2 billion in July 2018 as compared with the deficit of $1.93 billion in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year. During 2017-18, the current account deficit amounted to $18 billion. As a percentage of GDP, current account deficit stands at a negative 8.6% of the GDP, while during the same month last year, current account deficit accounted for a negative 7.1% of the GDP. …Read More

 

US-Turkey feud: Trump vows no concessions as lira stays under

The Express Tribune (Aug 22, 2018)

ISTANBUL: The Turkish lira weakened against the dollar on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump said he would give Ankara no concessions in return for the release of a detained American pastor, the latest salvo in a worsening rift between the Nato allies. In an interview with Reuters, Trump criticised Turkey on Monday over the detention of evangelical Christian pastor Andrew Brunson and said he was not concerned that his tough stance against Turkey could end up …Read More

 

Germany’s current account surplus hits global high

The Daily Star (Aug 21, 2018)

Germany's current account surplus is set to remain the world's largest this year despite increased trade tensions, the Ifo institute said on Monday, in an estimate likely to renew criticism of Chancellor Angela Merkel's fiscal policies. The International Monetary Fund and the European Commission have for years urged Germany to do more to lift domestic demand and imports as a way to reduce global economic imbalances and stimulate.…Read More

 

Rs1.9 trillion of liabilities & receivables would need restructuring by new govt: Report

The Pakistan Today (Aug 20, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: As the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) takes the reins of government this week, it is projected it would need to restructure Rs1.9 trillion worth of liabilities and receivables of government-owned entities. The new government, according to a senior government official would require making adjustments and administer write-offs besides employment various kinds of borrowing to clean the slate in terms of debt and liabilities of loss-making.…Read More

 

New govt has host of options to bridge financing gap

The Express Tribune (Aug 20, 2018)

LAHORE: After a round of political somersaults, the new government is in place. It is hoped that the picture gets clear and the government will follow its path in due course. The new political dispensation has inherited an economy which is in a better shape. However, the growing real economy requires huge financial doses since exports are unable to cover imports. Multilateral institutions, economists and media experts are coming up with their estimates.…Read More

 

Improving economy, living standards main mission for govt: Asad Umar

The Pakistan Today (Aug 19, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: The nominated Finance Minister Asad Umer has said that improving the living standards of people and the economy is the main mission of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) democratically elected government. Talking to a news channel, he said it was a big challenge for the PTI government to ensure the provision of all basic amenities of life to the masses. “We will have to create job opportunities for unemployed youth, “ he ..…Read More

 

Circular debt of Rs1.1tr passed on to new govt

The Express Tribune (Aug 18, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Though the previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government claimed to have brought about improvement in power production, it still passed on a gigantic circular debt of Rs1.148 trillion to the new government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which faces a bumpy road ahead. The PML-N had come up with a slogan in 2013 that it would bring load-shedding to an end during its five-year tenure. It solely focused on setting up thermal…..…Read More

 

Pakistan asked to make terror financing money laundering extraditable offences

The Express Tribune (Aug 18, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: The Asia Pacific Group (APG) on Money Laundering on Wednesday urged Pakistan to enact appropriate laws, enabling local officials to act upon requests of foreign countries to freeze illegal assets and making terrorism financing and money laundering extraditable offences. Pointing out deficiencies in Pakistan’s legal framework, the visiting APG team pointed out that this could hamper Pakistan’s effective response on requests. …Read More

Could Turkey’s financial crises have a snowball effect on world markets?

The Washington Post (Aug 17, 2018)

Investors might be watching the financial crisis in Turkey and wondering: How could it affect me? An economic virus spreading outward from Turkey and through other markets is unlikely, experts say, but it could happen. In one scenario, European banks that had lent money in the Turkish public and private sectors would face a credit squeeze if Turkey could not make its loan payments. The Turkish lira, its currency, would continue to drop in value against …Read More

Pakistan foreign debt and liabilities surged 14 percent in FY18, touch $95.097 billion

The Pakistan Today (Aug 16, 2018)

KARACHI: Pakistan’s foreign debt and liabilities surged 14 percent, touching $95.097 billion for FY18, data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) revealed. At end of FY17, the external debt and liabilities had been recorded at $83.431 billion, as the country faces problems to meet its external financing requirement, reported The News. During FY18, Pakistan paid off $7.479 billion in external debt servicing, falling 8.19 percent from FY17. In FY17, the foreign debt servicing in …Read More

 

Pakistan’s debt, liabilities swell 83% to Rs 30tr.

The Express Tribune (Aug 16, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s debt and liabilities rose sharply to nearly Rs30 trillion or 87% of total size of the economy at the end of previous fiscal year, largely due to the last government’s expansionary fiscal policies and its failure to reform tax administration. Statistics released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday showed that in the last five years, the country’s total debt and liabilities increased Rs13.5 trillion or 82.8% to stand at Rs29.9 trillion. …Read More

 

India’s July trade deficit widens to more than five year high of $ 18.2 billion: Trade ministry

The Hindustan Times (Aug 14, 2018)

India’s trade deficit widened to a more than five year high of $18.02 billion in July, the trade ministry said on Tuesday, driven largely by a surge in oil imports. Though merchandise exports rose 14.32 percent year-on-year in July, the trade deficit widened as oil imports surged 57.41 percent to $12.35 billion. In June, the trade deficit stood at $16.6 billion. Merchandise exports last month rose to $25.77 billion from a year ago, while imports rose 28.81 percent to …Read More

 

Why has the Turkish lira slumped to a record low?

The Independent (Aug 14, 2018)

The Turkish lira has slumped to a record low against the US dollar this week. On Friday it was down by as much as 17 per cent before recovering slightly. What’s driving it down? And what does it mean for Turkey and others? At one stage on Friday afternoon one dollar bought 6.9 lira. In January a dollar bought just 3.7 units of the Turkish currency. That means it has lost around 44 per cent of its value against the dollar this year. The lira is now the world’s worst …Read More

 

German economy accelerates in second quarter

The Wall Street Journal (Aug 14, 2018)

FRANKFURT—Germany’s economic growth accelerated in the second quarter, ensuring the eurozone as a whole avoided a slowdown, but economists said global trade tensions and a currency crisis in Turkey are clouding the outlook for businesses. Germany’s gross domestic product grew at a quarterly rate of 0.5%, or 1.8% in annualized terms, the Federal Statistical Office said Tuesday. It also raised its first-quarter growth estimate to an annualized 1.5%.. Read More

 

Italy PM, ministers discuss 2019 budget, agree it must cut debt

The Times of Malta (Aug 14, 2018)

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and his top ministers discussed the 2019 budget on Monday and agreed that it would preserve the stability of state finances and lower the public debt, the prime minister's office said. Conte assessed the economic situation and the budget with Economy Minister Giovanni Tria and the heads of the League and the 5-Star Movement, the two parties that make up the ruling coalition, the statement said. The budget, …Read More

 

India’s July trade deficit widens to more than five year high of $18.02 billion: Trade ministry

The Hindustan Times (Aug 14, 2018)

India’s trade deficit widened to a more than five year high of $18.02 billion in July, the trade ministry said on Tuesday, driven largely by a surge in oil imports. Though merchandise exports rose 14.32 percent year-on-year in July, the trade deficit widened as oil imports surged 57.41 percent to $12.35 billion. In June, the trade deficit stood at $16.6 billion. Merchandise exports last month rose to $25.77 billion from a year ago, while imports rose 28.81 percent to …Read More

 

Turkish financial crises sends fear through global financial markets from India to Hong Kong

The Independent (Aug 14, 2018)

Turkey’s descent into economic crisis roiled global financial markets on Monday. The lira slumped to as low as 7.19 to the dollar on Sunday, down from from 6.4 at the end of last week, when the US hit the country with a doubling of steel tariffs. On Monday morning the Turkish currency was still trading at only 6.84, more than 25 per cent lower than seven days earlier and around 45 per cent down since the start of the year. The country’s …Read More

 

PTI insist IMF is a ‘fallback’

The DAWN by Nasir Jamal (Aug 13, 2018)

ASAD Umar, the man expected to get the most important job of bringing the faltering economy back on its feet in the incoming Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government, views an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout as a “fallback option”. He does not rule out the possibility of knocking at the door of the lender for its dollars to prop up the depleting foreign currency reserves and avert the impending balance-of-payment crisis, …Read More

 

German industrial output declines in June

The Times of Malta (Aug 12, 2018)

German industrial production declined in June by slightly more than expected, led by a sharp drop in construction output. Total industrial output (which comprises output in manufacturing, energy and construction) fell by 0.9 per cent from May, according to the German economics ministry. Economists had expected a 0.4 per cent decline. However, compared with the same month last year, total production rose by a calendar-…....Read More

 

Agriculture sector will need Rs 1.52tr in FY19: SBP

The Express Tribune (Aug 12, 2018)

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has estimated that the agriculture sector would require Rs1.52 trillion during the current fiscal year and has assigned banks to lend at least Rs1.25 trillion in FY19. “The overall disbursement target of Rs1,250 billion has been assigned to banks, which is 82% of the total estimated agri-credit requirement of Rs1,519 billion,” SBP said in a statement on Saturday. Banks must overcome their infrastructure.…Read More

 

Agriculture sector will need Rs 1.52tr in FY19: SBP

The Express Tribune (Aug 12, 2018)

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has estimated that the agriculture sector would require Rs1.52 trillion during the current fiscal year and has assigned banks to lend at least Rs1.25 trillion in FY19. “The overall disbursement target of Rs1,250 billion has been assigned to banks, which is 82% of the total estimated agri-credit requirement of Rs1,519 billion,” SBP said in a statement on Saturday. Banks must overcome their infrastructure.…Read More

 

Remittances surge 25%, amount to $1.93b

The Express Tribune (Aug 11, 2018)

KARACHI: In a positive development, the remittances received from overseas Pakistanis rose markedly in July 2018, according to data released by the central bank on Friday. Remittances stood at $1.93 billion in the first month of fiscal year 2019, up 25.17% compared to $1.54 billion in the same month of previous year. The inflows were 21.03% higher than the money remitted in June 2018. Remittances touch seven-month high at $1.77 billion in March.…Read More

 

Forex reserves stand at $17b

The Nation (Aug 10, 2018)

KARACHI - Total liquid foreign reserves of the country stand at $17 billion, says State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). According to SBP's weekly statement issued on Thursday, the foreign reserves held by the State Bank on August 03, amounted to $10,369.1 million. Whereas, the net foreign reserves with commercial banks were $ 6,635.9 million. During the week ending August 03, SBP's reserves increased by $19million to $10,369 .….Read More

 

Overseas Pakistanis remit $1.93 billion in the first month of FY19

The News (Aug 10, 2018)

KARACHI: The Overseas Pakistani workers remitted $ 1929.76 million in the first month of FY19 as compared with US $ 1541.67 million received during the same period in the preceding year. A report issued by State Bank Pakistan (SBP) here Friday, said that during July 2018, the inflow of worker's remittances amounted to $1929.76 million, which is 21.03 percent more than June 2018 and 25.17 percent more than July 2017.The country wise details for….Read More

 

Wheat worth $236.3 million exported in FY 2017-18

The Daily Times (Aug 09, 2018)

About 1.189 million metric tons of wheat worth $ 236.339 million were exported during 12 months of fiscal year 2017-18 as compared the exports of 3,937 metric tons valuing $ 1.038 million of corresponding period of lat year. During the period from July-June,2017-18, local export of wheat witnessed about 22,668.89 percent growth as compared the exports of the same period of last year, according the data of Pakistan .…Read More

 

Pakistan plans to borrow $4bn loan from IDB: Report

The News (Aug 09, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is planning to borrow over $4 billion from Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to bail out its economy, which is facing a balance-of-payments crisis. Financial Times reported that Saudi-backed IDB has agreed to make a formal offer to lend Pakistan the money after formation of new government. According to the report, Pakistan moves to restore its currency reserves when prime minister-in-waiting Imran Khan takes over.…Read More

 

‘GDP growth likely to decline if Pakistan leaves IMF programme’

The Daily Times (Aug 09, 2018)

KARACHI: Pakistan will possibly suffer if it leaves International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme given the multifarious economic difficulties to balance macro and micro situation on more than one count. Asad Umar, the next proposed finance minister of the country, had already indicated that it was inevitable to go for an IMF bailout package to around $15-$20 billion in order to support shambling economy on immediate basis. Also, interim Finance.…Read More

 

Japan’s economy revs up again after stalling

The Wall Street Journal (Aug 09, 2018)

TOKYO—Japan returned to solid growth in the April-June quarter, a trend economists said was likely to continue on the back of higher wages and consumer spending unless trade conflicts with the U.S. worsen. The world’s third-largest economy expanded at an annualized pace of 1.9% in the second quarter of 2018 after a revised 0.9% contraction in the first quarter, which ended the longest stretch of growth in 28 years..…Read More

 

Budget Study Centre Issue 21
August 08, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts

 

Pakistan defends its economic partnership with China

The News (Aug 08, 2018)

Islamabad - Pakistan Wednesday defended its economic partnership with China, amid fears that the terms of opaque multi-billion dollar investments by Beijing could be exacerbating Islamabad's economic woes as it considers a fresh IMF bailout. "We have noted recent media reports questioning the viability of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), claiming that it would create an unbearable debt burden for Pakistan,".…Read More

 

Brazil July inflation slows as impact of truckers’ strike fades

The Business Recorder (Aug 08, 2018)

BRASILIA: Inflation in Brazil slowed for the first time in two months in July as the impact of a May nationwide truckers’ strike dimmed, reinforcing the view that a recent price spike would not last long. Consumer prices tracked by the benchmark IPCA index rose 4.48 percent in the 12 months through July, government statistics agency IBGE said on Wednesday, slightly above the median 4.40 percent forecast of economists in a Reuters poll. That is a bit ……Read More

 

Pakistan to decide whether to seek IMF bailout ‘by September’

The Daily Times (Aug 08, 2018)

Pakistan must decide by the end of September if it will go to the IMF to bail out its economy, which is facing a balance-of-payments crisis, the likely new finance minister Asad Umar said Tuesday. “By the end of September, we should make our decision,” the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader said. Umar, who is widely tipped to become the next finance minister, reiterated his stance that Pakistan was examining other options as well as the.…Read More

 

Turkey under pressure to raise interest rates as economic crises looms

The Guardian (Aug 07, 2018)

Turkey is facing mounting pressure to announce an emergency rise in interest rates as rampant inflation, a plunging currency and American sanctions pushes one of the world’s key emerging market countries to the brink of crisis. Analysts said Turkey’s central bank would have no choice but to increase borrowing costs aggressively in the coming days to stem the fall in the lira, which is down by almost a third against the US dollar in the …Read More

 

Yuan weakens 3.4% in July

The China Daily (Aug 04, 2018)

BEIJING - China's yuan weakened more than 3 percent against a basket of currencies in July, according to a China Foreign Exchange Trade System (CFETS) index. The CFETS RMB Index, which measures the yuan's strength relative to a basket of currencies, came in at 92.41 at the end of July, a 3.4 percent decline from a month ago, CFETS said. The index compares the yuan to the value of 24 currencies, including the US dollar, euro and Japanese …Read More

 

Budget 2018-19 is a ‘farce’ says finance minister

The Daily Times (Aug 03, 2018)

Islamabad: Interim Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar on Thursday termed the Budget 201819 presented by the former Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government “unrealistic”. Speaking to media, Akhtar said that facts and figures in the budget were a matter of “concern”. She also commented on the prevalent economic conditions, saying that work on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) project was underway and the incoming government...…Read More

 

Sri Lanka secures $1 billion Chinese loan

The News (Aug 03, 2018)

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka´s central bank on Friday announced it had secured a $1 billion Chinese loan as the island, a key link in Beijing´s ambitious Belt and Road initiative, develops closer relations with Asia´s largest economy. Central bank Governor Indrajit Coomaraswamy said that first half of the loan will be released later this month and the balance will be received in October. "During consultations (with the Chinese over the loan) it was clear that they ……Read More

 

Bank of England raises interest rates to 0.75%

The Guardian (Aug 02, 2018)

The Bank of England has raised interest rates above the emergency level introduced after the financial crisis despite mounting fears about the economic impact of Britain crashing out of the EU without a deal. Citing concern that the lowest unemployment rate since the mid-1970s risked re-igniting wage pressure, Threadneedle Street raised interest rates to 0.75% from 0.5% – the level they were dropped to in March 2009 as the economy lurched ……Read More

 

Inflation touches 45-month high at 5.8%

The Business Recorder (Aug 02, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Inflation has touched a high of three years and nine months at 5.8% in July with the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) remaining unable to introduce a new more representative methodology of prices due to lack of administrative approvals. Measured by the Consumer Price Index, the average rate of increase in prices of 40 dozen items stood at 5.83% in July, reported the national data collecting agency on Wednesday. It is the highest....…Read More

Circular debt has soared to Rs 566bn, senate body told

The Daily Times (Aug 02, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: A legislative body of the Upper House of parliament was informed on Wednesday that circular debt of the country had soared to Rs 566 billion. Technical and distribution losses, less recovery, nonpayment of subsidies and K-Electric payment were few reasons for accumulation of the circular debt, the Senate Special Committee on Circular Debt, which meet under the chairmanship of Senator Shibli Faraz, was told. Shibli Faraz said that. Read More

Foreign exchange: In a major relief, SBP’s reserves surge 15% to $10.35b

The Express Tribune (Aug 02, 2018)

KARACHI: In an interesting turn of events, the foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank have increased by a massive 14.86% on a weekly basis, according to data released on Thursday. The development came after China announced that it would immediately give a $2-billion loan to Pakistan, a move meant to arrest the slide in official foreign currency reserves and provide much-needed breathing space to the new government. Read More

 

US opposes IMF bailout for Pakistan

The Express Tribune (Aug 01, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: A day after US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned against any International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout that helps China, Pakistan has vowed that ‘third parties’ cannot weaken its resolve as it undertakes its biggest infrastructure and energy development plan with the help of Beijing. The $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), one of Beijing’s undertakings in its aggressive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has seen China extend ...…Read More

 

India’s April-June fiscal deficit at 68.7pc of FY target

The Business Recorder (July 31, 2018)

NEW DELHI: India reported on Tuesday a fiscal deficit of 4.29 trillion rupees ($62.57 billion) for April-June, or 68.7 percent of the budgeted target for the current fiscal year compared with 80.8 percent a year ago. Net tax receipts in the first quarter of 2018/19 fiscal year that ends in March 2019 were 2.37 trillion rupees, government data showed. India expects to trim the deficit to 3.3 percent of GDP this fiscal year, after meeting an upwardly revised fiscal deficit...…Read More

 

Dist council approves Rs 1.5bn budget

The DAWN (July 31, 2018)

OKARA: The district council in its annual budget session for 2018-19 approved annual estimated budget worth Rs1.5 billion, including expected income of Rs800.34 million as well as previous year’s balance of Rs250 million. These estimates also comprise provincial grant worth Rs480.8 million under Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) Award and local income of Rs272.5 million. The annual expected expenditures is Rs1.3 billion, including ...…Read More

 

Deficit reaches €142m in first six m

The Times of Malta (July 27, 2018)

The deficit reached €141.9 million in the first six months of the year, with the government spending considerably more than the additional revenue it received. In June 2017, the deficit was €92 million. Revenue went up by 3.8 per cent to €1.89 billion, mostly due to higher income from income tax and social security. However, total spending went up by 6.2 per cent to €2.04 million, spread across both recurrent expenditure.…Read More

 

Budget Study Centre Issue 20
July 26, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts

 

Value of Japan’s ‘sharing economy’ estimated at over ¥500 billion in 2016

The Japan Times (July 26, 2018)

Japan’s so-called sharing economy was estimated to be worth over ¥500 billion ($4.5 billion) in 2016, according to government data, reflecting the rise of peer-to-peer services. Such services, which are not included when calculating gross domestic product, would boost Japan’s ¥548.7 trillion economy by tens of billions of yen, according to a Cabinet Office report released Wednesday. The report breaks the sharing economy down into four categories.…Read More

 

Will the heat wave help or hurt the UK economy?

The Independent (July 26, 2018)

Figures from Nielsen released this week pointed to the strongest UK grocery sales in five years thanks to the heatwave. Separate data from the Kantar Worldpanel also showed supermarket sales spiking over the 12 weeks to the 15 July, with credit given to “the prolonged hot weather”. Yet official data from the Office for National Statistics showed an unexpected fall in retail sales volumes in June, with the agency saying that “consumers.…Read More

 

US want to reduce trade deficit with India soon: Official

The Economic Times (July 26, 2018)

The US wants to reduce its trade deficit with India as quickly as possible, a senior official told lawmakers here, asserting that the Trump administration is aggressively pushing New Delhi on the issues of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, dairy products and agriculture. "The President wants fair and reciprocal trade...when we look at India, there are three sectors where, I think, we can get a significant boost in our trade," Alice G Wells, Principal .…Read More

 

Is change possible for Argentina’s economy?

The Times of Malta by Maria Fenech (July 26, 2018)

Within three months, it was seen that the Argentine peso lost a third of its value relative to the US dollar - nothing new there. Argentina has addressed its social and economic problems with immense state interventionism and deficit spending for seven decades, funded by their printing press. The overall result has always been the same - economic sluggishness and inflation. Now, Argentina has one of the least free economies in the world and some of the world's most..….…Read More

 

Foreign exchange: SBP’s reserves drop by another $53m, stand at $9.01b

The Express Tribune (July 26, 2018)

KARACHI: The size of Pakistan’s economy stood at $313.13 billion at the end of June, 2018, according to provisional figures released on Thursday by the country’s central bank, as a weaker currency took toll on gross domestic product (GDP) in dollar terms. Pakistan’s GDP stood at $304.97 billion at the end of June, 2017, and the economy registered a 13-year high GDP growth rate of 5.8% in FY18. That said, the size of the economy shrunk in dollar terms……Read More

 

Saudi wholesale price index rises 15% in June-GASTAT

The MUBASHER (July 25, 2018)

Riyadh – Mubasher: Saudi Arabia's Wholesale Price Index (Inflation) jumped 15.4% year-on-year during June, General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT) said. The state-run statistics agency attributed the rise to the introduction of the value-added tax (VAT), in addition to adjusting fuel prices as of January 2018. The growth occurred after prices in other goods section surged 34.5% as refined petroleum products’ prices soared 93.9%, while……Read More

 

How the Trump tax cut is helping to push the federal deficit to $1 trillion’

The New York Times by Jim Tankersley (July 25, 2018)

The amount of corporate taxes collected by the federal government has plunged to historically low levels in the first six months of the year, pushing up the federal budget deficit much faster than economists had predicted. The reason is President Trump’s tax cuts. The law introduced a standard corporate rate of 21 percent, down from a high of 35 percent, and allowed companies to immediately deduct many new investments.……Read More

 

PSB’s bad loan rise to 15% of gross advances in FY 18: Govt

The Economic Times (July 24, 2018)

The gross bad loans of public sector banks (PSBs) hit 15 per cent of advances in 2017-18, government said in Parliament today. The gross non-performing assets (NPA) ratio for PSBs stood at 14.6 per cent in 2017-18, minister of state for finance Shiv Pratap Shukla said in Parliament citing data from the Reserve Bank. IDBI Bank topped the list in terms of gross bad loans at 28 per cent of gross advances followed by Indian Overseas Bank (25.3 pc); UCO BankNSE……Read More

 

Bitcoin surpasses $8,000 to hit two-month high

The Hindustan Times (July 24, 2018)

London: Bitcoin, the world’s best-known cryptocurrency, shot past $8,000 on Tuesday for the first time in two months on signs of growing institutional interest in virtual coins. Recent reports about impending approval in the United States for a cryptocurrency exchange traded fund (ETF) have helped bolster demand recently, as have comments by BlackRock’s Chief Executive Larry Fink last week that the world’s biggest investment…Read More

IMF praises Saudi economic reforms

The MUBASHER (July 24, 2018)

Riyadh - Mubasher: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is expecting Saudi Arabia’s real gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 1.9% in 2018, with non-oil growth strengthening to 2.3%. Growth is expected to pick-up further over the medium-term as the reforms take hold and oil output increases, the IMF said in a report issued on Monday. Risks are balanced in the near-term, as the employment of Saudi nationals has increased, ….…Read More

Money kept by Indians in Swiss banks fell by 34.5% in 2017: Piyush Goyal tells Parliament

The Hindustan Times (July 24, 2018)

New Delhi: Indian deposits in Swiss banks fell by 34.5% in 2017 and by 80% since the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal said on Tuesday, citing data from the global body of central banks, the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). He said this in Parliament rebutting last month’s reports, which quoted the Swiss National Bank, the country’s central bank, as saying in its annual report that…….Read More

 

There is no boom or bubble: Bank of England deputy governor defends QE

The Telegraph (July 23, 2018)

Share prices have seen no boom and the housing market has had no hint of a bubble, the Bank of England’s deputy governor has argued. Popular wisdom suggests financial markets have exploded in recent years, pumped up by quantitative easing and ultra-low interest rates. But Ben Broadbent has argued that markets look relatively flat. Instead he believes QE stopped a collapse in prices, rather than forcing them skyward. Average UK house prices on a………..Read More

 

IMP, finance ministry way off on Pakistan’s economic misery

The Express Tribune (July 21, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistan’s finance ministry have failed to make accurate forecasts about the country’s external sector for the last fiscal year, putting a question mark over the capability of both institutions. Projections of the Washington-based lender for the current account deficit and gross official foreign currency reserves for fiscal year 2017-18 were missed by a huge margin. Its first Post Programme…….Read More

 

HDFC Bank posts 18.02% rise in net profit in first quarter

The Hindustan Times (July 21, 2018)

New Delhi: HDFC Bank Ltd posted a 18.2% rise in first-quarter profit on Saturday on higher interest and fee income, though it missed analysts’ estimates. Net profit rose to 46.01 billion rupees ($669.43 million) for the quarter ended June 30, from 38.94 billion rupees a year ago, India’s second-biggest lender by assets said in a statement. Analysts had on average expected a net profit of 47.66 billion rupees for the bank that has the highest market ..…Read More

 

Japan’s core inflation rate hit 0.8% in June on higher energy costs

The Japan Times (July 20, 2018)

The country’s underlying inflation rate edged up in June amid rising energy costs, government data showed Friday, though it continued to fall short of the Bank of Japan’s 2 percent target. The nationwide core consumer price index, which excludes volatile fresh food prices, rose 0.8 percent in June from a year earlier, picking up from a 0.7 percent rise in May to match market forecasts. The index rose for the 18th consecutive month, up to 101……Read More

 

Pakistan’s borrowing soars to record high at $11.4b

The Express Tribune (July 20, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s borrowing from foreign sources hit a record high at $11.4 billion in fiscal year 2017-18, which broke a one-year-old record, as reliance on external creditors grew due to mounting debt and a steep decline in foreign exchange reserves. The loans of $11.4 billion, acquired from July 2017 to June 2018, included $500 million in cash injection by China’s State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), said officials in the...…Read More

 

Trump threatens to hit all $505bn of Chinese imports with tariffs

The Guardian (July 20, 2018)

Donald Trump escalated economic global tensions on Friday, lashing out a range of targets that included the European Union, the Federal Reserve and China, indicating that he is prepared to raise tariffs on Chinese imports from $34bn to cover the entire $505bn of Chinese imports. “I’m willing to go to 500,” he said during a taped interview with the business channel CNBC, an escalation he was prepared to make because it “was the right thing to do for …Read More

 

Size of Pakistan’s economy is $313.13 billion’s says SBP

The Express Tribune (July20, 2018)

KARACHI: The size of Pakistan’s economy stood at $313.13 billion at the end of June, 2018, according to provisional figures released on Thursday by the country’s central bank, as a weaker currency took toll on gross domestic product (GDP) in dollar terms. Pakistan’s GDP stood at $304.97 billion at the end of June, 2017, and the economy registered a 13-year high GDP growth rate of 5.8% in FY18. That said, the size of the economy shrunk in dollar ….…Read More

 

Brexit plan to cost importers £700m a year at the border, HMRC bosses warn

The Telegraph (July 19, 2018)

Importers can expect to be £700m worse off each year because of administrative costs at the border under the Government’s latest Brexit proposals, HMRC bosses have warned. Extra costs will apply to those bringing in goods from outside the EU as they have to choose between paying EU tariffs - for goods going on to the other 27 nations - or UK taxes for products going to British customers. But they will dodge the estimated £17bn to £20bn….…Read More

 

UK interest rate rise in doubt as inflation stays at2.4%

The Guardian (July 18, 2018)

The chances of a rise in interest rates in August have dipped after British inflation remained at a one-year low last month, triggered by the summer sales. Confounding expectations for the return of higher rates of inflation in June fuelled by the rising price of petrol, the Office for National Statistics said the consumer price index remained unchanged at 2.4% from the Although the cost of gas and electricity increased and the price at the pump hit the highest…Read More

 

FBR gets details of Pakistani assets in Britain

The Express Tribune (July 17, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: In a desperate effort to reinvigorate the lackluster offshore tax amnesty scheme, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) claimed on Monday it will proceed against individuals who own immovable properties in the United Kingdom but did not disclose them yet. “The FBR obtains information in respect of immovable properties owned by Pakistanis in the United Kingdom with the assistance of OECD (Organization for Economic …Read More

 

China’s economy slows as trade war with US intensifies

The Hindustan Times (July 16, 2018)

China’s economic expansion slowed in line with expectations, signaling broadly stable output as the trade conflict with the US intensifies. Gross domestic product increased 6.7 percent in the second quarter from a year earlier. That was the slowest pace since 2016 and down slightly from the 6.8 percent pace in the previous quarter. Investment growth and industrial output also slowed in June. Industrial output rose 6 percent last month from .....…Read More

 

Rupee falls 57pc against dollar in inter bank trade

The DAWN (July 16, 2018)

The Pakistani rupee lost 5.7 per cent of its value against the US dollar in inter bank trading on Monday, with the greenback being traded at Rs128.50 in the market towards day's close. Meanwhile, the selling rate in the open market climbed up to Rs130 while the greenback remained short in supply. On Saturday, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Tariq Bajwa had denied any move for devaluation. On the same day, caretaker Finance Minister ……......…Read More

 

EU lower Eurozone 2018 GDP forecast

The Times of Malta (July 15, 2018)

The European Commission trimmed its growth forecast for the euro area this year to 2.1 per cent, downwards from the previous 2.3 per cent projection. Growth of two per cent is now expected for next year. Economic momentum moderated in the first half of 2018 after five straight quarters of vigorous expansion. This slight downward revision compared to spring reflects the impact on confidence of trade tensions and policy uncertainty, ....…Read More

 

Global markets feeling the heat as Trump tax cuts set US economy on fire

The Telegraph (July 14, 2018)

The current heatwave isn’t the only thing that’s causing some discomfort in financial markets. It is clear that the US economy is not only also suffering from a heatwave, but is metaphorically on fire also. Soaring small business confidence, corporate tax cuts fuelling surging company profits, and a labour market that is not only continuing to create jobs but is drawing people back into the workforce as the participation rate rises. And while more company.....…Read More

 

ICCI shows concern over all time high trade deficit of over $37 billion

The Daily Times (July 14, 2018)

The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has shown great concerns over the all-time high trade deficit that has touched US$ 37.7 billion during the fiscal year 2017-18 as it would put more pressure on the forex reserves and create many problems for the struggling economy. Sheikh Amir Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that as per recent figures of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Pakistan’s.....…Read More

 

India’s exports up 17.57% in June, trade deficit widens to 43-month high

The Hindustan Times (July 13, 2018)

Exports grew by 17.5% to $27.7 billion in June on account of healthy growth in sectors such as petroleum and chemicals but trade deficit widened to a 43-month high of $16.6 billion due to costlier crude oil imports. Imports rose by 21.31% to $44.3 billion during the month, according to the data released by the commerce ministry. The trade deficit in June 2018 is the highest since November 2014 when the gap was $16.86 billion. The deficit in June 2017 .....…Read More

 

China trade surplus with US hits record $29bn high

The Guardian (July 13, 2018)

China’s trade surplus with the US widened to a record in June, risking further escalation of a bitter trade dispute with Washington. The difference between China’s exports to the US and its imports from the world’s largest economy expanded to a monthly high of $29bn (£22bn), up from $24.6bn in May. China’s exports to the US jumped by 13.6% in the first half of 2018 from a year earlier, while its imports from the US rose 11.8% in the same period. .....…Read More

Budget Study Centre Issue 19
July 17, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

55,000 people avail amnesty scheme thus far

The DAWN (July 12, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Nearly 55,225 people have filed returns declaring their Rs577 billion worth of foreign assets and Rs1,192bn domestic assets under the tax amnesty scheme, new data released by the finance division on Wednesday shows. The declarants have paid around Rs97bn in taxes thus far with more in the pipeline. The break down showed that the government received a tax amount of Rs36bn on whitening of foreign assets and Rs61bn………Read More

SBP sees gloomy growth for Pakistan in FY19

The Express Tribune (July 12, 2018)

KARACHI: Pakistan is unlikely to achieve the growth target of 6.2% in the current fiscal year amid an increase in the number of challenges facing the economy, wrote the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) in its quarterly report on the state of the economy. After achieving a 13-year high growth of 5.8% last fiscal year, the government set a growth target of 6.2% for 2019. However, depleting foreign exchange reserves and a weaker rupee stifle growth………Read More

Public debt rises 11 percent, touches Rs23.769 trillion during July-May FY18

Pakistan Today (July 10, 2018)

LAHORE: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday released data pertaining to central government debt which rose to Rs23.769 trillion during first 11 months (July-May) of FY18, registering an 11 percent increase during this period. At the end of FY17 (June 2017), the debt was recorded at Rs20.767 trillion, posting an increase of Rs3.002 trillion till May 2018 largely driven by rising domestic and foreign borrowing amidst increasing twin deficits………Read More

IMF bailout on the cards for Pakistan’s next government: analysts

The DAWN (July 09, 2018)

RAWALPINDI: The country's next government, to be chosen in the July 25 general elections, faces growing fears of a balance of payments crisis with speculation it will have to seek its second IMF bailout in five years, analysts say. The central bank is running down its foreign reserves and devaluing the currency in a bid to bridge a yawning trade deficit, and the winners of the election will have “limited time” to act, Fitch ratings agency said on July 2.…Read More

China and Germany swear to keep trade free

The Times of Malta (July 09, 2018)

Germany and China signed a raft of commercial accords worth some €20 billion on Monday, with their leaders reiterating commitments to a multilateral global trade order despite a looming trade war with the United States. The deals, involving German industrial giants such as Siemens, Volkswagen and BASF, come with the two leading exporting powerhouses being forced into an unlikely alliance in defence of the open global trade on …Read More

Egypt expects 9.8% deficit in FY 17/18 budget-MOF

The MUBASHER (July 05, 2018)

Cairo – Mubasher: The Egyptian finance ministry forecasts fiscal year 2017/2018 budget deficit to reach 9.8% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Revenues in the last fiscal year budget are expected to hit EGP 989 billion ($55.47 billion), of which Egypt will repay EGP 817 billion in interests and debt installments, finance minister Mohamed Maait said. The minister has noted that the North African country will announce the,...…Read More

Inflation touches 44-month peak at 5.2%

The Express Tribune (July 05, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: The inflation rate rose 5.2% in June, which was its highest level in the past 44 months, as an increase in prices of petroleum products and sharp depreciation of the rupee started impacting every household adversely. Measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the average increase in prices of 40 dozen items was calculated at 5.2%, reported the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Wednesday. It was the highest level since .…Read More

GST: India’s big reform paying off, but budget hole fears stay

The Economic Times (July 03, 2018)

One year after India introduced a consumption tax, the results have been mixed. Hailed as one of the biggest reforms by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the goods-and-services levy has helped increase tax collections in a country where compliance is historically low. While monthly receipts have picked up after a chaotic rollout, they are still not strong enough to meet the government’s annual tax target. GST brought in an average….…Read More

The role of Civil Society Organization is very vital to improve the governance issues. CNBA

News Room (June 29, 2018)

Quetta: The role of Civil Society Organizations is very vital they can watch the Budget Making Process to improve the governance issues at Provincial level said Raja Shoaib Akbar, Senior Program Manager Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) Islamabad. In 2 Days workshop organized by CPDI, Citizen Network for Budget Accountability (CNBA) raised the demand to ensure the participation of local population in budget making process .…Read More

Civil society organizations raise demand to ensure participation of local population in budget making process at district level.

The Balochistan Point (June 29, 2018)

QUETTA: The civil society organizations can watch the budget making process to improve governance issues at provincial level, said Raja Shoaib Akber, senior program manager Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) Islamabad. While addressing the participants of two-day workshop in Quetta, senior program manager CPDI emphasized the vital role of   civil society organizations for improving governance challenges and budget ….…Read More

Caretakers increase government employees’ salaries, pension in Punjab

The Express Tribune (June 26, 2018)

LAHORE: The provincial cabinet on Tuesday approved a four-month budget for Fiscal Year 2018-19. The meeting approved the proposal of a 10% increase in the salaries of government employees, besides approving to review the house rent. It also gave approval of a 10% increase in the pension of retired government employees. The caretaker government gave approval to the development budget for four months for the new Fiscal Year 2018-19. The meeting also .…Read More

Pakistan’s foreign borrowing surges to $10b in 11 months

The Express Tribune (June 26, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has received nearly $10 billion in foreign loans in the past 11 months, and almost three-fourths have been utilised for budgetary support and meeting external financing requirements, underscoring that the amount cannot be returned without resorting to fresh borrowing. The total loan disbursement from July through May of fiscal year 2017-18 stood at $9.98 billion, reported the Economic Affairs Division on Monday. The 11-month....…Read More

Civil society organizations can watch budget making process: Manager CPDI

Onlineindus News (June 23, 2018)

KARACHI: June 23, 2018: Civil Society Organizations can watch the Budget Making Process to improve the governance issues at Provincial Level Said Raja Shoaib Akber, Senior Program Manager Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) Islamabad. Citizens’ Network for Budget Accountability (CNBA) raised the demand to ensure the participation of local population in budget making process at district level. CPDI’s …………Read More

 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 18 June 26, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Current account deficit rises to $16bn

The Dawn (June 21, 2018)
KARACHI: The current account deficit rose to $16 billion in the first 11 months of this fiscal year, an increase of 43 per cent from the same period last year, according to data released by the State Bank on Wednesday. According to SBP the deficit rose to $15.961bn during the July-May period of 2017-18 against $11.14bn in the corresponding period last year. As a percentage of GDP, the current account deficit rose to 5.5pc from 4pc of GDP in the same ... Read More

Circular debt swells Rs40 billion in just three weeks

The Express Tribune (June 21, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The circular debt has grown Rs40 billion in first three weeks of the current caretaker government, reaching close to Rs550 billion. “The circular debt stood at Rs507 billion on May 31, the last day of the previous government, but it increased Rs40 billion to Rs547 billion in June,” revealed Hub Power Company Chief Executive Officer Khalid Mansoor while briefing the Senate special committee on circular debt ... Read More

Uncertainty results in currency plunging to Rs 125 in open-market

The Express Tribune (June 21, 2018)
KARACHI: Speculation and uncertainty over Pakistani rupee’s value against the US dollar has pushed currency dealers to sell it a record rate of Rs125 on Wednesday, widening the spread with the inter-bank market. As Pakistan desperately moves to arrest the slide of its foreign exchange reserves, the rupee has lost value in both inter- bank and open markets, with the spread between the two going as high as Rs3.52 as currency dealers remained worried over its ... Read More

EU set to push for WTO reforms to ease global trade tensions

Business Recorder (June 19, 2018)
Japan left unchanged its assessment that the economy is gradually recovering, showing policymakers remain confident of a moderate upturn after a contraction in the first quarter. “Japan’s economy is gradually recovering,” the Cabinet Office said in its monthly economic report for June on Tuesday. That was unchanged from the previous month. There was also no change to its assessment that consumer spending is “recovering” and its view that ... Read More

Japan sticks with assessment economy is ‘gradually recovering’

The Daily Times (June 20, 2018)
BRUSSELS: European Union countries will commit to drive reform of the World Trade Organization to ensure trade is both free and fair, assuming their leaders adopt draft conclusions prepared ahead of next week’s EU summit. EU leaders will meet in Brussels on June 28-29 to discuss a range of issues, including migration and security as well as trade, which has taken on added importance after US President Donald Trump imposed import tariffs on EU steel ... Read More

Finance minister seeks support for success of amnesty scheme

The Express Tribune (June 19, 2018)
KARACHI: The caretaker government, with its limited mandate to fix the faltering economy, has urged bankers and stockbrokers to play their role in making the tax amnesty scheme successful and the first dollar-based savings certificates for overseas Pakistanis to shore up the critically low foreign currency reserves. To make the scheme successful, the government is ready to make amendments to relevant laws in order to remove the emerging..... ... Read More

Trump sets $50bln in China tariffs; Beijing wows to strike back

The News (June 16, 2018)
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said he was pushing ahead with hefty tariffs on $50 billion of Chinese imports on Friday, and the smoldering trade war between the world's two largest economies showed signs of igniting as Beijing immediately vowed to respond in kind. Trump laid out a list of more than 800 strategically important imports from China that would be subject to a 25 percent tariff starting on July 6, including... Read More

Budget deficit widens to Rs2.1tr, far exceeding FY18 target

The Express Tribune (June 14, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The budget deficit is estimated to have widened to roughly Rs2.1 trillion in 11 months of the current fiscal year, of which nearly 30% was recorded in last two months of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, indicating negligence of the finance ministry. Initial estimates of fiscal operations suggested that the budget deficit from July through May of fiscal year 2017-18 could have shot up to Rs2.1 trillion or 6.1% of ... ... Read More

Pakistan braces for higher inflation as rupee weakens

The Express Tribune (June 13, 2018)
KARACHI: Contrary to the previous two rounds of rupee devaluation, this time the KSE-100 Index underwent a rather subdued ride when the currency weakened against the US dollar. Analysts say the third round of rupee weakening, which came against expectations and assurances given by the PML-N government, has left investors bewildered at the extent of the plunge, sending them ducking for cover as macroeconomic……..... ... Read More

No mandate to seek IMF package, says finance minister

The DAWN (June 13, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Highlighting serious issues relating to current account and fiscal deficit, caretaker Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar on Tuesday said the interim government had no mandate to sign any new agreement or start negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout package, stressing that any decision to that effect should be taken by the upcoming elected government. She also said that market forces should decide the ….. ... Read More

Pakistan’s trade deficit widens to $34 billion

Daily Times (June 12, 2018)
KARACHI: Pakistan’s trade deficit in eleven months of outgoing fiscal widened to $33.88 billion from the $29.88 billion reported in corresponding period of last fiscal, official data showed on Monday. The overall trade deficit widened by 13.40 percent in July-May period of Fiscal Year 2017-18 (FY18) as compared to the same period of FY17, reported the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS). The overall exports in eleven months of FY18 increased by 15.28 percent ... Read More

Overseas Pakistanis remit $18 billion in 11MFY18, up by2.95%

Daily Times (June 12, 2018)
KARACHI: Overseas Pakistani workers remitted $18028.24 million in the first eleven months (July to May) of FY18, showing a growth of 2.95 % compared with US $17511.12 million received during the same period in the preceding year. According to State Bank of Pakistan, during May2018, the inflow of worker’s remittances amounted to US $1771.24 million, which is 7.30% higher than April 2018 and 5.13%lower than May2017. The country wise details for the ... Read More

Pakistan uses Chinese trade finance to repay foreign debt

The Express Tribune (June 10, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has largely exhausted a Chinese trade financing facility to repay its foreign debt as the finance ministry struggles to find another source to finance the current account deficit in June in a bid to keep foreign currency reserves at current levels and prevent them from falling further. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has largely tapped $1.5 billion in additional trade financing facility available under the China-Pakistan currency swap ... Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 17 June 8, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Public enterprises eat up 3.5pc of GDP in debts

The DAWN (June 7, 2018)
KARACHI: The public sector enterprises’ (PSEs) debt has almost soared to Rs1 trillion at the end of third quarter of FY18, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported in its latest issue of Statistical Bulletin for June. The outgoing government could not resolve the growing problem of PSEs’ debts and it failed to address the issue of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) loaded with huge loans....…Read More
 

World Bank sees Pakistan growth slowing down next

The DAWN (June 7, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has forecast Pakistan’s economic growth in next fiscal year to slow down owing to higher than expected oil prices. Growth in the Pakistani economy is expected to slow to 5pc in 2018-19 from expected growth of 5.8pc in the outgoing fiscal year, reflecting tighter policies to improve macroeconomic stability, says the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects Report for 2018.……....…Read More
 

GDP woes over, Indian economy to grow at 7.3% in 2018-19, says World Bank

The Business Today (June 6, 2018)
Indian economy is likely to regain its pace in the current fiscal and once again become the fastest growing emerging economy, a World Bank report said. The Global Economic Prospects report released by the World Bank on Tuesday projects that India will see its gross domestic product (GDP) grow at a rate of 7.3 per cent during the ongoing fiscal and at 7.5 per cent in the two succeeding ones. "Growth in India is projected to accelerate to 7.3 percent in.…Read More
 

External financing to reach over $11.6bn in 2018-19

Pakistan Today (June 6, 2018)
KARACHI: The total inflows of external financing are expected to the tune of over $11.653 billion during the upcoming fiscal year (2018-19). “Total inflows of external financing are expected to be $11,653.9 million during 2018-19 with project loans worth $4,835.2 million and programme loans worth $1,818.6 million,” said sources in the Economic Affairs Division. According to figures, the country would receive financing of $3130.8 million from …....…Read More
 

British taxpayer set to lose in $3.5bn RBS sale

The DAWN (June 5, 2018)
LONDON: Britain is selling some of its stake in Royal Bank of Scotland for about 2.6 billion pounds ($3.5bn), although it will realise a significant loss as it unwinds its holding and returns the bailed-out lender to private hands. The government said on Monday it would sell about 7.7 per cent of RBS, which was rescued in a 45.5bn pound bailout at the height of the 2008 financial crisis, reducing its overall stake to 62pc. Britain will make a loss on that ……....…Read More
 

Rupee weakens to record low as dollar flow slows down

The Express Tribune (June 2, 2018)
KARACHI: With a persistent decline in Pakistan’s foreign currency reserves that were not enough to bear the cost of two months of imports, the rupee weakened to a record low of Rs119.35 to the US dollar in the open market on Friday. During the day, the currency also hit a new all-time intra-day low of Rs119.80 to the US dollar, according to Dollareast Exchange Company’s website. On Thursday, the rupee had closed at Rs119.10 to the greenback, .…Read More
 

‘With political instability, economic activities sinking’

The Express Tribune (June 2, 2018)
LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has urged political parties to show maturity and safeguard the interests of the country. In a statement issued on Friday, LCCI President Malik Tahir Javaid said due to political instability trade and economic activities were sinking and appealed to protesters to stay away from such politics because the country was facing huge economic losses only because of irrational.…Read More
 

Indian economic growth hits highest rate in almost two years

The DAWN (June 1, 2018)
NEW DELHI: The Indian economy grew 7.7 per cent year-on-year in January-March, its quickest pace in nearly two years driven by higher growth in manufacturing, the farm sector and construction. The figure surpassed China’s growth rate of 6.8pc in the January-March quarter, confirming India as the fastest growing major economy. For the fiscal year that ended March 31, the Ministry of Statistics reported growth of 6.7pc, down.…Read More
 

Rs31.3bn released hours before government’s term ends.

The DAWN (June 1, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The PML-N government on Thursday paid Rs31.3bn sales tax refunds to traders and exporters a few hours ahead of completion of its five-year term of government while leaving behind massive shortfalls in revenue collection. The Ministry of Finance has asked Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to prepare a list of claimants who will be issued a refund. The list was completed in a very short time and the full amount will reach taxpayers’.…Read More
 

With the end of PML-N’s term, SBP’s reserves stand at just $10.03b

The Express Tribune (May 31, 2018)
KARACHI: Foreign exchange reserves held by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) remained under pressure, falling 2.78% on a weekly basis, according to data released by the central bank on Thursday. With the PML-N’s tenure ending today (Thursday, May 31), the country’s foreign exchange reserves stand depleted, sparking concern over Pakistan’s ability to meet future payment obligations and manage a bulging current account deficit.…Read More
 

Circular debt at Rs573 billion influential people major defaulters

The Express Tribune (May 30, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Energy (Power Division) acknowledged on Tuesday that the circular debt had reached Rs573 billion – a massive amount that undermines efforts made to improve power production and transmission. Briefing the Senate special committee on circular debt, chaired by Shibli Faraz, the joint secretary of Power Division said out of the circular debt of Rs573 billion, running defaulters, who were very influential, had to…Read More
 

Pakistan, WB sign two financing pacts of $400m

The Nation (May 30, 2018)
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Tuesday has signed two financing agreements worth $400 million with the World Bank including Punjab Cities Programme ($200 million) and Punjab Green Development Programme ($200 million). Economic Affairs Division Secretary Syed Ghazanfar Abbas Jilani signed the financing agreements on behalf of the Government of Pakistan while representatives of Government of Punjab signed their respective .…Read More
 

Govt borrowed $9.6 billion in 10 months

The Nation (May 29, 2018)
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan has borrowed $9.6 billion from external sources only in ten months of the current fiscal year increasing the overall debt of the country that has already surged to $91.8 billion. Pakistan has received $1.6 billion in new foreign loans during the month of April only, as major part of the borrowing $1.2 billion was through the commercial banks. The government has already breached the limit of annual foreign borrowing of $8 billion, as the …Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 16 May 24, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Govt hires UAE banks to raise $200m loan

The DAWN (May 24, 2018)
DUBAI: The Government of Pakistan is raising a $200 million syndicated loan with three United Arab Emirates (UAE) banks, banking sources familiar with the matter said, as Islamabad clings to external funding to stave off the pressure on balance of payments. The loan, with a one-year maturity, is being arranged by Commercial Bank of Dubai, Emirates NBD, and Noor Bank, said the sources. Pakistan needs to raise funds to offset a drop in international ….Read More
 

Pak, UK merchandise trade increased to over £1.93bn

Business Recorder (May 23, 2018)
LONDON: The merchandise trade volume between Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK) during the calendar year 2017 has increased to over £ 1.93 billion showing an increase of 8 percent when compared to last year (2016), Commercial Counsellor Pakistan High Commission London, Sajid Mehmood Raja, said Tuesday. “During the year 2017 Pakistan’s total exports to the United Kingdom reached over £ 1.24 billion which also showed an….Read More
 

Sindh Assembly approves budget for fiscal year 2018-19

The Express Tribune (May 23, 2018)
KARACHI: Despite protests from the opposition benches, the government passed on Tuesday the Rs1.44 trillion budget for the financial year 2018-19 in the Sindh Assembly by approving Rs110 billion supplementary grants for the outgoing year 2017-18. After the eight-day debate on the budget, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who also holds the portfolio of the finance ministry, moved a motion to pass the annual and supplementary budget. Opposition ….Read More
 

German economy still booming but has lost some momentum-Bundesbank

Times of Malta (May 22, 2018)
Growth in the German economy, Europe's biggest, remains robust but the underlying momentum has likely weakened and the risk of a global trade war remains, the Bundesbank said on Tuesday in a regular monthly economic report. Much of the first-quarter dip in growth was due to exceptional factors so a rebound is still likely, even if the overall growth momentum has also softened somewhat, the Bundesbank said. "We expected that the boom in ….Read More
 

Exports likely to cross $5billion

The Express Tribune (May 22, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is expected to become an outsourcing destination by 2020, and is likely to increase IT and ITES exports to the $5-billion mark, after launching strategic initiatives along with tax holiday and capital repatriation incentives for the private sector. There are tremendous opportunities for Pakistan as its IT and ITES-Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) exports are estimated to have crossed $3 billion already this year. A ministry official….Read More
 

Pakistan’s budget deficit soars to record Rs.1.48 trillion

The Express Tribune (May 22, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The government that once took pride in ensuring fiscal discipline is now on a path of compromising Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability as it has booked a record high budget deficit of Rs1.481 trillion for nine months of the current fiscal year, which is even higher than the annual target. The overall budget deficit – the gap between income and expenditure – widened to 4.3% of gross domestic product (GDP) or …….Read More
 

Provincial Budget 2018-19: Gree and gloom in Balochistan agri budget

The DAWN by Mohiuddin Aazim (May 21, 2018)
THE fact that the there was no mention of the proposed Balochistan Bank in the provincial budget for the next fiscal year might have disappointed agriculturists, particularly small farmers. In his budget speech for the current fiscal year delivered on June 15, 2017, Aslam Bizenjo, the then adviser to the Balochistan chief minister, announced an allocation of Rs10 billion for the proposed provincial bank. But when the current adviser, Dr Ruqayya Saeed Hashmi, presented the next fiscal …….Read More
 

AJK govt presents over Rs 108bn budget for next fiscal year

Business Recorder (May 21, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir government presented over Rs 108 billion budget for the fiscal year 2018-19. According to Radio Pakistan Minister for Finance Dr. Najeeb Naqi presented the budget in the House on Monday. Presenting the budget he said over Rs 25 billion have been allocated for the development sector showing an increase of ten percent as compared to recurrent budget. Over Rs 82 billion have been proposed for the non-development expenditure... Read More
 

US and China put trade war ‘on hold’

The Guardian (May 20, 2018)
America has pulled back from launching a trade war with China that could have destabilised the global economy, by agreeing to put proposed tariffs on Chinese imports “on hold”. The Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, said on Sunday that negotiations with Chinese officials have borne fruit, meaning Washington and Beijing can step back from imposing punishing tariffs on each other’s exports. Xi strikes conciliatory tone on trade but offers few concessions …….Read More
 

World Bank to invest $460m in road from Peshawar to Afghan border

The Express Tribune (May 20, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: After marked improvement in the security situation, the World Bank has decided to invest $460 million to build a new road from Peshawar to Afghanistan border aimed at bolstering trade between the two nations and creating job opportunities in war-torn federally administered tribal areas (FATA). The board of directors of the World Bank is likely to approve the $460-million loan next month for Peshawar-Torkham Expressway …….Read More
 

Pakistan’s current account fedicit widens to record high

The Express Tribune (May 19, 2018)
KARACHI: Pakistan’s current account deficit has widened 50% to a record high of $14.03 billion in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year 2018, reported the central bank on Friday. The deficit stood at $9.35 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The deficit increases woes of the country’s economic managers as a widening current account takes toll on foreign exchange reserves that ……Read More
 

Argentina forced to seek IMP aid over fears for economy

The Guardian (May 18, 2018)
Argentina’s struggle this week to prevent a collapse in its currency and soaring interest rates from destabilising its ailing economy appeared to have ended in failure on Friday, leaving it to seek financial aid from the International Monetary Fund. The IMF, the lender of last resort to nation states, said the South American country had formally requested an “exceptional access standby arrangement” that would allow Argentina to pay its foreign bills ……Read More
 

Pakistan’s external debt soars to record $91.8b

The Express Tribune (May 17, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s external debt and liabilities have soared to a record $91.8 billion, showing an increase of over 50% or nearly $31 billion in the past four years and nine months, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has reported. The external debt and liabilities of $91.8 billion as of March-end suggest that the figure may touch $100 billion very soon as the country faces grave challenges in meeting growing external financing requirements. Pakistan is scheduled to……Read More
 

Budget 2018-19: Ismail unveils new relief measures in windup speech

The Express Tribune (May 16, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Dr Miftah Ismail on Tuesday announced new relief measures for middle and upper-income groups in his budget windup speech, but turned down proposals that were aimed at giving concessions to non-filers of income tax returns. While ending the debate in the lower house of parliament, the finance minister announced additional measures which would appease sitting ……. Read More
 

German Economy Loses Luster as Global Tensions Bite

The Wall Street Journal (May 15, 2018)
FRANKFURT— Europe’s largest economy cooled sharply in the first quarter amid a drop in government spending and weak exports—a sign that a stronger euro and global tensions are beginning to leave a mark on the German economy. Germany’s annualized growth rate slowed to 1.2% from 2.5% in the fourth quarter of last year, the Federal Statistical Office said Tuesday. This means that the German economy was growing more slowly than the U.S., which …Read More
 

To service maturing debt, Pakistan to borrow Rs22 trillion in 2018-19

The Express Tribune (May 15, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: As the country falls deeper into payments obligation, the federal government has sought the National Assembly’s approval to borrow a record Rs22 trillion in the next financial year to service its maturing public debt, an amount 44% or Rs6.7 trillion higher than the figure for the ongoing year. Federal Finance Minister Miftah Ismail asked on Monday for the National Assembly’s stamp for a record high borrowing of Rs22 trillion …Read More
 

The UK economy’s slowdown is clear to all. Except the Bank of England

The Guardian (May 13, 2018)
Mark Carney is not so much an unreliable boyfriend as a schoolboy who keeps getting his homework wrong. The Bank of England governor gave his quarterly review of the economy last week and yet again confounded earlier expectations that he would increase the cost of borrowing. Whereas in the past Carney has confidently predicted that the economy is robust and capable of absorbing increases in interest rates, only to find plausible …Read More
 

Punjab to present over Rs 155b supplementary budget Monday

The Nation (May 12, 2018)
LAHORE - The Punjab governor has summoned the session of the Punjab Assembly on Monday, 14 May 3pm to present the Supplementary Budget for the financial year 2017-18 worth over Rs155 billion. Gazette Notification to this effect has been issued by the Assembly Secretariat. Speaker Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan will preside this 36th session of the assembly. It is to be noted that Sindh government unveiled the budget for the fiscal year …Read More
 

Overseas Pakistanis remit $16.25b in ten months

The Nation (May 11, 2018)
KARACHI - Overseas Pakistani workers remitted $16257 million in the first ten months (July to April) of FY18, showing a growth of 3.92 percent compared with US $15643.97 million received during the same period in the preceding year. During April 2018, the inflow of workers’ remittances amounted to $1650.59 million, which is 6.89 percent lower than March 2018 and 7.25pc higher than April 2017. The country-wise details for the month of April …Read More
 

Sindh unveils Rs1.14 trillion deficit budget

The Nation (May 11, 2018)
Karachi - Pakistan People’s Party led Sindh government on Thursday unveiled its sixth and last budget of the expiring tenure with a total outlay of Rs1.14 trillion and Rs20.45 billion deficit. The budget comprised estimates for the whole year but Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced that they would authorise only its part pertaining to first quarter of Fiscal 2018-19. The opposition parties however were not satisfied with the government figures and staged protest….…Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 15 May 15, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

CM Murad to present Sindh budget today

The News (May 10, 2018)
KARACHl: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah will present a record over Rs 1 trillion budget for the financial year 2018-19 today (Thursday). Earlier, Sindh government had announced to present the budget on May 5, however government had to backtrack from its decision, now the government is all set to unveil budget for the financial year 2018-19 today. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who also holds the portfolio of the finance, will present the budget ………..Read More
 

Senate body finalizes budget proposals

The Express Tribune (May 10, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The Senate, where the opposition enjoys a majority, on Wednesday implicitly accepted the government’s right to present the next fiscal year’s budget, as it withdrew a recommendation that sought to limit the PML-N government’s right to present the new budget to only four months. The Senate unanimously adopted a report of the Senate Standing Committee on Finance on Finance Bill 2018 and the Annual Budget…..Read More
 

LHC moved to declare PML-N’s sixth budget illegal

The Patriot (May 05, 2018)
Lahore: a petition seeking to declare unlawful the presentation of the full-year budget 2018-19 by the Pakistan Muslim League Mawaz (PML-N) government is closing weeks of its five years term was filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Saturday. The petitioner has pleaded with the high court to strike down the budget for what he said being unlawful and unconstitutional. He argued that PML-N government was not entitled to unveil a …..…Read More
 

California’s economy passes UK’s to become world’s fifth biggest

The Guardian (May 04, 2018)
California’s economy has surpassed that of the United Kingdom to become the world’s fifth largest, according to new federal data made public on Friday. Despite having a population of only 40 million compared with the UK’s 65 million people, California’s gross domestic product of $2.7tn has overtaken the UK’s $2.6tn. The so-called Golden State’s GDP rose by $127bn in the period from 2016 to 2017, while the UK’s economic output fell ………Read More
 

Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook, weak balance of trade, and current account deficit

Pakistan Today (May 01, 2018)
LAHORE: As a country divided over its economic policies, embroiled in political infighting and flaky governance along with a longstanding trend of borrowing from internal and external sources to sustain the economy, Pakistan continues to surprise with figures indicating growth and potential to grow even further. The recent announcement of the budget for the fiscal year 2018-19 has been praised by the business community,….…Read More
 

K-P Health dept wants Rs 4b more

The Express Tribune (April 30, 2018)
PESHAWAR: Following directions from the apex court, the provincial health department has sought additional funds from the government to provide critical equipment to health facilities around the province. Chief Justice Saqib Nisar, while presiding over a division bench at Supreme Court registry, had ordered the provincial health department to submit a report on the necessary facilities provided to health centres across .…Read More
 

Experts term budget 2018-19 as non-conventional budget

Pakistan Today (April 30, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: This year the budget 2018-19 is non-conventional as compared to the last four year’s budgets, where the government presented a popular budget with an eye on the upcoming general elections. There is a need to understand the budget in totality and need to have informed criticism and praise of the budget. Whereas, the opposition political parties have to present their shadow budget that should give the formula to reduce the tax rate, reduce …Read More
 

Indonesia officials laud country’s financial stability

The Wall Street Journal (April 30, 2018)
JAKARTA—Indonesia’s financial system is well and under control despite the recently increased pressure on the financial markets, authorities said Monday. “The stability was supported by Indonesia’s strong economic fundamentals, improving performance of financial institutions, and the companies listed on the local stock exchange,” Finance Minister Sri Mulyani said in a press conference after a monthly joint meeting with Bank .………Read More
 

‘K-P ignored in new finance bill’

The Express Tribune (April 30, 2018)
The chief of a major party in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on Sunday rejected the federal budget announced on Friday, flaying the federal government for ignoring the province. The comments echo those of traders in the province who have similarly expressed their dissatisfaction with the budget. Education survey: Primary enrollment gets a boost Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) Chairman Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, while addressing ………Read More
 

PML-N government announces populist budget: CPDI

The News (April 29, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The government has announced one of the most populist budgets in the history of Pakistan giving relief to almost all the sectors of the society. Giving populist budget is not a negative point as government is duty-bound to maximise the welfare of citizens. But without an alternate programme to offset the loss of tax revenue that will occur as a result of tax relief, the future government may be in trouble to get revenue and expenditure targets. The ….Read More
 

India likely to clock 7.5 percent growth in FY19: Deutsche Bank

India Today (April 29, 2018)
The Indian economy is witnessing a "cyclical upswing" and the country is likely clock a GDP growth of 7.5 per cent this financial year, says a Deutsche Bank research report. "Our current growth forecast for 2018-19 is 7.5 per cent (RBI estimate is 7.4 per cent), which will mark an improvement from the 6.7 per cent likely outturn in 2017-18," the global financial services major said. The Reserve Bank expects India's economic growth rate to strengthen to…Read More
 

Water sector budget gets 56pc boost

Express Tribune (April 29, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: For the first time during its five-year tenure, the PML-N government has increased the budget for water sector by 56%. The water sector allocation has been increased from Rs36.75 billion in the outgoing financial year 2017-18 to Rs64.62 billion for FY2018-19. The proposed amount is one-tenth of the proposed size of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) authorised by the finance ministry. During…Read More
 

Budget 2018: PML-N eyes next elections in sixth budget

The News (April 27, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Amid lingering controversy over the legality of federal budget 2018-19, the ruling PML-N government unveiled its sixth consecutive budget in the National Assembly at the twilight of its constitutional tenure. Miftah Ismail, who was appointed as federal minister hours earlier, presented the budget proposals eyeing the forthcoming elections. Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Syed Khursheed ……Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 14 April 26, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Rupee depreciates to all-time high of Rs 119.50 against US dollar in kerb market

Pakistan Today (April 26, 2018)
KARACHI: The rupee further depreciated to an all-time high of Rs119.50 against the US dollar in the kerb market on Wednesday. It comes merely days after the central bank had held an emergency meeting with currency exchange companies in which their heads were requested to arrange an adequate supply of dollars in the kerb market, reported an English daily. Separate meetings of two representative bodies of the currency exchange operators were held with….. Read More

Chinese project financing will dip to $906m in FY2018-19

Express Tribune (April 26, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Project financing from China is expected to dip by more than half to only $906 million during the next fiscal year due to completion of work on some major China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects and a snail’s pace progress on other schemes. “As against revised estimates of slightly over $2 billion Chinese project loans for CPEC and non-CPEC projects in the outgoing fiscal year, the government has estimated receiving only $906 million in……… Read More

Getting budget passed a daunting task for PML-N

Express Tribune (April 26, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The government may face a major challenge in getting the upcoming federal budget passed through the National Assembly as the opposition has conveyed it to the rulers that it will support the Finance Bill 2018 only if they say yes to the opposition’s nominee for the post of caretaker prime minister. With the new budget just around the corner and several names under consideration for appointment as caretaker PM, the …..…Read More

Federal Budget 2018-19 to be more responsible: Miftah Ismail

Business Recorder (April 25, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Miftah Ismail Tuesday said that the government was set to present a balanced, responsible, and low deficit Federal Budget for the year 2018-19 on Friday (April 27). “We will present a responsible budget that will be acceptable to any upcoming government,” he said while talking to a private news channel. To a question regarding opposition’s demand for presenting the budget for …..…Read More

Govt to announce tax relief of Rs. 80bn in next budget: Rana Afzal

Business Recorder (April 25, 2018)
SLAMABAD: Minister of State for Finance, Rana Muhammad Afzal Tuesday said that the government would announce in the up coming budget 2018-19, a tax relief of around Rs 80 billion for salaried class of the country. From July 1, 2018, the people who have income of less than Rs 100,000 per month, will be exempted from any tax, while tax ratio for those who have monthly income of over Rs 100,000 per month is also being cut significantly, Rana Afzaal said ..…Read More

CPEC provides base for economic growth: Zubair

DAWN (April 25, 2018)
KARACHI: Sindh Governor Muham¬mad Zubair has said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has provided a great opportunity for sustainable economic growth for the next 10 to 20 years which Pakistan badly needed. Addressing the concluding ceremony of the two-day CPEC Summit 2018 organised by the Dawn Media Group and the Ministry of Planning and Development with the participation of the Pakistan-China Joint Chamber of Commerce..…Read More

Annual Plan 2018-19 projects 6.2 percent economic growth rate & 6 percent inflation

Pakistan Today (April 25, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The Annual Plan 2018-19 approved by the National Economic Council (NEC) headed by the Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi projected a 6.2 percent economic growth rate for the upcoming financial year (FY 2018-19). Also, the inflation rate for FY 2018-19 was set at 6 percent and the projected economic growth rate of 6.2 percent is a touch higher than the provisional rate of 5.8 percent for current FY 2017-18, reported Express Tribune. The Asian.…Read More

UK economy grew slower in first quarter of 2018 than last quarter of 2017

The Guardian (April 23, 2018)
The UK economy is set for another year of uninspiring growth in 2018, according to the latest forecasts from the EY Item Club. This week’s first-quarter GDP figures are expected to show growth of just 0.2%-0.3%, according to EY Item Club economists, mainly due to the severe weather the hit the country at the end of February and beginning of March. This compares to quarter-on-quarter growth of 0.4% in the final three months of 2017.…Read More

Budget 2018-19 to be announced on May 8: CM Bizenjo

Express Tribune (April 22, 2018)
QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo has said that the budget 2018-19 will be announced on May 8, a month ahead of schedule, as the provincial assembly will stand dissolved on May 31 in the wake of general elections in July. “The development funds will be frozen from April 27,” said CM Bizenjo while addressing a session of the Balochistan Cabinet. Balochistan unveils Rs328.5b budget Sources privy to the development……Read More

Demand: “Kalabagh dam should be included in budget 2018-19”

Express Tribune (April 20, 2018)
LAHORE: Kalabagh dam should not be ignored in the federal budget 2018-19 at any cost as water scarcity is heading towards the point of no return, said Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Malik Tahir Javaid in a statement issued on Wednesday. “Those opposing the Kalabagh Dam are unaware of the ground realities,” added Javaid. “How can a mega water project be harmful for an agrarian country?” The ……Read More
 

Govt aims for large hike in current expenditures in its last budget

DAWN (April 18, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Cabinet on Tuesday approved Budget Strategy Paper (BSP) for next fiscal year envisaging Rs1.1 trillion for defence, Rs1.6tr for debt servicing and 5.3pc fiscal deficit in the absence of any foreign aid for budgetary support. Presided over by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the meeting also approved revised estimates for current fiscal year because of some key slippages on the expenditure side including 5.5pc fiscal deficit for ………Read More
 

Defence, debt to eat up half of proposed Rs.5.237 trillion budget for 2018-19

Express Tribune (April 18, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has approved an expansionary fiscal policy that offers little for development but gives away more than half of the estimated budget of Rs5.237 trillion for new fiscal year to meet the growing needs of defence as well as debt servicing. The cabinet on Tuesday approved Rs1.1 trillion for regular defence budget and another Rs100 billion for Armed Forces Development Programme (AFDP) – a sum of Rs1.2 trillion that ………Read More
 

Pakistan plans to borrow record $13b next fiscal year

Express Tribune (April 15, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has planned to borrow a record-breaking $13 billion in the next fiscal year alone, nearly 63% higher than the outgoing fiscal year’s original estimates, meant largely to repay previously obtained loans and stabilise nose-diving foreign currency reserves. The provisional estimate to borrow $13 billion has been prepared for the budget 2018-19 the PML-N government wants to unveil on April 27, said sources at the Ministry of Finance. If the plan materialises,..Read More
 

Govt set to approve 6.2% GDP growth target for next year

Express Tribune (April 14, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: As the federal cabinet’s approval of the Budget Strategy Paper remains pending, the government is set to approve next fiscal year’s macroeconomic framework, which envisages 6.2% economic growth rate and 6% inflation targets. The Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) will approve fiscal year 2018-19’s macroeconomic framework and federal Public Sector Development Programme on Monday. ……Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 13 April 16, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

PM’s aide going to attend IMF meetings just days before budget

The Express Tribune (April 12, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has decided to send his finance aide to attend spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a bid to assess the mood in Washington before Pakistan makes a decision on whether to seek another bailout. The decision to send Dr Miftah Ismail, Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance, to Washington hardly 10 days before the announcement of budget signifies the importance of the move. Ismail … Read More
 

Govt unable to meet saving and investment targets

The Express Tribune (April 11, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Two key structural problems of Pakistan’s economy – low investment and saving rates – remained unaddressed during the five-year PML-N tenure, as the government again missed both these critical targets in the outgoing fiscal year, showed official statistics. By the end of fiscal year 2017-18, private investment has been projected to fall to the lowest level in five years, despite the bonanza of the China-Pakistan Economic …….… Read More
 

China to further open its financial market to the world

China Daily (April 11, 2018)
China central bank governor Yi Gang announced on Wednesday a slew of detailed measures to further open up the financial market, including erasing the capital cap on foreign-owned banks and wealth management firms operating in China, as well as easing equity restrictions on foreign securities and fund companies within this year. China expects most measures to open financial market will be in place by June 30, Yi said at a … Read More
 

Growth to hit 11-year peak

DAWN (April 10, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The PML-N government on Monday announced that the economy is going to grow at 5.79 per cent, slightly lower than the target of 6pc for 2017-18, but highest in the last 11 years. In the meeting of National Accounts Committee (NAC), only 15 out of 20 key growth indicators were found to be on target. The growth rate, however, is provisional as final numbers for the full year will firm up later. The per capita income calculates to Rs180,204 for … Read More
 

Deficit to top $1 trillion per year by 2020, CBO says

The Washington Post (April 09, 2018)
America’s deficit is rising sharply and will surpass $1 trillion per year by 2020, a gap that has grown since Congress cut taxes and increased spending, the Congressional Budget Office reported Monday. The federal deficit — the gap between how much the government takes in and how much it spends — will hit $804 billion in fiscal 2018, up 21 percent from 2017, the CBO said. “The federal budget deficit grows substantially over the next several years,” CBO Budget …… Read More
 

Hungary posts 345.3bn forint March budget deficit

Business Recorder (April 09, 2018)
BUDAPEST: Hungary’s 2018 budget deficit widened by 345.3 billion forints ($1.36 billion) to 871.9 billion forints in March, the Economy Ministry said on Monday, affirming its 2.4 percent of gross domestic product full-year deficit target. The gap was widened by the financing of European Union-sponsored projects as well as spending on urban development projects, the ministry said. It said one-off pre-election food vouchers provided to pensioners also … Read More
 

Work on budget well under say

Express Tribune (April 07, 2018)
QUETTA: Adviser to Balochistan Chief Minister on Finance Dr Ruqayya Saeed Hashmi has said useful suggestions are being taken from stakeholders, budget experts and finance department officials regarding the budget 2018-19. She said this while addressing a seminar on Governance and Policy Project (GPP) organised by the finance department on Thursday. On the occasion, Additional Chief Secretary Naseebullah………. Read More
 

Trump proposes $100 billion in additional tariffs on Chinese products

CNBC News (April 06, 2018)
President Donald Trump on Thursday said he has instructed the United States Trade Representative to consider $100 billion in additional tariffs against China. "In light of China's unfair retaliation, I have instructed the USTR to consider whether $100 billion of additional tariffs would be appropriate under section 301 and, if so, to identify the products upon which to impose such tariffs," Trump said in a ……….Read More
 

Shortest discussion on budget since 2000

The Economic Times (April 04, 2018)
NEW DELHI: Budget session 2018 has a dubious distinction — it will have approved a Budget of over Rs 24 lakh crore with members of Parliament spending less than a day of discussion on it. In this Budget session, conducted in two phases, MPs in Lok Sabha spent only 14 and half hours debating the Budget while Rajya Sabha spent even less — 10.9 hours. It’s the least amount of time spent by Parliament deliberating the Budget since 2000, for…... Read More
 

Inflation eases to 3.2pc

DAWN (April 03, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Inflation, measured through Consumer Price Index (CPI), eased to 3.2 per cent in March from 3.8pc in the previous month, mainly driven by a drop in prices of perishable eatables. The CPI-based inflation has decelerated for the third consecutive month after it reached peak of 4.6pc in December 2017. The CPI tracks the prices of around 480 commodities every month in urban centres across the country, according to data released by …. Read More
 

Planning Ministry want Rs 1.1 trillion as development budget

Express Tribune by Shahbaz Rana (April 03, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: As budget meetings begin in earnest to assess financial needs of various arms of the government, the planning ministry has demanded Rs1.1 trillion for upcoming fiscal year’s development budget, which is 37.5% higher than the ceiling indicated to it. The Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform is not satisfied with the finance ministry’s decision to allocate only Rs800 billion for Public Sector Development Programme …. Read More
 

Upcoming Punjab budget to be agriculture friendly

Pakistan Today (March 31, 2018)
LAHORE: Punjab’s finance minister Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha on Friday told journalists that its forthcoming budget for financial year 2018-19, would raise quotas for agricultural and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sectors. Ms. Pasha said the provincial government was removing general sales on electric tube wells to decrease input costs for farmers and over 35,000 farmers have been granted concessional loans, reported……Read More
 

Development budget to take hit from cuts.

Express Tribune (March 23, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The finance ministry has proposed Rs800 billion development budget for the next fiscal year, which is one-fifth less than the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for this year and would affect physical progress on almost 1,100 schemes. The finance ministry on Thursday formally informed the Ministry of Planning, Development and Reform about its intentions to allocate Rs800 billion for fiscal year 2018-19, said sources in the ……Read More
 

Budget preparation: NFC meeting convened to allot provinces’ share

Express Tribune (March 22, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has summoned a meeting of the Council of Common Interest (CCI) by the end of March in order to discuss forthcoming Federal Budget 2018-19 likely to be announced by the end of April. “The CCI and the meeting on National Finance Commission (NFC) Award are to be held on March 27, 2018 to discuss and resolve various issues related to the federating units,” official sources in the finance ministry told ……Read More
 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 165 E - Alert Issue Date: 16-08-2018
 
Pakistan
Quick, transparent reforms for tribal districts
Express Tribune
K-P Chief Information Commissioner Hanif Orakzai shared his plan to extend the provincial right to information (RTI) law to the Malakand division

Bermuda
47% Of 136 PATI Requests Granted Last Year
Bernews

This is according to the Information Commissioner’s Office Annual Report 2017 on the operation of the Public Access to Information [PATI], which has been tabled in both Houses of Parliament and is now available to the public..

Ghana
THE RIGHT TO INFORMATION BILL: HISTORY MUST NOT REPEAT ITSELF- Coalition on RTI
GBC
The Coalition on the Right to Information, Ghana wishes to express their disappointment at the slow pace at which Parliament has handled the consideration stage of the Bill so far and hopes..

India "
65% of Delhi government schools are headless
The Times of India
Asked about the huge number of vacant principal posts AAP leader said that the recruitment was a matter of services….. 

Pakistan
Govt depts disregard eRTI system
DAWN
The electronic application system introduced by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Commission in Peshawar has failed to deliver the goods due to the lack of interest..

India
Changes in RTI Act's privacy clause will allow corrupt babus to escape public scrutiny: IC
Business Standards

We need to emphasize that any proposal to amend provisions of the RTI Act shall not be taken up without wide ranging consultation..

Nepal
Law ministry sends back draft bills to ministries
The Himalayan
Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs has sent back draft bills related to Fundamental Right and Duties of the constitution to the ministries concerned..

India
India Takes First Step Towards Data Protection
Light Reading
Broadly, the bill incorporates many accepted principles to guarantee privacy for citizens. It indicates that a notification must be sent to individuals before data can be..
Transparency and Right to Information Program
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Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

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Around the World

Issue No: 164 E - Alert Issue Date: 18-07-2018
 


India
RTI activist, friend shot dead in Bihar
Indileak
A Right to Information (RTI) activist and his friend were shot dead on Sunday by unidentified assailants in Bihar’s Jamu district, police said.


Pakistan
CPJ calls on Pakistan's PM to protect press freedom ahead of elections
CJP
Journalist Gul Bukhari was abducted, Asad Kharal was attacked, a break-in robbery took place at..


Nevis
Freedom of Information Bill Passes In Nevis
Winfm
The Nevis Freedom of Information Bill, 2018, which was presented by Hon. Eric Evelyn, Minister of Information and Information Services, was passed unanimously..


UK
How Well Do Local Officials Respond To FOI Requests?
The Economic Times
Overall, local agencies did a good job at providing public records.  But there is some bad news. 


Ghana
Yendi: Forum On The Right To Information Bill Held
Modern Ghana
The effort was to create the needed awareness to ensure that effort being made to pass the bill was expedited.


Pakistan
Mechanism devised to assess RTI execution in Pakistan
The News
The first ever methodology has been developed to assess and evaluate the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) law in the country..


India
RTI applicant declared ‘ineligible’, threatened with criminal action
DNA
The letter dated June 4, 2018, which came to light recently informs Irfan Janwekar, the RTI applicant, that he has been declared apatra


Georgia
Three priorities at the open government partnership summit
Transparency International
Politicians understand the meaning of corruption, but do they understand the meaning of commitment? We have to work together to go beyond words..


Bangladesh
Gov't wants to restrict right to information beyond EU rules
The Daily Star
Nine years ago this month, the RTI Act 2009 of Bangladesh was born. It came at a time when the entire nation 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 163 E - Alert Issue Date: 29-06-2018
 

Kenya
Right to information from the State key in the war on graft
Daily Nation
The order makes it possible for citizens to access information on tenders, who was awarded the tenders, identity..

Scotland
Scottish Government takes longer to reply to Freedom of Information requests from journalists
Press Gazette
The Commissioner found: “It is an important principle of FOI law that, in most cases, it should not matter who asks for information..

Namibia
Free press key to democracy
New Era
Freedom of expression is important for democracy, because it enables the public to participate in making decisions based on the free flow of information

Malawi
Malawi: MHRC Gives Govt Up to July to Operationalise Access to Information Law
Nayasa Times
The ATI law compliments a right that is guaranteed to Malawians under the constitution so it is a very critical piece of legislation..

India
DoPT Refuses To Disclose Details on RTI Amendments...
Live Law
In response to an RTI application, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has confirmed that amendments to the Right to Information Act, 2005...

Ghana
We need to have the RTI Bill Passed – CHRAJ Director
Politics
The passage of the bill into law he said will be a means to strengthen the country’s fight against corruption..

Pakistan
Civil justice: Pakistan listed at 107 among 113 countries
The News International
The factor measuring civil justice assesses whether ordinary people can resolve their grievances peacefully and effectively..

Malaysia
Malaysia remains committed to fair trade: Guan Eng
The Strait News
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said it was only through the aforementioned values that the government can ensure a stable environment for trade and e-commerce to thrive..

Pakistan
Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) Develops Over 180 Official Websites
Urdu Point
Total number of hits on School department is 400,151,495, Punjab Portal has 385,526,577, Punjab Examination Commission has 377,935,674…

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 162 E - Alert Issue Date: 14-06-2018
 

Pakistan
Malik Azam to be first Chief Information Commissioner
The Nation
Office of the Commission will be established in Islamabad and it will start working after issuing of formal notification. Through Right to Information Commission..

India
India's government has decided against amending the Right To Information Act
Business Insider India
The central government has reportedly suspended plans to amend the act, after its proposed changes were met with a heavy backlash

Ireland
SAM: THE GOVERNMENT DOESN’T TAKE THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT SERIOUSLY
Dublin Inquirer
The department’s responses to that request over the months that followed led me to suspect that the government does not take that law seriously..

India
“RTI is a non-violent way of change”
Daily Mirror
Without information we humans, the most advanced species on Earth, would be handicapped. Information is everywhere…

Pakistan
Right of access to information is prerogative of everybody: Ali Zafar
Business Recorder
Right of access to information was the prerogative of every citizen and the government was bound to provide information in all matters of public importance…

India
Deliberately wrong RTI replies attract penalty, disciplinary action: Former CIC
Indian Express
Any Information Officer who willfully provides wrong or misleading information under the Right to Information (RTI)..

Pakistan
Ineffective RTI Law of Balochistan
Balochistan Voices
As per a Centre for Peace and Development Initiative (CPDI) survey the most robust RTI regime existed in Punjab, followed by Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan..

Ghana
RTI Action Campaign kicks against portions of Bill
Ghana News Agency
“That is why any good RTI law emphasises the principle of maximum and proactive disclosure. However, it is recognised that in certain circumstances..

Pakistan
Call for effective implementation of law on right to information
Dawn
The civil society activists on Thursday called for the effective implementation of the law on right to information to achieve..

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 161 E - Alert Issue Date: 31-05-2018
 

Pakistan
Marriyum urges media outlets for self-accountability
The News
Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb has urged media outlets to do self-introspection and accountability..

India
Whistleblowers act needed to protect RTI users: Activist Aruna Roy
Indian Express
RTI has brought in an architecture where "we are enabled to change from a culture of secrecy to one of transparency"..

U.S.A
Texans' right to information is being infringed; be outraged at government, demand change
Caller Times
This isn't just a right of news media to information for news stories. It's is a right of any Texan to find out how tax money is being spent..

Ghana
Bills, Bills, Bills!
Ghana Web
The Right to Information Bill has had a journey of stops and starts and in-betweens. Right now? The Bill is on a tour of some regional capitals..

Nigeria
Ngeria : Kano, Adamawa To Adopt Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011.
Africa Prime News
Kano state government is in the process of adopting the Freedom of Information Act, with a view to empowering the citizens to participate actively in governance

India
Rti enquiry filed over construction of Indira Awas Yojna
The Pioneer
World Press Freedom Day is being observed in Bangladesh and elsewhere today amid a growing animosity towards journalists across the globe.

Pakistan
Right To Information Activists Urge CM To Strengthen Punjab Information Commission
Urdu Point
RTI activists welcome the CM Punjab's action to appoint Saeed Akhtar Ansari and Mehboob Qadir Shah as information commissioners at Punjab

India
Place Proposed Amendments To RTI Act In Public Domain For Scrutiny: National Campaign For Peoples’ Right To Information To PM Modi...
Live Law
“Undermines people’s democratic right to know and participate in the legislative process and prevents public scrutiny of the provisions of a proposed bill”....

Pakistan
Federal Information Commission likely to be notified today
The News
Government has missed a six-month deadline to set up the commission, still the appointment is termed a landmark development..

Nigeria
Buhari administration, like Jonathan’s, condoning impunity in implementation of FOI Act
Premium Times The scale of non-compliance with the provisions of the FOI Act by public institutions under the authority and direct control of the federal government is mind-boggling”..

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 160 E - Alert Issue Date: 15-05-2018
 

Pakistan
PIC conducts awareness session for journalists regarding RTI
Daily Times
unjab Information Commission (PIC) held an awareness session with journalists in collaboration with the district information office..

India
On Right To Information Act, A Word Of Caution From Aruna Roy
NDTV
Ms Roy asserted that the RTI Act should not be politically associated to a party. It is a law that "should not be tagged"..

U.S.A
At 51, FOIA may be more relevant than ever
The Baltimore Sun
The use of FOIA has dramatically increased in the first year of the Trump administration. Requests for government records, including letters, speeches, notes about meetings, appointment calendars, memoranda and emails rose to a record-setting 823,000 in Fiscal Year 2017..

India
Over 200 RTI applications to be filed for transparency, democracy
The Economic Times
To improve democracy and raise the transparency level, over 200 hundred applicants will be filing at least one RTI applications..

Pakistan
RTI Act Bringing Transparency To Projects
Daily Times
In case, any department was not cooperating, people could contact the Punjab Information Commission, said Executive Director Ahmed Naeem Malik..

Bangladesh
Press Freedom Day: Attacks against journos made with impunity
M&P
World Press Freedom Day is being observed in Bangladesh and elsewhere today amid a growing animosity towards journalists across the globe.

Brazil
Access to information performing well: N.L. justice minister
The Western Star
There was turnover in staff in the main Access to Information and Privacy Protection (ATIPP) office last year and turnover in some access..

Pakistan
Successes and failures of PTI in governing KP
The News
Its obligatory for the provinces to approve laws and set up organisations to ensure a) Right to Public Services, b) Right to Information

Nepal
Right to Information Audit: A new practice in Nepal
The Himalayan
Right to Information is fundamental right granted to the citizens by law and constitution. Centre for Law and Democracy, Canada has..

Pakistan
Civil society calls for meeting fourth deadline on open government
The Western Star
Civil society organisations have jointly urged government to hasten the process of formulating National Action Plan (NAP) for Open Government Partnership (OGP)..

Prague
Gov't wants to restrict right to information beyond EU rules
Prague Daily Monitor
The Czech government has proposed a significant restriction on the free access to information under the pretext of the General Data Protection

Pakistan
State of right to information in Pakistan
Express Tribune
Right to access information held by public bodies is a key to building a strong state-citizen bond. When violated, it implies there is something which the public bodies

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 159 E - Alert Issue Date: 30-04-2018
 

India
Commonwealth: Where being a journalist can kill you
The Statesman
Commonwealth countries like India have pioneered some of the world’s most liberal Right to Information laws, and all member states are publicly committed to democratic…

U.S.A
Strengthening freedom of information laws is good idea
The Post Star
One of the best ways to prevent corruption in government operations is to increase transparency, and two bills now before the state Legislature..

Malaysia
Allow public access to info on China investments, Nurul Izzah urges govt
The Sun Daily
This would enable the people to have knowledge and understand the payment methods and return on investments (ROI) which the nation is undertaking and benefiting..

India
Only 4% of the govt departments proactively disclosing information under RTI: Survey
The Economic Times
An audit was undertaken on the basis of a proforma prepared by former information commissioners M M Ansari and A N Tiwari.

Pakistan
Protecting the right to information
Daily Times
The purpose of the introduction of the right to information laws in Pakistan is to make the general public aware of public spending..

Australia
Palaszczuk denies vegetation right to information applications
Queensland Country Life
Queenslanders have a right to know what advice ministers received, who they were meeting with and why they failed..

Pakistan
Seminar speakers call for reforms in judicial system
The News
About 16.6 that stressed the need for effective, accountable and transparent institution, the speakers said the KP Assembly..

Russia
"Violating the right to information of millions of people
Crime Russia
All the affected users and entrepreneurs have the right to stand for their rights and make such claims. It is their constitutional right..

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 158 E - Alert Issue Date: 16-04-2018
 

India
Sridevi Received A State Funeral Because Of Maharashtra CM: RTI Activist Anil Galgali
Mumbai Live
As per RTI, on February 25, 2018 the CM office gave a verbal order regarding the state funeral which was then conveyed to the Mumbai Suburban collector….

Pakistan
Geo Blackout
Daily Times
We feel obligated to raise our voice against reports that cable operators in several areas of the country have taken Geo News..

Pakistan
Development and deception
Daily Times
Empowerment, has come to assimilate power with individual and economic decision-making, de-politicize collective power, and is used to legitimise existing top-down development policies and programs.

Canada
If public servants have nothing to hide, why the secrecy over gifts?
The Canberra Times
A transparent public service would publish its gift registers as a matter of course....

Bangladesh
A transparent public service would publish its gift registers as a matter of course.
Deccan Herald
Both cases relate to matters of serious public interest. In the first case, a petitioner approached the PMO two weeks after the demonetisation announcement for ..

Pakistan
Strength of Punjab Information Commission Lies With the Appointment of Commissioners
Business Recorder
In case of non provision of requested information, it said, the applicant can lodge complaint in the Punjab Information Commission, where commission is bound to resolve the complaint within 30 to 60 days…

U.S.A
Transparency in Government Group to meet April 11 in Fort Smith
Times Record
The Transparency in Government Group of Western Arkansas will meet 5:30 p.m. April 11 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 700 Rogers Ave..

UK
Your Right to Know: Policies put public health at risk
Winston Watch
If passed, it would give effect to the constitutional right of access to any information held by public institutions and private entities which perform public functions with public funds…

Pakistan
“RTI improves governance, limits corruption”
The News on Sunday
A key challenge in Sindh and Punjab, as well as federally, is the failure of the authorities to appoint the members of the oversight bodies

Ghana
Parliament calls for memorandum on right to information bill
gbcghana
The Right to Information Bill was referred to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, during the first meeting of the Second .…

Pakistan
Call to fill vacant posts of information commissioners
The Nation
These posts were created to provide information to people, but they have been vacant since March 2017. In the absence of information commissioners there are many hurdles in the way of enforcement of the right-to-information law..

Pakistan
Govt departments violate rules on proactive disclosure
DAWN
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Commission (RTIC) has miserably failed to force the government departments to comply with the relevant law’s provisions on proactive disclosure…

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 157 E - Alert Issue Date: 30-03-2018
 

Pakistan
Unsanctioned guards being withdrawn from VIPs, police chief tells court
The News
“As per the information received from the provincial Police Department through the Right to Information Act, 2013 5,500 policemen are deployed for security of the VIPs instead of protecting the public.

USA
During Sunshine Week, senators cite issues with FOIA request backlog
Federal News Radio
In order to improve the FOIA backlog at large agencies like DHS and the departments of State needs to take the lead on this effort..

Ghana
Coalition to demonstrate over delayed passage of RTI Bill
GBC
The Right to Information Coalition is not happy with the repeated broken promises regarding the passage of the Freedom of Information Bill.       

India
Mystery of Lal Bahadur Shastri's death deepens further with RTI reply
Times Now
After 52 years of the death of former Prime Minister of India Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Right To Information (RTI) reply addressing the cause of death..

India
Knowledge is deadly for Indian activists seeking to expose corruption
N World
India's RTI Act, passed by parliament in 2005, allows citizens to access information about public projects, funding and governance in a bid to improve transparency and accountability…

Ireland
Law firm at centre of Panama Papers leak to close down
The Irish Times
The firm said it had previously had a presence in more than 40 countries, with “more than 600 collaborators around the world..

USA
Sunshine Week celebrates your right to access public records and information
The Hicksburg Post
As journalists, it is our responsibility to shine a light into the darkness of government and make certain the public continues to have access to government..

Pakistan
KP Law Dept opposes PTI MPA’s bill to change RTI Act
The News
The Law Department has voiced reservations over the bill seeking amendments to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act 2013 aimed at..

India
India's Right to Information in a mess
The Milli Gazette

Over the years the pendency of cases under Right to Information (RTI) Act has shown an upward trend with close to.
Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 156 E - Alert Issue Date: 14-03-2018
 

Pakistan
Civil society reacts to PTI Government’s move to amend KP RTI law
The News
CRTI strongly opposes the amendments proposed in KP RTI Act 2013.

India
Disclose bills of Air India charter plane for PM's travel abroad: CIC to MEA
Kashmir Monitor
CIC R K Mathur rejected the contention of the ministry that details of the amount, reference numbers, dates of bills raised by Indian Air Force and Air India..

Bangladesh
Adilur wins Franco-German human rights prize
Prothom Alo
Odhikar secretary Adilur Rahman Khan has been awarded Franco-German Human Rights Prize-2017 for his contribution to defending and promoting human rights in Bangladesh.

Columbia
Access to information sheds needed light on government secrets
Missourian
Sunshine Week this year is March 11-17. The “sunshine” refers to access to government information. Journalists value access, but it’s a right that belongs to everyone

Pakistan
Amendments in proposed RTI Act 2013 of KPK opposed
Business Recorder
KP RTI Act is one of the effective and well implemented laws in Pakistan but the PTI led provincial government is bringing back old colonial mindset again..

Canada
‘Demand more’ from government, outgoing information watchdog tells Canadians in parting note
I Politics
In a parting message posted on her blog Wednesday, Suzanne Legault encouraged Canadians to “demand more” from their government.

India
Delhi University Tells High Court That It Cannot Disclose Exam Records Of 1978, The Year When PM Modi Graduated
Outlook India
Delhi High Court that the varsity's BA exam records of all its students of 1978-- the year when Prime Minister Narendra Modi had graduated-- is held in a fiduciary capacity and cannot be disclosed..

South Africa
Politics faces a shake-up if we get access to who funds parties
The Citizen
If people know who funds political parties, they will fully understand the agenda of political parties. They will then be able to gain context through which to understand the policy position

India
J&K: RTI reveals 27 Rohingya families staying illegaly, own sim cards
The Asian Age
It has been revealed that 27 Rohingya Muslim families, who are illegal immigrants, living in Jammu own SIM cards, activist Rohit Choudhary said..

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 155 E - Alert Issue Date: 19-02-2018
 

Pakistan
Encounters: a new way of policing?
Express Tribune
The level of access to information can be gauged from the fact that an application filed under Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013 (RTI Act) is still pending before the PIC since 2016...

Fiji
Access to right information important
The Fiji Times Online
By having access to the right and correct information you can be able to make decisions for yourselves...

Sri Lanka
Right to Information Commission notes concerns despite positives
MENAFN
Right to Information Commission has recorded a noteworthy increase in the numbers of appeals being filed before the Commission with information being released...

India
Using RTI benefits community
The Hans India
Even today, not many people know about their rights. If any private hospital is set up in rural areas, they must adopt two villages and provide them all kind of health-related services...

Bangladesh
International civil society organisations pen open letter on Digital Security Act
Dhaka Tribune
In the letter, the organizations expressed concern that the Bangladesh Digital Security Act2018 fails to protect the right to freely express opinions on policies and the actions of decision makers...

Pakistan
KP tourism body exploits economization, saving policy of govt
The News
Under the Law of Access to Information 2013, according to the details provided by TCKP, Tourism secretary Muhammad Tariq Khan paid visit to England, Spain...

Ghana
After Two Decades, Will Ghana Finally Pass a Right to Information Law?
Global Voices
If passed, it would give effect to the constitutional right of access to any information held by public institutions and private entities which perform public functions with public funds…

India
Central Information Commission asks EC to launch special drive for 2,000 pending RTIs
Hindustan Times
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked the Election Commission (EC) to launch a special drive to dispose of around 2,000 Right to Information (RTI) queries and first appeals awaiting a response for a long time…

Sri Lanka
Use of RTI to hold authorities accountable growing
Colombo Gazette
RTI has played a life-changing role in the lives of citizens while promoting democratic governance, acting as a tool to combat corruption and restoring sovereignty in the people of Sri Lanka…

Pakistan
Govt departments violate rules on proactive disclosure
DAWN
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Commission (RTIC) has miserably failed to force the government departments to comply with the relevant law’s provisions on proactive disclosure…

Transparency and Right to Information Program
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Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Budget Study Centre   Issue 12 March 26, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

China will safeguard national interests in response to US trade probes

Daily Times (March 22, 2018)
New Delhi: China will actively take steps to safeguard its interests as well as those of its industries, Vice Commerce Minister Wang Shouwen said, in light of what he described as acts of trade protectionism on the part of the United States. The US decision to launch trade investigations is a unilateral act of protectionism, the Chinese commerce ministry said in a statement on Wednesday, citing a speech by Wang in New Delhi. President Donald Trump is.….. Read More
 

Govt borrowed $7.6b in 8 months

The Nation (March 22, 2018)
ISLAMABAD - The federal government borrowed $7.6 billion in eight months (July to February) of the ongoing financial year, which further increased the overall external debt of the country. The government has borrowed 94 percent of the annual borrowing in just eight months to sustain the foreign exchange reserves. The country’s reserves are depleting due to widening of current account deficit and repayment of previous loans. For the.….. Read More
 

Current account deficit widens 50% in July-February

Express Tribune (March 21, 2018)
KARACHI: Pakistan’s current account deficit shrank 26% on a month-on-month basis to $1.24 billion in February 2018, compared to $1.67 billion in January 2018, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Tuesday. However, in the first eight months (Jul-Feb) of the fiscal year 2017-18 (FY18), the country’s current account deficit widened by 50% to stand at $10.83 billion, compared with $7.22 billion in the same period of previous year.….. Read More
 

Pakistani rupee weakens sharply in likely devaluation

Khaleej Times (March 21, 2018)
Reuters/ Islamabad/ Karachi: Pakistan's rupee weakened sharply against the dollar on Tuesday in what appeared to be a currency devaluation by the central bank, traders said, the second such intervention in less than four months. The apparent devaluation comes at a time when Pakistan's nearly $300 billion economy is showing signs of vulnerability despite surging growth rates. The rupee plunged to about 115.5 per dollar in early trading from 110.5 at Monday's close, which is 31….. Read More
 

Budget 2018-19: PSX proposes rationalization of CGT rates

Express Tribune by Salman Siddiqui (March 20, 2018)
KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has proposed to the government to rationalise Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the transaction of shares, as the management seeks measures to boost the KSE-100 Index that has retreated close to 18% since it hit a record high of 52,876.46 in May 2017. Presenting budget proposals to Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Miftah Ismail, a PSX delegation, under chairperson Muneer Kamal, recommended to rationalise …. Read More
 

Financial Year 2018 review: States not to revert to fiscal deficit below 3 pct.

Financial Express (March 19, 2018)
New Delhi: With the UDAY burden off, state governments in aggregate were expected to revert to well below 3% fiscal deficit in the current financial year, but an analysis by FE of 14 state budgets presented recently suggests they might not. As the year is drawing to a close, seven of these states have revised their FY18 fiscal deficits to be higher than projected a year ago, with the slippage ranging from a marginal 0.1 to profligate 4.63 percentage points. Unless the other states... Read More
 

Govt. plans modest hike in tax target for 2018-19

DAWN (March 18, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The PML-N government is set to propose nearly Rs4.5 trillion revenue collection target for its sixth and final budget with several measures to facilitate its realisation. Top tax men have been tasked to prepare the first draft of tax relief and revenue measures in the next couple of weeks. The government has already set April 27 for the announcement of the Federal Budget 2018-19 to be followed by provincial ones. An official.…Read More
 

Pakistan’s external debt to climb to $103b by June 2019: IMF report

Express Tribune (March 16, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has assessed Pakistan’s gross external financing needs at a record $27 billion for the next fiscal year, but warned that arranging the financing at favourable rates will now be a challenge due to risks to the country’s debt sustainability. In its post-programme monitoring report, the IMF also forecast that due to additional borrowings, Pakistan’s external debt would jump to $103.4 billion .…Read More
 

PM directs for making last budget ‘extraordinary’

The Nation (March 14, 2018)
ISLAMABAD - Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday directed his cabinet members to prepare an ‘extraordinary’ budget for the fiscal year 2018-19 before the government completes its term, sources said. Abbasi chaired the federal cabinet meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office. A federal minister who attended the meeting told The Nation that the premier asked the ministers to work together to present a budget that could give relief …Read More
 

US Budget Deficit Jumped to $215.2Billion in February

The NY Times (March 12, 2018)
WASHINGTON — The federal government recorded a budget deficit of $215.2 billion in February, up significantly from a year ago as the impact of the GOP tax cuts passed in December begin to surface. The Treasury Department said Monday that the February deficit was 12.1 percent higher than a year ago, reflecting in part a drop of $5 billion in individual withholding taxes paid last month compared to a year ago. In February, employers started using tax…Read More
 

Outlook for UK financial services brightens, assets set to reach £1.5 trillion by 2020, EY finds

BBC News (March 12, 2018)
A well-managed Brexit and stronger than expected economic performance will boost the financial services sector in the year ahead, according to an analysis from EY Item Club. The outlook for the UK financial services sector is better than many had hoped, the findings showed, but challenges remain in the the consumer credit, residential mortgage and business lending markets. Equity markets should still perform well in the year ahead, despite, …Read More
 

Florida Legislature OKs $88.7 billion budget end 2018 session

MyPalmBeachPost (March 11, 2018)
TALLAHASSEE —The Florida Legislature wrapped up the end of an extended 2018 session Sunday with the passing of a budget that pushes hundreds of millions of dollars toward spending on K-12 and higher education, improving school safety and battling the opioid crisis. Approved by a 95-12 vote in the House and 31-5 vote in Senate, the $88.7 billion budget also includes $100 million for the Florida Forever program, which allows the state , …Read More
 

Federal Budget 2018-19 to be announced on April 27: Miftah

DAWN (March 09, 2018)
The federal government will present the budget for fiscal year 2018-19for approval from the National Assembly on April 27, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Miftah Ismail said on Friday. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Ismail said that the government has taken all political parties into confidence about the budget, which he said would be presented on April 27 before the five-year. ……Read More
 
Budget Study Centre Issue 11
March 8, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

IMP concerned at Pakistan’s weakening economy

DAWN (March 8, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday expressed concern over Pakistan’s weakening macroeconomic situation, including widening external and fiscal imbalances, reduction in foreign exchange reserves and emerging risks to economic and financial outlook. The IMF executive board asked the government to immediately refocus on near-term policies to preserve macroeconomic stability and get back to.…….Read More

Government plans to cut duties on solar batteries

Express Tribune (March 8, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: The government is working on a plan to slash duties on the import of lithium batteries in a bid to promote its usage in solar power plants. At present, 25-30% in duties are charged on the import of lithium batteries and a higher 55% duty is collected on the import of solar AGM and GEL batteries. As a result, the cost of solar batteries has now become double than the price of solar panels because of a 50% dip in prices of the latter over the past.…….Read More

Govt. committed to an economically strong Pakistan: Ahsan Iqbal

Pakistan Today (March 7, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development and Reform Dr Ahsan Iqbal Wednesday said the government was committed to create an economically strong Pakistan and provide a secure future to the youth. He was speaking at the inaugural session for the establishment of Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at Pakistan Planning and Management Institute here. He said Pakistan had been left behind a lot of other countries due to instability and…….Read More

Global growth, domestic demand to lift FY19 GDP to 7.5%: Crisil report

First Post (March 7, 2018)

Mumbai: The economy will grow up to 7.5 percent in FY19, supported by domestic consumption, policy push, and synchronised global growth, says a report. In the current fiscal, GDP growth is expected to be 6.5 percent. The Economic Survey 2018 has pegged FY19 growth at 7-7.5 percent. "After two sub-par years, interjected by demonetisation and rollout of goods and services tax (GST), growth is seen recuperating to a respectable 7.5 percent next fiscal," …….Read More

Pakistan’s exports fell by 20 percent in last six years: WB

Daily Times (March 7, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: A poor business environment, an overvalued exchange rate, relatively weak trade facilitation and infrastructure and lack of value chains inclusion in trade policy lead Pakistan’s exports decline by 20 percent over the period, FY11-17. These startling facts were revealed by World Bank’s Lead Country Economist, Enrique Blanco Armas, while speaking at roundtable meeting titled “Public-Private Policy Symposium of achieving export …….Read More

China keeps growth target at 6.5 percent

Daily Times (March 6, 2018)

BEIJING: China aims to expand its economy by around 6.5 percent this year, the same as in 2017, while pressing ahead with its campaign to reduce risks in the financial system, Premier Li Keqiang said Monday. The goal was kept unchanged even though the economy grew 6.9 percent last year and exceeded the government’s target. Sources previously told Reuters that China will maintain its growth target at “around 6.5 percent”. Economists …..…Read More

Bangladesh and Vietnam aim to raise trade to $2bn by 2020

Business Recorder (March 6, 2018)

DHAKA: Bangladesh and Vietnam aim to raise their two-way annual trade to $2 billion over the next three years from nearly $1 billion, a business association official said on Monday. “We had a meeting with the visiting president of Vietnam today and focused on trade and investment,” Mohammad Shafiul Islam, president of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries, told Reuters. Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang …..…Read More

‘America First’ policy to have direct implications for Pakistan economy

The Express Tribune (March 5, 2018)

ISLAMABAD: The Trump administration is trumpeting a new role to play in the world with the “America First” slogan. The White House is releasing executive orders which are bound to reverse the globalisation process and domestic social-sector reforms undertaken by former president Barack Obama. The very first victim of Trump policies is the immigrants. The health care bill has extensively been debated and the Trump administration…Read More

Freezing weather costs UK economy £1bn a day

The Guardian (March 3, 2018)

Gridlocked motorways, empty restaurants and idle diggers seen across Britain last week cost the economy at least £1bn a day and could halve GDP growth in the first three months of the year. Analysts said the impact of the “beast from the east” sweeping in from Siberia and the arrival of Storm Emma hitting the south coast was likely to be the most costly weather event since 2010, when freezing temperatures and snow brought the economy to a standstill a …….Read More

Govt will have to pay IMF $3bn by June, claims Rana

DAWN (February 28, 2018)

KARACHI: Pakistan will have to pay $3 billion to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) before June and for this funds will have to be raised from the international market, Minister of State for Finance Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan said on Tuesday. The figure given by the minister is at odds with what the State Bank says Pakistan owes on its external debt service obligations till end of fiscal year. According to the central bank, the total amount Pakistan will …Read More

Moody’s says India recovering from demonetisation, GST; forecasts 7.6% growth rate

The Hindustan Times (February 28, 2018)

New Delhi: Moody’s Investors Service said on Wednesday Indian economy is starting to recover from the negative impact of demonetisation and disruption caused by GST roll out, but kept GDP growth estimates unchanged at 7.6% for 2018. In its global growth forecasts for 2018 and 2019, Moody’s said the Budget for fiscal year beginning April 1 (2018-19) includes some measures to stabilise rural economy that was…Read More

Japan grants &7.7 million for development projects in FATA

Express Tribune (February 27, 2018)

PESHAWAR: Japan announced on Tuesday to fund two projects for the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) as per an agreement signed between the ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Takashi Kurai and the FAO Representative in Pakistan Minà Dowlatchahi in the presence of Federal Minister of National Food Security and Research Sikander Hayat Khan Bosan. According to a statement issued …Read More

German inflation slows more than expected in February

Business Recorder (February 27, 2018)

BERLIN: German inflation slowed more than expected to hit a 15-month-low in February, data showed on Tuesday, suggesting that price pressures in Europe’s largest economy are muted despite a robust upswing, rising wages and unprecedented monetary stimulus. German consumer prices, harmonised to make them comparable with inflation data from other European Union countries, rose by 1.2 percent year-on-year after an increase of 1.4 percent in the …Read More

Federal Reserve chairman tell congress US economy ‘remain storing’

The Guardian (February 27, 2018)

The US economy “remains strong”, the Federal Reserve chairman, Jerome Powell, told Congress on Tuesday as he signaled the central bank is on course to carry on gradually increasing interest rates in the coming months. In his first congressional testimony since his appointment, Powell painted an upbeat picture of the country’s economic health and dismissed recent wobbles in the stock market. “Some of the headwinds the US economy faced in previous years have ……Read More

Bank of Korea keeps interest rate steady at 1.5%

CNBC (February 26, 2018)

CNBC: Bank of Korea left its key interest rate unchanged on Tuesday, as expected, taking note of muted inflationary pressure and showing caution ahead of any further monetary tightening from the U.S Federal Reserve's policy meeting on March 20-21. The Monetary Policy Board voted on Tuesday to keep the seven-day repurchase rate at 1.50 percent in the last rate decision before Governor Lee Ju-yeol's term ends in March. In a conference…Read More

Reserves decline to $18.8bn

DAWN (February 23, 2018)

KARACHI: The foreign exchange reserves of the country fell by $139 million to $18.829bn during the week ended Feb 16, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported on Thursday. The foreign exchange reser¬ves have been taking a toll each successive week, posing the risk they could fall below the critical level that requires the country to have forex holdings to cover at least three months’ imports. The reserves held by the SBP also dropped to $12.704bn, …Read More

Budget Study Centre   Issue 10 February 28, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Next 10 years crucial for Pakistan’s economy: WB

DAWN (February 22, 2018)
MURREE: “Next 10 years are crucial for Pakistan to set a higher growth trajectory, with challenges arising on the economic front, due to lack of political consensus,” said the Country Director, World Bank, Patchamuthu Illangovan, on Wednesday. Addressing participants of an economic conference, Illangovan pointed out that Pakistan’s economy is facing short-term issues in the wake of rising external account deficit. “The government had held back …..Read More

UK borrowing at lowest level since financial crises

BBC News (February 21, 2018)
UK borrowing for the year to date is at its lowest level since the financial crisis, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Public sector net borrowing, excluding state-owned banks, fell to £37.7bn between April and January, down £7.2bn on the comparable period. It is the lowest figure for the period since January 2008, the ONS said. It added that it is investigating the impact of Carillion's collapse on public sector finances. At the Budget in November, …..Read More

From tax year 2013 tp 2017: Except from salaried class, number of tax return filers shrinks

Express Tribune by Shahbaz Rana (February 21, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: In a disclosure that confirms the hollowness of tax base, the number of income tax return filers from all main sectors of the economy has contracted in the past five years and the only exception is the salaried class. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Tuesday presented sector-wise income tax return data of the last five years to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance. The data was nothing less than an admission of failure on the part of tax …..Read More

Provincial govt launches “Punjab Tourism for Economic Growth Project”

Pakistan Observer (February 21, 2018)
LAHORE: The Punjab government Planning & Development Department has launched “Punjab Tourism for Economic Growth Project”. The project launch ceremony was held at the newly restored Wazir Khan Mosque courtyard in the Walled City of Lahore. The launch ceremony marked the Planning & Development Department’s five-year (2017-2022) collaboration with the World Bank Group to develop Punjab’s tourism sector …..Read More

Fiscal deficit widens to 2.2pc in first six months

Pakistan Today (February 20, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The debt-ridden government of Pakistan spent Rs 796.3 billion, which is 2.2 per cent of the nation’s GDP, more than it earned during the first six months of the current financial year ending June, according to a report the ministry of finance placed on its website Tuesday. The government of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was able to collect taxes worth Rs 2.39 trillion during first six months of the current fiscal year through…Read More

Federal budget 2018-19 to be business friendly: Afzal

Pakistan Observer (February 19, 2018)
Faisalabad: State Minister for Finance Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan on Saturday said the federal budget 2018-19 will be business-friendly and utmost efforts would be made to make it tax free. He was addressing a function at the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) in which draft of budget proposals were presented to him. The minister said that no doubt the government was facing multiple challenges but our effort was... Read More

Argentine economy grew close to 2.8pc in 2017-Treasury advisor

Business Recorder (February 19, 2018)
BUENOS AIRES: The Argentine economy grew “close to 2.8 percent” last year, Guido Sandleris, head of the advisory body to the Treasury Ministry, told a gathering of Japanese business leaders on Monday. The data, according to Sandleris, shows a clear recovery of the third-largest economy in Latin America after a contraction of gross domestic product of 2.2 percent in 2016. “Last year the Argentine economy grew close to….. Read More

US inflation rises faster than expected in January

Times of Malta (February 18, 2018)
A much anticipated report on US inflation showed that consumer prices rose faster than expected in January, a sign of firming inflation that bolstered expectations of higher interest rates. The Labour Department reported last week that the consumer price index grew by 0.5 per cent in the first month of the year against forecasts of a 0.3 per cent rise. Excluding volatile food and energy prices, the so-called core measure of inflation increased by 0.3 per cent ….. Read More

France to reduce debt burden in 2018-Finance Minister

Times of Malta (February 15, 2018)
France's government would take measures this year to reduce its debt burden in anticipation of higher interest rates, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Thursday. Le Maire told a conference at the Finance Ministry that there was no doubt that interest rates would rise by the end of the year and the only question was by how fast. "We have to reduce our debt because it exposes us to an increase in interest rates ... and we will take a certain number of measures in.…Read More

Japan economy grows for 8th straight quarter, longest since 1980s

Business Recorder (February 14, 2018)
TOKYO: Japan’s economy grew for the eighth straight quarter at the end of 2017, government data showed Wednesday, its longest period of expansion since the “bubble” boom days of the late 1980s. Gross domestic product figures fell short of expectations and represented a slowdown from the previous quarter, but analysts forecast continued growth nonetheless. GDP expanded just 0.1 percent in the last quarter of 2017, the Cabinet Office said, …Read More
 

India’s retail inflation slightly eases in January

Business Recorder (February 12, 2018)
NEW DELHI: India’s retail inflation slightly eased in January from a 17-month high in December but remained above the 4 percent medium-term target of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for the third straight month. India’s measure of consumer price inflation, the CPI index, rose 5.07 percent in January from a year earlier, data released by the Ministry of Statistics showed on Monday. Analysts polled by Reuters had predicted January’s rate would ease to …Read More
 

Provinces to get CPEC revenue through NFC

The Nation (February 11, 2018)
ISLAMABAD - The federal government would distribute the income generated by China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects among the provinces through National Finance Commission (NFC) Award. "Any increase in income generated by cpec projects will come into Federal Consolidated Fund for further distribution between Federation and provinces . Therefore, the impact of income generated by cpec projects will have positive impact… Read More
 
Budget Study Centre   Issue 9 February 1, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Govt plans to unveil budget 2018-19 in second week of May

Pakistan Today (February 8, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The government is considering to unveil next financial year’s 2018-19 budget in the second week of May, as no major changes on taxation are expected to be pushed via Finance Bill 2018. As the incumbent government’s tenure nears its conclusion, it has sought go-ahead for budget from the National Assembly by end of May, as Senate approval needs 15 days for concluding its recommendations, reported ………Read More

DPC from WB, policy loans of ADB under threat in lieu of IMP report

Pakistan Today (February 8, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Development policy credit (DPC) from World Bank and program loans from Asian Development Bank (ADB) are under threat as IMF’s upcoming report loom and questions over Pakistan’s ability to keep forex reserves over 2.2 months of import bill continue. Persisting slide in forex exchange reserves was increasing the risk on the external front and could stop the WB’s DPC and program loan in coming months, official ………Read More

European stock markets recover after sharp losses

The Guardian by Phillip Inman and Nick Fletcher (February 7, 2018)
European stock markets have rallied after sharp losses earlier in the week, with London’s leading share index gaining almost 2%. The FTSE 100 index of the most valuable companies listed in London rose 138 points to 7,279 on Wednesday, still well below its all-time closing high of 7,779 on 12 January. In New York, where the market rout began on Monday, the Dow Jones industrial average appeared on track for a second day………Read More

Russian inflation slows to 2.2pc y/y in Jan

Business Recorder (February 7, 2018)
MOSCOW: Russia’s consumer price index (CPI) rose 2.2 percent in January in year-on-year terms after rising 2.5 percent in the previous month, the statistics service said on Wednesday. Month-on-month inflation was at 0.3 percent from 0.4 percent in December. The year-on-year increase in the CPI was slightly below the Reuters poll of analysts who predicted a rise of 2.3 percent.…Read More

Business Plan and Budget for 2018 approved

Business Recorder (February 1, 2018)
K8MUZAFFARABAD: The services of Bank of Azad Jammu and Kashmir were appreciated in its 31st board meeting held here on Wednesday and approved Business Plan and Budget for the year 2018. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Ejaz Muneer, Chief Secretary Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, who is also the chairman of the bank’s board of directors. Imran Smad, Managing Director of the Bank while initiating the proceedings…....Read More

Economic growth depends on private sector progress: Ayesha

Pakistan Observer (February 1, 2018)
LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Finance Dr Aisha Ghous Pashsa said that Punjab government was determined to make Pakistan a developed country by enhancing the growth rate by improving the security and energy conditions for creating conducive environment for the private sector through providing them ease of doing business by integrating more departments in the portal. The economic growth depends on the progress of private sector…....Read More

IMF sounds the alarm on NFC award

DAWN (January 31, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The Internat-ional Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to consider drastic changes to the next National Finance Commission (NFC) award due to the serious pressure it is placing on the federal government finances, as well as the macroeconomic imbalances that are arising from its implementation. In 2009, the PPP government passed the 7th NFC award that devolved the highest ever proportion of the funds in the federal …....Read More

Business community hails inauguration of Gawadar Free Zone, Expo

Pakistan Observer (January 30, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Business community Monday hailed formal inauguration of the Gwadar Free Zone and Expo 2018 and urged the government to take steps for technology transfer in order to promote and develop the local industrial sector. They said the project was initiated under multi-billion dollars’ China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project and inauguration of the first phase of Gwadar Free Zone would further help in promoting.....Read More

US GDP growth slowed to 2.6pc Q4, bringing growth in 2017 to 2.3pc

Business Recorder (January 26, 2018)
WASHINGTON: The world’s largest economy cooled in the final quarter of last year but 2017 still saw faster growth than 2016, according to government data released Friday. After two quarters of expansion above three percent, GDP slowed to 2.6 percent in the October-December period as business inventories fell while imports rose, according to the first estimate from the Commerce Department. That was slower than analysts expected and meant ………Read More

Budget 2018-19: Govt may tweak income tax slabs, EY Survey finds

The Hindustan Times (January 22, 2018)
New Delhi: The government is likely to tweak income tax slabs and rates in Budget 2018-19 to bring down the burden on individuals, while there is unlikely to be any change in the current taxation of dividends, according to a survey by EY. In a pre-budget survey by tax consultant EY, a wide majority of 69% of the respondents felt that the threshold limits for taxation would increase further in order to boost disposable income in the.…..Read More
 
Budget Study Centre Issue 8
January 24, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

PM announces one-time amnesty scheme on offshore assets

Express Tribune (January 18, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi announced on Wednesday that a one-time tax amnesty scheme on offshore assets will be offered to Pakistanis, while also saying that tax rates on personal income will be lowered amid his disapproval of the Federal Board of Revenue's (FBR) performance. The premier's dissatisfaction was not only limited to the tax machinery, as Abbasi also refrained from talking confidently about overall economic ... Read More

Modi launches $6.8bn refinery in Rajasthan

Dawn (January 17, 2018)
BARMER: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched the construction of a $6.8 billion refinery in the western state of Rajasthan, in the hopes of meeting the rising fuel demand. By 2030, India's demand for petrol and diesel is expected to go up by two-thirds to 170bn litres, as an expanding middle class spends on cars and air travel. The 180,000-barrel-per-day refinery and petrochemical ... Read More

Foreign direct investment drops 3pc despite growing inflows from China

Dawn (January 17, 2018)
KARACHI: Foreign direct investment (FDI) fell 2.8 per cent to $1.38 billion in the first half of 2017-18, although inflows from China rose 2.4 times, the State Bank of Pakistan reported on Tuesday. Data showed the pattern of inflows significantly changed recently. China now dominates FDI with a share of more than two-thirds in total investments. Beijing emerged first as the largest trading partner of Islamabad and now it has become the top foreign ... Read More

Government lowers additional borrowings to Rs 20,000 crore this fiscal

Times of India (January 17, 2018)
NEW DELHI: The government on Wednesday lowered the additional borrowing requirement for the current fiscal to Rs 20,000 crore from Rs 50,000 crore estimated earlier. "Government has reassessed additional borrowing requirements taking note of revenue receipts and expenditure pattern. Requirement of additional borrowing being reduced from Rs 50,000 crore as notified earlier to Rs 20,000 crore," Economic Affairs ... Read More

Eurozone inflation revised up to 0.2% in November

Times of Malta (January 17, 2018)
Eurozone inflation was revised up to 0.2 per cent in November, rising slightly more than expected mostly because of a slowdown in the decline of energy prices, the EU statistics agency said yesterday. Eurostat previously estimated inflation at 0.1 per cent last month in the 19 countries sharing the euro. The monthly consumer price change was -0.1 per cent, slightly higher than the expected -0.2 per cent. The revision ... Read More

France's 2017 state budget deficit lowest since 2008

Business Recorder (January 16, 2018)
budget ministry said on Tuesday. The deficit came to 67.8 billion euros ($82.99 billion) last year, marking an improvement of 1.5 billion euros from 2016, the budget ministry said on Tuesday. The deficit came to 67.8 billion euros ($82.99 billion) last year, marking an improvement of 1.5 billion euros from 2016, the ministry said. It was also better than the 69.3 billion euros originally budgeted by the previous Socialist government ... Read More

First ever citizen's budget of District Charsadda presented

The Statesman (January 14, 2018)
CHARSADDA: Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) launched the first-ever Citizens' Budget of District Charsada with support of Saiban Development Organization. Jamshed Tariq, Project Coordinator CPDI Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said this is for the first time in Pakistan that citizens' budget was developed at district level. For the understanding of budget allocations, a citizens' budget is developed in jargon free and easy to ... Read More

World Economic Forum ranks India 30th on global manufacturing index; Japan Tops

Hindustan Times (January 14, 2018)
Press Trust of India: New Delhi/Geneva: The report, which analyses development of modern industrial strategies and urges collaborative action, has categorised 100 countries into four groups -- Leading (strong current base, high level of readiness for future); High Potential (limited current base, high potential for future); Legacy (strong current base, at risk for future); or Nascent (limited current base, low level of readiness for future). ... Read More

CPDI launches 'Citizens Budget' for Charsadda

Express Tribune (January 13, 2018)
CHARSADDA: Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) launched a first-ever Citizens' Budget of District Charssada with support of Saiban Development Organisation. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa CPDI Project Coordinator Jamshed Tariq said this is for the first time in Pakistan that citizens' budget was developed at district level. For the understanding of budget allocations, a citizens' budget is developed in easy to ... Read More

Chinese economy grew "around 6.9%" in 2017: premier

Daily Times (January 12, 2018)
Agencies: China's premier expects economic growth of around 6.9 percent for 2017, as he saw a "better than expected" outlook for the world's second-largest economy, state media said Thursday. The authorities will release official gross domestic product figures next week but Premier Li Keqiang has given his own forecast. "Over the past year, the Chinese economy has been on a stable and favourable development path, with its overall circumstances better excess ... Read More

Pak growth rate to reach average 5.9pc: WB Report

Business Recorder by Parvez Jabri (January 10, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: The World Bank (WB), in its recent report, has predicted that Pakistan economic growth would reach at an average 5.9 percent a year over the medium term on the back of continued robust domestic consumption, rising investment, and a recovery in exports. "In Pakistan, growth is forecast to pick up to 5.5 percent in FY2017/18, and reach at an average 5.9 percent a year over the medium term on the back of continued ... Read More

India to be fastest growing economy again in 2018: World Bank

Hindustan Times (January 10, 2018)
After conceding the top spot in economic growth among major economies to China for a year in 2017, India is likely to regain the position in 2018 with growth expected to accelerate to 7.3% in the year, according to the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects released on Tuesday. The World Bank report projected China's economy to further slow down to grow at 6.4% in 2018 from 6.8% in 2017. The multilateral institution ... Read More

Pakistan procured $40 billion loans in last four years

Pakistan Today (January 08, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan procured $40 billion of loans during PML-N's four-year tenure till end of October 2017. The figure is $6.2 billion higher than the one shared with the National Assembly last month, reported Express Tribune. As per data shared by Economic Affairs Division (EAD) with the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, gross foreign loan procurement from July 2013-October 2017 was recorded at $34.2 billion. This $34.2 ... Read More

Most Asian markets rise as 2018 rally extends

Daily Times (January 06, 2018)
The equity rally that has kicked off 2018 continued on Friday, with Asian markets picking up the baton from another set of records on Wall Street. Dealers are now turning their attention to the release later in the day of key US jobs data, which is expected to show the world's top economy continuing to improve. A forecast-smashing reading Thursday on private take-ups boosted optimism, which had already been bolstered by US tax cuts, healthy ... Read More

Canada trade deficit swells in November on surge of imports

Business Recorder (January 05, 2018)
OTTAWA: Canada's trade deficit grew to C$2.54 billion ($2.03 billion) in November from C$1.55 billion in October as imports posted their biggest surge in more than eight years and far outpaced the growth of exports, Statistics Canada said on Friday. The deficit far exceeded the C$1.20 billion shortfall estimated by analysts in a Reuters poll. Exports grew by 3.7 percent, the most in a year, on higher shipments of motor vehicles and consumer ... Read More

 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 154 E - Alert Issue Date: 17-01-2018
 

India
Gandhi's 'khorak' a 100 years ago
The Kashmir Monitor
The PIL (public interest litigation) and RTI (right to information) methods, combining with electoral turnarounds, can well make 2018 lead to 2019...

Morocco
Access to Information Act: The Home Stretch Till the Passing of the Bill
Morocco World News
The draft was on the agenda of the 2nd Chamber for its final adoption on January 2, however, the bill was voted...

Azarbijan
Will We Ever See the End of Information Control in Azarbaijan
The Global Voices
The ban covers a class of content known as "prohibited information," which was established by a May 2017 court...

India
No need of Aadhaar for RTI
The Hans India
The applicant who filed this complaint also filed first appeal, asking for information without insisting on the proofs first Appellate Authority Akhilesh Kumar...

UK
What is a Freedom of Information (FoI) request?
ITPRO
The right to access public information is one of the most powerful tools individuals have to scrutinise the actions of UK government bodies and public officials...

Pakistan
KP govt designates public information officers at village, neighbourhood councils
MENAFN
Public information officers have been nominated at the village and neighbourhood councils in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to ensure access of people to information about the working of local bodies system...

Ghana
Government will pass the Right to Information Bill soon - Minister
Ghanaweb
The law would ensure that the media have easy access to information from public institutions that would enable them to hold duty bearers accountable...

Zimbave
Zimbabwe Activists Seek Truth About 1980s Massacres
VOA
Activists in southern Zimbabwe are taking legal action to demand the truth about a series of massacres in the 1980s that...

Pakistan
AJK journalists must work towards promotion of Kashmir cause: Midhat Shahzad
Express Tribune
Right to Information law would also be implemented in AJK as it has been enforced in the other provinces of the country...

Iran
Freedom of Information And The Control Over Hearts And Minds in Iran
Huffpost
It's 2018 and the information battle to control the hearts and minds of citizens continues from Russia to China and from Ethiopia to Iran...

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Budget Study Centre Issue 7
January 16, 2018

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Trump's growth boast in reach as factories boom, GDP could have topped 4% in best year since 2004

The Times (January 4, 2018)
The American economy is showing signs that it could hit President Trump's ambitious growth target after a report indicated that factories in the United States had enjoyed their best year since 2004. Manufacturing activity in the world's largest economy came in well ahead of economists' expectations last month, a closely watched report showed, suggesting that growth could have surged above 4 per cent in 2017, much faster than previously ... Read More

Economic indicators stay positive, LSM, exports witness growth

Business Recorder (January 4, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Despite challenges, the performance of various sectors of economy showed impressive growth as depicted by different economic growth indicators. During the first five months of the current fiscal year, the exports have witnessed a growth of 10.49 percent over the corresponding period of Fiscal year 2016-17, while during the month of November, the exports increased by 12.35 percent compared to the exports of November ... Read More

US aid cut worries economists; souring ties with foreign donors feared

The News by Erum Zaidi (January 4, 2018)
KARACHI: US government's decision to wean Pakistan off its financial aids may sour the country's ties with international financial intuitions and could throw a spanner into much-needed foreign inflows, economists said on Wednesday. A former finance minister said the US decision seems to influence the various multilateral agencies/creditors, such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and Asian Development ... Read More

Turkey inflation still stubbornly high in December

Business Recorder (January 3, 2018)
ANKARA: Inflation in Turkey eased slightly in December after reaching the highest rate in 14 years the month earlier, but remained stubbornly high at almost 12 percent, in a continued headache for policymakers, according to statistics released Wednesday. Consumer prices rose by 11.92 percent year-on-year in December, the Turkish statistical institute said, down slightly from 12.98 percent in November, which was the highest ... Read More

Britain wants financial services included in EU Trade deal-Davis

Times of Malta (January 3, 2018)
Britain wants to include financial services in a trade deal with the European Union that covers a full sweep of economic areas, Brexit minister David Davis said on Tuesday.Davis said that any deal that left finance out would be "cherry picking", after the EU's Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier cast doubt on the inclusion of financial services in a free-trade deal. “We are looking at the full sweep of economic cooperation that currently exists and ... Read More

FBR on target to achieve annual collection target of Rs 4013 bln this year

Pakistan Observer (January 2, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Revenue remains on track to achieve annual collection target of Rs 4013 billion. During first half of the current financial year, Federal Board of Revenue has recorded provisional net revenue collection of over Rs. 1722 billion as against Rs. 1466 billion collected during the same period of the previous fiscal year, by recording an increase of around 17.5% over the revenue collected during the ... Read More

Inflation spikes 4.6% in Dec 2017, hits 8-months high

The Express Tribune by Shahbaz Rana (January 2, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: For the first time in the past eight months, the inflation rate spiked 4.6%, showing the effect of government's policies including the increase in prices of petroleum products for end-consumers and levy of regulatory duty. "The impact of government's decision to devalue the rupee against the US dollar by about 7.2% is also expected to appear after a lag of a couple of months," said State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Tariq Bajwa. Measured by the ... Read More

Singapore's economy grew 3.5 percent in 2017: PM Lee

Business Recorder (January 1, 2018)
SINGAPORE: Singapore's economy grew 3.5 percent in 2017 on the back of improved productivity as well as a pick-up in the global economy, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Sunday. Singapore’s trade-reliant economy has enjoyed a boost this year from an improvement in global demand, particularly for electronics products and components such as semiconductors. "Our economy grew by 3.5 percent ... Read More

Bond float not enough, Pakistan going to be IMF's customer again

Express Tribune by Jazib Nelson (January 1, 2018)
ISLAMABAD: Popular view of Pakistan's economy was quite optimistic at the start of 2017. Positive developments including successful completion of the $6.6-billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, decent progress on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and emerging market status for the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) were behind the optimism. Government officials claimed at almost every ... Read More

The making of shadow budget

The News by Mustafa Nazir Ahmad (December 31, 2017)
The preparation of shadow budgets by opposition parties, think tanks and civil society organisations has become a norm in the developed world over the last quarter of a century. These alternative budgets offer analysis and perspective on what the government budget should contain in terms of spending and revenue generation. In short, a shadow budget offers an alternative vision to deal with the macroeconomic challenges ... Read More

Hungary's economy projected to grow by 4.3pc in 2018

Business Recorder (December 28, 2017)
BUDAPEST: Hungary's economic growth is expected to come in at 4.1 percent this year, and will accelerate to 4.3 percent next year, the Economy Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. The ministry said that this year’s GDP growth was largely driven by a rise in investments, due to a pick-up in housing construction increasing use of development funds coming from the European Union and capacity expansion by large corporates ... Read More

'Foreign loans compromise sovereignty' says Rabbani

The DAWN By Parvaiz Ishfaq Rana (December27, 2017)
KARACHI: Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani said on Tuesday foreign loans come with strings as lenders' lconditions infringe upon national sovereignty. If a nation has a choice, then it should opt for increasing exports by promoting the indigenous industry and making it competitive, he said while addressing the 41st Export Awards ceremony of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). "I'd suggest that if we have a choice ... Read More

The fall and fall of Pakistan's economy in 2017

The Express Tribune by Arsalaan Asif Soomro (December 26, 2017)
Whether this is due to Mr Ishaq Dar being pre-occupied during the year, trying to save himself and his boss from the aftermath of the Panama leaks, or merely because the anticipated growth of imports was foreseen in a naive manner, is a question that is behind us for now. With the grip on currency loosening, the picture alas seems to slowly be moving towards equilibrium. When the currency started slipping in December, there was no "inquiry" ... Read More

Govt. asked to announce PFC award without delay.

DAWN (December 25, 2017)
SWABI: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has been asked to announce the Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) Award 2017-18 under the Local Government Act, 2013, without further delay to give financial responsibility and authority to elected representatives of local bodies. The demand was made by members of Samaji Bahbood Rabita Council (SBRC) and Good Governance District Coalition (GGDC)" ... Read More

Venezuela: Economy shrank 16.5% in 2016: report

Express Tribune (December 24, 2017)
WASHINGTON: Venezuela's economy shrank a massive 16.5% in 2016, according to an official government filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The oil-rich but impoverished country attributed the collapse to a contraction of 9.9% in the oil sector and 16.1% in the non-oil economy. The 150-page report, received on Thursday by the SEC, also reported inflation at 274.4%, and an unemployment rate of 7.5% in the calendar ... Read More

 
Budget Study Centre Issue 6
December 28, 2017

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Current account deficit increases to $6.4 billion

Daily Times by Khursheed Ahmad (December 21, 2017)
KARACHI: Pakistan's external financial position continues to deteriorate due to rising import bill as the country's current account deficit rose to $6.4 billion in the first five months of the fiscal year. The deficit was $3.3 billion in the same period last year. The current account deficit has increased to 4.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). The deficit increased by $1.4 billion in November. The increase in October was $1.2 billion, mainly due ... Read More

China shrugs off debt worries as Xi Takes firmer economic grip

NY Times (December 20, 2017)
SHANGHAI - It's Xi Jinping's economy now, and he isn't too worried about debt. China signaled its economic priorities on Wednesday at the end of a meeting of top Communist Party economic leaders with a statement indicating that President Xi is fully in charge. Labeled "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialist Economy With Chinese Characteristics," the statement called for trimming industrial overcapacity, controlling the ... Read More

Revenue collection, tax returns show growth, FBR Chief Tells Businessmen

Daily Times (December 20, 2017)
Karachi: federal board of revenue (fbr) chairman tariq mahmood pasha said on tuesday said that fbr had witnessed growth in revenue collection and returns filed so far, which increased by 26 percent to 1,075,000, as on december 19, 2017, compared to last year. Speaking at an interactive session during his visit to the karachi chamber of commerce and industry (kcci), he said that the credit for this growth ... Read More

Pakistan attracts $1.1bn foreign investment in 5M FY18

Daily Times by Khursheed Ahmad (December 16, 2017)
Karachi: Foreign Direct investment FDI continued to show encouraging growth as in the first five months of current fiscal year (July-November), 5MFY18, FDI posted substantial growth of 57 percent to $1,146.4 million as compared to $729.4 million invested during the same period of the previous fiscal year, FY16, State Bank of Pakistan data shows. China emerged as the single largest foreign investor in Pakistan with ... Read More

Country's direct investment surges by 57.2pc to $1.146.4bn in July-Nov 2017

Pakistan Today (December 15, 2017)
KARACHI: The country has received an amount of $ 1.146 billion in the head of foreign direct investment (FDI), up by 57.2 per cent or $ 417 million during first five months of the current fiscal year compared to $ 729.4 million in the same period last year. Out of the total investment, Chinese companies invested $ 840.6 million in Pakistan during last five months. In November 2017, the country has received ... Read More

Will America's economy overheat in 2018?

The Economist (December 14, 2017)
WASHINGTON DC: USUALLY politicians pretend that good economic news on their watch is no surprise. But America's recent growth figures have been so positive that even the administration of President Donald Trump has allowed itself to marvel. "It's actually happening faster than we expected," mused Mick Mulvaney, the White House budget chief, in September, after growth rose to 3.1% in the second quarter. (Mr Trump in fact ... Read More

Federal Reserve raises interest rates as attention turns to 2018

Independent by Howard Schneider (December 13, 2017)
The Federal Reserve has raised interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point, but has left its rate outlook for the coming years unchanged even as policymakers project a short-term acceleration in US economic growth. The move, coming at the final policy meeting of 2017 and on the heels of a flurry of relatively bullish economic data, represented a victory for a central bank that has vowed of continue ... Read More

ADB lowers India's GDP forecast for FY-18 to 6.7%

The Times of India (December 13, 2017)
NEW DELHI: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Wednesday lowered India's GDP (Gross Domestic Product) forecast for the current fiscal by 0.3 per cent to 6.7 per cent, attributing it to tepid growth in the first half, demonetisation and transitory challenges of tax sector reforms. It has also revised downward the GDP outlook for next fiscal beginning from March 2018 to 7.3 per cent from 7.4 per cent mainly due ... Read More

Remittances decline 2.57% to $1.7b in November

The Express Tribune (December 12, 2017)
KARACHI: Pakistan received remittances amounting to $1.576 billion in November 2017, which is 2.57% lower compared with $1.618 billion the country received in the same month of the previous year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Monday. Overall, overseas Pakistani workers remitted $8.021 billion in the first five months (July to November) of fiscal year 2018, up 1.28% compared with ... Read More

$14.6tr was the impact of violence on global economy in 2016

Express Tribune by Tahreem Hussain (December 11, 2017)
NORTHAMPTON: Global peace is the need of the hour. It has been estimated that more than 1.5 billion people live in countries that are affected by violent conflict and the gap between those countries which enjoy relative peace and those afflicted by conflict seems to be growing. Conflicts and resulting violence have a deep-rooted impact at all levels of the society. Although the human cost of being affected by ... Read More

Govt. looks to squeeze oil and gas sector to meet revenue target

Express Tribune by Zafar Butta (December 10, 2017)
ISLAMABAD: The Finance Division has tightened its noose around the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division) to collect Rs392 billion from the oil and gas sector to meet the budget target for financial year 2017-18. Sources said that following pressure, the Petroleum Division was forced to impose a petroleum levy not only on locally produced liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) but on imported LPG as well in a bid to collect Rs2 billion in ... Read More

Meeting discusses budget awareness

Express Tribune (December 08, 2017)
JHELUM: While devising the budget, it is imperative that requirements of transparency, public consent are met while rules and regulation are adhered to. This was stated by Jhelum District Finance Officer Sarfaraz Khan while speaking at a budget consultation programme. The programme organised by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) and CRG in Jhelum. Network for Budget Accountability ... Read More

LGs flayed over budget rules' violations

The Nation (December 08, 2017)
JHANG - The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), a non-profit organisation, demanded adherence to the Punjab Local Governments (Budget) Rules 2017, transparency and citizens' participation in the budget making process at district level. Addressing in district level budget consultation at Jhang, its local office-bearers said that first draft of the district budget be presented in April to ensure timely input ... Read More

 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 153 E - Alert Issue Date: 22-12-2017
 

India
Know Your Rights - Traffic Police cannot take out keys from vehicle while checking
Nation
In the information provided by the police department, it has been clearly stated that taking out the key of any two or four-wheeler is wrong. No policeman, irrespective of any rank, has the power to do this...

Malta
Over 400 Freedom of Information requests in 3 years
Times of Malta
The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act (Cap. 496), which came into force in September 2012, establishes the right to the public to information held by public authorities in order to promote added transparency and accountability in government...

Canada
Liberals want to be global leader on open government, but face complaints at home
CBC News
For instance, Scott Brison, president of the federal Treasury Board, recently flew to Argentina, where he addressed a summit of the Open Government Partnership, a coalition of more than 80 governments pledged to the cause of political openness and transparency...

India
CIC brings down pendency of cases in 2017
Times of India
During the year 2016-17, the CIC had registered 23,811 cases and disposed of 32,344 cases, as compared to registration of 25,960 cases and disposal of 28,188 cases in the year 2015-16...

Australia
Freedom of information: Australians are losing the battle against government secrecy
The Canberra Times
Government policy on freedom of information remains in limbo. In 2014-15, thanks to resistance from the Senate...

India
RTI reveals several Gurugram police stations don't have ladies toilets
Outlook
A reply to Right to Information (RTI) application filed by social activist Harinder Dhingra has revealed that out of the 35 police stations in Haryana's Gurugram, six police stations do not have ladies washrooms...

Pakistan
Right to information
The News
Article 19 urges that the fundamental right of human being is to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media...

Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan govt body rejects Right to Information request on blocking of news website
Tamil Guardian
The regulatory commission responded this week with a denial of the request, saying the questions could not be answered for national security reasons...

Pakistan
Speakers call for extending RTI law to Fata for good governance
Dawn
The seminar on the significance of RTI law was organised by a non-government organisation in collaboration with the Bajaur Press Club here...

India
Access to information makes democracy more participative: Vice President
Zee News
Access to credible information makes a democracy more "progressive, participatory and meaningful"...

Pakistan
LHC rejects Punjab govt's appeal, orders release of Model Town inquiry report
ARY News
The counsel maintained that the government was itself accused in the Model Town incident and thus it did not make the report public...

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Budget Study Centre Issue 5
December 12, 2017

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

K-P revenue authority generates Rs34b in Taxes

Express Tribune (December 7, 2017)
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority (KPRA) has generated Rs34 billion in tax collections since its inception in 2013, according to KPRA Director General Tahir Aurakzai, adding this amounts to 56% of provincial tax revenue collected in 2016 and 2017. Speaking at a multi stakeholder's awareness and sensitization session on the revenue generation by KPRA, Aurakzai ... Read More

40 percent growth witnessed in company incorporations during November 2017

Pakistan Observer (December 6, 2017)
ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) during the month of November 2017 registered 881 new companies. As compared to the corresponding month of last financial year, it represents a growth of 40 percent. The new incorporation raised the total number companies registered with SECP to 84,201. The massive increase in number ... Read More

US tax overhaul will increase debt and interest costs

Pakistan Today (December 5, 2017)
WASHINGTON: A U.S. tax overhaul will increase the government's need to issue more Treasuries as interest costs on the country's debt become a larger drain on the budget. The U.S. Senate on Saturday approved a tax rewrite, which the Congressional Budget Office has estimated would double the deficit over the coming decade to around $2.8 trillion. That would add to the worsening ... Read More

Canada economic growth slows to 1.7pc in 3Q

The Nation (December 4, 2017)
OTTAWA - Canada's economy grew at a much more modest annualized rate of 1.7 percent in the third quarter, as Canadians curbed their spending, the government statistical agency said. Exports fell while imports were flat, business investment weakened, and household outlays pulled back slightly from the previous quarter said Statistics Canada. The figure was close to the 1.6 percent growth ... Read More

Pakistan's economy has a bumpy ride ahead but the future is bright, study says

The DAWN by Afshan Subohi (December 4, 2017)
PAKISTAN'S future holds promise despite all what people experience, read and hear in a country that seems to fray at the edges. It would sure be a bumpy ride ahead but there is slim chance of a derailment, a study says. The picture 'Pakistan State of Future Index' paints is not a grim one, and, with right adjustments, the chances are real that the country could become a fairly stable, growing state ... Read More

FBR notches 20pc increase in revenue collection for July-November 2017

Pakistan Today (December 2, 2017)
ISLAMABAD: Tax collection went up by 20 per-cent during July-November period of financial year 2017-18 touching Rs1.302 trillion, the Federal Board of Revenue revealed on Thursday. During November, FBR collected Rs270 billion, rising 24 per-cent compared to same period last year (SPLY) but still recording a deficit of Rs24 billion, reported Express Tribune. Tax refunds of Rs13 billion were ... Read More

Study urges involvement of all stakeholders in budget preparation

The News (December 1, 2017)
PESHAWAR: A study conducted by the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) suggested that there was a dire need to discuss the district budgets with citizens groups, civil society and media for achieving the local development agenda. 
It said there were several lacunae in the district budgets due to the absence of planning officers. The study said the local body ... Read More

India's economy rebounds from three-year low

Business Recorder by Parvez Jabri (December 1, 2017)
NEW DELHI: India's economy picked up in the second quarter, official data showed Thursday, rebounding from a sharp slump in the wake of government reforms that dragged growth to three-year lows. Figures from the Central Statistics Office showed Asia's third-largest economy accelerated after five quarters of slowing growth, as the impact of a sudden cash ban and launch of a nationwide tax receded. GDP ... Read More

With fiscal deficit at 1.2pc, first quarter shows strong financial performance

Business Recorder by Fawad Maqsood (November 29, 2017)
ISLAMABAD: With fiscal deficit recorded at 1.2 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP), the federal government's financial operations and debt statistics for first quarter of the current fiscal year show strong performance and prudent expenditure. On one hand, revenue collection, especially tax revenue collection, registered a strong growth of over 20 per cent during the first quarter ... Read More

Govt. puts ADB's $990-million smart-meters project on hold

Express Tribune by Shahbaz Rana (November 29, 2017)
ISLAMABAD: In a development that may affect relations with a Manila-based lending agency, Pakistan has decided to put on hold a $990-million (Rs105 billion) smart metering project that was meant to introduce advanced infrastructure in power distribution companies. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) wanted Pakistan to implement the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project, but the Ministry of Power and ... Read More

Tackling trade deficit by facilitating exports

Express Tribune by Aadil Nakhoda (November 27, 2017)
KARACHI: The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported that the trade balance deficit in FY17 stood at $32.6 billion. This was an increase of more than 36% over the value reported in FY16. Imports increased by more than 18%, while exports decreased by 2%. Although the relative decline in exports is marginal, it is disconcerting that exports are currently at $20 billion. On the other hand, imports have increased ... Read More

Concerns over delay in PFC award

Dawn (November 24, 2017)
TOBA TEK SINGH: The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) has expressed concerns over a delay in the announcement of Punjab Provincial Finance Commission (PFC) award. In a press conference here on Thursday, CPDI District coordinator Muhammad Shahid said the process of devolution was incomplete without a formula to share the provincial divisible pool among the local ... Read More

 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 152 E - Alert Issue Date: 27-11-2017
 

India:
From right to information to right to data
The daily star
OGD and Right to Information (RTI) are two sides of the same coin. In fact, the foundation of OGD lies in peoples' right to information...

UK
Journalism Made Possible Because of the Freedom of Information Act
PROPUBLICA
If you're unfamiliar, the Freedom of Information Act is a law that allows anyone - yes, including you - to request records and documents from the government...

India
RTI reveals failed student with 2 marks actually scored 79
The news Scroll
Dhananjay Kumar, a student from Bihar's Rohtas district, was declared failed in the Class 10 final examination conducted by the BSEB with just two marks in Hindi...

USA
Whistleblower Sues Interior Department For Information On Staff Shuffle
Huffpost
A scientist-turned-whistleblower who resigned from the Interior Department in October citing agency chief Ryan Zinke's "poor leadership"...

Pakistan
Graveyard of Journalism
The Newsline Magazine
Pakistan ranks fifth on the list of deadliest countries in the world for journalists; 60 have been murdered in Pakistan since 1992 - alarmingly high...

India
Delhi pollution: Facing ire over unused Rs 787 cr green cess, Kejriwal's AAP blames Modi govt
Times Now
In a shocking disclosure, a Right to Information (RTI) query on Wednesday revealed that the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government has failed to specify its utilisation of the Rs 787 crore green cess collected during 2017...

USA
More Nations Adopt Freedom of Information Laws
The Market Mogul
There are now some 112 countries that have promulgated some type of freedom of information legislation in order to enable citizens to access government data...

Pakistan
LHC to resume hearing on Punjab govt's plea on 21st
Daily Times
He said that the Model Town massacre was recognised as 'state terrorism' and witnessed by the entire country where unarmed men and women were killed and tortured...

Zimbabwe
Access to information: Denying the people
Newsday Zimbabwe
The right to access of information is canvassed in sections 61 and 62 of the Constitution. So somebody somewhere intentionally violated our rights and freedoms by denying us that piece of news...

Pakistan
KP govt fails to provide relief despite allocating Rs67bn for health
Pakistan Today
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) declared an emergency in the health sector and had allocated a huge development budget of Rs67 billion for health sector from 2013-2018...

India
Breaking: RTI Act Won't Prevail Over Supreme Court Rules: Delhi HC
Live Law
Holding that there is no inconsistency in the Supreme Court Rules (SCR) and the Right to Information Act, the Delhi High Court...

Indonesia
Paradise Papers leaks take aim at Indonesian paper firm APRIL
ECO-Business
The global Paradise Papers leak has accused Indonesian pulp and paper giant APRIL of unethically exploiting tax loopholes

Pakistan
Punjab govt asked to file reply in Model town incident by Nov 24
Express Tribune
Full bench headed by Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh on Wednesday sought reply from the Punjab government by November 24 over a vacant post of the information commissioner...

Ghana
A Right to Information Act could have saved KABA
GhanaWeb
KABA died a brave man, never afraid to ask the critical questions. In the absence of a Right to Information Act, he risked his health, combing through stress, deploying difficult tactics to have access to information, to enrich his program...

Pakistan
APNS, CPNE, PFUJ, RIUJ express concern over closure of TV channels
The News
The APNS office bearers have stated that any curb on the freedom of press has always been counterproductive in any democratic dispensation...

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Budget Study Centre Issue 4
November 23, 2017

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Singapore economy grows 5.2% in Q3, fastest in nearly 4 years; 2017 forecast raised to 3-3.5%

Strait Times (November 23, 2017)
SINGAPORE - Singapore's economy performed much better than expected this year due mostly to a strong showing in electronics, prompting the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) to upgrade its 2017 gross domestic product (GDP) forecast on Thursday morning (Nov 23). Full-year GDP growth is now expected to be 3 per cent to 3.5 per cent. This is up from an earlier estimate ... Read More

Budget 2017: EU finally takes Britain off list of countries with excessive budget deficits

Independent by Jon Stone (November 23, 2017)
The European Commission has given a Budget Day boost to Philip Hammond, announcing that it will be taking the UK off the list of countries with too-large spending deficits. Naming the Chancellor personally, Pierre Moscovici, the EU finance's commissioner, told reporters in Brussels that the UK would be removed from the EU's Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP). The economics chief said the UK had ... Read More

Rs 15bn spent on development Projects in Tharparkar

Daily Times (November 23, 2017)
MITHI: Dr Mahesh Kumar Malani, a provincial legislator associated with Pakistan People's Party (PPP), said that the PPP government was committed to improve living standard of the people of Tharparkar and had spent Rs 15 billion in development projects in the last nine years. He expressed these views while speaking with a delegation from Pakistan Federal Council of Columnists, visiting Mithi ... Read More

Widening UK budget deficit hands Hammond a headache

The Guardian by Richard Partington (November 21, 2017)
Britain's deficit unexpectedly widened in October, handing Philip Hammond disappointing news on the eve of the budget.  Public sector net borrowing last month excluding the nationalised banks, grew by £500m to £8bn compared with October a year ago, according to the office for National Statistics (ONS). City economists expected the deficit, which is the gap between government spending and tax receipts, to improve by £500m to stand at £7bn ... Read More

Pakistan hasn't defaulted once on its debts since independence

Pakistan Today (November 21, 2017)
LAHORE: Pakistan joined the fray of six other nations susceptible to possible risk of defaulting on its debts as its credit-default swaps increased in October and are near its highest levels since June. Interestingly, Pakistan hasn't defaulted even once on its debts since independence in August 1947. Last week, Bloomberg reported about risk-premium on emerging market sovereign bonds decreased seven basis points ... Read More

EU cuts funding to Turkey in 2018 budget

AFP DAWN (Sunday November 19, 2017)
BRUSSELS: An EU 2018 budget deal was announced Saturday that cuts funds destined to Turkey, citing doubts about Ankara's commitment to democracy and human rights German Chancellor Angela Merkel had led calls for a cut to the funds, which are linked to Turkey's stalled bid to join the bloc, following mass-scale arrests in the country since the failed July 2016 coup. MEPs and member states have agreed to reduce the ... Read More

National debt may increase in FY 2018, says Moody's but will improve after

Press Trust of India (Sunday November 19, 2017)
New Delhi: Lower taxes and higher public expenditure could widen budget deficit in 2017-18, but steps taken by the government to broaden the tax base and improve spending efficiency would help in narrowing it going forward, US-based rating agency Moody's said. In an interview to PTI, Moody's Investors Service V-P (Sovereign Risk Group) William Foster said the agency believes that the government's commitment to fisca ... Read More

Only 6% of return filers pay most of direct taxes

The Express Tribune by Shahbaz Rana (Saturday November 18, 2017)
ISLAMABAD: About 65,000 Pakistanis, constituting hardly 6% of the income tax return filers in tax year 2016, paid 79% of direct taxes, exposing the shallowness of an already narrow tax base, according to statistics of the tax directory. Contrary to a mushroom growth in posh housing societies and luxury cars on roads, only 2,455 Pakistanis paid more than Rs10 million in income tax in 2016 ... Read More

Hammond's budget big five: cuts, pay, housing, roads and students

The Guardian by Phillip Inman (Saturday November 18, 2017)
Philip Hammond will face his toughest test as chancellor on Wednesday when he stands up to deliver his third and most important budget statement. By comparison, the  2016 tasked with formulation of annual budget do not bother to conduct pre budget consultative sessions with public and their representatives. The seminar was organized by citizen network for budget accountability (CNBA) with the support of partner organizations ... Read More

Peoples participation in budget making process urged

Frontier Post (November 17, 2017)
LAKKI MARWAT: Speakers at a seminar have stressed the need for ensuring people's participation in budget making process, saying that the quarters concerned tasked with formulation of annual budget do not bother to conduct pre budget consultative sessions with public and their representatives. The seminar was organized by citizen network for budget accountability (CNBA) with the support of partner organizations ... Read More

Transparency & citizens participation in budget making process sought

The News (November 15 2017)
PESHAWAR: The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) has launched “Study of Budget Making Process at District Level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa" which called for transparency and citizens' participation in the entire exercise. The study revealed transparency and citizens participation in budget making process was found lacking at district level. in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. ... Read More

Cabinet allows $3b borrowing through Sukuk, Eurobonds

Express Tribune (Tuesday 14 November 2017)
The federal cabinet has allowed immediate borrowing of up to $3 billion from international debt markets by floating three sovereign bonds and has also waived a dozen taxes to make deals attractive for investors. Instead of tabling a summary in a cabinet meeting, the finance ministry got approval of the cabinet by circulating the summary among its members earlier this month. This is surprising as the federal cabinet meets every week. Pakistan ... Read More

 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 151 E - Alert Issue Date: 21-11-2017
 

India
224 nursing homes, illegal clinics being run in Gurgaon: RTI
India
Gurgaon, Nov 3 (PTI) A total of 224 nursing homes and illegal clinics are being run under the district's community health centre (CHC) in the millennium city, an RTI query has revealed.

Athens
Officials warned to produce public records
Athens Daily Review
The complaint alleges that the city is refusing to provide responses to an open records request," the letter shows. "This is troubling as it is not the first such complaint

Pakistan
Right to Information, sham or reality?
Daily Times
It is a recognised concept across the world that the right to information empowers citizens...

USA
CIA Releases Osama Bin Laden Files, Including a Viral Video TBT
Inverse Culture
The CIA says it released the additional files Wednesday "in the interest of transparency and to enhance public understanding of al-Qa'ida."

India
Route For Planned Bullet Train Loss-Making, 40% Seats Empty, Reveals RTI
NDTV
32 Mail and Express trains between Mumbai to Ahmedabad have been incurring a loss of 14 crore and 31 trains from Mumbai to Ahmedabad have made losses of 15 crore.

Kashmir
J&K Hydel Projects: Rejection of Right to Information Request Fans Old Flames
Iran Front Page
The recent rejection of a right to information (RTI) request over details of the delayed handing over of several central hydel projects to the (J&K)...

Pakistan
LHC seeks Model Town report
The Nation
The Lahore High Court has sought a copy of Justice Najfi's report on Model Town massacre in 2014 for its perusal...

Australia
Victoria Police rejects FOI requests for information about car crash involving Premier's wife
Herald Sun
PREMIER Daniel Andrews has denied he interfered to stop the release of documents detailing an investigation into a collision involving his wife after a freedom of information request was deemed to not be in the public interest...

Pakistan
Speakers call for extending RTI law to Fata for good governance
Dawn
The seminar on the significance of RTI law was organised by a non-government organisation in collaboration with the Bajaur Press Club here...

USA
Paradise Papers: Firms ‘terrified' by data leak
Jersey Evening Post
It is claimed that more than six million documents belonging to offshore law firm Appleby, which has a large presence in Jersey..

Africa
Gov't committed to strengthen right to information Says Communication Minister
The Point
The Minister of Information and Communication Infrastructure has reiterated The Gambia government's commitment to strengthening and protecting the rights of access to information.

Bangladesh
The right to know
Dhaka Tribune
Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Iran, Hossein Entezami, says the government is determined to implement the law of Freedom of Information (FOI) passed about 6 years ago...

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Budget Study Centre Issue 3
November 09, 2017

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

The budget will show whether the Tories really care about 'just managing' families

Frances Ryan (Thursday 9 November 2017)
In politics, there are some ideas that are good in theory but don't work in practice. Then there are those that were always going to cause harm but turn out to be more damning than even the policy's architects could have imagined. Increasingly, the benefit freeze is the poster child for the latter category. The government is rightly coming under increasing pressure to halt the roll-out of universal credit. ... Read More

NDAA busts budget caps with $626 billion for defense

By Scott Maucione (November 8, 2017)
An authorization for a nearly $700 billion defense budget, a new commercial marketplace for the Pentagon to buy from and a bigger military end strength may become a reality as the House and Senate finished negotiations of the 2018 defense authorization bill this week. The bill will now go to the House and Senate for amendments and passage before being signed into law by the president. The bill includes $692.1 billion ... Read More

Iraq cabinet plans to cut Kurdistan share in 2018 federal budget

The Reuters (November 6, 2017)
BAGHDAD/ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraq's cabinet proposed on Sunday to slash the Kurdish share of the country's revenue in the 2018 federal budget, a move that Kurdish officials said was aimed to further punish them for a Sept. 25 referendum on independence. A Kurdish man sells banners supporting the referendum for independence for Kurdistan in Erbil, Iraq September 21, 2017. ... Read More

Bountiful Budget to spur activities in 2018

The Borneo Post (November 5, 2017)
Specialists and industry leaders were optimistic following Budget 2018's announcement which allocated a sum of RM280.25 billion centered on improving the lives of Malaysians while ensuring that it covers all sectors of the economy. With overall spending allocated on areas of the economy ranging from education, agricultural, tourism, social subsidies to business incentives, OCBC Bank Treasury Research ... Read More

NHC approves budget for 5-year development plan, reviews ongoing projects

Daily Times (November 3, 2017)
ISLAMABAD: Communications Minister Hafiz Abdul Karim on Thursday presided over a meeting of National Highway Council (NHC), at the Ministry of Communications. Communications Minister of State Muhammad Junaid Chaudhry,Communications secretary, National Highway Authority chairman and other members of the council participated in the meeting. The meeting gave approval ... Read More

Budget office sees higher deficit than Liberal government's forecast

CBC news (November 1, 2017)
The parliamentary budget overseer is predicting a budget deficit in the current fiscal year that's almost $2 billion higher than was forecast in the government's fall fiscal update last week. The latest report from the parliamentary budget officer says the deficit this year will be $20.2 billion, while Finance Minister Bill Morneau's last prediction was $18.4 billion. (Morneau's economic update also included a $1.5 billion ... Read More

How economic slowdown is weakening India's armed forces

The dailyo (October 31, 2017)
The debate about the turbulence in India's economic health is worrisome for defense procurement plans. The defense budget has been declining over the past decades, with this year's allocation at a record low of 1.56 per cent of the GDP. With the RBI's latest report marking down the overall GDP figure for FY 2017- 18, the amount available in the government's kitty for the next fiscal would be even lower-especially considering ... Read More

Germany to confirm size of expected budget surplus next month

The Reuters (October 30, 2017)
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany expects a budget surplus in 2017, but will not know its full extent until Nov. 9 when the finance ministry gets a new assessment of expected tax revenues, acting Finance Minister Peter Altmaier told broadcaster ARD on Sunday. A long-exposure picture shows a container ship, at a loading terminal, in the harbor of Hamburg, Germany April 6, 2017. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer Altmaier declined to ... Read More

Government proposes $6B budget for 2018

The Phonm penh post (October 30, 2017)
The Council of Ministers on Friday approved a national budget for next year that calls for more than $6 billion in spending, the largest increase ever proposed for the Kingdom, with big boosts for education, defense and the arts. In an executive summary of the draft law released on Friday, the Council of Ministers proposes raising the budget by nearly $1 billion, stating that the budget increases are necessary to run ... Read More

EU Says Concerned Over Italy's 2018 Budget, Adding to Government's Woes

The New York Times (October 27, 2017)
BRUSSELS - The European Commission sent a letter on Friday to Italy's finance minister urging clarifications over the country's planned budget for 2018, adding to Rome's headaches ahead of elections due by next May. The move could force Rome to cut expenditures or raise taxes to comply with EU fiscal rules. Both are unpalatable measures before elections planned by May and amid deepening political divisions ... Read More

Liberals table budget bill to join China's Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

The Globe and Mail (October 27, 2017)
The Liberal government has introduced a second large budget bill that includes a new law establishing Canada's participation in the Beijing- based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Bill C-63, Finance Minister Bill Moreno's second budget bill of the year, enacts a wide range of measures related to his March budget. Like the first budget bill, it is more than 300 pages, repeating a practice that has faced opposition ... Read More

GB Council approves Rs 2.4b budget for 2017-18

The Nation (October 26, 2017)
SKARDU - The Gilgit-Baltistan Council on Wednesday approved a budget with a total outlay of about Rs 2.4 billion for financial year 2017-18 to Gilgit- Baltistan. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who is also the Chairman of the Council, chaired the meeting. The Prime Minister in his remarks at the meeting said that the PML-N government was committed to the ... Read More

Lockheed CEO warns of potential order hit if US 'budget constraints' are not fixed

CNBC (October 24, 2017)
Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson warned Tuesday of potential order impacts if there are federal budget constraints beyond Dec. 8. A measure passed last month keeps the government operating through early December but also impacts the Pentagon's spending. The defense giant's CEO also urged Congress to address the budget caps to allow for more defenses spending that she sees as "vital to ... Read More

 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 150 E - Alert Issue Date: 31-10-2017
 

Pakistan
'N' lawyers body head appointed information commission chief
Dawn
The Punjab government on appointed PML-N Lawyers Forum Pakistan President Naseer Ahmad Bhutta as Punjab Information Commission's chief commissioner...

Srinagar
Provide Information Under RTI or Face Action
Greater Kashmir
Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Khurshid Ganie Saturday asked the public information officers (PIOs) and first appellant authorities (FAAs) designated by different departments under right to information act (RTI), to provide information to applicants under rules or face penalty clause...

Nepal
Use RTI to ensure transparency, says president
The Himalayan
Inaugurating a programme organised by National Information Commission here today to mark International Day for Universal Access to Information; President Bhandari said transparency and good governance made democracy stronger...

India
Supreme Court asks EC to look into plea to bring parties under RTI law
Financial Express
The Supreme Court today asked the Election Commission (EC) to examine a representation for bringing political parties under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act to make them accountable and to curb the use of black money in elections...

USA
UN & Other Organisations "Failing" on Freedom of Information
SCOOP World
The UN and many international organizations lack the kind of freedom of information policies that are increasingly the norm among governments...

India
RTI Applicant Asked to Pay GST for Info
DNA
A Pune-resident, who filed an RTI application with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) recently, was told this by the Public Information Officer (PIO)...

Australia
Victoria Police rejects FOI requests for information about car crash involving Premier's wife
Herald Sun
PREMIER Daniel Andrews has denied he interfered to stop the release of documents detailing an investigation into a collision involving his wife after a freedom of information request was deemed to not be in the public interest...

India
Bihar among top 5 states in country to receive most complaints under RTI
NYOOOZ
If data on the number of second appeals and complaints filed at information commissions is anything to go by, Bihar is among the top three states where response to information...

USA
US Sanctions N. Korean Officials for Human Rights Abuses
Delhi Times
The United States blacklisted seven North Korean officials and three government entities on Thursday, saying they engaged in human rights abuses that are “among the worst in the world...

Iran
'Iran Resolved to Provide People with Free Access to Information
Iran Front Page
Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance of Iran, Hossein Entezami, says the government is determined to implement the law of Freedom of Information (FOI) passed about 6 years ago...

Bahama
Pledge To Protect Whistleblowers
Tribune 242
THE MINNIS administration is seeking to immediately implement protections for whistleblowers in the Freedom of Information Act, despite not having a date as to when the entire legislation will be revised and fully enacted, according to Attorney General Carl Bethel...

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
Budget Study Centre Issue 2
October 24, 2017

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

BRAZIL: Government to Send Congress Changes To The 2018 Budget Bill

The financial Tribune (October 22, 2017)
(RTT News) - The Brazilian government will send to Congress the changes to the 2018 budget bill by the end of next week, Planning Minister Dyogo Oliveira said Thursday after a meeting with the Senate's speaker Eunício Oliveira. "The speaker asked about the deadline for sending the complementary piece of the budget, and I said we are preparing everything to send it by the end of next week...Read More

Women farmers present 'charter of demand' to minister

The Business Recorder(October 21, 2017)
Oxfam Pakistan and Indus Consortium organized a rural women's convention where over 80 women farmers from five districts of Punjab, presented a "charter of demands" to the Minister Environment Protection Zakia Shah Nawaz.The charter demands the approval of the Climate Change Policy with proper resource allocation for smallholder women farmers and their participation in budget decision making. The convention...Read More

Budget Deficit Hits $666 Billion, an $80 Billion Spike for the Year

The flathead Beacon(October 20, 2017)
WASHINGTON - The federal budget deficit rose to $666 billion in the just-completed fiscal year, a spike that comes as Republicans are moving to draft a tax code rewrite that promises to add up to $1.5 trillion to the national debt over the coming decade. The sobering deficit numbers, released Friday by the Treasury Department and the White House budget office, followed Senate passage Thursday night of a 10-year budget...Read More

Academics want bigger budget for education sector in 2018

New Straits Times (October 19, 2017)
KUALA LUMPUR: Public universities will attract the cream of the crop when there is more money pumped into the sector. National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) secretary-general Harry Tan said more allocation for public universities would mean better quality teachers and ultimately higher standards of instructions provided in schools.He said a larger budget for both the Education and Higher Education...Read More

Zimbabwe Says to Slash Budget Deficit despite Looming Elections

New York Times (October 18, 2017)
HARARE - Zimbabwe plans to cut its budget deficit by half next year to 4 percent of GDP, the national Treasury said, an ambitious goal at a time when the country is expected to hold a presidential vote that veteran President Robert Mugabe is set to contest. The southern African country has over the last four years failed to cut its deficit despite promises to do so, mainly due to high government spending on public sector...Read More

Colombia's Congress Approves $80 Billion Budget for 2018

US News (October 18, 2017)
BOGOTA (Reuters) Colombia's congress approved an $80 billion budget for 2018 on Wednesday, in a bid to retain the country's 'BBB' credit rating, and the finance minister said the government would not issue more international bonds. Policymakers have been grappling for over two years with the twin pressures of a weak economy, caused by the global drop in oil prices, and inflation...Read More

Financing Framework for dealing with climate change unveiled

The Dawn (October 17, 2017)
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) unveiled on Monday a 'Climate Change Financing Framework' (CCFF) structured to respond to climate change and promote rationalizing climate finance, starting from the planning stage and creating a robust monitoring system that can gauge the adequacy and effectiveness of financing. The framework aims to make existing responses to the...Read More

Greek January-September Government Budget Surplus Slightly Below Target on Lower Revenues

The New York Times(October 16, 2017)
ATHENS- Greece's central government attained a primary budget surplus of 4.5 billion Euros (£4 billion) in the first nine months of the year, slightly below target due to lower tax revenues, finance ministry data showed on Monday. The government's target was for a primary budget surplus - which excludes debt-servicing costs - of 4.556 billion Euros for the January-to-September period, meaning the surplus missed the...Read More

J&K government issues guidelines to accelerate development works, streamline budget spending

The Indian Express (October 16, 2017)
To streamline departmental spending in order to accelerate the pace of development works in the state, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday told all its department heads that all unutilized funds above 30 per cent of their respective budgetary allocation would get automatically forfeited after December 31...Read More

The Republican budget is a gift to billionaires: it's Robin Hood in reverse

The Guardian (October 16, 2017)
After failing to pass a "healthcare" bill that would have thrown up to 32 million Americans off of health insurance, a bill that was more unpopular than the Wall Street bailout, Donald Trump and the Republican leadership in Congress are back. Now, they are pushing one of the most destructive and unfair budget and tax proposals in the modern history of our country - a plan that would do incalculable harm to tens of millions...Read More

Speakers for educating on Budget tracking process

DAWN News(October 16, 2017)
SWABI: Speakers at a workshop here on Sunday said that it would be difficult to use the available resources for solution of people's problems without educating them on budget tracking process and enabling them to play their role in utilization of funds. The workshop was organized by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) under the European-funded project titled...Read More

State budget compromise remains elusive

The CT post(October 14, 2017)
HARTFORD - Legislative leaders say they are making steady, if slow, progress in negotiations on the long-stalled state budget for the two fiscal years that started July 1.Gov. Dannel P. Malloy isn't so sure. The governor is concerned that a compromise document on which he might be asked to sign off before an anticipated special session during the week of October 23 may contain unacceptable...Read More

Portugal draft budget sees 2018 growth of 2.2 pct

Kitco News (October 13, 2017)
LISBON, (Reuters) - Portugal's Socialist government expects economic growth to slow to 2.2 percent in 2018, down from 2.6 percent this year, the government's draft budget showed on Friday. The document forecast the budget deficit to fall to 1 percent of gross domestic product next year from 1.4 percent this year...Read More

Budget 2018 criticized for leaving Louth citizens with disabilities behind

Dundalk Democrat (October 12, 2017)
"The report revealed that according to summary results by the Central Statistics Office, based on last year's census, there are as many as 20,662 citizens or 13.6% of the population of Louth/East Meath recorded as having a disability."As the number of people affected by specific types of disabilities is not currently available - (this data from the 2016 census is expected in early November)-the Oireachtas Library used data...Read More

Gross debit to soar to 68.7 percent of GDP in 2018: IMF

The Business Recorder (October 12, 2017)
The International Monetary Fund has projected an increase in Pakistan government gross debt - by 0.7 percent - to 68.7 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2018 against 68 percent in 2017. According to the IMF "Fiscal Monitor, tackling inequality," it has been projected that the government gross debt would rise to 68.7 percent of the GDP in 2018 and then decline to 68.2 percent in 2019...Read More

Ahead of elections: Pakistan restricts deficit, sparking hopes of fiscal discipline

Express Tribune (October 11, 2017)
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan government has managed to restrict the overall budget deficit to Rs324 billion in the first quarter in the wake of strict controls over federal development spending, giving early hopes of fiscal discipline in an election year. In July-September quarter of the current fiscal year, the budget deficit of Rs324 billion was equal to...Read More

Budget Deficit Reduced to 0.9% of GDP-First Quarter FY18

The Research Snipers (October 10, 2017)
Last year Pakistan's budget deficit of the first quarter (July-September) of the financial year was noted at the number of rupees 438 billion whereas the recordings of this year are at rupees 324 billion. This year's budget deficit is because of the vigorous tax collections and minimum spending.Talking in terms of GDP the deficit generally decreased to 0.9% during the July to September quarter of the running financial year as compared to the...Read More

Delia: Budget confirms the government 'has no plan'

Malta Today (October 09, 2017)
Budget 2018 did not adequately address pensions, traffic and infrastructure, tourism and education, according to Opposition leader Adrian Delia in his first official reaction follow the budget presentation. On pensions, Delia said the government did not focus on the second pillar of healthcare. "The government left them where they were. The Nationalist party will see that pensioners are treated as a resource, not a burden...Read More

PN: Budget shows government lacks a plan

The times of Malta (October 09,2017)
The Opposition is ready to help the government because it is showing it has no plan for today, tomorrow or the future, Opposition leader Adrian Delia said in an initial reaction to the Budget. "If you were stuck in traffic today, you will still be stuck in traffic tomorrow. If you cannot make ends meet today, you will be in the same position tomorrow. If you have poor working...Read More

 
Budget Study Centre Issue 1
October 12, 2017

CPDI BUDGET WATCH

Fortnightly Budget News Alerts
 

Trump's New Budget Threatens to Kick Millions Off Food Stamps

The Root (October 09, 2017)
Although Donald Trump ran as a champion of the poor and working class (and many whites in those socioeconomic groups voted for him), the only thing the "president" seems to be draining is the federal budget for his golf outings. Adding insult to injury, a new budget resolution put forth by Trump and passed by the House of Representatives this week will push millions off of food stamps, leaving our most vulnerable-children and the elderly-food insecure, or even hungry. Newsweek reports that over $150 ... Read More

CSOs & citizens trained in skills to improve local governance

The News (October 07, 2017)
PESHAWAR: Members of several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and citizens were trained in leadership and advocacy skills, citizen report card and budget tracking at a capacity building workshop arranged here to improve local governance. The Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) arranged the workshop under a European Union-funded project. Titled "Democratic Local Governance for Development in Pakistan", the project is jointly implemented by CPDI and Friedrich ... Read More

CBO: Federal budget deficit rises to $668 billion

The Spokesman (October 06, 2017)
WASHINGTON - The federal government ran a $668 billion budget deficit for the just-completed 2017 fiscal year, according to a new government report. That's $82 billion more red ink than the government produced last year. The Congressional Budget Office based its findings on preliminary Treasury reports. The worsening deficit picture comes as Congress digs into its pockets for tens of billions of dollars more for hurricane relief. Lawmakers are also working toward a round of tax cuts that ... Read More

Budget plan sets the stage for Republican tax reform

The CS Monitor (October 06, 2017)
Washington - The House has passed a $4.1 trillion budget plan that promises deep cuts to social programs while paving the way for Republicans to rewrite the tax code later this year. The 2018 House GOP budget reprises a controversial plan to turn Medicare into a voucher-like program for future retirees as well as the party's efforts to repeal the "Obamacare" health law. Republicans controlling Congress have no plans to actually implement those cuts while they pursue their tax overhaul. That's especially so in ... Read More

House Approves Budget Plan that Would Cut Federal Employee Benefits

Government Executive (October 05, 2017)
House lawmakers voted 219-206 Thursday to approve a resolution outlining the body’s fiscal 2018 budget priorities, which include a number of controversial cuts to federal employees’ retirement and benefits programs. The House’s budget resolution (H. Con. Res. 71) asks 11 committees to come up with a total of $1.5 trillion in spending cuts through budget reconciliation, setting the stage for Republicans' ... Read More

Morneau prepares fall update as PBO report shows improving federal finances

The Globe and Mail (October 06, 2017)
Finance Minister Bill Morneau is preparing a fall update that is expected to show the federal fiscal landscape is improving along with the strengthening economy. Mr. Morneau met with private-sector economists Thursday in Toronto to hear their assessments and recommendations. While they did not release their numbers, the consensus forecasts for GDP growth have increased to about 3 per cent for 2017, up from the ... Read More

CPEC toll income to be thrice the budget of Pakistan: BoI

The News (October 05, 2017)
LAHORE: Only the toll income generated by the route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), after the completion of the project by 2030, will be three times of the national budget of Pakistan, an official said on Wednesday. “It is on top of the business, economic, and employment creating activities of special economic zones (SEZs), and other industries,” Zulfiqar Ali, director Board of Investment (BoI) said while briefing Lahore Economic Journalist ... Read More

Senate Budget Committee advances 2018 budget plan

Washington Times (October 05, 2017)
The Senate Budget Committee advanced its 2018 fiscal blueprint on Thursday, moving forward on Republican plans to fast- track a tax reform package hours after the full House passed its own 2018 spending outline. The approximately $1 trillion spending plan for 2018 that advances to the Senate floor projects a $641 billion deficit for the current fiscal year, but ... Read More

Lawmakers Urge Cuts That Have Least Impact on Services

The US News (October 05, 2017)
HELENA, Mont. (AP) - A legislative committee is asking Montana's governor to make budget cuts that have the least impact on services to vulnerable citizens. The Legislative Finance Committee met this week to review $227 million in proposed cuts ... Read More

House Passes Budget Blueprint, Taking Step Toward Tax Overhaul

The New York Times (October 05, 2017)
WASHINGTON - The House took the first major legislative step Thursday toward enacting a promised overhaul of the tax code, approving a budget blueprint that would allow a future tax bill to pass Congress without any Democratic votes. ... Read More

Karak nazmi's claims of budget approval contested

The Dawn (October 04, 2017)
KARAK: District nazim Dr Umer Daraz Khattak on Tuesday claimed that a provincial committee headed by local government minister Inaytullah Khan had accorded approval to the budget of Karak for 2017-18 ... Read More
 
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 149 E - Alert Issue Date: 19-10-2017
 

Georgia
Freedom of Information: Georgia laws demand transparency
The Valdosta Daily Times
It is a bit burdensome for the government to comply with those requests and the posting requirements and all of that, but I do think it's worth it; we need to know what...

Canada
New Brunswick gets 'B' for openness in national access-to-information audit
CBC News
A group of media watchdogs has given the New Brunswick government a "B" grade for openness, based on a national audit of access to information systems...

Pakistan
KARACHI PTI leader seeks Sindh to release three key investigation reports
ARY News
(PTI) Karachi President Ali Zaidi has submitted a request to Chief Secretary Sindh in writing over the release of probing reports in cases concerning Baldia Factory fire...

Nigeria
Six years after passage, Nigerians make 'little use' of FOI Act - Report
Premium Times
Despite these provisions and its attendant guidelines, Nigerian ministries, departments and agencies have received very few requests for information from the public...

India
Right to Information: Around 2.44 crore applications filed between 2005-2016, reveals report
First Post
Around 2.44 crore applications under the Right to Information (RTIs) Act have been filed with various central and state government departments by citizens, NGO...

U.S
Is Trump a Moron? Watchdogs File Freedom of Information Requests to Find Out
The Newsweek
On Thursday the campaign group Free Speech For People filed the first of a series of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests seeking details about whether senior officials...

Pakistan
Controversial bill sails thru NA
The Nation
The statement of objects and reasons of the bill says the bill is intended to promote a two-way flow of information - from the government to the people and vice versa - for strengthening...

India
65 RTI activists murdered since 2005 — here's a tribute to India's fallen heroes
Your Story
With more than 65 people killed and close to 400 harassed or intimidated, violence against RTI activists is a menace that continues...

Pakistan
Free flow of information not ensured in RAI Bill: CPDI
Business Recorder
"The RAI Bill 2017 is neither effective like the provincial right to information (RTI) laws nor in line with the globally accepted principles of RTI legislation. The two houses passed it...

India
75,493 infant deaths in India from April to July, 5,547 of them from Maharashtra
The Indian Express
Madhya Pradesh, with 9,269 children aged till 5, recorded the highest deaths followed by Uttar Pradesh with 8,440 deaths...

Ghana
Parliament Urged to Pass Right to Information Bill
Ghana News Agency
RTI Bill, if passed in Parliament would empower Ghanaians to demand for accountability and transparency, and promote access to information that could help curb corrupt practices...

Pakistan
President urged to send RAI Bill 2017 back to Parliament
The News
We request you to use your powers under Article 74 of the Constitution and advise Parliament to review this bill in light of suggestions from civil society and RTI experts...

India
Manodhairya scheme: '1308 survivors have not received compensation
The Indian Express
Rape, acid attack survivors who were sanctioned compensation under the state-run scheme from October 2013 to January 2017 were not paid: RTI...

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 148 E - Alert Issue Date: 03-10-2017
 

Pakistan
International Right to Know Day - Pakistan's RTI legislation is a zero-sum game
Dunya
Many people know that right to information was granted in 2002 when, during the Musharraf regime, the Freedom of Information (FOI) Ordinance 2002 was introduced...

Canada
Beresford and Reynolds: Respect Canadians' right to know about the Canada Infrastructure Bank
Ottawa Citizen
Right to Know Week is a perfect time for Canadian citizens to look at the federal government's new Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB)...

Mexico
Access to Information: women transforming their communities
Ifex 25
With more than 100 workshops carried out so far, and more than 27 communities reached, the campaign aims to bring knowledge of these tools to residents...

India
My RTI reveals Ram Rahim was a bigger VIP for Modi sarkar than Sri Sri and
DailyO
On April 19, after banning the use of lal batti (red beacon light) by VVIPs on their vehicles, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thundered on Twitter that every Indian is a VIP...

Pakistan
Govt fails to get right to info bill passed from NA
The Nation
The government and opposition engaged in a heated discussion on the 'controversial' bill for an hour. The opposition after failing to incorporate their proposed amendments in the bill took benefit...

USA
UN must do more to protect journalists around the world
The Hill
When you imagine the most dangerous jobs in the world, soldiers, police officers, firefighters...

Pakistan
LHC reserves decision on plea to make Justice Najafi's report public
Dailytimes
Qaiser Iqbal and 19 others family members of the 2014 Model Town incident's victims had filed this petition. Counsel for the petitioners Barrister Syed Ali Zafar submitted that 14 persons...

India
Panama Papers: ED May Summon Bachans
The Economic Times...
The Enforcement Directorate has received replies from actor Amitabh Bachchan and his family members to notices issued to them...

UK
The Right to Information Around the World
Article 19
Info graphics show you where right to know laws are in place, where governments are making commitments to transparency bodies, and where there's still room...

India
All you need to know about filing an RTI
Your Story
In India, the Right to Information (RTI) Act was passed in 2005, making it mandatory for the government to respond to a citizen's request for information in the public domain...

Pakistan
Right to Information
Pakistan Today
It was on 28 September 2002 that organisations promoting freedom of information (FOI) all over the globe joined heads in Bulgaria and founded FOI...

Ghana
Fighting Corruption: eliminate the empty promises and let act now
News Ghana
One of the potent solutions to the numerous scandals of corrupt practices in our country rests in the hands of our leaders. Especially, the Executive and the Legislature to give us a good right to information law...

India 65 RTI activists murdered since 2005 - here's a tribute to India's fallen heroes
Your Story
With more than 65 people killed and close to 400 harassed or intimidated, violence against RTI activists is a menace that continues...

U.S
Getting The Gift of Education Through RTI
Huffpost
Knowledge is powerful. So it follows that having access to knowledge is empowering for many. Naresh from Agra is a living example of that...

Pakistan
Murder will out: Judge orders Sharif govt to make Model Town tragedy probe public
Pakistan Today
The Lahore High Court's (LHC) decision Thursday, ordering the Punjab government to release the Model Town tragedy report, has added to the Sharifs' woes as the ruling family...

Sri Lanka
A long way to go
Daily Mirror
On the other hand some leaders are more futuristic. Yet, another set of political leaders focus on 'the now' and neither focus on the future nor glorify the past...

Srinagar
RTI: No information about Koul Commission Report, says MHA
Kashmir Age
The Ministry for Home Affairs Government of India in response to an application filed under Right to Information Act by Kashmiri...

Pakistan
KP govt asked to make RTI act functional
Pakistan Today
The right to access information held by public bodies, known as the right to information (RTI), is an internationally recognised human right...

US
Q&A with Panama Papers investigation coordinator
Merquette Wire
The Panama Papers are an unprecedented leak of 11.5 million files from the database of the world's fourth largest offshore...

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 147 E - Alert Issue Date: 14-09-2017
 

Pakistan
NA Spearker Ayaz Sadiq fined for over speeding on motorway
Daily Pakistan
Motorway police on Sunday slapped National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq with a fine due to exceeding speed limit on M2 motorway, local media reported...

India
Oxygen Theory of Information
The Hans India
Explaining the role of information in a democratic and developing society, a renowned communication expert and former Director General...

Ghana
Fighting Corruption: eliminate the empty promises and let act now
News Ghana
One of the potent solutions to the numerous scandals of corrupt practices in our country rests in the hands of our leaders. Especially, the Executive and the Legislature to give us a good right to information law...

Pakistan
The right to know
The News
Recently, the Senate passed the Right of Access to Information Bill and now the same is waiting for the approval of the National Assembly...

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's New Right-to-Information Law Could Save Lives
Open Society Foundation
Introduction of a simple procedural law in August last year is changing the face of Sri Lankan democracy. The Right to Information (RTI) Act has enabled journalists and citizens to access official correspondence and records that would once have been kept shrouded in secrecy...

India
Corrupt may get leeway by citing privacy concerns: Arun Jaitley
Indian Express
A week after the Supreme Court ruled that privacy is a fundamental right; Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that privacy “comes in the way of accountability...

U.S
FBI Says No Public Interest In Hillary Clinton Email Files: Time To Prove Them Wrong!
Conservative
The FBI recently turned down a lawyer's request for the release of FBI files on Hillary Clinton, faulting the...

UK
UK Data Protection Laws to be Overhauled
BBC
"The new Data Protection Bill will give us one of the most robust, yet dynamic, set of data laws in the world," said Mr Hancock in a statement...

U.S
Transparency in government leads to real news
The Post and Courrier
Whether depending on our government for storm recovery, good schools, police protection or other important services, openness and access to information...

Pakistan
RTI roadblocks
The Dawn
THE Right of Access to Information Bill, 2017, approved by the Senate, is most likely to be passed by the National Assembly...

India
Centre declines sharing details of CBI chief appointment, cites confidentiality clause under RTI Act
The First Post
Replying to an RTI appeal, it said the appointment of CBI Director Alok Kumar Verma was done through the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which is exempted from the ambit of the transparency law...

India
50 per cent of human rights complaints from J&K: RTI
The Indian Express
A total of 186 complaints were received between 2012 and January 2016 from seven states, said the Ministry of Home Affairs while replying to an Right to Information application...

India
Seeking Personal Information Of Bank Employees Is Exempted Under RTI: Supreme Court
The Outlook
The court made the observation while allowing an appeal filed by Canara Bank challenging an order of the Kerala HC directing it to provide about transfers...

Australia
Are you ready for the amended Freedom of Information Act?
Lexology
While some changes formalise current informal practices, the, along with the new regulator and timeframes, will require agencies to ensure their internal processes...

Pakistan
RTI and emancipation of information - I
Daily Times
The right to information (RTI) is one of the basic drivers of participatory democracy. Yet given that information is power there are those who are averse...

Malaysia
Malaysia's democratic foundations key to its progress
New Straits Times
Malaysia is able to celebrate 60 years of independence today, proving that the country is moving in the right direction...

Pakistan
One PML-N achievement that everyone must appreciate
Daily Times
Although, the Freedom of Information Ordinance 2002 has been in the use, the Right for Access to Information Bill (2017) comprehensively covers the Article 19-A...

China
Analysis | The Right to Information
Macau Daily
Where there is lack of institutions for managing information and the political will to make information available...

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 146 E - Alert Issue Date: 31-08-2017
 

India
Here's how the fundamental right to privacy will affect the Right to Information Act
International Business Times
Experts have said that there will be a conflict between the RTI Act and the right to privacy now as the Supreme Court has upheld it as a fundamental right. Read on to know...

Pakistan
Filer taxpayers up by 58pc
Pakistan Observer
The number of return filer taxpayers in the country has increased by 58 percent during the fiscal year 2016 compared to FY2013 and by 13.23 percent against FY2015...

India
Making the Right to Information (RTI) work in Defence
Institute for Defense Studies and Analysis
Central Information Commission (CIC) advised the Ministry of Defence to ensure probity and accountability in defence procurements...

Egypt
Egypt's court media ban limits public access to trials
Al-Monitor
A legal researcher at the American University in Cairo's law and society unit, told Al-Monitor, "Judges are strongly sensitive about broadcasting hearings, especially in cases related to terrorism...

UK
UK Data Protection Laws to be Overhauled
BBC
The new Data Protection Bill will give us one of the most robust, yet dynamic, set of data laws in the world," said Mr. Hancock in a statement...

USA
Brennan Center and Protect Democracy File Suit to Make "Voter Fraud” Commission Records Public
Newspark Forest
This is a problem in South Carolina that needs to be fixed by our Legislature ... or through people suing public bodies to make sure they turn these over,” said Smith, who also works with the Press Association...


Pakistan
Senate passes 'Right of Access to Information Bill'; NA adopts 'Election Bill 2017'
ARY News
The bill moved by Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb provides for the right to information...

USA
Herald asks Army to reveal investigation findings withheld from public
The Herald
The Army's investigation was released Friday, in response to a 2016 Freedom of Information Act request by the Herald...

Pakistan
Creating transparency
Express Tribune
Transparency does not happen at the flick of a switch and the passing of this bill is not going to immediately...

India
So Far, Narendra Modi Has Brought Back 24 Indian Antiquities from Foreign Countries
TOPYPAS
Replying to a Right to Information appeal of a journalist, the Archaeological Survey of India has revealed that out of these 24 ancient items, 16 have been brought...

USA
Douglas County launches Transparency Portal to increase government accountability
NNBW
Douglas County's new Transparency Portal empowers government officials and staff to conduct better analysis and performance measurement by improving access to key...

India
Indian citizenship regained: The 22-year ordeal of Luingam Luithui for justice
Catch News
The Delhi High Court has finally restored the Indian citizenship of both Luithui and his wife, declaring that they had never ceased to be Indian citizens...

USA
Freedom of Speech is Under Assault in the USA
The Live News Trading
To stand up for free speech i.e. the First Amendment is a noble thing. The left has conflated this with hate speech i.e. "Free Speech enables "hate speech”...

India
Did Modi Mislead Parliament on the Number of Fake Ration Cards that Aadhaar Had Exposed?
The Wire
Nikhil Dey of MKSS said that in Rajasthan 10 lakh people had been removed from the pension list through Aadhaar linkage. "While 50 lakh people were getting pension earlier, it has come down to 40 lakh now. As a consequence, many elderly have died or are living in abject poverty...

Ghana
Fighting Corruption: eliminate the empty promises and let act now
News Ghana
One of the potent solutions to the numerous scandals of corrupt practices in our country rests in the hands of our leaders. Especially, the Executive and the Legislature to give us a good right to information law...

Scotland
Victory for Scottish information campaigner in battle with Supreme Court
The National
We must realise that government and public sector bodies have to be seen to be open and transparent by nurturing access to information in order to improve public confidence and trust...

U.S
USS McCain crash is 4th Navy accident in Pacific this year
Washington Post
The commander of U.S. naval operations has ordered a comprehensive review to get to root causes after the collision this week between a Navy destroyer and an oil tanker near Singapore...

Pakistan
Protecting the whistleblower
The News
The bill aims to provide protection to whistleblowers that make public any corruption, criminal activity or wrongdoing...

Sri Lanka
A long way to go
Daily Mirror
On the other hand some leaders are more futuristic. Yet, another set of political leaders focus on 'the now' and neither focus on the future nor glorify the past...

Nigeria
Three states join Nigeria's participation in Open Government Partnership
Premium Times
Three state governments have formally joined the Open Government Partnership (OGP) to implement transparency reforms in Nigeria. The states are Kaduna, Anambra and Kano...

Pakistan
LHC seeks govt response on Model Town incident report by Sept 12
Pakistan Today
The petition has been filed by the families of victims killed in Model Town massacre which killed 14 people and injured 100 others during police action...

US
Getting NASA to Comply With Simple FOIA Requests Is a Nightmare
Motherboard
Trying to effectively use the Freedom of Information Act can be hell. Maybe a police department will demand a ridiculous and seemingly arbitrary fee to collect records...

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 145 E - Alert Issue Date: 22-08-2017
 

India
Did You Know Someone Asked India's Nuke Code as an RTI Reply, Here's What Some Others Did
India Times
Indians file nearly 60 lakh RTIs a year and this number is highest of such information request in the world with most requests are filled in Delhi…

Pakistan
KP RTI Law Promoting Transparency
The News
PIO was the lynchpin in the implementation of the RTI law, therefore it was essential for PIO to be fully….

India
Plea to stop hounding of RTI activists
The Hindu
The forum opposed the probes launched against RTI activist and government officer Kashinath Shetye for filing…

Thailand
Thai reporter probing corruption faces trespass charge
National Post
Thailand’s main professional association of journalists on Friday protested the arrest on a trespassing charge of a reporter who was looking into the assets…

UK
UK Data Protection Laws to be Overhauled
BBC
"The new Data Protection Bill will give us one of the most robust, yet dynamic, set of data laws in the world," said Mr Hancock in a statement…..

U.S
Officials' use of private email creating 'shadow government' in South Carolina
The Post and Courrier
This is a problem in South Carolina that needs to be fixed by our Legislature … or through people suing public bodies to make sure they turn these over,” said Smith, who also works with the Press Association….

Pakistan
Ishaq Dar launches Tax Directory of 1.21 million taxpayers
The DND
The 17,000 page document was formally launched by Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar during a function at FBR house in Islamabad…

India
Why the Government Is Still Stuck in Its Culture of Secrecy
The Wire
Despite legislations and promises to the contrary, the government is not doing everything it can to be more open and accessible…

U.S
Accomack ruling: Judges exempt from Freedom of Information Act
Delmarva Now
Virginia law says access must be provided “to public records in the custody of a public body or its officers and employees….

India
RTI is my new amulet: Ghulam Mohiudin Sheikh, faith healer cum RTI activist
The Indian Express
"This area has witnessed more development since people started filing RTI applications..

U.S
How much is too much to charge for public records requests?
Chicago Tribune
The proposed ordinance would have brought the city in line with the maximum fees allowed under the state's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), City Attorney Bob Long said during a Monday committee meeting….

India
Did Modi Mislead Parliament on the Number of Fake Ration Cards that Aadhaar Had Exposed?
The Wire
Nikhil Dey of MKSS said that in Rajasthan 10 lakh people had been removed from the pension list through Aadhaar linkage. “While 50 lakh people were getting pension earlier, it has come down to 40 lakh now. As a consequence, many elderly have died or are living in abject poverty…

Ghana
Fighting Corruption: eliminate the empty promises and let act now
News Ghana
One of the potent solutions to the numerous scandals of corrupt practices in our country rests in the hands of our leaders. Especially, the Executive and the Legislature to give us a good right to information law….

Gambia
Secrecy in gov’t leads to poor governance: Info Minister
The Point
We must realise that government and public sector bodies have to be seen to be open and transparent by nurturing access to information in order to improve public confidence and trust..

U.S
CIA's 60 year war with the Government Accountability Office: the '80s Part 1
Muckrock
The Agency was happy to accept the DIA’s request to coordinate lists of the types of intelligence records which the President should then certify as exempt…

Pakistan
Senators call for across the board accountability of corrupt
Business Recorder
The Senate debated a motion under Rule 218 jointly moved by lawmakers of various parties regarding measures to combat corruption with focus on off-shore companies, across the board accountability and a new accountability mechanism…

India
Government Asked To Clarify Whether Taj Mahal Is Mausoleum Or Temple
NDTV
The question, forwarded as an alternative narrative of history by some claiming to be historians and the subject of various court cases, reached the CIC through a Right to Information…

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's New Right-to-Information Law Could Save Lives
Open Society Foundation
Introduction of a simple procedural law in August last year is changing the face of Sri Lankan democracy. The Right to Information (RTI) Act has enabled journalists and citizens to access official correspondence and records that would once have been kept shrouded in secrecy…

U.S
How Wheeling says a resident cost taxpayers $144,000
The Dailyherald
Did Wheeling really spend more than $144,000 to supply a resident with documents she'd requested under the Freedom of Information Act? Or is the village using big cost estimates to deter her requests?...

Nigeria
How public institutions deny Nigerians right to information
Daily Trust
The legal right to information helps the public hold authorities accountable for their actions and allows public debate to be better informed and more productive. It infuses an inclusive governance and democratic culture…

Scotland
Figures reveal Scottish Government more likely to reject journalists' FoI requests
Press Gazette
Freedom of Information (FoI) requests from journalists to the Scottish Government is being refused….

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 144 E - Alert Issue Date: 01-08-2017
 

India
Sasikala was allowed 23 visits, instead of 8, during four months in prison: RTI
Hindustan Times
A Right to Information (RTI) response has revealed that she was allowed a whopping 23 visits from February 16 – the date of her incarceration – to June 16...

Canada
Canada: Supreme Court fails to protect freedom of expression beyond its borders
Article19
ARTICLE 19 intervened in this case with Human Rights Watch, Open Net Korea, the Software Freedom Law Centre and the Centre for Technology and Society, arguing that global orders of this kind had a chilling effect on freedom of expression

Pakistan
Protecting Journalists
The Nation
The Standing Committee on Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage met on Thursday to gauge the progress made on the intended bill...

India
Right to information is indeed potent; Modi's PMO handled one million rti pleas since 2014
The Indian Saga
On the applications for obtaining information which pertain to Multiple Public Authorities) shall not be transferred to such Public Authorities but rejected...

India
No Information for RTI Query on Taj Mahal, Archaeological Survey Officials To Lose Salary
Nyoooz
Not providing information about illegal constructions in the prohibited area around Taj Mahal proved costly for two officials of the Archaeological Survey of India...

UK
The Future of FOIA
FCW News
Technology has helped the government become more efficient and transparent in many areas. That hasn’t been the case in UK

USA
Editorial: Foundation of our freedom
Daily Press
President Trump's ascent to the White House came at a time when the public's right to know was already under attack...

India
Collector admits to electronic voting machine malfunction in RTI reply
Mumbai Mirror
"Every time the voter pressed a symbol of Coconut, allotted to a candidate, the LED lamp of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s Lotus used to flash...

U.S
The Drone Program in Pakistan Is One of the Government’s Worst-Kept Secrets
ACLU
In August 2016, the government blacked out a court ruling against government secrecy (yes, really) hiding from the public its reasons for why the ruling should remain secret...

Bangladesh
Eight years old - How is the Right to Information Act faring?
The Daily Star
539 complaints were lodged with the Information Commission by disgruntled information seekers. Of these, 364 were accepted for hearing.

USA
At 50, US Information Law Key to Open Up Government
Voice of America
This month marks 50 years since the U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) went into effect...

UK
Hazlehead Crematorium report 'must be published'
BBC
An internal report into "abhorrent practices" at Hazlehead Crematorium in Aberdeen must be published, Scotland's Information Commissioner has ruled...

India
What does privacy mean in India?
Money Control
As the Supreme Court of the country debates on the landmark judgement of whether to make privacy a Fundamental Right, here’s a look at how the privacy stands in India at the present

Australia
Mark Bailey stood down over email scandal after CCC finds 'reasonable suspicion of corrupt conduct'
ABC
The Crime and Corruption Commission's findings put further pressure on the minority Palaszczuk Government in the lead-up to the next state election...

France
'Right to be forgotten' case in France referred to top European Union court
Reporters Committee for Freedom of Press
The case centered on a question of whether citizens of France, can demand that search engine results be removed from the Internet globally...

Africa
Call For Action On The Passage Of The RTI Bill
Peacefm Online
The importance of the RTI Legislation to the development and advancement of Democracy, Good Governance, Probity and Accountability...

U.S
ACLU requests records on Iowa share of voter info to Trump voter fraud commission
KCRG
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Iowa has sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate requesting specifics of President Trump's "voter fraud...

Pakistan
LG Members demands greater access to Information
The Tribune
RTI application for information regarding utilization of district government funds allocated to the local bodies in last two years...

India
PM Modi flew non-official trips to rallies in IAF planes at rates fixed in 1999
Hindustan Times
The trips were largely for electioneering, and India’s election code makes it must for ministers — including the PM...

Transparency and Right to Information Program
--------------------------------------------
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: www.cpdi-pakistan.org
A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 143

E - Alert

Issue Date: 20-06-2017

 

 

India

Info panel upholds right to inspect court registers

The Hindu

The petitioner was asked to submit an application under the Right to Information Act to the Registrar-General of the Madras High Court and obtain ...

 

Canada

No hiding abortion numbers: Ontario ruling forces gov't to allow access to statistics

Lifesite

The January 2012 law brought in by then-Premier Dalton McGuinty amended Ontario's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) to ...

 

UK

Terrorist 'fighting deportation after 9-year prison sentence given € 250000 in legal aid'

Mirror.co.uk

According to a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Daily Mail, the criminal has so far won more than € 210,000 in legal aid for his defence ...

 

Pakistan

People need to know if their rights and liberties are at risk, says SHC

The News International

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has observed that the right to information and the right to freedom of speech are guaranteed under the constitution and ...

 

India

Maharashtra has no information on CM's attendance in office: RTI

Times of India

MUMBAI: How many days was chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in office? No one knows. A Right to Information (RTI) query filed by Jeetendra ...

 

India

Why RTI Act not implemented by BCCI? CIC asks PMO

The Tribune

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Law Ministry to explain why the Right to Information law ...

 

UK

Inside Housing: trade magazine that warned of high-rise fire risks

The Guardian

In 2015 it used a freedom of information request to reveal that just 18 council-owned tower blocks out of 2,925 had sprinklers fitted. After a fire in ...

 

USA

CNN files lawsuit seeking Comey's Trump memos

CNN International

That constitutes a violation of the federal Freedom of Information Act, the lawsuit alleges. CNN asked the court to require the agency release the ...

 

India

RTI activist Nikhil Dey sentenced to 4 months in jail in 20-year-old case

Sify News

The case refers to a row in May 1998, when Dey, a Right To Information activist, had gone to a village near Jaipur to investigate reports of corruption in ...

 

Canada

Canada: Snitches Don't Get Stitches: IPC Upholds Municipal Decision To Withhold Complainant ...

Mondaq News Alerts (registration)

The requestor submitted a request to City of Toronto under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for records generated ...

 

Bangladesh

Learning from the US's experience

The Daily Star

... between the socio-economic and political conditions of Bangladesh and the US and the extent of their Right to Information (RTI) experiences.

 

USA

Think FOIA Is a Paper Tiger? The New York Times Gives It Some Bite

New York Times

Time has not been kind to the Freedom of Information Act. It was enacted more than 50 years ago to give citizens the right to obtain documents from ...

 

Bangladesh

BREAKING THE CULTURE OF 'SECRECY': Judiciary stands for right to information

The Daily Star

As the Court also opined, a negative opinion of the political parties in providing information would undoubtedly violate citizen's right to information ...

 

India

(Village and Block): A Comparative study of Bihar and Rajasthan

Central Information Commission

I was interested in exploring whether the right to information has made Blocks and Villages more transparent and accountable institutions at the ...

 

Ireland

Tusla 'worst offender' for refusing Freedom of Information requests

Irish Independent

"The real sense we have is this is a resource issue; I mention Tusla particularly, because they outsourced [Freedom of Information work] to the HSE ...

 

India

All talk, little information

Frontline

Comparison of RTI data show that the Narendra Modi government has not been as good for right to information as its predecessor, the Manmohan ...

 

UK

Thousands of children's operations cancelled each year, NHS figures show

The Guardian

The real number of cancellations is likely to be much higher as the figures obtained by Labour under freedom of information laws cover barely half of ...

 

India

 

Modi Urged to Ensure Speedy Appointment of Central Information Commissioners

The Wire

With many posts vacant for months, case pendency is on the rise. The National Campaign for Peoples' Right to Information has urged the prime ...

 

India

No Information For RTI Query On Taj Mahal, Archaeological Survey Officials To Lose Salary | Agra ...

NYOOOZ

... the records were not provided to a Right To Information or RTI applicant.In response to a separate RTI response, the Archaeological Survey of India ...

 

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 142

E - Alert

Issue Date: 02-06-2017

 

 

Pakistan

'Enforce Right to Information Act'

The News International

Coalition on Right to Information, a consortium of 52 civil society groups has demanded the Punjab

 

Pakistan

Transparency Foul

The Nation

It was presented in the Senate this week and has since then been termed redundant by various activists.

 

Ireland

State faces 60m bill for public services cards by end of year

Irish Times

Records obtained under the Freedom of Information Act reveal the Government is examining other opportunities for the use of the card, including the ...

 

Pakistan

Right of Access to Information Bill 'restrictive, ineffective'

The Nation

However, citizens are unable to exercise this right in the absence of an effective federal right to information law. The CRTI presented its charter of ...

 

Pakistan

Punjab govt failed to appoint information commissioners: Expert

The Nation

He said the Punjab government had made a legislation on the Right to Information law and made a commission to protect the citizens' right to ...

 

India

BMC has spent 540 crore, but is yet to get land for 166 projects in Mumbai

Hindustan Times

Information accessed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act revealed that the collectors' offices -city and suburban - are yet to clear land ...

 

Pakistan

Reply sought in appointments case

The News International

... of the chief information commissioner had been lying vacant for two months in violation of Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013.

 

Pakistan

A law that will ensure secrecy instead of transparency

The News International

ISLAMABAD: The newly-drafted Right to Information Bill tabled in the Senate defeats the purpose of its formation, thus, it turns out to be a great ...

 

Brazil

Brazil does not punish public servants who don't comply with access to information law, says Article ...

Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas (blog)

... Brazil are not punished, according to a recent report from Article 19 Brazil, an NGO that defends freedom of expression and the right to information.

 

India

RTI: Lawyer seeks info on judge's IQ

Times of India

Ahmedabad: In a weird request under the Right to Information Act (RTI), a lawyer has asked for details about the intelligence quotient (IQ) of a sitting ...

 

India

RTI activist alleges bungling in BRTS

NYOOOZ

Amritsar, May 23 A Right to Information (RTI) activist and a social worker, Suresh Kumar Sharma, alleged embezzlement of funds by officials of the ...

 

Pakistan

Legalising secrecy

DAWN.com

Both the PML-N and PPP had committed in the Charter of Democracy that an effective right to information law would be enacted and the Freedom of ...

 

India

Information Commission Backs Centre, Says Details of Naga Accord to Be Kept Secret in Public ...

The Wire

... emerged about the contents of the accord even a month later, Nayak filed an RTI application with the PMO under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

 

Malta

Planning Authority keeps chairman's new salary under wraps

MaltaToday

... executive chairman's new salary, instead forwarding this newspaper to make a Freedom of Information request - a lengthier approach to obtaining ...

 

UK

Surrey Police catches 58 drivers using phones behind the wheel in month after tougher ...

Get Surrey

Just 58 drivers were caught using their mobile phones in Surrey in March, a Freedom of Information request has revealed. This figure is dwarfed by the ...

 

Pakistan

Senate body approves Right To Information bill

The News International

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting accorded approval to the Right to Information Bill 2017 Monday and ...

 

UK

At least one deer is killed every week on Surrey roads

Get Surrey

Thirty five deer died on four Surrey roads alone in 2016-17, according to data from a Freedom of Information request. Surrey's deadliest road is the M3 ...

 

Pakistan

RTI bill approved by Senate committee without taking suggestion from civil society: CPDI

The Nation

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Committee on Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage has approved right to information bill tabled by government ...

 

India

Haryana Assembly Corrects Speaker's Educational Qualification After RTI Highlights Discrepancy

The Wire

Through an application filed under the Right to Information Act 2005, advocate Hemant Kumar had sought information from the state public information ...

 

Sri Lanka

Appoint Information Officers as required by RTI Act: Commission

The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

The Right to Information Commission (RTIC) has called on Public Authorities (PA) who have yet to comply, to abide by the mandatory statutory duty, ...

 

Sri Lanka

Odisha activist in Limca Book of Records for receiving highest RTI replies

Odisha Sun Times

Akhand had filed a petition under the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI) with the Department of Posts, Govt of India on Jan 22, 2016 asking whether ...

 

India

4000 investors conned of 440 acres

Pune Mirror

Given the magnitude of the scam, right to information (RTI) activist Vijay Kumbhar filed an application against the company. According to his blog, the ...

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 141

E - Alert

Issue Date: 17-05-2017

 

 

Bangladesh

Journalists face restrictive access to government buildings

Dhaka Tribune

"Every citizen has a right to information from the Authority and the Authority shall on demand from a citizen be bound to provide information," the Right ...

 

Bangladesh

Complaints at info commission on the rise

Dhaka Tribune

Ever since the Right to Information (RTI) Act was enacted, the Information Commission has been seeing a significant rise of complaints by those who ...

 

Pakistan

Zardari wants draft RTI law presented in parliament

The Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday urged the government to bring the draft Right to Information [RTI] law - agreed upon by all ...

 

Pakistan

PHC makes judges' salaries public

The News International

The applicant, Zahid Abdullah, a resident of Islamabad, filed an RTI request under the provision of KP Right to Information Act 2013 for making the ...

 

Pakistan

Call for effective implementation of right to information law

The News International

Veteran journalist and human rights activist Zubeida Mustafa said the Right to Information Act serves as a means of check and balance to keep the ...

 

India

Filing an FIR is no answer for a missing file; PIO should reconstruct the file, rules CIC

Moneylife

Neither lodging a first information report (FIR) with the police nor denying information to a citizen under Right to Information Act (RTI) under the pretext ...

 

India

Word power: An RTI query to BBMP hits the language barrier

Bangalore Mirror

Of all the excuses available to not provide information against an RTI (Right to Information) query, a public information officer at the Bruhat Bengaluru ...

 

Bangladesh

A new breed of truth seekers

The Daily Star

There is a new breed of fans in South Asia: fans of the Right to Information (RTI) laws in our region. These are passionate, almost fanatical, RTI ...

 

Pakistan

Marriyum Aurangzeb presents 'Right to Information Bill, 2017' before Senate

ARY NEWS

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb on Monday laid before

 

India

How RTI changed the face of Investigative Journalism in India forever

The Siasat Daily

Shyamlal Yadav not only masters to use the Indian Right to Information law as powerful tool for his journalistic work, even more importantly, in his role ...

 

Pakistan

PTI seeks information about corruption allegations on Fawad Hassan

Pakistan Today

Therefore, she said that right to information law demands that the "unedited" version of this report must be made public. Andleeb requested that she ...

 

India

Central Government Owes Rs 451.75 Crore to Air India For VVIP Flights

Outlook India

... vice president and the prime minister, as well as special missions, according to the latest data provided under the Right To Information Act.

 

India

RTI rejection rate in most public sector banks increased in 2015-16

Hindustan Times

An analysis by a Delhi-based advocacy group of over 80,000 applications filed under the Right To Information Act with 24 major public sector ...

 

Sri Lanka

ETCA will destroy Sri Lanka's IT sector- Lasantha Wickramasinghe

Lankaweb

... measures to legalize its lack of transparency by excluding the Right to Know about international trade agreements by its Right to Information Bill.

 

USA

Number of FOIA Requests Reaches Record High

Secrecy News (blog)

Federal government agencies received more Freedom of Information Act requests last year than ever before, the Justice Department reported last ...

 

Pakistan

IHC seeks details of civil servants working in IFIs

The Nation

He adopted that this is his right to know under the Right to Information Law. The petitioner who is Pakistani and Belgium national stated that on ...

 

Pakistan

PTI seeks info on 'misuse of PM Office by Maryam Nawaz'

The Nation

... is addressed to the principal secretary of the Prime Minister's Secretariat seeking information under the Freedom of Information Ordinance 2002.

 

Scotland

Police Scotland refuse to reveal the identity of a paedophile handed rare legal order despite case ...

The Scottish Sun

But when Police Scotland were asked to reveal the detailed terms of the order under Freedom of Information rules, they refused and declined to ...

 

USA

GOP Chairman Tells Agencies What to Release in FOIA Requests

New York Times

"All such documents and communications constitute congressional records not 'agency records' for purposes of the Freedom of Information Act, and ...

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

Project TitleDemocratic Local Governance  for development in Pakistan
Supported ByJointly funded by European Union and FNF 
Duration4 Years starting from Jan, 2017
Project Objectives1. To develop good governance coalitions / partnerships of CSOs, Local Authorities (LAs) and the private sector for people -oriented sustainable development;
2. To enable civil society-district NGOs and Media to advocate for transparent and accountable local governance to monitor and assess the performance of LAs in the targeted districts; and
3. To support Local Authorities to fulfil their mandates for inclusive and transparent budgeting and planning processes as well as to negotiate with provincial governments on local development issues.
Geographic Focus15 Districts of KP, Balochistan and Sindh
1- Peshawar
2- Buner
3- Swabi
4- Charsada
5- Hangu
6- Karachi South
7- Hyderabad
8- Khairpur
9- Sukkur
10- Ghotki
11- Quetta
12- Bolan
13- Sibi
14- Ziarat
15- Jaffarabad
Target Group & Beneficiaries Citizens, Local CSOs, Media, Local Authorities
Brief Description Project “Democratic Local Governance for Development in Pakistan” aims to build capacity of CSOs and citizens to demand more efficient, transparent, inclusive and accountable local governance systems in the KP, Sindh and Balochistan. Under this initiative support will be provided to Local Authorities to fulfill the mandates for inclusive and transparent budgeting and planning processes and better service delivery especially in Education, Health, Water and Sanitation.

 Support to Media in Pakistan

Project Title Support to Media in Pakistan
Supported ByIMS-DANIDA 
Duration24 Apr 2015 - 30 Nov 2016
Project ObjectivesTrain 1500 Journalists across Pakistan;
1. To improve their understanding and knowledge on legal framework and issues related to journalists safety
2. To enhance their basic life saving skills
Geographic Focus75 districts across Pakistan (districts of Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, KP, AJK, Federal Capital and FATA)
Target Group & Beneficiaries Journalists
Brief Description Journalism as a profession has witnessed enormous growth over the past decade. But safety of journalists and issue of impunity still remains largely devoid of much needed attention by the government. Currently 18,000 or more journalists are working in Pakistan. In 2012, the UNESCO launched the UN Action Plan on Impunity against Journalists and Issues of Safety and included Pakistan among its five pilot countries for its implementation. CPDI has been given the task under this project by IMS-DANIDA to train 1500 local journalists across Pakistan in 75 training sessions on themes related to physical safety in the context of Pakistan’s environment. It is envisaged that by completing this two-day training workshop the journalists would get adequate knowledge and guidance, and learn significant tips and techniques to enter the field more confidently, carry out their professional work more objectively, and adopt safety procedures and protective mechanisms that are vital to safeguard their physical safety.
A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 140

E - Alert

Issue Date: 02-05-2017

 

 

India

Govt plans to change RTI norms will make information expensive, appeals difficult

Hindustan Times

The government wants to make getting information difficult as the draft rules empower public authorities more than citizens right to information (RTI) ...

 

India

Pol parties under RTI: CIC puts matter in abeyance

India Today

The file notings have now been disclosed by the Central Information Commission under the Right to Information (RTI) Act to activist R K Jain, who had ...

 

India

RTI pleas on pension issues should be decided in 48 hrs: CIC

Business Standard

... to pension of a person pertains to his/her life and liberty which is mandated to be replied to within 48 hours as

 

Pakistan

RTIC serves notice to TMO

Pakistan Observer

Right to Information Commission (RTIC) Friday served notice on an officer of local administration for not sharing information and directed him to submit ...

 

India

Criminal case against wife for lying of being jobless to get alimony

Pune Mirror

Therefore, the husband decided to get evidence under the Right to Information (RTI) Act about her position

 

Bahamas

Activists Fear Foi Act Will Not Be Enacted As Election Looms

Bahamas Tribune

#AS the general election looms, activists fear that the government's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2017 is heading for the same fate of its ...

 

Pakistan

Right to information: Multan chief engineer fined two salaries

The Express Tribune

LAHORE: The Punjab Information Commission has imposed a fine of two salaries on an executive engineer of the machinery division of Multan for not ...

 

Pakistan

Vasai doctor booked for extorting money from builder

Times of India

MUMBAI: A week after an absconding Vasai-based government doctor and Right To Information (RTI) activist was booked for extorting money from a ...

 

India

No change in fee structure, word limit for RTI queries: Centre refutes 'misleading' reports

Hindustan Times

The Centre on Wednesday dubbed as �misleading� media reports on the Right to Information (RTI) Act

 

Sri Lanka

110 Acts in conflict with RTI: DG Information

Daily Mirror

A total of 110 Acts had been found to be contradicting with the Right to Information Act when the RTI was implemented, Government Information ...

 

UK

Parking fine appeal success varies between council areas

BBC News

Figures obtained through the Freedom of Information Act show about a third of driver challenges were accepted. The figures cover initial challenges to ...

 

USA

Documents show NYPD infiltrated Black Lives Matter despite no knowledge of criminal activity

AOL

The information was made public thanks to a freedom of information lawsuit filed by a New York law firm. The documents shed light on how the NYPD ...

 

Canada

Overhaul of Canada's Access to Information Act taking too long, critic says

CBC.ca

He pointed to a global right-to-information rating chart, compiled by his organization, which gives Canada a ranking of 49 out of 111 countries.

 

India

Killing RTI: Bad idea to let an inquiry lapse if applicant dies

Financial Express

Given how the Right to Information (RTI) Act has become a powerful tool in the hands of citizens to ensure accountability from public authorities, it is ...

 

Ireland

Justice officials tried to keep Data Protection Commissioner's files secret

Irish Times

As a "partially included" body under the Freedom of Information Act the office is exempt from disclosing its records other than those to do with general ...

 

Pakistan

Court seeks copy of notification banning protests on The Mall

The Nation

The LHC sought more arguments on a petition challenging the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act (PTRIA). Justice Atir Mehmood of the ...

 

India

Right to information can't be curtailed, says Supreme Court

Deccan Chronicle

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday made it clear that it can't curtail the right to seek information, knowledge and wisdom as long as the ...

 

UK

Heathrow third runway: Councils spent �350000 on legal action

BBC News

Four councils under Heathrow Airport's flight path spent �350,000 on legal fees challenging the planned third runway, the BBC has learnt. Hillingdon ...

 

Sri Lanka

New anti-terrorism law undermines RTI

The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

Questions now arise on the position of the CTA against the Right to Information Act, also enacted by this Government, which denotes that public ...

 

India

The right to reject, deny, obfuscate

The Hindu

A month had passed since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's demonetisation announcement, but Venkatesh Nayak, a Right to Information (RTI) ...

 

India

RTI activists may come under increased threat with new rules

The Indian Express

The Centre is planning to impose new rules related to the Right to Information Act that will mean potential for threats and attacks to RTI activists.

 

India

Give info on sexual harassment cases to victims within 48 hrs: CIC

The Tribune

Information on sexual harassment cases should be provided to victims within 48 hours under the Right to Information Act as it pertains to their life and ...

 

India

When CIC disposed 1282 appeals of an RTI applicant in a single order

Moneylife

... the Central Information Commission (CIC) had dismissed a record 1,282 second appeals filed by an applicant under the Right to Information (RTI) ...

 

Sri Lanka

* Salawa explosion victims to take legal action to obtain compensation

Colombo Page

The victims of the blast have decided to submit an application to obtain information under the Right to Information Act on how the government has ...

 

Bangladesh

Designated officials can now receive RTI training online

Dhaka Tribune

The online training for the Right to Information Act (RTI) 2009 will be available on the Information Commission's website, Shafiul informed reporters ...

 

Sri Lanka

RTI application by TISL reveals EPF investment details

Colombo Gazette

Transparency International Sri Lanka (TISL) has successfully utilised the Right to Information (RTI) Act to request and receive information relating to ...

 

Canada

Some Canadian bank record information being sent directly to IRS

CBC.ca

According to information obtained by CBC News under a U.S. Freedom of Information Act request, 31,574 such reports have been sent directly to ...

 

India

Non-Traceability Of The File Cannot Be A Defence To Deny Information CIC Read Order

Live Law

... their destruction would be seen as a destruction of evidence and will invite sanctions under the Public Records Act and the Right to Information Act.

 

Pakistan

Punjab DG anti-corruption ordered to provide info about corruption

The News International

However, the DG anti-corruption did not take an action on an application, filed by Sarmad Ali Advocate under the Right to Information Act 2013.

 

Ireland

New data shows just 2076 homes built last year

Irish Times

... State last year was just 2,076, a fraction of the Government's 15,000 estimate, according to new figures obtained under the Freedom of Information.

 

Sri Lanka

RTI: President gives people access to Cabinet decisions

The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

... has informed all Ministers that all Cabinet decisions and Memoranda not falling within excepted categories under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, ...

 

UK

Elderly people hit by council delays in free personal care

BBC News

Age Scotland's research, compiled using freedom of information requests, found significant variations across councils in the time taken to carry out ...

 

India

500 plus RTI queries: Man loses right to seek info

Deccan Herald

A Punjab resident running riot with rampant applications under the Right to Information Act (RTI) has become a pain in the neck for the state authorities ...

 

UK

More NHS mental health patients treated privately

BBC News

By George Greenwood BBC Freedom of Information researcher ... Freedom of information requests were sent to all 81 NHS mental health authorities ...

 

Australia

Western Sydney's peak-hour train services could be cut, while North Shore may benefit

ABC Online

Direct train services from Penrith could be cut back as the city's $20-billion Metro project wavers on its promise of a faster, better rail system for all.

 

USA

Trump seeks shift in visa allotments key to tech outsourcing

Information Management

Outsourcing companies now get far more visas than traditional technology companies, according to data collected through Freedom of Information Act ...

 

India

Soft drink to oil, state food monitors find 9 products of top firms 'substandard'

The Indian Express

According to information accessed by The Indian Express under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, these products include Pepsico's Mirinda, ...

 

India

SHRC orders Rs 15 lakh compensation for RTI activist's family

Daily News & Analysis

Shetty, who had exposed several land-related scams through Right To Information Act, was brutally murdered at Talegaon Dabhade in Pune district ...

 

Pakistan

PML-N to win 2018 elections with performance: Marriyum

Pakistan Today

The minister said the government was working to finalise Right to Information Bill to facilitate the journalists in order to perform their duties in a proper ...

 

Pakistan

Federal and Balochistan RTI laws most ineffective: CPDI report

The Nation

Federal and Balochistan RTI laws most ineffective: CPDI report ... Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI) urges federal government to ...

 

Pakistan

PTI demands PTV chairperson's resignation over 'serious violations'

The Express Tribune

�Being the citizen of Pakistan and a taxpayer, under the Article 19-A of the Constitution of Pakistan and Freedom of Information Ordinance 2002, I, ...

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 139

E - Alert

Issue Date: 31-03-2017

 

 

Pakistan

Our right to know

The News International

A Right to Information Bill has been doing the rounds of parliament for nearly five years and even passed the Senate in 2013 before it was allowed to ...

 

India

9.76 lakh applications filed for RTI in 2015-16

Indiainfoline

In year 2015-16, people of India filed 9.76 lakh applications under the Right to Information Act. The applications see an increase of 20% as against the ...

 

India

Narendra Modi's social media presence free of cost, says PMO to Manish Sisodia's RTI

India.com

The revelation was made in response to a Right To Information (RTI) plea filed by Delhi's deputy chief minister, Manish Sisodia demanding to know ...

 

Bangladesh

Gonojagoron Moncho uses Right to Information Act on Tonu murder case

Dhaka Tribune

Comilla branch of Gonojagoron Moncho has demanded to know the current state of Tonu murder investigation under the Right to Information Act and ...

 

Pakistan

Punjab Information Commission verdict

The News International

ISLAMABAD: With the enforcement of Right to Information (RTI) law in Punjab, citizens aware of their rights are not only filing requests to the ...

 

India

Can't apply RTI Act to unaided institutions: State info panel

Times of India

... from the government do not fall within the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, the state information commission's Pune bench has ruled.

 

Pakistan

Information commission asks LHC registrar to reveal CJ's salary, perks

DAWN.com

... had not provided him the piece of information within the time period prescribed in the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013.

 

Malta

Shareholders' right to information

Times of Malta

The First Hall Civil Court, presided over by Mr Justice Joseph Zammit McKeon on February 28, 2017, in the case 'Dr Suzanne Wolfe Martin as ...

 

Pakistan

Hefty pay cheque: Punjab's top judge gets Rs1.05m per month

The Express Tribune

Under Section 7 of the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013, the CJ has nominated Deputy Registrar (Procurement) Shahbaz ...

 

USA

Court rules government employees can't hide public records in private accounts

LA Daily News

In its unanimous decision, the court made an analogy to the treatment of public records under the federal Freedom of Information Act. �In construing ...

 

India

Munna bhai MBBS style: RTI exposes over 50 applicants sent imposters to write Haryana clerk exam

India Today

The recruitment examination comprised a written test and one in computer skills. Gurugram-based Right to Information activist Harinder Dhingra, who ...

 

India

RTI Act: 50% rise in penalties imposed on central public information officers

Times of India

The Right to Information Act, 2005 provides for imposition of penalty by CIC against central public information officers (CPIO), in pursuance of section ...

 

India

Prescription for doctors who duck responsibility

Mumbai Mirror

When, under the right to Information Act, I asked for a copy of the report on the action taken, Sion Hospital's assistant dean, who was also the facility's ...

 

Pakistan

Right to information: LHC told to disclose staff salaries on website

The Express Tribune

LAHORE: In a rare move, the Punjab Information Commission has asked the Lahore High Court (LHC) to make public the records of salaries, ...

 

Pakistan

Punjab govt urged to appoint information commissioners

The News International

The Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013 which scores 139 out of 140 points on CPDI score Sheet of Right to Information Laws of ...

 

Pakistan

Right to know

DAWN.com

WILL the newly enacted Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act 2016 be a harbinger of transparency in Sindh? The answer to this question ...

 

Sri Lanka

Caution not to strike premature body blows on RTI

Daily Mirror

Sri Lankan activists who rushed precipitously to file Right to Information (RTI) requests for the Assets Declarations of the President and the Prime ...

 

UK

Activists Stop Deportation of Asylum Seekers in London

teleSUR English

... planes with no witnesses." A Freedom of Information request found that 1,877 people were deported on such charters in 2015, reported the Mirror.

 

India

RTI applications can be filed orally: Govt

Business Standard

The applications under Right to Information (RTI) Act can be filed orally, Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh said today. Section 6 (1) of the ...

 

India

Research scholars allege₹45-lakh swindle in MKU

The Hindu

... University Grants Commission for scholarship to MKU through Right to Information Act. �I am yet to receive around ₹ 2.3 lakh of scholarship money.

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-8312794, 8312795
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 138

E - Alert

Issue Date: 17-03-2017

 

 

Pakistan

'Bulletproof vehicles only for vulnerable officials'

The News International

The Punjab Home Department has refused to disclose information under Right to Information Act regarding use of bulletproof vehicles by government ...

 

India

Activist Moves SC Against Delhi HC Judgment Excluding AG's Office From RTI [Read Petition]

Live Law

Justice Vibhu Bakhru allowed the appeal and held that the office of the Attorney General of India is a public authority under the Right to Information Act ...

 

India

Modi's passport application cannot be disclosed: Chief Information Commissioner RK Mathur

The New Indian Express

... had earlier refused to share the documents, saying it is "personal information" which cannot be provided under the Right to Information (RTI)

 

Sri Lanka

RTI Commission seeks Rs. 76 m to carry out its work efficiently

The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's Right to Information (RTI) Commission says it has urged the Finance Ministry's Budget Director to ensure that Rs. 76 million allocated for it ...

 

India

Plea to reserve MBBS seats for govt. school students

The Hindu

He claimed that information obtained under the Right to Information Act, 2005 revealed that out of the 35,357 MBBS seats filled between the academic ...

 

Bangladesh

JS standing committee meetings should be open to public

The Daily Star

... be open to public and the wealth accounts of the public representatives should be published to make the right to information (RTI) more effective.

 

Pakistan

'Whistleblower' clause dropped from Right to Information Bill

PressReader

Pakistan's Senate committee on the Right to Information (RTI) Bill 2016 yesterday unanimously decided to drop the clause for �whistle-blowers� from ...

 

Pakistan

Interpol help sought to curb blasphemy online

DAWN.com

... Pakistan's embassy in Washington has been tasked with contacting Facebook to seek the requisite information under US Right to Information laws.

 

USA

Obama Administration Spent Record Millions in 2016 Fighting Freedom of Information Act Requests

The Root

In its final year, the Obama administration spent a record $36.2 million on legal costs defending its refusal to turn over federal records requested under ...

 

Pakistan

After Punjab and KP, Sindh passes right to information bill

The News International

Following the lead of the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies, the provincial legislature of Sindh unanimously passed the Sindh ...

 

India

Narendra Modi degree: Delhi University college says no data of students passing out in 1978

The New Indian Express

... and Section Officer (Information) of the University, who are the deemed PIOs under section 5(4) and 5(5) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

 

Pakistan

Needless delay

DAWN.com

THE government continues to drag its feet over the issue of enacting a right to information law and putting in place institutional mechanisms so that ...

 

Pakistan

Culture of opacity

DAWN.com

THE active history of right to information laws in Pakistan starts from 2002, when we became the first country in South Asia to pass an ordinance in this ...

 

Pakistan

Senator Babar tables report and draft of RTI bill

Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Special Committee of Senate on Right to Information (RTI) Chairman Senator Farhatullah Babar on Thursday tabled report and draft of ...

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2304987, 2304989
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 137

E - Alert

Issue Date: 02-03-2017

 

 

Pakistan

Senate committee agrees to draft RTI Bill 2016

The Nation

ISLAMABAD - A Senate select committee on Tuesday unanimously agreed on the draft of the Right to Information (RTI) Bill, 2016. A formal approval of ...

 

Sri Lanka

The Right to Information Act is effective from today.

SLBC

Minister of Mass Media Gayantha Karunathilaka says the Right to Information Act is effective from today. This is an election pledge made to the public ...

 

Pakistan

CPDI calls to include stakeholders in legislation on RTI

The News International

As reported in the media, the select committee has unanimously approved draft of right to information bill and has agreed that the proposed ...

 

India

Attorney General doesn't come under RTI: Delhi HC

Daijiworld.com

Under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, any government office or authority or any organisation substantially funded by the government comes under ...

 

Pakistan

Government urged to consult stakeholders

The Nation

It is a good development that government has expedited the process of legislation on right to information, a statement issued by an Islamabad based ...

 

Pakistan

Nadra reluctant to share details of rented offices

The Nation

This correspondent, as a complainant, had filed a right to information (RTI) request on October 26, 2016, with the NADRA chairman seeking ...

 

India

Info panel: Come clean on Mecca Masjid firing report

Times of India

The commission was dealing with an appeal filed by Right to Information activist S Q Masood who had sought documents such as the terms of ...

 

Canada

Ontario keeps abortion stats a secret. Pro-lifers are suing to expose the truth

Lifesite

Maloney and her ally were in Ottawa's Superior Court on Wednesday, arguing against a change to the Freedom of Information and Protection of ...

 

Pakistan

CPDI calls to include stakeholders in legislation on RTI

The News International

ISLAMABAD: The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CDPI) while welcoming the development that government has expedited the process ...

 

Nepal

Information sought from 60 colleges affiliated to TU

Republica

The NGO has been working for right to information (RTI) in Nepal and on Sunday sought information from TU's 60 offshoot colleges in Kathmandu ...

 

Sri Lanka

Batti women take RTI route to seek details on loved ones

Colombo Gazette

A group of women in Batticaloa are attempting to use the Right To Information (RTI) Act to locate their loves ones, The Hindu newspaper reported.

 

USA

FBI axes FOIA requests by email, so dust off your fax machine

TechCrunch

Starting next month, the FBI will no longer accept Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by email. In lieu of its popular email service, the FBI ...

 

UK

Maternity crisis looms over tide of retiring staff: Third of midwives are aged over 50 as Royal ...

Daily Mail

Freedom of Information requests in 2015 found that half of hospitals had to close their doors to women giving birth at least once as they were too busy.

 

India

Now, BPL applicants have to pay for photocopies above 50 pages

Times of India

... Poverty Line (BPL) category will no longer be able to seek unlimited photocopies of desired information under the Right To Information (RTI) Act.

 

Nepal

Information sought from 60 colleges affiliated to TU

Anna Note (satire) (press release) (blog)

The NGO has been working for the right to information (RTI) in Nepal and on Sunday sought information from TU's 60 offshoot colleges in Kathmandu ...

 

India

Bar case appeal cost State Rs. 37 lakh

The Hindu

... into the bar licence renewal bribery case had cost the public exchequer an estimated Rs. 37 lakh, a Right to Information (RTI) reply has revealed.

 

Canada

End this cult of secrecy: Editorial

Toronto Star

Instead, they are governed by provisions of Ontario's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. And that means getting access to records of ...

 

Bahamas

Freedom Of Information Bill Is Passed Despite Rollins Broadside

Bahamas Tribune

#THE House of Assembly passed the revamped Freedom of Information Bill last night, hours after Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins launched a ...

 

UK

Stranded patients left waiting 100 days to be discharged from hospital, with one stuck for over a year

Telegraph.co.uk

The figures, gathered through data obtained under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, suggest that reasons for delays included a lack of home care, ...

 

Sri Lanka

RTI Commission cash-starved

The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

RTI: Even President's office is not prepared: Though the Right to Information Act officially came into force on February 3, it seems that in most ...

 

Pakistan

Busted: KP education dept demolishes PTI claims on social media!

Pakistan Today

The requested information was, after all, part of the public domain, which is accessible to anyone through the Right to Information Act, 2013. Why the ...

 

UK

More than 30 troops across the Armed Forces are having medical treatment to change their gender

Daily Mail

Thirty-four troops across the Armed forces are undergoing medical treatment to reassign their gender, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

 

Tunisia

Is Tunisia Rolling Back Freedom of Information?

Global Voices Online

In 2016, the constitutional right to access information was reinforced by the parliament's adoption of a freedom of information law (Law n�22 of 24 ...

 

USA

How to Force Government Transparency, Even Under Trump

RollingStone.com

... generally as the Freedom of Information Act. And since 2010, MuckRock, a Boston-based nonprofit, has been helping people to file FOIA requests.

 

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's Right to Information act ranks third place globally on the RTI Rating

Colombo Page

Sri Lanka ranks at the third place in the Global Right to Information Rating, which assess country's legal framework according to 61 indicators. Mexico ...

 

Pakistan

Ombudsman directs Nadra to respond to RTI request

The News International

Federal ombudsman has termed Nadra's refusal to entertain a right to information (RTI) request an intentional lack of transparency and accountability.

 

India

RTI activist blows whistle, faces heat

Times of India

... both state and central authorities, Right to Information (RTI) activist P Srinivas Rao, a resident of Qutbullapur, is facing heat from the city police.

 

Australia

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and ministers were told wind not to blame for South Australia ...

The Sydney Morning Herald

... target ignored confidential public service advice stating that it was not the cause, according to emails obtaine

 

India

Air quality in Delhi remains poor

Business Standard

The report, based on information obtained through online reports and Right to Information (RTI) applications from state pollution control boards across ...

 

Pakistan

Seeking greater transparency, Senate committee approves Right to Information Bill

DAWN.com

Members of a Senate select committee on Tuesday unanimously adopted a bill that seeks to codify citizens' right to information. During the meeting ...

 

Pakistan

Crossing tracks led to 1798 of 3202 train fatalities in Mumbai in 2016

Hindustan Times

According to the statistics obtained under a Right to Information application by activist Sameer Jhaveri, 3,202 passengers died and 3,363 were injured ...

 

Malawi

Malawi president signs right to information law

africanews

Malawians are now empowered by law to seek information from elected officials and public entities. This comes after President Peter Mutharika signed ...

 

Pakistan

Our right to know

The News International

In 2013, the Senate approved the Right to Information Act but it was allowed to lapse when the PML-N government didn't introduce it in the National ...

 

India

RTI applications can now be filed online; depts. asked to upload information

The Hindu

Now, it is possible to file online applications under Right To Information (RTI) Act as State Information Commission has set up a mechanism for ...

 

India

Only information can be sought under RTI Act, says PIO

The Hindu

In a bizarre reply to an application filed under the Right to Information Act of 2005, the Public Information Officer (PIO)-cum-Under Secretary of Tamil ...

 

Pakistan

Charsadda DHQ 'refuses' to provide required information to RTI Commission

Daily Times

A social audit committee (SAC) was formed to gather the required information for which Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2013 was ...

 

Canada

Canada: Unproven Complaints Against Employers Could Soon Be Released To The Public

Mondaq News Alerts (registration)

"(Freedom of information law) was designed to allow access to information from government agencies, not adjudicative documents from tribunals ...

 

Australia

Vocational education: Up to 3000 disabled students at risk of funding cut

The Sydney Morning Herald

Documents released under freedom of information laws show that thousands of disabled students studying courses in business administration, ...

 

Pakistan

The Right to Know bill

Business Recorder (press release) (registration) (blog)

While Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab governments have adopted creditable new right to information laws, the other two provinces as well as the ...

 

India

Soon, file RTI pleas at the click of a mouse

The Asian Age

New Delhi: Filing pleas under the Right to Information Act will just be a click away for Delhiites with the city government planning to bring a new policy ...

 

India

Disclose Nathuram Godse's statement in Gandhi assassination trial: CIC

Hindustan Times

Acharyulu directed the Central Public Information Commissioner not to charge Rs 3 per page for photocopying because the Right to Information Act ...

 

Canada

Taxpayer-funded transit report kept secret by city

Toronto Star

The Star has also made a freedom of information request in this case. �Anyone who went to high school will remember that if you didn't show your ...

 

Canada

Secrecy often chokes off public information from tribunal hearings

Toronto Star

They were told they would have to file a Freedom of Information request � which can be a costly and lengthy process, with no guarantee that ...

 

UK

British troops given guide to Estonian strip clubs

BBC News

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) provided British soldiers with a guide to strip clubs in the Estonian capital, a freedom of information request to the ...

 

Nepal

Nepal, Bangladesh information commissions sign cooperation deal

Himalayan Times

... of Nepal and Bangladesh have recently made an agreement to exchange mutual cooperation regarding promotion of the right to information.

 

India

Delhi: 24 'escaped' from Asha Kiran home in six years, reveals RTI

The Indian Express

... inquiries made under the Right to Information (RTI) Act indicate that apart from deaths of inmates � some as young as eight � there have also been ...

 

UK

Driver with 62 penalty points on licence still on the road, investigation discovers

The Independent

The Freedom of Information Requests, sent out by the BBC, found 203 people were still driving despite accumulating more than 18 points.

 

India

Divorcee has no right to stay with in-laws: Rajasthan High Court

Times of India

Under the Right to Information Act, they were informed that, at the stage of police verification, it was found that criminal cases (s) were registered ...

 

India

RTI activist trying to expose fraud in pvt schools stabbed

Times of India

Hyderabad: Seeking to know the truth using the Right to Information (RTI) Act can prove costly, and the latest to face this reality is Vakiti Madhubabu, ...

 

India

Information on ₹47 lakh payment to Virat Kohli from disaster funds triggers row

The Hindu

In a reply to the Right to Information (RTI) application filed by one Ajendra Ajay, who is associated with the BJP, it was found that a payment of Rs ...

 

Pakistan

Limiting information

The News on Sunday

Over the last few years, Pakistan has become more accepting of citizen's right to information, and provinces have come up with their respective laws.

 

Sri Lanka

Illegal fishing: The Sunday Times invokes RTI law to get to the bottom

The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

... which ultimately cost Sri Lanka a ban on exports, the first application by the Sunday Times under the new

 

India

RTI query turns a nightmare for BSF constable

The Hindu

An attempt to seek information under the Right to Information Act has become a nightmare for Shibin Thomas, a BSF constable, hailing from ...

 

India

Former bureaucrat appointed Jammu & Kashmir CIC

The Indian Express

The State Information Commission was set up by the state government under the provisions of Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information Act in ...

 

Israel

New bill aims to charge left-wing NGOs to access public information

The Times of Israel

In a letter to Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein, the Movement for the Freedom of Information, a group that works to implement the Freedom of ...

 

Pakistan

Limiting information

The News on Sunday

The limitations on constitutional freedom of information must be used sparingly and only where the harm caused by disclosure of information ...

 

Nepal

KUKL refuses to respond to RTI petition

Republica

... Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) has refused to respond to a Right to Information (RTI) petition seeking complete information on the ...

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2304987, 2304989
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 136

E - Alert

Issue Date: 17-02-2017

 

 

Pakistan

Senate committee agrees to draft RTI Bill 2016

The Nation

ISLAMABAD - A Senate select committee on Tuesday unanimously agreed on the draft of the Right to Information (RTI) Bill, 2016. A formal approval of ...

 

Sri Lanka

The Right to Information Act is effective from today.

SLBC

Minister of Mass Media Gayantha Karunathilaka says the Right to Information Act is effective from today. This is an election pledge made to the public ...

 

Pakistan

CPDI calls to include stakeholders in legislation on RTI

The News International

As reported in the media, the select committee has unanimously approved draft of right to information bill and has agreed that the proposed ...

 

India

Attorney General doesn't come under RTI: Delhi HC

Daijiworld.com

Under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, any government office or authority or any organisation substantially funded by the government comes under ...

 

Pakistan

Government urged to consult stakeholders

The Nation

It is a good development that government has expedited the process of legislation on right to information, a statement issued by an Islamabad based ...

 

Pakistan

Nadra reluctant to share details of rented offices

The Nation

This correspondent, as a complainant, had filed a right to information (RTI) request on October 26, 2016, with the NADRA chairman seeking ...

 

India

Info panel: Come clean on Mecca Masjid firing report

Times of India

The commission was dealing with an appeal filed by Right to Information activist S Q Masood who had sought documents such as the terms of ...

 

Canada

Ontario keeps abortion stats a secret. Pro-lifers are suing to expose the truth

Lifesite

Maloney and her ally were in Ottawa's Superior Court on Wednesday, arguing against a change to the Freedom of Information and Protection of ...

 

Pakistan

CPDI calls to include stakeholders in legislation on RTI

The News International

ISLAMABAD: The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CDPI) while welcoming the development that government has expedited the process ...

 

Nepal

Information sought from 60 colleges affiliated to TU

Republica

The NGO has been working for right to information (RTI) in Nepal and on Sunday sought information from TU's 60 offshoot colleges in Kathmandu ...

 

Sri Lanka

Batti women take RTI route to seek details on loved ones

Colombo Gazette

A group of women in Batticaloa are attempting to use the Right To Information (RTI) Act to locate their loves ones, The Hindu newspaper reported.

 

USA

FBI axes FOIA requests by email, so dust off your fax machine

TechCrunch

Starting next month, the FBI will no longer accept Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by email. In lieu of its popular email service, the FBI ...

 

UK

Maternity crisis looms over tide of retiring staff: Third of midwives are aged over 50 as Royal ...

Daily Mail

Freedom of Information requests in 2015 found that half of hospitals had to close their doors to women giving birth at least once as they were too busy.

 

India

Now, BPL applicants have to pay for photocopies above 50 pages

Times of India

... Poverty Line (BPL) category will no longer be able to seek unlimited photocopies of desired information under the Right To Information (RTI) Act.

 

Nepal

Information sought from 60 colleges affiliated to TU

Anna Note (satire) (press release) (blog)

The NGO has been working for the right to information (RTI) in Nepal and on Sunday sought information from TU's 60 offshoot colleges in Kathmandu ...

 

India

Bar case appeal cost State Rs. 37 lakh

The Hindu

... into the bar licence renewal bribery case had cost the public exchequer an estimated Rs. 37 lakh, a Right to Information (RTI) reply has revealed.

 

Canada

End this cult of secrecy: Editorial

Toronto Star

Instead, they are governed by provisions of Ontario's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. And that means getting access to records of ...

 

Bahamas

Freedom Of Information Bill Is Passed Despite Rollins Broadside

Bahamas Tribune

#THE House of Assembly passed the revamped Freedom of Information Bill last night, hours after Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins launched a ...

 

UK

Stranded patients left waiting 100 days to be discharged from hospital, with one stuck for over a year

Telegraph.co.uk

The figures, gathered through data obtained under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, suggest that reasons for delays included a lack of home care, ...

 

Sri Lanka

RTI Commission cash-starved

The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

RTI: Even President's office is not prepared: Though the Right to Information Act officially came into force on February 3, it seems that in most ...

 

Pakistan

Busted: KP education dept demolishes PTI claims on social media!

Pakistan Today

The requested information was, after all, part of the public domain, which is accessible to anyone through the Right to Information Act, 2013. Why the ...

 

UK

More than 30 troops across the Armed Forces are having medical treatment to change their gender

Daily Mail

Thirty-four troops across the Armed forces are undergoing medical treatment to reassign their gender, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

 

Tunisia

Is Tunisia Rolling Back Freedom of Information?

Global Voices Online

In 2016, the constitutional right to access information was reinforced by the parliament's adoption of a freedom of information law (Law n22 of 24 ...

 

USA

How to Force Government Transparency, Even Under Trump

RollingStone.com

... generally as the Freedom of Information Act. And since 2010, MuckRock, a Boston-based nonprofit, has been helping people to file FOIA requests.

 

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's Right to Information act ranks third place globally on the RTI Rating

Colombo Page

Sri Lanka ranks at the third place in the Global Right to Information Rating, which assess country's legal framework according to 61 indicators. Mexico ...

 

Pakistan

Ombudsman directs Nadra to respond to RTI request

The News International

Federal ombudsman has termed Nadra's refusal to entertain a right to information (RTI) request an intentional lack of transparency and accountability.

 

India

RTI activist blows whistle, faces heat

Times of India

... both state and central authorities, Right to Information (RTI) activist P Srinivas Rao, a resident of Qutbullapur, is facing heat from the city police.

 

Australia

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and ministers were told wind not to blame for South Australia ...

The Sydney Morning Herald

... target ignored confidential public service advice stating that it was not the cause, according to emails obtaine

 

India

Air quality in Delhi remains poor

Business Standard

The report, based on information obtained through online reports and Right to Information (RTI) applications from state pollution control boards across ...

 

Pakistan

Seeking greater transparency, Senate committee approves Right to Information Bill

DAWN.com

Members of a Senate select committee on Tuesday unanimously adopted a bill that seeks to codify citizens' right to information. During the meeting ...

 

Pakistan

Crossing tracks led to 1798 of 3202 train fatalities in Mumbai in 2016

Hindustan Times

According to the statistics obtained under a Right to Information application by activist Sameer Jhaveri, 3,202 passengers died and 3,363 were injured ...

 

Malawi

Malawi president signs right to information law

africanews

Malawians are now empowered by law to seek information from elected officials and public entities. This comes after President Peter Mutharika signed ...

 

Pakistan

Our right to know

The News International

In 2013, the Senate approved the Right to Information Act but it was allowed to lapse when the PML-N government didn't introduce it in the National ...

 

India

RTI applications can now be filed online; depts. asked to upload information

The Hindu

Now, it is possible to file online applications under Right To Information (RTI) Act as State Information Commission has set up a mechanism for ...

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2304987, 2304989
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 135

E - Alert

Issue Date: 01-02-2017

 

 

Pakistan

Displaced humanity

The News International

According to data made available under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act, from 2014-2016 just over one percent of all major crime ...

 

Pakistan

Right to information still a far cry for journalists in Pakistan

The News International

This correspondent has filed almost one and a half dozen information requests using the right to Information law in last six months but except one, not ...

 

Pakistan

Information law should exempt no entity: Senate panel

DAWN.com

ISLAMABAD: There was almost a consensus on Wednesday among members of the Senate Select Committee on Right to Information (RTI) law that ...

 

India

For the dead, there isn't enough land to rest

The Hindu

... of queries under the Right to Information (RTI) Act brought to light acute shortage of land to bury or cremate the dead in different parts of the State.

 

Sri Lanka

Right to information act to come into force from 3rd of February

Hiru News

Minister of Parliamentary Reforms and Media Gayantha Karunathilaka has issued the gazette notification, bringing the right to information act in to ...

 

Pakistan

Right to information still a far cry for journalists in Pakistan

The News International

ISLAMABAD: Non-provision of certified information under the freedom of information law and government functionaries avoidance to give version is ...

 

Pakistan

Senate body agrees on 10 clauses of Right to Information Bill 2016

The News International

ISLAMABAD: The Senate's Select Committee on Right to Information Bill 2016 on Wednesday agreed on 10 clauses of the bill after a thorough debate ...

 

Pakistan

Corruption, human rights violations 'liable to public scrutiny'

The Express Tribune

This was decided in a meeting of the Senate Select Committee on the Right to Information Bill, 2016 which met with Farhatullah Babar in the chair on ...

 

USA

Law Professor Sues Trump for Alleged Constitutional Violations

Harvard Crimson

On Thursday, the American Civil Liberties Union filed a Freedom of Information Act Request asking various government agencies for information about ...

 

India

'How many fake notes? Even RBI doesn't know, reveals RTI inquiry

Business Standard

... number or value of fake currencies detected since the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, a Right to Information (RTI) query has revealed ...

 

Sri Lanka

RTI Act gazetted sans RTI Commissions' fees, appeals rules

The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

The Ministry of Mass Media responsible for the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act this week gazetted the law to become operational ...

 

India

Inquiry reports

DAWN.com

The Central Information Commission — constituted by the Right to Information Act, 2005, and headed by one more royalist than the king, Wajahat ...

 

India

HC stays CIC order asking govt, Tihar to compensate convict

The Hindu

... under the Right to Information Act — regarding the system of compensating inmates who have been incarcerated beyond their period of sentence.

 

India

BMC yet to recover Rs 12 lakh from 5 disqualified corporators

Business Standard

A Right To Information query has revealed that Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has not recovered the dues of Rs 12 lakh from five out of ...

 

India

No Right to Information on Note Ban: RBI Evades RTI Queries

The Quint

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has been denying information in response to most RTI applications that sought information on various issues related ...

 

Pakistan

Commission wants all laws congruent with info right

DAWN.com

While allowing the petition, the commission has maintained that the right to information has become a fundamental right of each citizen of Pakistan ...

 

Bahamas

Editorial: Four Key Points For True Freedom Of Information

Bahamas Tribune

#FIVE YEARS after we were promised that legislation would be enacted giving the Bahamian people the right to information about how our money ...

 

Pakistan

Senate body approved “Right to information bill 2016”

International News Network

ISLAMABAD: Intelligence agencies will be bound to inform about the kidnapping of any person within three days, the Senate's Select Committee ...

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2304987-2304989
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 134

E - Alert

Issue Date: 17-01-2017

 

 

Pakistan

Hounding refugees

DAWN.com

According to documents obtained under the provincial Right to Information Act, of the major crimes in which cases were registered, the involvement of ...

 

Pakistan

KP right to information website defaced by 'Indian' hackers

The Express Tribune

PESHAWAR: The web portal of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information (RTI) Commission was allegedly hacked on Tuesday by Indian hackers.

 

Pakistan

CM Secretariat: PTI leader seeks details of additional budget

The Express Tribune

... the CM's principal secretary for access to information within the time period specified in the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013.

 

India

Modi degree row: Delhi University asked to allow inquiry into records of 1978 batch of BA students

Scroll.in

The commission dismissed DU Central Public Information Officer Meenakshi Sahay's denial of a Right to Information query on the grounds that the ...

 

UK

BBC splashed more than £110000 on wine, beer and spirits in three years

Daily Mail

The BBC has spent more than £100,000 in three years on alcohol including spirits, beer and cider and sparkling wine. A Freedom of Information act ...

 

Pakistan

Departmental differences: RTI commission weighed down by undefined rules (National)

The Express Tribune

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information (RTI) Commission is unable to notify its rules and finalise amendments proposed in the ...

 

India

5 arrested for Right to Information Act activist's murder in Sonipat

Times of India

CHANDIGARH: A 38-year-old RTI activist of Gamdi village in Haryana's Sonipat district had to pay with his life for seeking information about the work ...

 

Pakistan

Inquiry needed into what happened to inquiry commissions

The News International

... of a judicial commission in the event of a tragic incident has become a fashion, official responses received through the Right to Information (RTI) law ...

 

India

Man drives car for 10 years sans RTO registration

Times of India

For the last two years, a vegetable vendor from Chinchwad has been asking for his regional transport office (RTO) papers for a car that he had ...

 

India

CRPF denies RTI query on pellet guns, says there were no human rights violations

Hindustan Times

In a Right to Information (RTI) query to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), activist Venkatesh Nayak had asked for the Standard Operating ...

 

India

Family members use RTI Act to blackmail woman

Times of India

Aurangabad: The city police have booked four persons, including one woman, for allegedly using documents obtained through Right to Information ...

 

UK

Hundreds of British soldiers busted for taking drugs including cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy in ...

The Sun

The overall 30 per cent rise in drug-taking in the forces is revealed in official figures obtained under freedom of information laws.

 

Pakistan

KP prosecution data gives lie to claims against Afghan refugees

DAWN.com

Documents retrieved through the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act, 2013 provide startling details of crime statistics involving Afghan ...

 

Bangladesh

Investigative journalism and the RTI Act

The Daily Star

The story unveiled a national scandal. Such is the power of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, as it is known in this country. Through RTI, citizens today ...

 

Pakistan

Electronic RTI application system a failure

DAWN.com

PESHAWAR: Lack of interest on part of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Commission and public information officers in the working of the ...

 

India

RTI aids woman's quest for justice in decade-long dispute

The Hindu

But for her unrelenting pursuit and effective use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, V. Santha of Pudukottai district would not. have been able to ...

 

India

RBI refuses to answer questions on 'demonetisation' citing threat to life: Report

India TV

... it had asked the RBI 14 questions on 'demonetisation' between December 8, 2016 and January 2, 2017 under 'Right to Information' and the central ...

 

UK

US man pays tax bill using five wheelbarrows of coins

BBC News

He filed a Freedom of Information request to be given a direct number, The Bristol Herald Courier reported, and was eventually given a number he ...

 

India

Is Jana Gana Mana our national anthem? PMO gives no info in RTI

Hindustan Times

The CIC stated that the PMO's response of not giving information was not proper and legal, and it breached the right to information of people.

 

Australia

Currently 150 murderers and sex offenders living in community in Queensland

Courier Mail

... unacceptable risk of further offences, testing positive to drugs or leaving Queensland, according to

 

India

5012 trees will make way for Metro-3 project in Mumbai

Hindustan Times

The information was made public by MMRCL after they responded to a right to information (RTI) application on Wednesday, filed by Khar resident Zoru ...

 

UK

Retired British expats 'outstrip European pensioners using NHS'

BBC News

The figures were obtained after a BBC Freedom of Information request. Citizens of the EEA - EU states and Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein - can ...

 

UK

Foreign Office accused of breaking ministerial code over Saudi weapons assurances

The Guardian

It is only the second time that the information commissioner has felt forced to issue this kind of instruction under the Freedom of Information Act.

 

UK

Health tourism warning as NHS chases £350000 bill from Nigerian woman who gave birth in a ...

Telegraph.co.uk

... according to data from the 90 hospitals who responded to the freedom of information requests. Of those, over 3,000 were mothers who arrived in the ...

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2304987-2304989
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 133

E - Alert

Issue Date: 03-01-2017

 

 

Australia

Minister Kate Jones 'misled house' over audit

The Australian

In response, Ms Jones said departmental audit reports were released to the ABC �under the Right to Information legislation�. The Australian ...

 

Indonesia

Indonesia's forestry ministry takes Greenpeace to court over freedom of information request

Mongabay.com

In October, Indonesia's freedom of information commission ruled in favor of a case brought by Greenpeace, asking the forestry ministry to publish a ...

 

Pakistan

State Life directed to provide info under Freedom of Information Ordinance

The News International

The agency is, therefore, required to provide the requested information to the complainant under the provision of Freedom of Information Ordinance, ...

 

UK

Careless House of Lords' peers and staff lose over �10000 of taxpayer-bought iPads, laptops and ...

The Sun

The figures were revealed to The Sun after we ued the Freedom of Information Act to ask what items had been reported stolen or lost using the ...

 

India

Here's How Much It Costs The RBI To Print New 500 And 2000 Rupee Notes

NDTV

BRBNMPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India or RBI, said in its reply to an Right to Information (RTI) query that it charges the ...

 

Canada

A Canadian Province Is Refusing to Release Pipeline Safety Reports

Motherboard

�Upon conclusion of the investigation, freedom of information requests for information involved in the investigation will be considered according to the ...

 

Canada

Ontario environment ministry deliberately falsified dates on FOI requests

Toronto Star

... staff at the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change altered dates on freedom of information requests to improve their compliance statistics.

 

Pakistan

Defence ministry refuses to share info under RTI law

The News International

In this connection, it is informed that the information asked by him cannot be provided under Section-8 of the Freedom of Information Ordinance 2002, ...

 

UK

British embassy questioned whether Malaysian PM cleared of corruption

The Guardian

The British cable was released under a freedom of information request made by the Guardian but was heavily redacted to include mostly factual ...

 

Pakistan

Question mark over KP govt's multi-billion rupee ad contract

DAWN.com

Dawn, it may be mentioned, filed two requests with the department of information, government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under the Right to Information ...

 

India

Row in Uttarakhand over break for namaz

The Hindu

Also, in response to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed in 2010, a copy of which is with The Hindu, the Central government stated that the ...

 

India

Activist approaches rights body with toothache

Times of India

Surat: A right to information (RTI) activist suffering from toothache was compelled to approach the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) ...

 

UK

The Ministry of Defence lost 759 laptops in 18 months - and they're not alone

Mirror.co.uk

Maurice Frankel, director of the Campaign for Freedom of Information, said: "They are stretching credibility to well beyond its snapping point with some ...

 

Pakistan

KP Assembly spent over Rs5.3m on entertainment last fiscal

The News International

The information, received in response to a request under the Section 7 of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act 2013, shows that over the ...

 

Pakistan

PTI quizzes Punjab about 1000-plus POs on the loose

The Express Tribune

Abbas has sought information on the POs under the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013. The report, jointly compiled by the ...

 

Pakistan

No right to know

The News International

While the Right to Information passed in 2014 by the Senate Standing Committee on Information had been applauded by international and local ...

 

UK

Councils have handed out �12million to fix cars damaged by potholes since 2012 and pay ...

The Sun

The massive payouts were revealed by hundreds of Freedom of Information requests to individual councils since 2012. Critics demanded more be ...

 

Pakistan

Right to know faces another blow in 2016

The News International

ISLAMABAD: Another year passes without witnessing the passage of the Right to Information (RTI) legislation. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz ...

 

India

Man uses RTI to prove his wife is employed

Times of India

He has urged to provide him the information he has sought under the Right to Information (RTI). The information, he said, if given, would be of extreme ...

 

Pakistan

RDA directed to provide details about Metro Bus Project

The News International

The Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013 says "The public information officer is to respond to the request within 14 working days, and if the ...

 

India

Indore: Man thrashed for seeking info on monks with beacon, hooter mounted vehicles

Hindustan Times

On December 8, he had filed a Right To Information (RTI) query seeking information on how many monks belonging to different faiths, were allotted ...

 

India

Official caught paying bribe to RTI activist | Bengaluru NYOOOZ

NYOOOZ

Summary: On Friday, a government official was caught paying a bribe to an Right to Information (RTI) activist to not dig into a particular case.

 

India

In a first, PIO directed to reply to RTI on information commissioner

Times of India

... judicial officer and FAA, the order directed the quasi-judicial institution's PIO T Thilaka to provide information to city-based Right To Information (RTI) ...

 

India

RTI activist murder: 'Case remains unsolved despite arrest of two former cops'

The Indian Express

Based on the documents obtained under Right to Information (RTI) Act, activist Satish Shetty had filed a complaint of cheating and forgery against IRB ...

 

Pakistan

Cataloguing development in KP: CM's aide unveils six-month performance report\

The Express Tribune

Similarly, the Right to Information has received 8,092 complaints out of which the government has taken action on 5,279 applications while 594 are ...

 

Pakistan

Public participation in budget making urged

The News International

PESHAWAR: Speakers at a seminar on the right to information have said public participation in budget making process and transparency in the ...

 

UK

Serious mistakes in NHS patient care are on the rise, figures reveal

The Guardian

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show that the number of surgical incidents more than doubled between 2013-14 and 2015-16.

 

India

India's transparency regime? 1.88 lakh cases pending before 16 state information commissions, no ...

COUNTERVIEW

A fresh study on the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2006, has said that the collective backlog in the disposal of appeals and ...

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2304987-2304989
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 132

E - Alert

Issue Date: 19-12-2016

 

 

Pakistan

Right to information and security

The Nation

The recent wave of erosion of freedom of information (FOI) laws in Pakistan, has not only given citizens qualified right of access to information held by ...

 

India

14474 cases of HIV through blood transfusion, but the government denies crisis

Scroll.in

An IndiaSpend investigation, through a series of Right to Information requests, has revealed that 14,474 cases of HIV through blood transfusion have ...

 

UK

Underage sexting investigations rise in number as new findings show children as young as six are ...

Daily Mail

In a span of a year - from April 2015 to April 2016 - 2,287 crimes of children possessing, making or distributing indecent images were recorded, ...

 

India

Tamil Nadu universities ignore disabled while hiring

Times of India

Its response to a petition filed under the Right to Information Act, 2005, claimed that three candidates had been recruited under the physically disabled ...

 

India

Pellets and denial of information under RTI Act

Kashmir Life

I had sought information under The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) about the quantum and price of sale of pellet guns and cartridges as well ...

 

Pakistan

PTI to further squeeze CM Shahbaz

Pakistan Today

... Constitution of Pakistan and the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013, she should be provided with certified information regarding ...

 

Pakistan

Human rights under threat

DAWN.com

Such attacks are not confined to giving sweeping powers to gag agencies under various regulations and attempts to render the Right to Information ...

 

India

No sign of 44 convicts who jumped parole from Ludhiana jails between 2011 and 2016: RTI

Hindustan Times

A right to information (RTI) application has revealed that the police are shying to take stern action against the culprits who have absconded after ...

 

USA

Editorial - Virginia makes minor progress on freedom of information

Richmond.com

After three years, a state advisory council has come up with four tweaks to the state's Freedom of Information Act. One of them: Virginia no longer can ...

 

Australia

Queensland ministers held secret talks on selling off power station

The Australian

The secret negotiations were revealed after a Right to Information request by The Australian, which was blocked by Treasury department officials.

 

India

RWAs join hands to curb commercial activities in residential areas

Bangalore Mirror

The details of these establishments were obtained under the Right to Information Act, and have been submitted to the BBMP chief and head of the ...

 

Pakistan

PTI questions Punjab govt's plan to procure jet for CM

DAWN.com

The letter said the information was being sought under the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013. It pointed out a tender notice had ...

 

Philippines

277 requests made in FOI website

Manila Bulletin

As many as 277 requests have been made as of Sunday, December 11, through the country's freedom of information (FOI) website, which is part of the ...

 

UK

Transport for London refuses to publish data about speeding trams

Croydon Advertiser

The authority, which manages the tram network in Croydon, has said in reply to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request that it will not publish the ...

 

USA

Execution costs spike in Virginia; state pays pharmacy $66K

WDBJ7

... receipts provided to The Associated Press through a Freedom of Information Act request after the pharmacy's identifying information was redacted.

 

India

Around 3000 RTI cases pending with SIC

Chandigarh Tribune

It seems that filing an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has turned meaningless as a number of cases are lying pending with the ...

 

India

Six doctors found working full-time in more than one college, suspended

The Indian Express

A Right to Information (RTI) query filed by The Indian Express at MMC revealed that since 2012, 18 doctors have been suspended for being posted as ...

 

Pakistan

Most treasury members part of KP's power structure

DAWN.com

The information secured by Dawn from the provincial administration department under the KP Right to Information Act 2013 shows that 47 of the 77 ...

 

India

GSIC slaps Rs 25000 fine on Sancoale PIO

Times of India

... pay a penalty of 25,000 for not responding to Narayan D Naik's request for information which he had sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

 

India

Mumbai's Bhabha hospital wasted 350 litres of blood in 5 years: RTI

Hindustan Times

... has resulted in wastage of 350 liters of blood in the last five years, revealed the reply to an application filed under Right To Information (RTI) Act.

 

Pakistan

Orange Line agreement terms can't be shared: commission

DAWN.com

... transactions and must not agree to terms, which are in conflict with the Constitution or the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013.

 

Pakistan

Govt takes steps to stop leakage of classified information

Geo News, Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Instead of tabling Right to Information Bill in the parliament which was approved by the Senate Committee on Information and ...

 

India

Hyderabad: Man creates fake home ministry order, dashes RTI query to governor

Mumbai Mirror

When no response came from the governor's office, Raghuvamsi dashed off a Right to Information Act query asking as to why the recommendations ...

 

Australia

Australia Post refusing to publish managing director's salary

The Sydney Morning Herald

Australia Post refuses to reveal how many millions of dollars its managing director earned last year, despite a freedom of information request from ...

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2304987-2304989
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 131

E - Alert

Issue Date: 01-12-2016

 

 

Pakistan

Opposition to introduce its own RTI bill in Senate

The News International

ISLAMABAD: In a significant move, the joint opposition has decided to introduce its own drafted Right to Information (RTI) bill as a private piece of ...

 

Pakistan

Legal hurdle? Punjab information act challenged

The Express Tribune

... and Transparency Act (PITA) has been challenged before the Lahore High Court on claims that the law itself is a hurdle in right to information.

 

India

CIC orders disclosing Machil, Pathribal Court Martial findings

Kashmir Life

It has rejected the idea of invoking Section 8(1)(h) to deny the same information as was demand by Venkatesh Nayak under Right to Information Act.

 

Pakistan

RTI Commission summons HED official as inquiry issue drags on

The News International

PESHAWAR: The Right to Information Commission Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has summoned a senior official in the Higher Education Department on ...

 

Israel

The receipts the Prime Minister's Office won't show

JerusalemOnline

The Prime Minister's Office declined the request from the Movement for Freedom of Information to publish the receipts detailing the expenses of the ...

 

UK

times the amount of ISIS fighters in Iraq than in Syria

The Sun

Figures obtained by The Sun with Freedom of Information requests reveal there have been only 30 RAF attacks in total on Syrian soil since MPs gave ...

 

Pakistan

Right to information violated

The Nation

DERA GHAZI kHAN-The Punjab information commissioner has taken note of the complaint filed by a citizen over violation of the right to information.

 

UK

Report blames secrecy of information for corruption in security agencies

Guardian

It added that the freedom of information's compliance rankings carried out in 2014-2015 showed that the security agencies were the least likely to ...

 

India

Arvind Kejriwal taunts BJP after their U-turn in Supreme Court

Financial Express

... Arvind Kejriwal, in a fresh attack to the new policy, said that the government should bring all political parties under the Right to Information act.

 

UK

West Midlands Police investigate three rape cases linked to Tinder dating app

Birmingham Mail

Of the three West Midlands rape investigations linked to Tinder, one alleged victim could not be traced, according to the Freedom of Information ...

 

India

Gujarat High Court to decide if judge's personal details are subject to RTI

Bar & Bench

... answering a pertinent question: to what extent does a sitting High Court judge's personal details fall under the ambit of the Right to Information Act?

 

Pakistan

Activists call for unity within ranks as security concerns rise

The News International

The other crucial problems identified by the activists, were the grave violations of right to information and freedom of association in Balochistan; on top ...

 

Ireland

Visa requests from Yemen, Eritrea and Iraq most likely to fail

Irish Times

The data was obtained by The Irish Times under Freedom of Information legislation. The Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, which operates ...

 

Malta

GWU will earn €8.5m from government jobless scheme

Times of Malta

The government has now provided the contract following a request submitted under the freedom of information law. The trade union was selected ...

 

Australia

ASIC forced to explain why it refuses prospectuses

The Australian

Following a two-year freedom of information battle by The Australian, Information Commissioner Timothy Pilgrim on Friday ordered ASIC to hand over ...

 

India

Mumbai: NCP students' wing wants varsity to take action against errant canteens

Free Press Journal

He added that the university has not floated a tender every year for canteens in its campuses, as per RTI (Right to Information) replies he has received.

 

India

Over 2000 seats vacant in medical schools as infra, cost keep students away

Hindustan Times

A reply from the Medical Council of India (MCI) to an HT application filed under the Right to Information Act revealed that just 56,748 seats of the total ...

 

Pakistan

Generals, judges, journalists must also be held accountable

Pakistan Today

But, it is possible only through right to information (RTI) legislation, but the RTI law, despite having been endorsed by Senate Committee on ...

 

India

Bureaucrats tour world, but no accountability

The Asian Age

... revealed information received by The Asian Age under the Right to Information Act. As per the Maharashtra government's circular dated November ...

 

Pakistan

'RTI bill to be presented in next NA session'

DAWN.com

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Maryam Aurangzeb on Wednesday said that the Right to Information (RTI) bill will be ...

 

UK

UK immigration centres record 218 hunger strikers in three months

The Guardian

According to figures released following a Freedom of Information request, 218 people refused to eat in July, August and September this year.

 

Ireland

More than 50000 adoptees to get right to birth certificates

Irish Times

Illegal adoptions pose complications in searches for birth parents · Adopted people to gain right to information on birth parents · Right to access birth ...

 

India

RTI activists write to Modi against CIC's coffee table book

The Hindu

Pune: City-based Right to Information (RTI) activists have condemned the launch of a coffee table book on 'successful RTI stories' by the Central ...

 

Israel

Prime Minister's Residence's 2015 expenses the lowest in 7 years

Israel Hayom

In response to the Movement for Freedom of Information's request, the Prime Minister's Office said that "the costs of operating the Prime Minister's ...

 

USA

Wrongfully Imprisoned in Gitmo for Years, This Man Finally Won His Freedom

Huffington Post

According to what had been scared up through a Freedom of Information Act request, Obaidullah was accused of being part of an al Qaeda-affiliated ...

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2304987-89
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 130

E - Alert

Issue Date: 18-11-2016

 

 

Pakistan

Balochistan to introduce new right to information law

The Express Tribune

QUETTA: Adviser to CM on Information Sardar Raza Mohammad Barech has said a new draft of the Right to Information Law in Balochistan was being ...

 

Pakistan

Balochistan Government Pledges to Table RTI Bill in Assembly in 2 Months

Balochistanvoices.com

Quetta: Balochistan government pledged to table the Right to Information (RTI) bill in assembly within 2 months. This announcement was made by ...

 

India

High impunity and massive backlog choking RTI: Study

The Hindu

A new study on the performance of the adjudicators of the Right to Information (RTI) Act has revealed that information commissions (ICs) imposed the ...

 

India

New notes to cost RBI more than Rs. 12000 crore

The Hindu

Data from a Right to Information answer by the RBI in 2012 shows that it costs Rs. 2.50 to print each Rs. 500 denomination note, and Rs. 3.17 to print a ...

 

USA

Public records and an amusing definition of 'free' (Opinion)

OregonLive.com

Charging for 'open records' makes a mockery of the term 'freedom of information.'" He encouraged fines and firings of employees. Let me reply to ...

 

India

Sports Ministry wants BCCI to be brought under RTI

Economic Times

This is not the first time that the government has tried to get the board under right to information (RTI). In December 2011, then sports minister Ajay ...

 

Pakistan

The Need to Repeal Balochistan Freedom of Information Act 2005

Balochistanvoices.com

Why is effective right to information law important for good governance? It is so because it enables citizens

 

Pakistan

Non-implementation of LHC order: FBR chief issued notice in contempt plea

Business Recorder

... of Revenue (FBR) in a contempt of court petition filed by a tax lawyer following violation of Right to

 

India

PROs posted in all police stations in state

The New Indian Express

They also give the copies of FIR and ensure that the public avail the benefits of Right to Information and Right to Service Acts. They should also work ...

 

USA

How many racing dogs failed drug tests? In Texas, that's confidential

MyStatesman.com

Kelley Shannon, executive director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, said in recent years her organization has observed a steady ...

 

India

Waiting period at RTI commissions ranges between two months and 30 years

Economic Times

NEW DELHI: If you file a Right to Information (RTI) appeal before Assam Information Commission today, you will have to wait for 30 years to get heard.

 

Pakistan

Right to Information Law not at odds with national security: CRTI

The Nation

islamabad - The Right to Information Law is not at odds with the national security of the country and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan is ...

 

Pakistan

Right to information: Irrigation engineer fined for withholding details

The Express Tribune

LAHORE: The Punjab Information Commission has fined and ordered disciplinary action against a superintendent engineer of the irrigation ...

 

India

Finally, J&K SIC becomes completely defunct; Govt still in deep slumber

Daily Excelsior

Today was his last working day as per the provisions of J&K Right to Information Act and with this the State Information Commission has completely ...

 

India

Book Review: RTI Act – Authentic Interpretation Of The Statute by Shailesh Gandhi & Pralhad Kacheri

Live Law

Just one miniscule part of right to know, i.e., right to information, truncated in myriad forms of expression

 

UK

Powers of attorney rocket as dementia becomes Britain's biggest killer

Telegraph.co.uk

Information released under a Freedom of Information request show that in 2015, 441,500 power of attorney arrangements were set-up, compared to ...

 

India

Sexual assault cases up 280% since 2012

Mumbai Mirror

The report compiled by Praja Foundation using data gathered under the Right to Information (RTI) act

 

India

RTI info exposes plot-allotment scam

Chandigarh Tribune

Information provided by the GLADA authorities under the Right to Information Act revealed that 60 applications for allotment of plots under various ...

 

USA

NYPD Keeps Mayor's Helicopter Use a Secret and it 'Makes No Sense:' Experts

DNAinfo

Brushing aside a Freedom of Information request by DNAinfo New York, the NYPD's Legal Bureau claimed its FOIL Unit was “unable to locate ...

 

UK

Child trafficking victims disappearing from UK care at 'alarming' rate

The Guardian

The new data, drawn largely from freedom of information requests to 217 local authorities across the UK, shows that Thurrock, Hillingdon, Croydon, ...

 

India

University got 278 fake degrees to ratify so far this year: RTI

Times of India

Mumbai: The University of Mumbai finds close to 300 fake degrees every year from among the ones that are sent to it for verification by employers.

 

Sri Lanka

President yet to ratify two RTI Commission nominees

The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

President Maithripala Sirisena is yet to ratify appointments for the remaining two posts of commissioners on the Right to Information (RTI) Commission, ...

 

UK

Just one person fined in UK for smoking with under-18 in car

The Guardian

The research was based on Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to 42 police forces in England and Wales. Only Northumbria police gave a figure ...

 

UK

A third of police forces use anti-spitting hoods on suspects

Telegraph.co.uk

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act revealed the hoods have been used on 91 people aged under 18 in the last five years, with ...

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2304987-89
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 129

E - Alert

Issue Date: 01-11-2016

 

 

India

RTI activist shot dead

gulfnews.com

New Delhi: An Indian Right to Information (RTI) activist Bhupendra Veera, who launched multiple campaigns against illegal land dealings and ...

 

UK

Home Office reveals 3 ILLEGAL immigrants get caught every hour entering Britain

Express.co.uk

Data released under Freedom of Information guidelines provides a snapshot of the crisis under Labour and the Tory/Lib Dem Coalition. On average ...

 

UK

Thousands of drivers and passengers are still being caught not wearing seatbelts

Coventry Telegraph

The figures, which came from a Freedom of Information request, also showed the number of motorists who failed to ensure children were buckled up in ...

 

India

Constitution Club pays rent of Rs. 100, earns Rs. 2 crore a year

The Hindu

... and Sridhar Acharyulu declared that the club, a stone's throw from Parliament House, was a “public authority” under the Right to Information Act.

 

India

Withdraw police protection of defaulters: HC to State

Hindustan Times

Punamiya said he got figures under the Right to Information Act. According to the replies he got, Rs23.76 lakh is outstanding against builders, Rs37.52 ...

 

Ireland

Just 7% of FoI requests to An Garda Síochána granted

Irish Examiner

Just 7% of Freedom of Information requests made to An Garda Síochána were granted in the first 14 months after the 2014 FOI Act was extended to ...

 

Pakistan

'Public access to information vital'

The News International

NOWSHERA: Chief Commissioner Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Commission Azmat Hanif Orakzai on Thursday said that public access to ...

 

China

China Lags Behind in Rule-of-Law Ranking

Wall Street Journal (blog)

One area where China seemed to progress was in protecting the right to information, moving up

 

Pakistan

Senate likely to reject RTI draft law

The News International

ISLAMABAD: The ineffective Right to Information draft law approved by the federal cabinet after its one-and-a-half dozen meetings since January 2014 ...

 

Philippines

FOI inches close to fruition

Manila Bulletin

... the proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) law (Senate Bill 159) which aims to give flesh to the citizens' constitutional right to information on matters ...

 

India

Death toll of RTI activists goes up to 56

Times of India

National Campaign for People's Right to Information (NCPRI) has demanded an inqu iry in to the murder of Vira. In a letter written to Maharashtra CM ...

 

Pakistan

CRTI rejects govt bill on RTI

The News International

Ironically, the federal government has modelled this bill on the Freedom of Information Ordinance 2002 which it is already trying to repeal due to its ...

 

Pakistan

Federal govt's RTI draft law termed weakest in South Asia

The News International

ISLAMABAD: Tall claims apart, the PML-N government has decided not to walk the talk on the much-awaited Right to Information draft law recently ...

 

Pakistan

CPNE shares reservations on Right to Info Bill

Daily Times

The Right to Information Bill was discussed and the reservations of the editors were conveyed to Principal Information Officer Rao Tahseen Ali Khan ...

 

India

High Court: Army can't deny candidates answersheets

Times of India

... held that Army cannot deprive job aspirants of copies of their written exam answersheet and the merit list under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

 

USA

Exclusive: WHO cancer agency asked experts to withhold weedkiller document...

Reuters

Multiple subsequent freedom of information requests by the U.S. conservative advocacy group the Energy and Environment Legal Institute (E and E ...

 

Pakistan

Decline of political parties

DAWN.com

After imposing on the people a terrible tool of oppression in the form of the cybercrime act, the authorities have decided to make the right to information ...

 

UK

Clowns, aliens and ghosts: The five weirdest information requests made to West Midlands Police

Birmingham Mail

West Midlands Police have released details of some of their more extraordinary Freedom of Information requests - and some of them make for ...

 

Pakistan

Tale of two bills

DAWN.com

The Right of Access to Information (RAI) and the Right to Information (RTI) bills, approved by the federal cabinet and Senate respectively, provide ...

 

Pakistan

1100 deaths reported in ATH in four months

The News International

BoG Chairman Javed Panni has already challenged the action of Right to Information (RTI) Commission over the request of a senior journalist in the ...

 

Bangladesh

Evolving dimensions of the RTI Act, 2009

Dhaka Tribune

The evolving dynamics within the New World Economic Order prompted the unelected government of Bangladesh to adopt Right to Information as a ...

 

India

Now RTI appellate authority has asked PMO how the Prime Minister's travel bills can be a security ...

Businessinsider India

While the exact figure spent on the Prime Minister's travel around the globe isn't revealed, an RTI or Right to Information Act filed by a retired defence ...

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 128

E - Alert

Issue Date: 17-10-2016

 

 

Ireland

Judges criticial of plan to alter eligibility for expenses

Irish Times

Documents released by the department, under the Freedom of Information Acts, show judges strongly opposed a plan last year to only permit an ...

 

India

CIC flays I-T 'informer' for using RTI to earn money

Business Standard

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has admonished a Right to Information (RTI) applicant who was allegedly se

 

India

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis declares Nagpur first digital district of India

The Indian Express

The state has added 169 new online services under the Right to Information Act, taking the total number of services to 369. Through Aaple Sarkar ...

 

Pakistan

Right to Information Commission gets new head

DAWN.com

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has appointed Azmat Hanif Orkazai as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) to the Khyber ...

 

Sri Lanka

* President appoints Right to Information Commission

Colombo Page

Sept 30, Colombo: President Maithripala Sirisena today appointed the Right to Information (RTI) Commission of Sri Lanka upon the recommendation ...

 

UK

BBC bosses spend thousands on taxis on top of £1million company car perks

The Sun

But a Freedom of Information request reveals the 216 staff are also allowed to claim expenses for a string of extra motoring costs. Last year they blew ...

 

UK

'Britain's secret scandal': CHILDREN of alcoholics at RISK due to budget cuts

Express.co.uk

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Children of Alcoholics released the data, gathered through Freedom of Information requests, as part of its ...

 

UK

Police and civilian staff with mental ill health take almost 200000 sick days

Daily Mail

The figures, released by Police Scotland to the Liberal Democrats under Freedom of Information laws, show police officers struggling with mental ill ...

 

Pakistan

Ministry makes mockery of RTI law

The News International

When Zahid Abdullah of the Coalition of Right to Information moved the FO against the Law Ministry for denying the information about the funds spent ...

 

India

Assets of officials' spouse cannot be disclosed under RTI: CIC

The Indian Express

Demanding asset details of spouse and dependents of government officials under the Right to Information Act is “unreasonable and illegal”, the ...

 

India

CIC rejects RTI appeal of Income Tax 'informer' regarding assets of 100 IT officers

Moneylife

Rakesh Kumar Gupta, who claimed to be an informer to the Income Tax department (I-T Dept), filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) ...

 

India

1.75 crore RTI applications filed since 2005: Study

Economic Times

The first decadal study conducted after Right to Information (RTI) Act implemented in October 2005 has revealed that over 1.75 crore applications have ...

 

Sri Lanka

Government called on to fully constitute RTI commission

Colombo Gazette

RTI The Right to Information Commission arguably the most important component in the framework set up by the RTI Act is yet to be fully constituted ...

 

Sri Lanka

* Sri Lankan government to set up a special office to implement RTI Act

Colombo Page

Oct 06, Colombo: The government is to establish a special office to disseminate information on the Right to Information Act (RTIA) in Battaramulla, ...

 

Pakistan

Orange Line Metro: Will the Supreme Court save Lahore's heritage?

DAWN.com

They filed Right to Information requests and petitions. One of the primary issues brought to court was the legitimacy of the No Objection Certificates ...

 

India

RTI info hints at scam in mobile tower installation

Chandigarh Tribune

... fee charges from PIO, Municipal Council, Khanna, under the Right to Information Act (RTI), indicates a high-level mobile tower scam in the city.

 

Australia

Need to know? Powerhouse Museum accused of thwarting transparency laws as Labor seeks ...

The Sydney Morning Herald

The Powerhouse Museum has been accused of trying to circumvent freedom of information laws by charging exorbitant fees. Labor's Arts spokesman ...

 

India

Right to information: What 11 years of the RTI Act of 2005 have done for India

Firstpost

It was on this day 11 years back that one of the most important laws in India fully came into force. The Right to Information Act, 2005 has helped ...

 

India

Prime Minister is always on duty, PMO replies to RTI query

Chandigarh Tribune

The Prime Minister can be said to be on duty all the time,” the Right to Information (RTI) response from the

 

France

France covers source code with freedom of information laws

Inquirer

ZUT E-LAWS! The French government has added source code to the list of things covered under freedom of

 

Canada

Nova Scotia's Freedom of Information laws are dangerously toothless

The Coast Halifax

Changes need to be made to Nova Scotia's Freedom of Information Act. That's the call being made by critics after premier Stephen McNeil's admission ...

 

Ghana

re determined to pass RTI Bill into law – Bagbin

GhanaWeb

Majority Leader, Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has assured that the Legislature is more determined to pass the Right To Information (RTI) Bill ...

 

India

BSc student goes Right To Information way to get answer sheet copies

Times of India

NAGPUR: Fearing that his application would go unheeded like that of many other students, Bachelor of Science (BSc) student Harshal Mehta of VMV ...

 

India

Unclog the RTI process by making basic information public

Hindustan Times

The first decadal study conducted after the Right to Information (RTI) Act has revealed that over 1.75 crore

 

India

Exclusive: India bad loans mountain grows, risks delaying bank clean-up

Reuters

The latest data obtained by Reuters through a right-to-information request showed stressed loans rose to 9.22 trillion rupees ($138.5 billion) as at ...

 

India

Vexed by 'frivolous' RTI pleas, PMO issues advisory

The Hindu

Annoyed with the non-stop flow of applications under the Right to Information Act (RTI), most of them flippant, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has ...

 

India

Now SIC will also be defunct ?

Daily Excelsior

It is more than 7 years now we have Jammu& Kashmir Right to Information Act (J&K RTI Act 2009) in place in our state. It was on March 20th 2009 ...

 

India

From Kejriwal's 'Social Behaviour' To Modi's Suits. What India Wants To Know Through RTIs

ScoopWhoop

According to a recent report, an approximate 4800 Right to Information applications are filed in India everyday. This act, which was passed by ...

 

UK

Dozens of servicemen booted out for being too fat to fight - including 28st man

The Sun

Our findings – admitted by The MoD after a Freedom of Information request – also show that hundreds of military personnel are classified as obese ...

 

UK

Hundreds of Met Police officers left injured in defensive training in just 12 months

Mirror.co.uk

The severity of the injuries were not disclosed in the Freedom of Information request revealed, although bosses at the Met said the 15 most serious ...

 

Pakistan

Right to information: Of all rest houses in Punjab, not one for CM

The Express Tribune

The stopovers include facilities of restaurants, kitchens, barbeque areas as well as parking spots. Some of these resorts have party halls, play area for ...

 

India

HC dismisses plea to record court proceedings, again

The Hindu

The petition said since Right To Information has been recognised as an integral part of the right to life,

 

India

How Gujarat govt refused to make public inquiry commission report on corruption

Times of India (blog)

No doubt, I thought, things would have become easier for those who took the Right to `Information (RTI) route. But I rarely used it. However, my recent ...

 

Bangladesh

"Right to know", not "need to know"

The Daily Star

The overwhelming majority of Right to Information (RTI) laws around the world were enacted in the last quarter of a century, following the end of the ...

 

India

Modi Government Spent Over Rs. 36 Crore On Publicity To Mark 2 Years

NDTV

This information was revealed in response to an Right to Information (RTI) query by IANS. The amount for the six-hour event in Delhi was spent on ...

 

India

Pay Rs 20000 for soft copy: MMRDA

The Asian Age

This was revealed in a reply to a Right To Information query filed by The Asian Age. However, RTI activists have slammed the MMRDA and said that a ...

 

Mexico

The country with the world's best transparency law has a terrible record on transparency

Quartz

Censored or not, the Memory and Truth project exposes the limits of Mexico's freedom-of-information apparatus. Originally, the archive was supposed ...

 

Pakistan

Sindh's proposed Right to Information: A law in the right direction

The Express Tribune

Soon after the elections, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Punjab led the way by passing internationally acclaimed Right to Information (RTI) laws and ...

 

India

ormer CIC Shailesh Gandhi authors e-book on RTI

Business Standard

Former Central Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi has authored an e-book in order to lend a better interpretation of the Right To Information ...

 

India

RTI for blackmail: HC chides 2 lawyers

Times of India

MADURAI: The Madurai bench of the Madras high court has chided two advocates for misusing the Right to Information (RTI) Act to blackmail people ...

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 127

E - Alert

Issue Date: 30-09-2016

 

 

India

When Punjab govt bypassed CLP leader in picking 7 RTS panel commissioners

Hindustan Times

... of two members of the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) and two information commissioners of the Right to Information Commission.

 

Philippines

Senate to scrutinize FOI exceptions

The Manila Times

Senate Bill 159 or An Act Implementing the People's Right to Information and the Constitutional Policies of Full Public Disclosure and Honesty in the ...

 

UK

Does 'the right to be forgotten' ruling threaten our right to know?

The Guardian

But the right to be forgotten (a right to privacy) clashes with another key right: the right to know (plus freedom of speech, freedom of information and ...

 

India

No financial help to 4 lakh students from minority communities in 2015-16: RTI reply

The Indian Express

According to a response to a Right to Information (RTI) plea by activist Razaullah Khan, the state should have received 7,17,896 applications for ...

 

India

2000 govt organisations to accept online RTI applications

Deccan Chronicle

New Delhi: Around 2,000 Central government organisations will soon be accepting applications under the Right to Information (RTI) Act through ...

 

India

Official refuses RTI information 24 times, fined Rs 2.29 lakh

Deccan Herald

An official has been fined a staggering Rs 2.29 lakh for failing to give information under the Right To Information (RTI) Act in 24 separate instances.

 

USA

Resident: Commission should stop texting, emailing while meeting

Florida Today

... therefore, the public has no way to know of communications or records which should be available through a Freedom of Information Act request.

 

India

Mumbai Man Demands to Know if India is Prepared for Zombies, Alien Invasion

Sputnik International

Ajay Kumar claims that his real motive in making a Right to Information Act request to assess India's zombie and alien-fighting skills was to draw the ...

 

India

Bombay HC concerned over 17000 deaths due to malnutrition in Maharashtra

The Indian Express

One of the petitioners showed the court a reply received through the Right to Information (RTI) Act which said over 17,000 persons, including women ...

 

UK

UK nuclear weapons convoys 'have had 180 mishaps in 16 years'

The Guardian

The incidents catalogued in the report – based on official logs released under the Freedom of Information Act – include fuel leaks, overheated engines ...

 

India

Consider making attendance details of Tamil Nadu assembly members public, info panel suggests

Times of India

... information officer (PIO) of the assembly had informed the TNSIC that these details could not be disclosed in a Right to Information (RTI) petition as it ...

 

Pakistan

FIA ordered to provide details of enquiries to petitioner

The News International

This correspondent had filed a request under Right to Information Act 2002 and sought year-wise details of total number of enquiries and cases ...

 

Pakistan

Journalist, lawyer get RTI Champion Award 2016 Geo's Azaz Syed honoured

The News International

The CRTI in partnership with the Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) honors two individuals each year who exercise their right to ...

 

India

India fourth on Right to Information list

Economic Times

NEW DELHI: India has ranked fourth in a worldwide comparative assessment of national legal frameworks for right to information, slipping a rank as ...

 

Bangladesh

People's right to information

The Daily Star

As we observe International Right to Information Day, it is pleasing to know that 76,043 people have sought information from different organisations ...

 

Pakistan

Right to Information Law was need of time: Chandio

Pakistan Observer

karachi —The Advisor to CM Sindh for Information Moula Bux Chandio while addressing at a conference on “Provincial Rights to Information Laws: ...

 

Pakistan

Right to Information and freedom of speech

The Express Tribune

The significance of correlation between the right to information and freedom of expression in protecting and promoting basic human rights can hardly ...

 

Canada

Nova Scotia changes Freedom Of Information, requests to be made online

TheChronicleHerald.ca

In the new year, citizens and journalists will be able to make Freedom of Information and Protection of Requests online, the province said in a news ...

 

Northern Ireland

Revealed: Which Northern Ireland bus lane camera raised £1m in fines in 15 months?

Belfast Telegraph

The figures were released by the Department for Infrastructure after a Freedom of Information request by the Belfast Telegraph. Bus lanes were ...

 

USA

Michigan House passes bills expanding state's Freedom of Information Act

The Peninsula

The Michigan State House of Representatives passed House Bills 5469-5478 on Wednesday to expand and strengthen the state's existing Freedom ...

 

Pakistan

Right to information law as necessary as right to

Business Recorder (press release) (registration) (blog)

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Senator Pervaiz Rashid said on Monday right to information (RTI) law was ...

 

Pakistan

Journalist, lawyer get RTI Champion Award 2016 Geo's Azaz Syed honoured

The News International

ISLAMABAD: The Coalition of Right to Information (CRTI) Monday conferred RTI Champion Award on Geo TV correspondent Azaz Syed in recognition ...

 

UK

Father of soldier murdered in Iraq blasts Government for hounding troops but failing to find his ...

Telegraph.co.uk

After a request under the Freedom of Information Act, Mr Miller obtained witness statements taken shortly after the Red Caps were killed in June 2003.

 

India

Why I filed an RTI query about our government's preparedness for a zombie invasion

Firstpost

Which brings me to the subject to the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI) and the RTI request that I filed with the Ministry of Home Affairs in March last ...

 

Australia

Australian Tax Office claim FOI website Right to Know 'clutters the internet'

The Sydney Morning Herald

The Australian Tax Office has escalated a row with a website that facilitates freedom of information requests, claiming it "clutters the internet".

 

UK

Fertility treatment on NHS hit 12 year low as cash-strapped hospitals ration

Daily Mail

But figures obtained by the charity from Freedom of Information requests show just 17 per cent provide these cycles. This is the lowest number since ...

 

USA

Cost of Clinton-Obama Air Force One flight disclosed

CNBC

For every hour Air Force One is in flight, it costs $206,337, according to a Freedom of Information Act letter obtained by the nonprofit Judicial Watch.

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 126

E - Alert

Issue Date: 19-09-2016

 

 

Pakistan

Alleging corruption: RTI commissioner accused of closing incomplete case

The Express Tribune

HARIPUR: The K-P Right to Information commissioner has allegedly closed a complaint without listening to arguments and issuing the requested ...

 

UK

How paedophiles, prostitutes, drug dealers and even a killer have all applied for jobs teaching ...

The Sun

The horrifying statistics, released under a Freedom of Information Request, show that those angling to

 

Pakistan

Corrupt to be protected, info seekers to be punished

The News International

ISLAMABAD: The Sindh government has drafted Right to Information (RTI) law that will protect the corrupt in order to save their “dignity” and penalise ...

 

India

Chief Information Commission asks PMO to respond to RTI query on Modi's black money election ...

Scroll.in

The Central Information Commission on Thursday asked the Prime Minister's Office to reply to a Right to Information application that sought to know ...

 

Australia

Queensland police access social justice advocate's personal file 1400 times

ABC Online

Queensland Council for Civil Liberties advocate Renee Eaves, who does not have a criminal record, submitted a Right to Information (RTI) request in ...

 

India

Information Commissioner posts to be filled

The Hindu

Ever since the Right to Information (RTI) Act became a potent instrument of change for civil society, the posts of Information Commissioners have been ...

 

India

No signature of Sheikh Abdullah on 'Instrument of Accession'

Only Kashmir

The information obtained by social activist Advocate Irfan Hafeez Lone through Ministry of Home Government of India, under Right to Information Act, ...

 

Kenya

President of Kenya signs Access to Information Bill

Citizen

The campaign for enactment of a legislative framework on freedom of information began in 2000 and human rights organisations based in Kenya were ...

 

UK

Woman claims she was raped by Uber driver on back seat after night out

Mirror.co.uk

... involving Uber that have been recorded by GMP since 2015 and obtained by the Manchester Evening News using Freedom of Information laws.

 

Canada

Toronto schools raise less money than rest of region

Toronto Star

... 10 English-language boards in the Greater Toronto Area, according to 2012-13 data obtained by the Star through a freedom of information request.

 

Australia

Waiting list for public houses in Tasmania jumps 21 per cent, reveals Right to Information figures

The Mercury

New Right to Information figures, requested by the state Opposition, show the waiting list has grown from 2882 in April last year to 3489 in August this ...

 

India

Central Information Commission to provide real-time information on RTI appeals

Economic Times

NEW DELHI: Filing a complaint or appeal under Right to Information (RTI) Act, you will now get real time updates. The Central Information Commission ...

 

Pakistan

RTI Commission issues show-cause notice to official

The News International

PESHAWAR: The Right to Information (RTI) Commission has issued show-cause notice to a deputy secretary who is public information officer in ...

 

India

Where's my promised Rs15 lakh, RTI applicant asks PM

domain-B

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) to respond to a Right to Information applicant who has asked ...

 

India

"Setback" to Gujarat govt: Information commissioner orders release of report on death of 3 ...

COUNTERVIEW

In a major setback to the Gujarat government, the state information commission, official watchdog of the right to information (RTI) Act, has ordered ...

 

UK

Shock as number of attacks on women in their own homes is on the rise

Express.co.uk

Released under a Freedom of Information request, the Met Police said domestic abusers carried out 2,198 sex offences, including 1,640 rapes.

 

UK

Revenge porn: More than 200 prosecuted under new law

BBC News

However, Freedom of Information responses to the BBC from 31 of the 43 police forces in England and Wales showed there had been 1,160 reported ...

 

India

33 out of 44 posts of teachers vacant at JJ School of Arts

Moneylife

According to information procured by Anil Galgali under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, at present almost 33 out of 44 posts of professors and ...

 

India

AAI incurred 86cr loss at Gujarat airports in FY16

Times of India

As per the information sought under the Right to Information Act (RTI), AAI incurred a losses of Rs 86 crore while managing the airports in Gujarat ...

 

India

RTI application forces former Cong MLC to withdraw medical claims worth Rs 1.9 lakh

Bangalore Mirror

The claims were withdrawn after an application was made under the Right to Information (RTI) Act seeking the doctor's prescriptions. RTI applicant ...

 

India

Info on efficacy of anti-riot pellet gun refused under RTI

Deccan Herald

In its response to a Right to Information Act application, the Ordnance Factory Board cited sections 8(1)(a)

 

India

Foreign students on top among those facing cases of drug-peddling, theft, rash driving

Chandigarh Tribune

... from the Jalandhar Commissionerate regarding the involvement of foreigners and foreign students in crime through the Right to Information (RTI) Act ...

 

India

Jan Dhan 1-rupee trick: Opposition wants answers and an inquiry

The Indian Express

Using information obtained under the Right to Information Act, The Indian Express spoke to nearly 60 savings bank account holders, who had opened ...

 

India

MMRDA seeks legal advice to recover Rs 1577 crore from RIL

Daily News & Analysis

It was a Right to Information (RTI) query by Anil Galgali has brought to light that MMRDA is yet to receive Rs1632.23 crore as premium for its plots in ...

 

Pakistan

KP govt poised to take lead in enacting whistleblower law

The News International

He said the bill would be another milestone after enactment of the Right to Information law. He said certain amendments were suggested and would ...

 

UK

Revealed: the worst Tube stations for pickpocketing

Evening Standard

The statistics, obtained from the Met under the Freedom of Information Act, show 215 pickpocketing crimes at the station between the start of February ...

 

UK

Old photos of Donald Trump, Bill Clinton appear to show chummy relationship

Atlanta Journal Constitution

The photos were released after a Freedom of Information Act request from Politico.

 

India

Maharshtra government: Public Information Officers can't answer RTIs seeking information on them

The Indian Express

In a move to address the long standing complaints of Right to Information (RTI) users, the state government has issued a circular which has now ...

 

Canada

Ontario coalition pushes for transparency on autism policies

Toronto Star

The three-page letter, dated April 18, was obtained by the Star under freedom of information legislation, along with other email correspondence ...

 

USA

News groups sue FBI over hacking of killer's phone

Boston Herald

... against potential improprieties,” states the suit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act.

 

UK

Foreign criminals paid thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money to leave Britain

The Sun

... £1.1 million handed out in the 2014/15 financial year. The figures were revealed following a Freedom of Information request by The Sun on Sunday.

 

India

Private engineering college a public authority, must give info, says KIC

Deccan Herald

... private universities, engineering and medical colleges, which have been refusing to furnish information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

 

India

'Nasha bhajao, putt bachao': After losing son to drugs, father turns crusader

Hindustan Times

... from different hospitals and drug de-addiction centres from parts of Punjab under the Right to Information Act suggests that the problem is serious.

 

India

Banks told to probe one-rupee deposits into zero-balance accounts: Govt

The Indian Express

Using information obtained under the Right to Information Act, The Indian Express had spoken to nearly 60 savings bank account holders, who had ...

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 125

E - Alert

Issue Date: 31-08-2016

 

 

UK

Three patients died after serious incidents and never events at Halton and Warrington Hospitals ...

Runcorn and Widnes World

A Freedom of Information request has revealed that three patients died after serious untoward incidents and never events at Halton and Warrington ...

 

India

Info panel slaps Rs1-lakh penalty...

Chandigarh Tribune

Taking a serious note of non-compliance of the provisions of the Right to Information Act, the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), Punjab, SS ...

 

India

SC to decide if it comes under RTI Act

Chandigarh Tribune

... Bench of the Supreme Court will decide if the apex court is bound to disclose details of its functioning under the Right to Information (RTI).

 

Pakistan

Practice of secrecy amid promise of transparency

The News International

The ruling party's manifesto reads: “Right to information law based on international best practices shall be

 

Pakistan

RTI Act to be extended to Malakand

Daily Times

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act is implanted in the province and in near future it will be extended to the Malakand ...

 

UK

Journalists and police join forces to oppose corruption investigation secrecy

The Guardian

But this secrecy would also require changes to the Right To Information Act around the notification of decisions “including reasons [for] refusal of ...

 

India

118 sexual harassment cases filed in BMC in 4 years, reveals RTI

Hindustan Times

... Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials have registered 118 cases of sexual harassment in its offices, reveals a right to information (RTI) response.

 

India

Army canteens most profitable retail chain in India, ahead of Future & Reliance Retail

Economic Times

... earned Rs 236 crore during FY14-15, according to a Right to Information query. Comparatively, Avenue Supermart, which runs D'Mart stores, made ...

 

UK

Rights group challenges FoI refusal in Libyan rendition case

The Guardian

The previous month Reprieve submitted a request to the Cabinet Office under the Freedom of Information Act asking whether any of its ministers or ...

 

UK

Revealed: Full scale of domestic abuse in London as police deal with 76000 incidents in one year

Evening Standard

The data, released under the Freedom of Information Act, did not include child victims unless they were also an informant or witness, as offences ...

 

Australia

Sydney buses are far from space age

dailytelegraph.com.au

... buses have 756,000km or more on their odometers — to the Moon and back — according to figures released under the Freedom of Information Act.

 

Ireland

Discipline probes see 11 gardaí quit force

Irish Examiner

Details of the scale of alleged serious breaches of discipline within the force were released under the Freedom of Information Act. Documents reveal a ...

 

Pakistan

Draft law: Cabinet likely to review Right to Information bill

The Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet is expected to take up the draft of the Right to Information Bill, 2016, in its next meeting. But the information ministry is ...

 

UK

Want to spy on the UK? Fill in a form: Foreign agencies 'are using Freedom of Information requests ...

Daily Mail

It's thought of as a world of dead-letter drops, hidden cameras and cutting-edge gadgetry. But the truth behind modern espionage may actually be ...

 

India

'One KTC bus breaks down every second day'

Times of India

The data was made available by Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) under information obtained right to information (RTI). Kadamba transport ...

Cong promises KTC revamp after polls - Oherald

 

India

Sex ratio set to fall around 800 in U'khand: Study

Chandigarh Tribune

The utilisation certificates (UCs) of the NDKY provided to the Asian Centre for Human Rights by the authorities under the Right to Information Act (RTI) ...

 

India

PM to release success stories of RTI Act

Press Trust of India

New Delhi, Aug 23 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release success stories of Right to Information (RTI) Act, during a programme to be held in ...

 

UK

Rejected recyclable waste up 84% in England since 2011, data shows

BBC News

A BBC Freedom of Information request found councils were unable to recycle 338,000 tons of waste in 2014-15 - up from about 184,000 tons in ...

340000 tons of recycling sent to landfill because of confusion about rules - Daily Mail

 

USA

Immigrant detainees in Georgia more likely to be deported than detainees elsewhere

Southern Poverty Law Center

This analysis is based on data released by ICE through a Freedom of Information Act request for FY 2015. It compares data from the Stewart and Irwin ...

 

Sri Lanka

Government to establish National Information Centre

Ceylon Daily News

... and accurate official information to the public is a key responsibility of the government, reaffirmed by the recently adopted Right to Information Act.

 

USA

The Pentagon's use of FOIA is flawed. Now it wants to make it even stricter.

Washington Post

A wide-ranging group of government transparency advocates asked Congress on Wednesday to block new changes to the Freedom of Information Act ...

 

Tanzania

Tanzania: Will Tanzania Get a 'State-of-the-Art' Information Law?

AllAfrica.com

Initially, a document dubbed the "Freedom of Information Bill" was released by the Directorate of

 

Pakistan

Govt will soon table 'Right to Information Bill' in NA: Pervaiz

Radio Pakistan (press release)

Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid says the government would soon table Right to Information Bill in the National Assembly. Speaking at a ceremony ...

 

India

No records available on AgustaWestland deal: Defence Ministry, IAF

The Indian Express

Under the Right to Information Act, an application was filed with the Defence Ministry seeking complete records related to the deal, including price ...

 

India

BMC road scam: Police likely to arrest 30 more civic body officials

Hindustan Times

Right to Information (RTI) activist, Anil Galgali, had complained to state lokayukta ML Tahilyani, about the delay in action against civic officials. He also ...

 

India

18 years on, Malawali village yet to get metalled road

Chandigarh Tribune

A resident of the village Kuljeet Singh Malawali, who managed to get information through right to information, said, “The road was last paved by the ...

 

India

From violence to impersonation: Over 800 students penalised by JNU

The Sunday Guardian

... and possessing liquor and ganja, according to information provided by the JNU administration in reply to a Right to Information (RTI) petition.

 

Malta

Has the Freedom of Information Act worked?

Times of Malta

Other very important documents were not published because the Freedom of Information Act was, coincidentally, only introduced a few months before ...

 

UK

Soaring number of children being taken into care for abusing and beating up parents

The Sun

The shocking results were revealed after Freedom of Information requests by The Sun on Sunday to all 149 councils in England. And the 62 known ...

 

UK/Bangladesh

Bangladeshi jail 'cover-up' as UK journalist faces trial

The Guardian

Freedom of information requests have been rejected by the MoJ on the basis of “protecting national security”, alongside diplomatic reasons.

 

Pakistan

Public's right to information

Daily Times

Access to information has been recognised as a fundamental right of people across the world as well as in Pakistan. Right to information was formally ...

 

India

SC rejects petition to stop royalty to Mysuru Maharaja

Hindustan Times

In response to his queries made under the Right to Information (RTI) law, Urs learnt the state released `75 lakh between 2012 and 2014 as part of its ...

 

India

Disciplinary Action on 7 JNU Students Every Month from 2010 to June 2016: RTI

News18

... an average against seven students every month in the last six-and-a-half years for violation of rules, according to an Right to Information (RTI) query.

 

UK

More than 1000 rapes and sexual assaults reported at London schools in four years

The Independent

A Freedom of Information request found that more than 15 per cent of the rape allegations were reported in Croydon, where 13 rapes were recorded.

 

UK

British police criticised for lack of transparency in Bahrain training deal

The Guardian

In a recent response to a freedom of information request submitted by the campaign group of Reprieve, the college gave a broad outline of the courses it ...

 

Pakistan

Up on website: KP health ministry makes medicine rates public

The Express Tribune

Officials said since a law was already in place and people could get the information by filing an application under the Right to Information Act, 2014, ...

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 124

E - Alert

Issue Date: 16-08-2016

 

 

USA

ama's Trip to Paris Climate Change Conference Cost Taxpayers $4165068.40

CNSNews.com

... which Judicial Watch obtained through a lawsuit under the Freedom of Information Act

 

India

75 children went missing in 26 months in Jalandhar

Hindustan Times

Hindustan Times received information about details of missing children under the Right to Information Act, 2005. As per information given by the police ...

 

Sri Lanka

RTI: 2nd best Act in South Asian Region - Media Minister

Ceylon Daily News

“The best example is the bogus tales carried about the Right to Information Act (RTI), that this Act would limit the independence of journalists and…

 

India

62 pilots grounded in 6 months for violating air safety norms

Hindustan Times

“In the era of the Right to Information Act, there should be no opaqueness. If an airline has defaulted, the regulatory body should make it public,” said ...

 

Australia

Mobile speed cameras reap $3.6m in Melbourne's east in 2015

Herald Sun

Freedom of Information documents from the Department of Justice revealed the top locations across the municipality which stung motorists $3,635,733 ...

 

UK

Children with mental health problems forced to wait up to THREE YEARS for treatment

Mirror.co.uk

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show youngsters battling depression, eating disorders and self harm are having to wait weeks ...

 

Ireland

Authorities left in dark after toxic mineral exposed at quarry

Irish Times

The exact details of the sites have been excised from documents provided under freedom of information. However, there are mentions of new cycle ...

 

Ireland

Fears grow over nuclear power agreements with UK after Brexit

Irish Independent

Documents released following a Freedom of Information request reveal high-ranking civil servants fear information exchanges will be under threat ...

 

Canada

Ontario's $300 billion in debt explained

Toronto Sun

He reported he's made six freedom of information requests. Four of these requests have been partially fulfilled and two have not been fulfilled.

 

India

RTI revelation: Rs 2958 crore spent on Ganga 'clean-up' without visible results

Economic Times

The response to a Right to Information (RTI) poser by a Aishwarya Sharma, a Class 10 student from the city, to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has ...

 

UK

Forget flossing: four alternative ways to keep your teeth healthy

The Guardian

The truth is out: a Freedom of Information request in the US has revealed that flossing could be a waste of time. So what can you do to protect your ...

 

Pakistan

Ombudsman asks PCB to share inquiry reports on match fixers

The News International

ISLAMABAD: In a major decision on right to information, the federal ombudsman has directed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to share details of ...

 

India

Maggot-infested patient lies unattended in washroom at Amritsar govt hospital

Hindustan Times

We are short of manpower to deal with our rush.” Rajendra Sharma, the Right to Information (RTI) activist who brought the man to the hospital, said: “I ...

 

UK

Bowel cancer: 29% of UK hospitals not following guidance on testing younger patients

The Guardian

In Northern Ireland, 100% of hospitals that responded to a freedom of information request were conducting the screening. In Scotland, 93% of ...

 

UK

How YOU pay thousands for police chiefs' household bills and private healthcare

Daily Mail

The scale of the benefits enjoyed by senior officers has emerged only after hundreds of Freedom of Information requests by the Mail Investigations ...

 

India

Convict's RTI petitions force EC to crack whip on missing electoral rolls

Times of India

CHENNAI: A series of Right to Information (RTI) petitions by a convict lodged in Puzhal prison has inadvertently resulted in the Chief Electoral Officer ...

 

India

Mumbai: No doctors to hear out patients at civic hospitals

Mid-Day

A Right To Information (RTI) application filed by a doctor has revealed that out of the eight posts for audiologists in all the four major hospitals — KEM, ...

 

India

NU debars principal accused of sexual harassment

Times of India

... gave impartial report, she was being allegedly harassed by Jumde by filing numerous applications under Right to Information (RTI) Act, seeking her ...

 

USA

Anti-Trump group files request for Melania's immigration papers

New York Daily News

The Democratic Coalition Against Trump has filed a Freedom of Information Act request to make public the potential first lady's immigration papers ...

 

Sri Lanka

Full text of Right To Information Act

The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya signed the Right To Information Act No. 12 of 2016 recently. Here is the full text of

 

Australia

How schools are failing some of NSW's most vulnerable students

The Sydney Morning Herald

Documents obtained under freedom of information laws reveal scores of disturbing allegations about bullying and abuse of students with disability in ...

 

USA

Villanova Professor Sues CIA Over … Bay of Pigs?!

Philadelphia magazine

He's submitted three Freedom of Information Act requests with the CIA in an attempt to get the agency to release the document, but the CIA hasn't.

 

India

Left out in the cold: Hindus who fled Pakistan await Indian citizenship

Hindustan Times

The NDA government says more than 4,200 people have got citizenship between 2014 and 2015 but a Right To Information application revealed the ...

 

India

Pay check: Modi pulls Rs 1.6 lakh per month, far less than his secretary

Catch News

Earlier this week, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) divulged the salary of all top officials in the department as per the Right to Information Act and it ...

 

UK

Romanian murderer could receive £500000 payout for being unlawfully detained at an immigration ...

Telegraph.co.uk

A separate freedom of information request made by the charity Citizens UK found that between 2012 and 2015, individuals wrongfully detained ...

 

India

Maharashtra: Sex crimes against children on rise; 11123 cases pending in courts

The Indian Express

The government figures were obtained under the Right to Information Act from the office of the Assistant Registrar (High Court), Appellate Side, in the ...

 

India

Unable to find India's poorest man, PMO returns Rs 1 lakh to Rajasthan donor

India Tribune

The government has no idea and it cannot find out either, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) told a retired school teacher from Rajasthan who last year ...

 

Ireland

Four PSNI officers avoid potential disciplinary action by retiring

Irish Mirror

... 129 police officers have retired whilst facing a misconduct investigation since 2011-12 according to answers to our Freedom of Information requests.

 

India

Finding the right measure

The Hindu

A Right to Information query by divyabhaskar.com revealed that the government in Gujarat is funding separate cremation grounds for the Scheduled ...

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 122

E - Alert

Issue Date: 30-06-2016

 

 

Sri Lanka

Right to Information: A new journey begins

Sri Lanka Guardian

(June 25, 2016, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) On June 24, 2016, Parliament unanimously adopted the Right to Information (RTI) law. This marks the ...

 

Pakistan

Encroachers will have to face severe penalties: GDA

Pakistan Observer

Right to Information unit has been established so that people will be able to get more information regarding the development projects from the officials.

 

India

Maharashtra lost 530 sq km green cover to government, private projects in 28 years

Times of India

... of forest cover to government and private projects in a period of 28 years from 1987 to 2015, a query under the Right to Information Act has revealed.

 

Pakistan

PIC summons university registrar on 27th

The News International

... University registrar on June 27 for violating the Right to Information Act and not sharing information to a complainant regarding recruitment of admin ...

 

Pakistan

Foreign policy briefing: PM summons all diplomats to Islamabad after Eid

The Express Tribune

The minister told the newly-elected CPNE panel that the draft of the Right to

 

Sri Lanka

Right to Information Bill passed

Ceylon Daily News

The Right to Information Bill was unanimously passed with amendments in Parliament yesterday. Mass Media and Parliamentary Reforms Minister ...

 

Pakistan

Commission directs Punjab govt to share info on Orange Line Project

The News International

“The amount to be spent on this project is a public money; hence, in view of Article 19-A read with Punjab Transparency and Right to Information ...

 

India

RTI act being used to harass government officials in Gujarat

Times of India

GANDHINAGAR: Government officials in Gujarat tasked with finding answers to Right To Information Act (RTI) queries filed by their fellow citizens, say ...

 

Pakistan

Police cover up escape of militants, criminals from Mardan Police Lines

DAWN.com

The police, in a request under the Right to Information Act, sent through the inspector general of police on June 1, 2016, to seek details of the incident, ...

 

Pakistan

Public information: UET told to provide meeting record by July 5

The Express Tribune

The commissioner said the view of the respondents was not in line with the provisions of the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013.

 

India

GRABBING OF 650 KANALS OF KAHCHARIE LAND

Greater Kashmir

In support of his contention, the petitioner produced a reply copy he had received through Right to Information Act as proof that the land in question is ...

 

UK

'Insidious' tech firms must protect children online, says campaigner

The Guardian

Out of 44 police forces, 38 responded to a freedom of information request that revealed 3,186 recorded sexual crimes against children in which the ...

 

India

Delhi University rejects another RTI query over PM Modi's degree

Daily News & Analysis

The University of Delhi has once again rejected right to information (RTI) query seeking details about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's degree.

 

Israel

Netanyahu's Household Expenses in 2014: 2 Million Shekels, Paid for by Taxpayers

Haaretz

Freedom of Information request reveals invoices from Netanyahu's state and private residences: 1,400 shekels a day for cleaning, nearly 60,000 for ...

 

USA

State agency withholds trove of prison records — from basic info to overdose video

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Bill Lueders, the president of the Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, characterized the department's response as outrageous. "You've paid ...

 

India

MP files RTI plea to seek details of police combing op

Times of India

Aurangabad: MP Chandrakant Khaire has shot off a fresh Right To Information (RTI) application, seeking details of a recent combing operation against ...

 

USA

Bob Dunning: First rule of cheating? Don't get caught

Davis Enterprise

Using the Freedom of Information Act, “the Journal asked 50 public universities with large foreign enrollments how many reports of alleged ...

 

India

Cancel state nod to Priyanka for house near The Retreat, says Himachal BJP

The Indian Express

... making public details of the permission granted to her when activist Devashish Bhattarcharya sought it through a Right to Information (RTI) plea.

 

India

vermin

The Hindu

Right to Information queries by animal rights activist Gauri Maulekhi and viewed by The Hindu show that the environment ministry, in September 2015, ...

 

Pakistan

Significance of accountability

Daily Times

Conscious efforts were made to improve the access to the Right to Information Act. And a culture of e-transparency has also been introduced by ...

 

Israel

Court rejects petition to review all of PM's 2014 receipts

Israel Hayom

The Jerusalem District Court rejected Thursday a petition from the Movement for Freedom of Information that would have required the Prime Minister's ...

 

Canada

The FOI Raccoon Digs Through Council's Emails, DMs, and BBMs

Torontoist

Torontoist launched this column two weeks ago with the goal of holding public institutions accountable with freedom of information requests, and to ...

 

USA

Photographs of Bill Clinton together with Donald Trump to be released

Telegraph.co.uk

... said the pictures will be released on September 9 following an application under America's Freedom of Information Act by the Buzzfeed website.

 

Pakistan

Punjab University's denial of right to information has slashed question marks over the institution's ...

The Nation (blog)

Under the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013, the enquirer, Sarmad Ali had previously asked the Registrar in writing about the ...

 

India

Delhi govt tells RTI activist that his campaign to include RTI Act in school syllabus duly noted

Times of India

DEHRADUN: After his idea of including the Right to Information Act (RTI) in the school curriculum found little local support, RTI activist Ajay Kumar, ...

 

India

nance, CIC tells govt

Press Trust of India

Exercising his right to information (RTI), Venkatesh Nayak had in January last year sought from the President's secretariat photo copies of all materials ...

 

USA

Animal rescuer sues University of Illinois over files on dogs, cats in research

Chicago Tribune

The group's supporters filed dozens of Freedom of Information Act requests as part of a national campaign to get information on animals used in labs ...

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

from

Around the World

Issue No: 121

E - Alert

Issue Date: 16-06-2016

 

 

Pakistan

Right to information and bureaucratic shenanigans

The News on Sunday

Ever since right to information laws have been put in place in the country, there is

 

Canada

Toronto police stations had about $16K worth of goods stolen over past 5 years

Toronto Star

The report, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, revealed the single biggest theft was an envelope containing more than $2,500 in cash for ...

 

UK

UK pays £5.5m to defunct European defence organisation

BBC News

The payments were revealed by a Freedom of Information request. The BBC's FOI request disclosed that payments have been made to cover residual ...

 

USA

Legal settlements at Veterans Affairs more than tripled

New York Daily News

... to $338 million in 2015 from $98 million in 2011, according to Treasury Department data obtained via a Freedom of Information Act request.

 

Bangladesh

Women face more barriers to accessing information

The Daily Star

She said studies carried out in Liberia and Guatemala showed existence of similar inequity in the exercise of right to information between men and ...

 

India

Bad blood: 2234 get HIV after transfusion

The Hindu

The data was revealed by National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) in response to a Right to Information query by activist Chetan Kothari.

 

India

Six Mumbai Metro officials getting paid more than Maharashtra Chief Minister

Mid-Day

A Right to Information has revealed that the salaries of six Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) officials are higher than that of Maharashtra Chief ...

 

Pakistan

RTI law amendments yet to be cleared

The Express Tribune

PESHAWAR: A draft proposing amendments to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act (RTI) 2013 has yet to be cleared even though it has ...

 

Canada

Health ministry ordered to disclose names on OHIP billings

Toronto Star

In April 2014, the Star filed a freedom-of-information request, seeking names of the top 100 billers, their specialties and the amounts each received ...

 

India

Whistleblower exposed many building violations

Times of India

Incredibly agile and sharp, he was a seasoned Right to Information (RTI) activist who obtained incriminating documents on corruption in various state ...

 

USA

Request for Clinton emails would take 75 years to complete

New York Daily News

That's how long the U.S. State Department said it will take to fulfill a Freedom of

 

Sri Lanka

* Sri Lanka's Right to Information Bill in Parliament on June 21st

Colombo Page

June 08, Colombo: The amended Right to Information Bill will be presented in Sri Lanka parliament on 21st June, the Government announced today.

 

Pakistan

On SC order, Punjab Police directed to share with public details of its functioning

The News International

... organisation and designate public information officer to respond to public queries under the Punjab Transparancy and Right to Information Act 2013.

 

Pakistan

'Budget documents not for public viewing'

The Express Tribune

This was the reply of a finance ministry official when Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) executive director contacted him and ...

 

Pakistan

Right to Information Act being violated, says citizen

The News International

MANSEHRA: A citizen has complained that Right to Information Commission of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa constituted under the Right to Information Act in ...

 

Bangladesh

Proactive disclosure needed for easier flow of info

The Daily Star

The publication contains lessons learnt from the Right to Information (RTI) Camp organised at Shinghajhuli in Chowgacha upazila of Jessore last year.

 

India

Mumbai: Only 6.67% of complaints being probed by ACB, reveals RTI

Daily News & Analysis

This information was provided under the Right to Information Act. The ACB mainly probes officers against whom complaints of corruption have been ...

 

India

Coming soon: IGNOU to offer diploma course on RTI

Hindustan Times

In order to encourage people to understand societal relevance of the Right to Information Act and its nuances, the Indira Gandhi National Open ...

 

Malta

Government says 'no' to most Times of Malta requests for information

Times of Malta

Most of the applications by this newspaper made to the government under the Freedom of Information Act over the past months were rejected.

 

India

India lost almost 7 billion units of electricity due to water shortages this year, says report

Scroll.in

The document was compiled from daily outage reports of the Central electricity Authority and Right to Information replies from National Thermal Power ...

 

UK

Migrants try to sneak into Britain at a rate of one every six minutes, official figures show

Daily Mail

The figures – released under a freedom of information request to the Daily Express – do not include the estimated tens of thousands of migrants who ...

 

India

MSc students seek access to practical marks under RTI

Times of India

... Institute of Science have demanded access to their practical assessment marks under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

 

Pakistan

'Citizens Budget' document issued

DAWN.com

... transparency in managing public finances as intended by the promulgation of KP Right to Information Act, 2013, and KP Right to Services Act, 2013.

 

India

Prove you are Indian, MHA asks RTI applicant before disclosing Ishrat probe panel details

The New Indian Express

As per Right to Information Act, 2005, only Indian citizens can seek information. Usually, a proof of citizenship is not required to file an application ...

 

India

Delhi Dealing With A Drought Of Its Own, City's Ponds And Marshes May Soon Be History

Indiatimes.com

Information provided by different government agencies under the Right to Information Act (RTI) reveals that a sizeable number of Delhi's ponds, lakes ...

 

USA

Celebrating Freedom of Information Act reform in Congress, and the road ahead

Sunlight Foundation (blog)

Monday's vote in the U.S. House of Representatives to send the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 to the White House is the culmination of a decade of ...

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 120

E - Alert

Issue Date: 30-05-2016

 


Pakistan

PanamaLeaks highlights need for enactment of RTI law

The News International

In such a scenario, it is all the more important to strengthen democratic institutions in the country through an effective Right to Information (RTI) law.


India

358 departments default on public disclosures norms: Centre

Economic Times

NEW DELHI: Over 350 government departments have defaulted in following norms for


India

Mumbai: Only 1 out of 453 BMC-aided schools follows RTE

Mid-Day

... admission mandates under the RTE quota, as the authorities revealed in a response to an RTI (Right To Information) query filed by a law student.


USA

Virginia's Freedom of Information Advisory Council mulls changes to state's FOIA law

FierceGovernmentIT

Virginia's Freedom of Information Advisory Council intends to recommend changes to the state's open records and meeting law next month, reported ...


UK

Poppi Worthington: Council spent £12000 trying to keep tragic toddler's case secret

Telegraph.co.uk

"The original Freedom of Information request from the North West Evening Mail asked for costs related to this application. This cost was around £700.


UK

Thousands on the run after skipping court bail

BBC News

Figures were supplied following Freedom of Information requests to all 39 police forces in England. The BBC asked for details of arrest warrants ...

13000 suspected and convicted criminals on run after skipping bail - The Guardian


Pakistan

'Approved summary not exempt from disclosure'

DAWN.com

... Lahore college, seeking a direction to the provincial higher education department to give him certain information under the Right to Information Act.


India

After Nehru, Rajasthan erases RTI Act from textbooks

The Hindu

... the Bharatiya Janata Party regime has deleted a chapter on the Right to Information (RTI) movement from the class VIII social science textbook.


India

Emperor Ashoka was the first to grant right to information

The New Indian Express

COLOMBO: Indian Emperor Ashoka was the first to conjure up and grant his subjects the Right To Information (RTI), says Indian RTI activist Venkatesh ...


Pakistan

RTIC asks Pesco to provide information to requester or face action

The News International

PESHAWAR: In a watershed decision, the chief commissioner Right to Information Commission (RTIC) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has directed the ...


Scotland

One in every 400 people in one Scottish post code is a registered sex offender - we reveal area ...

Scottish Daily Record

Statistics held by police, and released under the Freedom of Information Act, show the locations of 3900 offenders across 350 post code districts.


UK

Council closed libraries to cut costs, then spent more to guard them

The Guardian

The freedom of information response shows that from 31 March, when the libraries closed, until 15 April, when the request was made, Lambeth spent ...


UK

UK has hundreds of deadly wild pets - and there could be one living near you

Mirror.co.uk

The data was obtained by the Press Association, which sent Freedom of Information requests to every licensing authority in the UK, of which 363 ...


India

Lost and mostly found? Police say yes but the numbers don't add up

Newslaundry

What's surprising is that the information has been gathered from the Delhi Police's responses to various Right to Information (RTI) queries filed by CRY ...


USA

What Isn't Covered by the Attorney-Client Exemption to FOIA?

The Nerve

South Carolina's Freedom of Information law contains two significant and frequently used exemptions. The first is for lawmakers. Having written the ...


UK

How bad is the housing crisis in Bristol? Nearly 10000 people waiting for just 41 council homes

Bristol Post

A Freedom of Information (FoI) request sent to Bristol City Council showed there was only 41 apartments available for people waiting for a roof over ...


UK

Britons Are Keeping Thousands of Dangerous Animals as Pets

Newsweek

The information was obtained through freedom of information requests sent to every council in the U.K., of which 363 replied. The Environment Agency ...

Here, fluffy! Lions, cobras & crocs among 100s of dangerous animals Brits keep as


UK

Women's Equality Party launches new campaign to tackle revenge porn and protect women online

Telegraph.co.uk

A Freedom of Information request by the BBC, last month, found that children as young as 11 were becoming victims of revenge pornography - the act ...


India

Reports of the Lt Governor of Delhi to the Centre can be made available under RTI Act CIC Read ...

Live Law

... on Wednesday ruled that reports of the Lt. Governor of Delhi to the President or the Centre can be made available under the Right to Information Act.


UK

Rip-off cost of parking over bank holidays

Daily Mail

Using Freedom of Information laws, the Mail discovered 31 councils raked in a staggering £735,576 in total – on average £23,728. If this figure was ...


India

Fresh CIC notice to political parties chiefs over RTI on finances

Economic Times

NEW DELHI: CIC has issued fresh notices to the chiefs of all the six national parties for not responding to Right to Information queries on their ...


India

Man takes RTI route for extortion

Times of India

... himself filed a complaint against the district panchayati raj officers for not providing him the information he sought under Right To Information (RTI).


India

RTI gets a memorial in Rajasthan

The Hindu

Ironic though it may sound, a unique memorial celebrating the Right to Information has come up in the Beawar town of Rajasthan — where the RTI ...





Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org


A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 120

E - Alert

Issue Date: 30-05-2016

 


Pakistan

PanamaLeaks highlights need for enactment of RTI law

The News International

In such a scenario, it is all the more important to strengthen democratic institutions in the country through an effective Right to Information (RTI) law.


India

358 departments default on public disclosures norms: Centre

Economic Times

NEW DELHI: Over 350 government departments have defaulted in following norms for


India

Mumbai: Only 1 out of 453 BMC-aided schools follows RTE

Mid-Day

... admission mandates under the RTE quota, as the authorities revealed in a response to an RTI (Right To Information) query filed by a law student.


USA

Virginia's Freedom of Information Advisory Council mulls changes to state's FOIA law

FierceGovernmentIT

Virginia's Freedom of Information Advisory Council intends to recommend changes to the state's open records and meeting law next month, reported ...


UK

Poppi Worthington: Council spent £12000 trying to keep tragic toddler's case secret

Telegraph.co.uk

"The original Freedom of Information request from the North West Evening Mail asked for costs related to this application. This cost was around £700.


UK

Thousands on the run after skipping court bail

BBC News

Figures were supplied following Freedom of Information requests to all 39 police forces in England. The BBC asked for details of arrest warrants ...

13000 suspected and convicted criminals on run after skipping bail - The Guardian


Pakistan

'Approved summary not exempt from disclosure'

DAWN.com

... Lahore college, seeking a direction to the provincial higher education department to give him certain information under the Right to Information Act.


India

After Nehru, Rajasthan erases RTI Act from textbooks

The Hindu

... the Bharatiya Janata Party regime has deleted a chapter on the Right to Information (RTI) movement from the class VIII social science textbook.


India

Emperor Ashoka was the first to grant right to information

The New Indian Express

COLOMBO: Indian Emperor Ashoka was the first to conjure up and grant his subjects the Right To Information (RTI), says Indian RTI activist Venkatesh ...


Pakistan

RTIC asks Pesco to provide information to requester or face action

The News International

PESHAWAR: In a watershed decision, the chief commissioner Right to Information Commission (RTIC) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has directed the ...


Scotland

One in every 400 people in one Scottish post code is a registered sex offender - we reveal area ...

Scottish Daily Record

Statistics held by police, and released under the Freedom of Information Act, show the locations of 3900 offenders across 350 post code districts.


UK

Council closed libraries to cut costs, then spent more to guard them

The Guardian

The freedom of information response shows that from 31 March, when the libraries closed, until 15 April, when the request was made, Lambeth spent ...


UK

UK has hundreds of deadly wild pets - and there could be one living near you

Mirror.co.uk

The data was obtained by the Press Association, which sent Freedom of Information requests to every licensing authority in the UK, of which 363 ...


India

Lost and mostly found? Police say yes but the numbers don't add up

Newslaundry

What's surprising is that the information has been gathered from the Delhi Police's responses to various Right to Information (RTI) queries filed by CRY ...


USA

What Isn't Covered by the Attorney-Client Exemption to FOIA?

The Nerve

South Carolina's Freedom of Information law contains two significant and frequently used exemptions. The first is for lawmakers. Having written the ...


UK

How bad is the housing crisis in Bristol? Nearly 10000 people waiting for just 41 council homes

Bristol Post

A Freedom of Information (FoI) request sent to Bristol City Council showed there was only 41 apartments available for people waiting for a roof over ...


UK

Britons Are Keeping Thousands of Dangerous Animals as Pets

Newsweek

The information was obtained through freedom of information requests sent to every council in the U.K., of which 363 replied. The Environment Agency ...

Here, fluffy! Lions, cobras & crocs among 100s of dangerous animals Brits keep as


UK

Women's Equality Party launches new campaign to tackle revenge porn and protect women online

Telegraph.co.uk

A Freedom of Information request by the BBC, last month, found that children as young as 11 were becoming victims of revenge pornography - the act ...


India

Reports of the Lt Governor of Delhi to the Centre can be made available under RTI Act CIC Read ...

Live Law

... on Wednesday ruled that reports of the Lt. Governor of Delhi to the President or the Centre can be made available under the Right to Information Act.


UK

Rip-off cost of parking over bank holidays

Daily Mail

Using Freedom of Information laws, the Mail discovered 31 councils raked in a staggering £735,576 in total – on average £23,728. If this figure was ...


India

Fresh CIC notice to political parties chiefs over RTI on finances

Economic Times

NEW DELHI: CIC has issued fresh notices to the chiefs of all the six national parties for not responding to Right to Information queries on their ...


India

Man takes RTI route for extortion

Times of India

... himself filed a complaint against the district panchayati raj officers for not providing him the information he sought under Right To Information (RTI).


India

RTI gets a memorial in Rajasthan

The Hindu

Ironic though it may sound, a unique memorial celebrating the Right to Information has come up in the Beawar town of Rajasthan — where the RTI ...





Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org


A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 118

E - Alert

Issue Date: 05-04-2016

 

Bangladesh

Parliament Secretariat declines to provide details of MPs' attendance

Bangladesh News 24 hours

on Dec 17, written to the Secretariat, seeking, under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the attendance records of the deputies ...


India

Ads without photos of CMs, ministers a waste: Govt to SC

Chandigarh Tribune

... 2015, ran counter to the governments' duty to inform people about various schemes and citizens' right to information under Article 19 and the Right ...


India

In last 2 yrs, Muslims got only 2% of 6 PSBs' priority sector loans: RTI

Times of India

Answers received through Right To Information applications to half-a- dozen banks by Mumbai-based activist M A Khalid show that of all priority sector ...


India

RTI activist demands action against BJP MP

The Hindu

Right to Information activist Anil Galgali has filed an application seeking that former Mumbai Police Commissioner and current Member of Parliament ...


India

Demand surprises RTI applicant

The Hindu

An applicant under the Right to Information Act, 2005 here is taken aback by a demand made by the Public Information Officer-cum-Personal Assistant ...


UK

Hundreds of rapists and child abusers taken off sex offenders register

BBC News

More than 50% of applications - allowed under a 2010 Supreme Court ruling - were successful, a Freedom of Information request revealed.


Pakistan

Right to information demanded in South Asia

Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: A regional conference on right to information (RTI) in South Asia, titled Understanding the Silent Revolution, concluded on Thursday with ...


India

Modi government rejected 8.4% applications in 2014-15: Central Information Commission

Economic Times

... the Narendra Modi government has rejected the most number of applications under Right to Information Act. The rate of rejection of RTI applications ...


India

Muslims get only 2% of PSU bank loans, shows RTI query

Times of India

Answers received through right to information applications to half-a- dozen banks by Mumbai-based RTI activist M A Khalid show that of all priority ...


India

To keep protesters at bay, babus splurge Rs 1.12 lakh on two gates

Hindustan Times

Hindustan Times has collected this information, including the expenses incurred, under the Right to Information Act from the DC office. As per the reply ...


Pakistan

Post PDA bus attack: City administration clueless about parking spaces, bus terminals

The Express Tribune

The information was sought through an application submitted under the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act 2013. According to a copy of the ...


UK

White employees of racism watchdog 'earn £3000 more annually than black colleagues'

The Independent

And there is a similar gap between disabled and able-bodied members of staff, according to the data released under the Freedom of Information Act.


Scotland

Shocking figures show 42000 patients in Scots hospitals were subjected to midnight ward moves

Scottish Daily Record

Figures released to Scottish Labour under freedom of information show at least 42,021 patients were moved between wards between 11pm and 6am ...


India

BMC study tours: Corporators spent Rs 2.59 cr from public funds in 4 years

The Indian Express

... but corporators have also visited the same locations multiple times, reveals data sought by The Indian Express under Right to Information (RTI) Act.


Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka should not keep central bank out of RTI bill: economist

EconomyNext

ECONOMYNEXT - Attempts to put operations of Sri Lanka's central bank out of the ambit of a draft 'Right to Information' bill is wrong and will deny ...


India

He took on the big and mighty

The Hindu

Having taken on the high and mighty, the slain Right to Information activist Vinayak Baliga had received threat calls. The police are baffled as to why ...


Pakistan

Providing freedom: 'Right to information a basic right of citizens'

The Express Tribune

KARACHI: Right to information (RTI) is not only the need of politicians and media, but it is the collective need of everyone and is the basic right of ...


Pakistan

2000 high schools without heads

The News International

Earlier this month, a Right to Information (RTI) activist from Centre for Peace and Development Initiative (CPDI) from Jhang district, Syed Raza, filed an ...


UK

Fire service bosses take home huge pay packets despite cutting front line staff

Daily Mail

Freedom of Information requests by the Telegraph showed more than 249 fire service employees have been rehired after retiring. At least 15 were ...


Ireland

Schools reports may go to 18-year-olds instead of parents

Irish Times

Authorities have confirmed that parents do not have an automatic right to information held by schools regarding their children once they turn 18.


Sri Lanka

Right to Information Bill challenged in Supreme Court

Sri Lanka Guardian

The petitioners stated that a Bill titled “Right to Information Bill” was placed on the Order Paper of Parliament on or about March 24, 2016.


India

Express RTI: 105 Lok Sabha MPs yet to declare assets

The Indian Express

express rti, right to information, lok sabha mp assets, mp asset declaration, Those who have not filed their details include all five MPs of the Samajwadi ...


Pakistan

Proactive disclosure of information

The Express Tribune

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Punjab Right to Information (RTI) Commissions have to deal with the officialdom who inherited and followed the ...


USA

Obama undermined press freedom. Now he wants a strong media to stop Trump?

The Guardian

The Freedom of Information Act (Foia), signed into law in 1966, is meant to give citizens access to information about the government agencies their ...


Indonesia

Breakthrough: Indonesia's highest court orders release of mining data

Mongabay.com

It could set a precedent for other freedom of information requests in the natural resources sector, whose opacity has come under increasing assault by ...


UK

Sexism in schools is real – how can the Department for Education deny it?

The Guardian

Last year, a freedom of information request revealed that over 5,500 sexual offences in UK schools were reported to police in the previous three years, ...


Sri Lanka

Three petitions in SC against RTI Bill

The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

Three petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court this week challenging the Right To Information (RTI) Bill which was submitted to Parliament last ...



Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org


A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 117

E - Alert

Issue Date: 09-03-2016

 

 

India

Law students succeed in getting Delhi High Court RTI Rules amended

Bar & Bench

When the matter came up for hearing last month, the bench noted that a committee dealing with issues related to right to information had already ...

 

UK

FOI request reveals \A346 million agency wage bill at Northants County Council

Northamptonshire Telegraph

A Freedom of Information request has revealed Northamptonshire County Council has spent \A346 million hiring agency staff over the

 

UK

More than 85% of public tips on benefit 'frauds' are false

The Guardian

A freedom of information request to the Department for Work and Pensions discloses that between 2010 and 2015 the government closed 1,041,219 ...

 

UK

216 cases of child sexual exploitation reported in Cambridgeshire from April 2013 to March 2015

Cambs Times

The startling figures come from a Freedom of Information request, asking Cambridgeshire County Council how many cases of child exploitation they ...

 

Pakistan

Countering the secrecy narrative

The Express Tribune

Information commissions established under the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act of 2013 and the Punjab Transparency and Right to ...

 

Malta

'No' to 38% of requests for information

Times of Malta

Thirty-eight per cent of the requests for information submitted in terms of the Freedom of Information Act since March 2013 have not been accepted.

 

UK

Thousands of NHS doctor and nursing posts are vacant

Telegraph.co.uk

... per cent and open positions for doctors had risen by 60 per cent, the figures obtained by the BBC under a Freedom of Information

 

UK

Review decides not to change Freedom of Information Act

The Guardian

... added Maurice Frankel, director of the campaign, which works for the strengthening of the FOI act and advises the public on their right to information.

 

Nigeria

Nigeria: Court Orders Govt to Publish Details of Recovered Loots

AllAfrica.com

The judgment was sequel to a Freedom of Information suit brought by a group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability

 

India

Gold smugglers across India caught but not convicted

Times of India

... a Right To Information (RTI) collected by TOI has revealed that only nine out of 1,408 persons have been convicted of smuggling the precious metal ...

 

Pakistan

Right to information and superior judiciary

The News on Sunday

It is largely believed that the constitutional right to information was accorded when Article 19-A was inserted into the constitution

 

UK

British government suppressing key documents on allegations of UK collusion in torture and rendition

The Independent

... under freedom of information legislation. The group asked the State Department to supply files on \93the circumstances and extent of participation in ...

 

UK

Outrage over charity chief's 'complicity' in bid to limit voluntary sector lobbying

The Guardian

Documents released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that William Shawcross urged a trustee on his commission to meet

 

India

FIR against Allahabad man for tampering with RTI reply

Hindustan Times

... which he stated that the CRPF was exempted from providing such information under section 24(1) of chapter 6 of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

 

India

Greens up in arms against renewal of quarry permits

The Hindu

In reply to an application given under the Right to Information Act, the district geologist has informed an applicant that the licence of quarries which had ...

 

Pakistan

Withholding answers: PIO at district health office issued show-cause notice

The Express Tribune

PESHAWAR: The Right to Information (RTI) Commission issued a show-cause notice to the public information officer (PIO) at the city district health ...

 

India

BJP minister 'forged' dead man's sign to sell off land in Akola

Mumbai Mirror

The documents, accessed through the Right to Information Act, show that Patil had signed the land transfer form along with the original seller, ...

 

Sri Lanka

Sad News: Presenting of Right to Information Bill put off

Sri Lanka Guardian

( March 8, 2016, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The government has postponed the presenting of the much-awaited Right to Information Act to ...

 

India

NIC 'one of the best' Information Commissions

The Statesman

With merely 0.7 per cent of the Right To Information (RTI) applications being rejected, the Nagaland Information Commission (NIC) has been rated as ...

 

Ireland

Dying man suffered vile abuse at hands of carer

Irish Independent

Complaint records released under freedom of information rules indicate significant issues remain in some nursing homes, despite a

 

UK

Car smoking ban farce as Met nets no prosecutions

Telegraph.co.uk

Figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act reveal that the Metropolitan Police Force has not issued a single fine since the law came into ...

 

Pakistan

RTI law: KP Assembly urged to pass amendments

The Express Tribune

... has urged the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly to pass amendments proposed to right to information act, stated a press release issued on Tuesday.

 

India

Rs 5 a day: MP widow pension not even enough to buy a cup of tea

The Siasat Daily

As a response under Right to Information Act, the Union government stated that it has not received recommendations from any state government for ...

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 115

E - Alert

Issue Date: 27-01-2016

 

 

Pakistan

Sensitive Information Adequately Protected In Right To Information Bill 2014

Geo News, Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: Instead of tabling Right to Information Bill 2014 in the parliament which was approved by the Senate Committee on Information and ...

 

USA

Bill Clinton's library to release 500 pages of info on Donald Trump

Daily Mail

The National Archives, which operates the 12-year-old library, is releasing the documents in response to a Freedom of Information request.

 

India

Toll records at Mumbai-Pune expressway under reported: RTI application

Daily News & Analysis

... Talegaon, Kusgaon and Shedung toll points," said Sanjay Shirodkar, who got the information under the Right to Information (RTI) application.

 

UK

Dementia sufferers face 'Russian roulette' at hospitals as thousands are discharged in middle of night

Mirror.co.uk

He wrote in the report: "Through Freedom of Information requests to hospitals and first-hand testimony collected from people with dementia, their ...

 

Nepal

Nepal PM Says RTI is a Fundamental Feature of a Democracy

The New Indian Express

KATHMANDU: Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has said that the 'Right to Information' is a fundamental feature of democracy and would ...

 

Malta

Freedom of Information request on PM's car receives partisan response about former government

Malta Independent Online

A Freedom of Information request filed by this paper asking how much the Prime Minister has been paid for the use of his personal car since the March ...

 

UK

Civil servants are mentally working on Brexit plans to avoid FOI, says Gus O'Donnell

Telegraph.co.uk

Civil servants will be secretly working on 'Brexit' plans but not writing them down to avoid having to reveal them under the Freedom of Information Act, ...

 

Malta

Freedom of Information request to publish schools' O-level tables, refused

MaltaToday

In so doing, Cachia backed education minister Evarist Bartolo, who had twice rejected this newspaper's Freedom of Information request on the

 

USA

Meet the heroic professor who helped uncover the Flint lead water crisis

Washington Post

He filed Freedom of Information Act requests for documents and e-mails of state and city officials to find out how much they knew and what they could ...

 

India

In 3 months, Delhi govt to accept RTI applications online

The Indian Express

As a part of its e-governance initiatives, the Delhi government will begin accepting online filing of Right to Information (RTI) applications within the next ...

 

India

Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi was shortlisted for the post of Information Commissioner

Economic Times

NEW DELHI: Outgoing Delhi Police Commissioner Bhim Sain Bassi was shortlisted by a top level government search committee for the post of an ...

 

India

Law students demand answer-sheets

The Hindu

... to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) demanding the supply of answer-sheets to students under the Right to Information Act, 2005, ...

 

UK

Jack Straw advised client how to avoid release of emails under FOI

Telegraph.co.uk

Jack Straw, a member of the five-strong panel reviewing the Freedom of Information Act, advised a paying client how to avoid the release of ...

 

UK

Revenge porn: Hundreds of images of children shared on Facebook and Instagram

The Independent

... which have been shared on the internet without consent, according to the response to a Freedom of Information request issued by the Telegraph.

 

Ireland

Social Protection receives 16456 suspected fraud tip-offs

Irish Times

The figures were released by the department in response to a request for access to records under the Freedom of Information Act. A statement from the ...

 

India

Akhilesh's bollywood bonanza: Tax cut leads to Rs 14-cr loss

The Indian Express

According to the information obtained by The Indian Express under the Right To Information Act, two more films this month have been exempted from ...

 

UK

At least 200 children, some as young as 11, have been victims of 'revenge porn' in past nine months

Telegraph.co.uk

The true scale of the problem, which has been revealed for the first time in a series of Freedom of Information requests by The Telegraph, comes

 

India

"Illegal" sand mining is rampant on common village and government land in South Gujarat, reveals ...

COUNTERVIEW

A recent reply to a Right to Information (RTI) plea suggests that the Gujarat government has refused to comply by a Supreme Court direction

 

India

Nobody's house that is everybody's

Calcutta Telegraph

But even the Centre appears clueless who has the rights to the Lutyens Delhi mansion, as reflected in its response to a Right to Information query from ...

 

UK

US air crews involved in friendly-fire deaths of four British soldiers 'had different maps'

Telegraph.co.uk

An internal review of the Army's 13-year war in Afghanistan, released under freedom of information laws, suggested that “a lack of common mapping” ...

 

Pakistan

RTI bill to be re-evaluated as per new security dynamics

Pakistan Observer

Monday, January 18, 2016 - Islamabad—Federal Government has constituted a committee to re-evaluate purview of the Federal Right to Information ...

 

Pakistan

Out of her depth: Environmental science grad appointed as chemistry lecturer

The Express Tribune

The appointment was uncovered following a complaint submitted to the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information (RTI) office by a resident of ...

 

UK

Hundreds of children arrested for crimes such as rape, assault, arson and fraud

Mirror.co.uk

Two accepted cautions for rape, while four went to court, according to the figures supplied by police forces under Freedom of Information laws.

 

UK

Chauffeur-Driven Cars Carried Only Ministerial Papers Around 2000 Times Despite 'Red Box ...

Huffington Post UK

A Freedom of Information request tabled by The Huffington Post UK has revealed the full extent of the practice of using taxpayer-funded vehicles

 

Pakistan

Necessary modifications: 'Changes in RTI law key for effective implementation'

The Express Tribune

CGPA, in a press statement, noted the K-P Right to Information legislation was one of a kind and stood among the best laws in the world. However ...

 

India

Mumbai man claims custody of Rs 500 crore Wipro shares

The Indian Express

Baksh told The Indian Express that the office of the Custodian of Enemy Property has declined his Right to Information (RTI) application seeking

 

Pakistan

Institutions Funded By Punjab Govt Claim Immunity From RTI Law

Geo News, Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: A number of government-funded institutions are claiming immunity from the Punjab's Right to Information (RTI) law to avoid public ...

 

 

USA

New US freedom of information law aimed at fixing 'broken' system

The Register

An effort to expand and simplify the "broken" freedom of information requests system in America has passed the US House of Representatives

 

USA

How To Remain Anonymous If You Win The $1.5 Billion Powerball Lottery

Forbes

State lottery commissions are state agencies, and as such, all of their records are subject to the Freedom of Information Act, which makes it easy for a ...

 

India

Techie uses RTI Act to expose cops of kidnapping, extortion

Pune Mirror

Atechie used the Right to Information (RTI) Act to expose officials of the Karnataka police and even managed to secure acourt order charging three ...

 

Pakistan

Ensuring transparency: Civil society urges government pass Right to Information Bill

The Express Tribune

KARACHI: The Coalition on Transparency and Access to Information (C-TAI) undertook yet another attempt to convince the government to pass the ...

 

India

5 children die every month due to HIV

The Asian Age

A Right to Information (RTI) application filed by The Asian Age has revealed these statistics. Mr Tamang said, “The government provides medicines for ...

 

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 114

E - Alert

Issue Date: 31-12-2015

 

 

Pakistan

Punjab slow in RTI enforcement: Commission

The News International

ISLAMABAD: Punjab was quick to pass Right to Information (RTI) law taking cue from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but the provincial government is ...

 

India

National Herald plot has a controversial neighbour

Times of India

Activist Anil Galgali, who procured this information using the Right to Information Act (RTI), claimed the

 

India

13 officers fined Rs 25k each for delaying reply under RTI

Times of India

MEERUT: Taking note of the delay in providing information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Uttar Pradesh State Information Commission ...

 

Australia

Mark Dreyfus wins case over George Brandis' refusal to release ministerial diary

Sydney Morning Herald

Federal Attorney-General George Brandis' refusal to release his ministerial diary went against a key objective of the Freedom of Information Act and ...

 

USA

U.S. Officials Warned of Mali Terror Strike Prior to November Attack

The Intercept

The December 2013 State Department Antiterrorism Assistance report, obtained by The Intercept via the Freedom of Information Act, characterized the ...

 

USA

Virginia Tech researcher accuses state health officials of "hiding" data on Flint's water

Michigan Radio

The documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request are available online. Marc Edwards says newly obtained internal documents ...

 

UK

Scandal of the hospitals raking in £3m a year in parking charges

Daily Mail

New Freedom of Information figures show Oxford University Hospitals took the most in parking charges last year, at £3.7 million. The John Radcliffe ...

 

UK

Scotland Yard spent nearly £5m on three child abuse inquiries in 2015

The Guardian

The cost of Operation Midland and two other police investigations was revealed in a freedom of information request by the Guardian

 

UK

Killers and sex offenders are being set free by MISTAKE

Daily Mail

The figures, which will be embarrassing for Justice Secretary Michael Gove, were released under the Freedom of Information Act.

 

India

Sexual harassment panel of Chandigarh Police met only 5 times in 2 years

The Indian Express

According to the information sought under the Right To Information (RTI) Act, an Internal Complaints Committee was constituted on December 24, ...

 

India

Mumbai: Rich tributes paid to RTI warrior Narayan Verma

Daily News & Analysis

Narayan Varma may be an unknown name to many in the city, but in the activists' circle, he was the man who made the Right To Information (RTI) Act ...

 

Pakistan

Your right to information

The News on Sunday

Peoples' right to information had already become a popular statecraft both in developed and developing countries. Moreover, the commissions on ...

 

UK

Majority of suspects Tasered by police are mentally ill, figures show

The Independent

The latest statistics were released in response to a Freedom of Information request made by the website The Justice Gap. It revealed that in 67 per ...

 

UK

Revealed: the Liverpool streets where you are most likely to get a parking fine

Liverpool Echo

A road outside the Royal Liverpool Hospital has seen the most illegal parking fines slapped on drivers. A Freedom of Information (FoI) request showed ...

 

UK

Prince Charles can legally set off nukes: UK study

The Indian Express

... University, studied UK legislation and government archives and deployed the Freedom of Information Act to unveil the legal privileges of Charles.

 

UK

The 1700 overseas drivers let off rushing fines on ONE street as a result of police say it's too ...

The Times (subscription)

... were by foreign drivers, only the British motorists were pursued for payment, documents released under the Freedom of Information Act reveal.

 

India

Less than 12 percent OBCs employed in Central government, reveals RTI

Times of India

... justice and 48 departments held back the information sought by Chennai based scientist E Muralidharan under the Right to Information Act. Among ...

 

UK

Members of the public to get powers to vet charity spending of public money

Telegraph.co.uk

Charities that administer millions of pounds of public funds will be subject to Freedom of Information laws in wake of Kids Company collapse, under ...

 

UK

Choristers and church bell ringers on list of people who had backgrounds checked

Daily Mail

A series of Freedom of Information by the Manifesto Club determined that between 2014 and 2015 there were 199 Disclosure and Barring Service ...

 

Australia

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young in secret debt plan

The Australian

Documents obtained by The Weekend Australian under Freedom of Information laws show that as of December 15, Senator Hanson-Young had the ...

 

UK

British taxpayer payouts to Afghans and Iraqis total £25m after military action

Daily Mail

... out has hit almost £20 million, while Afghans have received £5.3m, a Freedom of Information request has revealed. (pictured: British army in Iraq).

 

India

RTI reveals govt keeps no record of stamp papers

Chandigarh Tribune

The fact has been revealed by a Right to Information (RTI) activist Sukhwinder Singh after demanding the record of some stamp papers.

 

India

20 lakh cases pending in courts

The Hindu

The data on the pendency of cases was obtained by The Hindu invoking provisions of the Right to Information Act. An analysis of the data indicated ...

 

India

356 cellphones stolen in '15, no data on recovery

The Indian Express

According to data obtained from the office of Police Commissioner under the Right to Information Act (RTI), only two to five mobile phones theft cases ...

 

UK

Revealed: NHS hospitals investigate one in seven deaths of vulnerable patients

The Guardian

Data released to the Guardian under freedom of information laws show that hospitals in England have investigated just 209 out of 1,436 deaths of ...

 

Pakistan

KP Police fined Rs50,000 for violating RTI

The News International

ISLAMABAD: KP's Right to Information (RTI) Commission has imposed Rs50,000 fine on the provincial police department for blocking access to ...

 

UK

Firefighters have had to free almost 2000 obese people from their homes

Daily Mail

From January 2013 to May this year, emergency crews were called to 1,866 such incidents, according to a Freedom of Information request by The ...

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 113

E - Alert

Issue Date: 16-12-2015

 

 

USA

Freedom of Information Failures in Virginia

WHSV

Thirteen Virginia newspapers tested Freedom of Information Act compliance to see if officials were actually disclosing documents as mandated by law.

 

Pakistan

Citizens' right: Information commission says govt support missing

The Express Tribune

The commission was established in March 2014 – a year after the passage of the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act in 2013.

 

India

CIC turns down over 11000 appeals for insufficient documents

Economic Times

... Central Information Commission (CIC) so far this year as they were not accompanied by the required documents under the Right to Information Act, ...

 

USA

FBI now allows Freedom of Information Act requests to be made online

Silicon Valley Business Journal

The Federal Bureau of Investigation recently began beta testing of eFOIA, a new online system that allows the public to make FOIA requests for FBI ...

 

Sri Lanka

Right to Acces to Information Bill to be gazetted shortly

The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

A Right to Acces to Information Bill which was approved by Cabinet yesterday (December 2) is expected to be gazetted shortly, said Jayampathy ...

 

Pakistan

Punjab bureaucrats render RTI toothless

The News International

ISLAMABAD: The much touted Right to Information (RTI) law in Punjab is becoming a toothless piece of legislation as the top government officials are ...

 

Switzerland

Court upholds researchers' right to privacy

swissinfo.ch

The public's right to information does not supersede researchers' right to privacy, the Swiss Federal Court has ruled. At issue was a dispute between ...

 

India

Haryana: In 2 weeks, BJP govt spends Rs 17 cr on advertisements singing its praises

The Indian Express

As per information procured under the Right to Information Act, the Haryana government spent the money between October 21 and November 5, 2015.

 

India

RTI query on PMO staff, expenditure on bungalow virtually stonewalled

Times of India

Mumbai: The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has virtually stonewalled a Right to Information (RTI) query seeking details of staff and expenditure at the ...

 

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Proposes Strong Right to Information Act

Sri Lanka Guardian

( December 16, 2015, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved a draft Right to Information (RTI) Act which, if passed into ...

 

Pakistan

In KP: Who needs a Right to Information Act if it prevents access to information?

PakistanHerald

In February 2015, Peshawar journalist Aziz Buneri submitted a request to the KP's Right to Information Commission (RTIC) to access information on ...

 

India

Law to protect RTI activists in pipeline: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Daily News & Analysis

... state government was in the process of bringing in a legislation to provide protection and security to Right to Information (RTI) activists in the state.

 

USA

Freedom of Information Act requests in 2015 included parking ticket records, contracts for Jack ...

The Oklahoma Daily

One of the most important tools for The Daily and for journalists in Oklahoma is the Freedom of Information Act. The law forces state institutions, ...

 

USA

State Department sued over refugee plan

The Hill

A conservative legal watchdog is suing the State Department to obtain documents about its work with aid organizations to resettle refugees in the ...

 

India

Review civil service prelims paper for a fee

Times of India

INDORE: Curious to see their evaluated answer sheet, nearly 60,000 out of total 2.45 lakh aspirants have paid a small fee for checking their optical ...

 

UK

Police make one arrest over illegal hoverboards as British Airways bans them

Daily Mail

Just one other person has been arrested for illegally using a hoverboard, according to Freedom of India

 

India

RTI solves water woes, query withdrawn

The Indian Express

While the issue of implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act remains a thorn for authorities, the Act is apparently helping citizens in solving ...

 

USA

DC woman seeking conviction-rate data isn't deterred by cost of request

Washington Post

... for the information, which she requested under the Freedom of Information Act. The law is designed to help citizens get data and documents from the ...

 

UK

Whitehall failing to disclose gifts and trips accepted by ministers, despite David Cameron's pledge

The Independent

Failure to deliver transparency will only heighten fears that senior cabinet ministers are seeking to weaken Freedom of Information (FOI) laws to make ...

 

India

Smart city list is biased, says Prithviraj Chavan

The Indian Express

“Information sought from state and Centre under the Right to Information Act clearly exposes the manipulations done to promote certain cities,” Chavan ...

 

UK

South Somerset District Council rapped for Freedom of Information processing failures

Western Gazette

John Snelling, a keen activist for the Save East Coker campaign, submitted a series of Freedom of Information requests regarding the council's Local ...

 

USA

Religious Colleges Obtain Waivers to Law That Protects Transgender Students

New York Times

The Column said its list was drawn from documents received through a Freedom of Information Act request, which included exemption applications ...

 

Pakistan

Transparency without accountability fails to improve attendance of MNAs

The News International

ISLAMABAD: Although a Right to Information request forced the National Assembly Secretariat to open the attendance record of MNAs, this ...

 

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 112

E - Alert

Issue Date: 30-11-2015

 

 

India

In the last 10 years, CTU buses killed 121 people in accidents

The Indian Express

According to information procured under the Right to Information Act, the CTU buses have been involved in 246 road accidents, killing a total of 121 ...

 

India

CIC returns 9000 RTI appeals due to 'deficiency'

Daily News & Analysis

The already frustrating process of getting information through the Right to Information Act has hit another road block. And that is of returning of the ...

 

India

Sangrur council fails to place use of Rs 8 crore on record

Hindustan Times

In April this year, BJP leader Punia filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act with the local body authority wanting to know the details ...

 

UK

Flat rate fees for Freedom of Information requests would be 'disproportionate'

Telegraph.co.uk

Introducing flat rate fees for people to make requests under the Freedom of Information Act would be "disproportionate", the UK's data watchdog has ...

 

USA

Child sex offenders largest group of inmates in military prisons – report

RT

With information obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, AP uncovered that out of the 1,233 inmates in US military prisons, 61 percent were ...

 

India

Ministers Furnish Own Homes at Government's Expense

The New Indian Express

According to documents obtained under the Right to Information Act (RTI), 40 functionaries have spent `2.71 crore of tax-payers' money.

 

Italy

Vatican to try five, including reporters, over leaks scandal

Reuters

"The Italian constitution guarantees the right to information and expression but the Vatican is a state with no right to information," he said. "If they think ...

 

Pakistan

Raising concerns: 'RTI bill is similar version of old Sindh Freedom of Information law'

The Express Tribune

KARACHI: The Coalition on Transparency and Access to Information (C-TAI) criticised the information ministry's draft for the Right to Information (RTI) ...

 

India

RTI blows lid off encroachment nexus in Ludhiana

Times of India

LUDHIANA: A piece of information obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has blown the lid off the alleged nexus between some building ...

 

UK

Why governments think that freedom of information is for nincompoops

The Conversation UK

Tony Blair went from being a champion of transparency in 1997 to calling himself a “nincompoop” for passing a Freedom of Information Act in 2010.

 

India

Enforcement of RTI law in Punjab being impeded

The News International

... has complained that non-serious attitude of public bodies is impeding the implementation of Right to Information (RTI) law in the province, urging the ...

 

India

Law students move Delhi HC seeking harmonization of HC's RTI Rules with RTI Act

Bar & Bench

... Delhi High Court in order to bring about compatibility between the Delhi High Court RTI Rules and the Rules of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

 

India

Maharashtra government spent no money on advertising RTI Act, reveals RTI

Daily News & Analysis

... the Right To Information (RTI) Act. As per an application filed by Pune-based activist S Repale, the government spent no money at all on advertising ...

 

India

NCC cadets exploit loophole to bag medical seats

The Hindu

Documents furnished under the RTI (Right to Information) Act have revealed the ease in getting admission to medical seats by “parachuting” to a ...

 

UK

Number of harmful mistakes in Scotland's ailing NHS has almost doubled under the SNP

Express.co.uk

Following a Freedom of Information request, 12 of Scotland's 14 health boards revealed details of 152,599 adverse events in the 12 months to ...

 

UK

Malnutrition causing thousands of hospital admissions

BBC News

Freedom of Information (FOI) figures show a rise of 259 between the 43 trusts compared with three years ago. A food bank charity said it feared ...

 

India

Shocking: Exchequer pays Rs 30 lac/month for Karnataka Governor's luxurious lifestyle

Oneindia

A Right to Information (RTI) petition has brought the expenses of the Rajbhavan into the spotlight. The RTI papers are in the possession of OneIndia.

 

UK

How students use FOI to investigate their universities

The Guardian

These are just some of the ways that students are using freedom of information (FOI) requests to find out eye-opening facts about their universities' ...

 

UK

Appeals Court Rules Memos on Targeted Killings Can Stay Classified

New York Times

A Freedom of Information Act lawsuit forced the Obama administration last year to reveal a secret memo that authorized the killing of the ...

 

India

2500 vehicles rusting with Gurgaon police

Hindustan Times

... cases or accidents, are rusting away at different police stations in the city, according to a reply given by the police under the Right to Information Act.

 

Pakistan

Effective steps bring dengue deaths to zero in KP so far

The News International

For next two years, not a single dengue related death was reported officially, according to documents released under the KP right to information law.

 

Pakistan

Revealing govt payments to lawyers not in public interest: Ministry

The News International

Incidentally, a Right to Information activist, Zahid Abdullah had filed a similar kind of request in 2008 seeking details of the lawyers engaged from ...

 

India

5 use RTI for 'blackmailing' builders, booked

ETRealty.com

Police have booked five men from Kharar for allegedly procuring information about anomalies in building projects in Punjab using Right to Information ...

 

India

cases, reveals RTI

Daily News & Analysis

The varsity has already spent crores to fight them, revealed a reply to the Right to Information (RTI) application filed by Pune-based Vihar Durve.

 

Pakistan

CGPA scorecard reveals poor implementation of KP RTI Law

Business Recorder (press release) (registration) (blog)

Nowshera and D I Khan have turned out to be the best performers in implementation of the KP Right to Information (RTI) Laws while Chitral and Upper ...

 

India

CIC and state information commissions want a legal filter in RTI act

Economic Times

... commissions want the government to introduce a legal filter in the Right to Information Act to sift out vexatious, flippant and frivolous applications.

 

India

Couple donates land to 13 homeless families

onmanorama

Idamaruku identified the homeless families in his village through a Right to Information application. He is donating prime property with road access ...

 

India

RTI helps retired professor get gold medal after 44 years

Times of India

Last year, on the advice of some friends, he filed an application under Right to Information (RTI) in LU seeking information on whether medals can be ...

 

UK

Mail on Sunday wins battle to expose Prince's secret eco lobbying of Ministers

Daily Mail

... environmental issues have been covered up by the Government – despite the Freedom of Information watchdog ruling they should be made public.

 

India

Role Model Disabled Person Award presented to Diethono Nakhro from Nagaland

thenortheasttoday.com

She also actively uses the Right to Information Act to bring attention to the complete lack of accessibility in government offices and other public places ...

 

India

RTI query has exposed Rs100 cr scam in GHMC'

Times of India

The irregularity , according to party general secretary G S Sambi Reddy came to light when he sought information under the Right to Information (RTI) ...

 

Pakistan

Right to information, wrongs of implementation

The Express Tribune

The first-ever right to information law in the country was promulgated in the shape of the Freedom of Information Ordinance 2002 by a military dictator, ...

 

Pakistan

Judicial academy asked to share details of promotions

Dawn

LAHORE: The Punjab Information Commission (PIC) has dismissed an objection petition, asking the Punjab Judicial Academy (PJA) to provide

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 111

E - Alert

Issue Date: 18-11-2015

 

 

Editorial:

Greetings from the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI).

 

Transparency is a beloved child of politicians when they are out of power. When politicians come into power, they disown the very child they are so fond of when they are bereft of power. This is paradoxical but understandable when seen in the context of political economy of elections. The cost of competing as a candidate for provincial or national assembly seats has skyrocketed as now candidates spend tens of millions in elections. Political parties return the favour by allocating development funds for schemes identified by the members of assemblies. This is where profit is allegedly made on the investment carried out during elections. This is, perhaps, the reason why there is no real devolution of power at the local level and elected representatives are more interested in carrying out development schemes than spending time on legislation.

Politicians do not like transparency because it brings out dichotomies between what they say for public consumption and what they actually end up practising. One such dichotomy has been brought to the fore recently by Centre for Governance and Public Accountability, (CGPA).  Addressing a press conference in KPK’s capital city of Peshawar on October 24, 2013, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief had said that MPAs of KPK assembly would not get development funds. However, CGPA has now established through information received under Khyber Pakhtunkhwa  Right to Information Act 2013 that PTI led KP government has allocated   development funds to the tune of 8.5 billion for MPAs. No wonder, there is political consensus across the board on the need for these development funds for elected representatives. One can imagine why PMLN is dragging its feet on the issue of enacting effective right to information law at the federal level. It is through the use of right to information laws that people start asking awkward questions like how public funds are allocated and spent. No right to information law, no awkward questions.

 

Happy reading,

CPDI

 

India

Another Ink Attack: Shiv Sena Workers Assault RTI Activist With Iron Rod, Blacken His Face

Scoopwhoop

Shiv Sena workers on Friday assaulted and blackened the face of a Right to Information activist at Latur in Maharashtra's Marathwada region, after he …

 

India

RTI needs to move beyond request driven process, says prominent activist Venkatesh Nayak ...

NYOOOZ

... at Indian Merchants Chamber on FridayThe Right to Information Act needs to move beyond the request driven process of seeking information to suo ...

 

 

Pakistan

Dilly-dallying on Right to Information law deplored

The News International

ISLAMABAD: Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI) has lamented the failure of federal government in introducing Right to Information ...

 

India

Officers, clerks to compete over RTI knowledge

Deccan Herald

Babus and clerks in the Delhi government are being put to test over their knowledge of the Right to Information Act in a move to encourage ...

 

UK

Thousands of infertile couples denied IVF because of amounts paid to clinics

Daily Mail

... to IVF clinics for a single IVF 'cycle' varies fivefold – from £1,300 to more than £6,000, according to responses to Freedom of Information requests.

 

UK/USA

Ministers were told to destroy key evidence which showed Iraq War was ILLEGAL

Daily Mail

American officials have finally released 13 pages of heavily censored documents in response to a Freedom of Information request made by The Mail ...

 

India

5 ministers, 37 MLAs yet to furnish asset details

Chandigarh Tribune

This has been revealed in the response to an application filed under the Right to Information Act (RTI) by advocate Nadimuddin from Kashipur recently ...

 

UK

Freedom of Information Act misused by media to create stories, says Grayling

The Guardian

A Conservative cabinet minister has signalled a crackdown on the “misuse” of freedom of information requests as a means of researching stories for ...

 

Australia

Taxi industry urged to improve its customer service to compete against Uber

Courier Mail

New Right to Information documents, published by the Department of State Growth, show Rene Hidding warned the industry about the emergence of ...

 

UK

Civil Servants Support CHARGING For Freedom Of Information Requests

Breitbart News

The majority of Britain's civil servants back charging the public for Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, with some even favouring restrictions on the ...

 

Ireland

DCAL took 552 days to respond to Freedom of Information request

Belfast Newsletter

One less-than-transparent Stormont department took more than a year-and-a-half to respond to a Freedom of Information request, it has emerged ...

 

India

SDM gets construction of shops stopped

Chandigarh Tribune

... on a complaint filed by Right to Information RTI and social activist Ajay Uniyal, here today got stopped the alleged illegal construction of 12 shops by ...

 

USA

Attorney Attacks Montana's New 'Top Secret' Info Rules

Newstalkkgvo

But the new filing system has received blowback from freedom of Information attorney Mike Meloy, who has bend handling FOIA requests in Montana ...

 

USA

Search warrants reveal discovery of camera, photos in Dylann Roof case

Charleston Post Courier

Fifth Circuit Judge Robert Hood released the search warrant returns Tuesday in response to a S.C. Freedom of Information Act request from The Post ...

 

USA

The only thing more absurd than the $43 million gas station in Afghanistan is why we don't know ...

Quartz

That incident was part of the release of data on $2 billion in discretionary spending in Afghanistan after ProPublica filed a freedom of information act ...

 

USA

IRS use of 'Stingray' devices to track cellphones sparks Senate inquiry

USA TODAY

The newspaper cited documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. Lawmakers said they were unaware that the IRS had the devices ...

 

Pakistan

Govt yet to pass Right to Information Bill

The News International

ISLAMABAD: Despite passage of almost one-and-a-half years and various assurances on different public forums including the parliament, the ...

 

Pakistan

Expenditure patterns: Govt allocates development funds worth Rs8.5b to MPAs

The Express Tribune

The details were obtained by CGPA under the K-P Right to Information Act 2013.

 

Pakistan

The News staffer wins RTI award

The News International

ISLAMABAD: Investigative journalist of The News, Waseem Abbasi has won the annual RTI (Right To Information) Champion Award for his work on ...

 

India

Select three information commissioners in six weeks: Delhi HC

Economic Times

NEW DELHI: With the Central Information Commission facing a huge pendency of cases, the Delhi High Court on Friday directed the centre to finalise ...

 

India

CIC returns 12% of pleas

The Hindu

An analysis by Right to Information activists confirms that the Central Information Commission is returning requests for information at a high rate to the ...

 

Mexico

Information freedom new era for Mexico

Mexico News Daily

Thanks to its freedom of information laws Mexico has come to be regarded as an exemplar of transparency with a healthy culture of investigative ...

 

Canada

Lack of information on bridge concerns MLA

Delta-Optimist

According to Huntington, a freedom of information request, filed last year by Delta South constituent and Optimist columnist Ian Robertson, requested ...

 

USA

Ronald Koven, foreign correspondent and media freedom defender, dies at 80

Washington Post

Simon also credited Mr. Koven with identifying in the early days of the Internet the need to ensure freedom of information and expression online.

 

UK

Child abuse cases delayed by police backlog

BBC News

More than half of the 40 UK police forces that responded to a Freedom of Information request from the programme reported delays of at least three ...

 

India

No passport for PM's spouse, as she has no marriage certificate

The Hindu

Earlier, she had applied under the Right to Information (RTI) seeking details of her security and order of the government of India to provide her security ...

 

UK

Theresa May has to recognise that questions over the Bradford fire disaster will not go away

The Independent

... that the West Yorkshire Police force seemed breathtakingly indifferent to when I asked them, through a Freedom of Information request this summer, ...

 

India

RTI Reveals Lies by Corporation Officials

The New Indian Express

... a blind eye to unauthorised buildings in Sowcarpet, and often provide false information under the Right to Information Act to shield illegal structures.

 

UK

Labour criticises plans to exclude universities from FOI requests

The Guardian

Government plans to exempt universities from freedom of information (FOI) requests have been condemned by Labour. The government's higher ...

 

Ghana

Ghana Right to Information Bill to be passed next year – Majority Leader

Ghana Business News

Mr. Alban S.K. Bagbin, Majority Leader in Parliament, has said the Right to Information (RTI) Bill would be passed in the first quarter of next year.

 

India

MEA denies information under RTI Act

Daily Excelsior

Srinagar Nov 10: The Union Government denied information under Right to Information Act about those who have been denied passport since 1990 ...

 

India

Palaszczuk government unable to fill science, technology vacancy

The Australian

Right to Information documents obtained by The Australian reveal a $10,000 international recruitment campaign was launched in July after a fruitless ...

 

India

Study finds MP govt depts lag on RTI proactive disclosure front

Hindustan Times

... schemes and administrative set-up, as required under the proactive disclosure rule of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, a web research conducted ...

 

India

City police register fifth offence in a row against Mukesh Sahu

Times of India

Nagpur: Right to information (RTI) Act activist Mukesh Sahu has been booked in the fifth case on the trot by the city police. The latest case, charging ...

 

USA

In freedom of information triumph, Chicago police misconduct complaint records now online

Chicago Reader

Tuesday morning's publication of the records is a triumph for freedom of information

 

India

Maharashtra leads in number of custodial death cases

The Hindu

After several rounds to Mantralaya, letters to the Chief Minister and scores of Right to Information pleas to know the stage of investigation, the State ...

 

UK

Sir Jeremy Heywood wants to limit our Freedom of Information Act

Daily Mail

... and added: 'The prospect of restricting citizens' right to information following the commission's review [into FoI] sends the wrong signal to developing ...

 

India

No need to impose fine in every case: HC

Bangalore Mirror

... need to impose a fine every time there is a delay by a competent officer in issuing information under the Right To Information (RTI) Act. An education ...

 

UK

Daily Mail comments on why the public sector fears the Freedom of Information act

Daily Mail

But how ironic that those same ministers are hatching plans to curtail the Freedom of Information Act, without which this vital investigation into how our ...

 

India

UT education dept falls short of tabla instructors in schools

Hindustan Times

As per information received under Right to Information (RTI) in September this year, only eight local schools have table instructors. These include: ...

 

India

Talks to end strike cost FTII Rs 4 lakh

The Indian Express

A Right to Information (RTI) plea filed by The Indian Express has revealed that the institute also spent Rs 4.04 lakh on travelling, food and lodging ...

 

India

State, Centre 'delaying' compensation for Bhopal Gas tragedy survivors: NGOs

Economic Times

... Pensionbhogee Sangharsh Morcha, Balkrishna Namdeo, said that documents obtained under Right to Information (RTI) Act show that the experts of ...

 

Bangladesh

Changing Contours of RTI

The Daily Star

The Right to Information (RTI) or Freedom of Information (FOI) regimes evolved globally following the end of World War II premised upon people's ...

 

India

Bhopal: PMO conducts RTI first appeal hearing over telephone

Hindustan Times

In a trendsetting example, the Prime Minister's office conducted hearing for a right to information (RTI) first appeal by an applicant from Bhopal on ...

 

India

Mumbai University VC Deshmukh fails to clear LLB exam

Moneylife

... to clear his LLB examination, he appeared before being appointed as the VC, reveals a reply received under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

 

USA

Chicago Police May Have Spied On Black And Left-Wing Activists

Chicagoist

The Sun-Times, based on internal CPD documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, argues otherwise. At its core, this is a controversy ...

 

USA

Illinois Lottery sales plummet to lowest point of year after payout delays

Fox News

The high was about $260 million in March, according to data obtained in a freedom of information request. ADVERTISEMENT. The figures confirm ...

 

India

Positive trend: 60 percent of children adopted in India over three years were girls

Firstpost

These three states accounted for 40% of female adoptions, according to information obtained under the Right to Information by Bangalore-based ...

 

India

301 Doc Posts Vacant in 9 Dts: RTI

The New Indian Express

According to the data compiled from Right to Information (RTI) responses over the last 10 months, the backward Ramanathapuram district topped the ...

 

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 110

E - Alert

Issue Date: 30-10-2015

 

 

Editorial:

Greetings from the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI).

 

PMLN seems disinterested in transparency and right to information both at federal and at provincial levels. At the provincial level, PMLN Punjab government kept on dragging its feet on the issue of releasing funds for Punjab Information Commission. These days, it is not providing staff to Punjab Information Commission and neither it is approving service rules so that the commission could hire staff on its own. The delaying tactics being employed by PMLN will give credence to what is already believed by many that the party was never interested in enacting the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013 in the first place and that it was forced to follow suit of PTI when it enacted Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act 2013. This assertion gets strengthened by its track record on right to information legislation at the federal level also. How can the party justify delay in presenting in the parliament right to information bill approved by the Senate Committee on Information and Broadcasting as long as on July 15, 2014?

Clearly, PMLN will have to walk the talk and soon and take concrete steps if it wants to convince those keeping track of right to information legislation in the country that the party is serious about good governance.

 

Happy reading,

CPDI

    

 

Cyprus

Ministry defends planned freedom of information law

Cyprus Mail

Cyprus aspires to have among the best possible freedom of information (FOI) legislation in the EU, Justice Minister of Nicolaou has said, and place ...

 

USA

NYPD won't disclose what it does with its secret military-grade X-ray vans

Boing Boing

The department denied a Freedom of Information Law request by an investigative journalist at ProPublica asking for records revealing the vans' public ...

 

India

2 registrar's fined Rs 2 lakh each for delayed RTI responses

Times of India

A statement issued by office of the state information commission said the fine has been imposed on the registrars for violating the Right To Information ...

 

Canada

Liberals and NDP Pledge Access to Information Reform

Canada News Wire

It is encouraging that the right to information has become an issue in the campaign and that Liberal and NDP parties have pledged to take action to ...

 

India

SIC's annual report refuses to give suggestions

The Indian Express

For the first time since the passage of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the annual report prepared by the State Information Commission (SIC) has ...

 

India

Man seeks RTI to prove he married once and not twice

Times of India

... Commission (UPSIC) is witnessing a curious trend of family members seeking information about each other using Right to Information (RTI). Most of ..The

 

USA

CIA pressed to disclose secret drone docs

The Hill

The ACLU filed an original Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request in January of 2010, and then sued three months later when the government did ...

 

Australia

Turnbull given ok to use Slack, Wickr

iT News

He denied it could negatively affect freedom of information requests. Turnbull has previously spoken of his fondness for messaging app Wickr

 

USA

The 10 Oldest Women in the Illinois Department of Corrections System

Huffington Post

In 2014, there were more than 7,500 inmates over the age of 50, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections' annual report. Both in Illinois

 

India

A weapon for justice & equality

Chandigarh Tribune

SOME English words, or rather abbreviations, have set up home in rural India. They have done more. They propel life there. The most

 

India

The After cutting, civic agencies wash their hands of roads

Times of India

HUBBALLI: Finally, the reason behind bad roads is out. A Right To Information (RTI) query on this brought to light the fact that no authority cares to

 

India

Visa And Tax Travails Of Foreign Artists In India

Mondaq News

To get this clarified, we filed a Right to Information application with the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the conundrum faced by foreign nationals ...

 

UK

Parents fined £3m a year for term-time family holidays

Telegraph.co.uk

Over the past year, across 98 councils who responded to the Freedom of Information Act, 86,010 fines were issued in 2014/15 for pupil absence

 

UK

NHS spending millions on larger equipment for obese patients

The Guardian

The data, obtained by Sky News through freedom of information requests, reveal

 

UK

wine collection 'was drunk at Tony Abbott's farewell party'

Daily Mail

The government officials' explanation did not satisfy Labor Senator Penny Wong who requested the receipts with a Freedom of Information request ...

 

India

RTI activist to be rewarded for exposing toll overcharge

Times of India

Mumbai: In a first-of-its-kind case since the enactment of the landmark Right to Information Act more than a decade ago, a state-run enterprise

 

Germany

German Bundestag goes to court to keep lobbyists secret

Deutsche Welle

After an unsuccessful freedom of information act request, Parliament Watch filed a lawsuit at a Berlin court, which ruled in its favor in June this year.

 

UK

How Cherie Blair's law firm lobbied Britain on behalf of the Maldives' government

Telegraph.co.uk

However documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show how Mrs Blair's firm, Omnia Strategy, had already held three meetings with ...

 

India

FSL 'finds' 4 corporators' names in Thane builder' suicide note

Times of India

It is learnt that the builder had declared that he was tired and frustrated by their harassment and extortion and misuse of the Right to Information (RTI) ...

 

India

Meet 77-year-old V Santhanam, he fights against corruption and helps the needy

Times of India

Two murderous attempts on his life and threats have not stopped 77-year-old social activist V Santhanam from fighting against corruption and pushing

 

Canada

BC government gets an F in freedom of information audit

CBC.ca

An organization representing Canada's newspapers says the B.C. government is failing to respond to Freedom of Information Act requests in a timely ...

 

UK

Freedom of Information: The stories you would never have read without the Act that is now under ...

Birmingham Mail

Just three out of a million reasons why the Freedom of Information Act must not be watered down. A consultation has been launched into the Act, ...

 

Australia

Immigration Department bears brunt of flood of freedom of information requests

The Canberra Times

The federal bureaucracy and ministers' offices have been bombarded with 35,550 freedom of information requests in the past year and one agency, ...

 

India

Info panel turning down more RTI requests now

The Hindu

The Central Information Commission has admitted fewer and fewer cases every month this year, under the Right to Information Act, data show, and ...

 

India

PMO directs CPIO to furnish Vyapam information, documents sought under RTI

Zee News

Bhopal: After "initially" denying information related to Vyapam scam under Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Prime Minister's Office has now directed ...

 

India

Banning publication of CMs and governors picture in government ad is wrong, Centre tells SC

Times of India

"The judgement fails to appreciate that government advertisements fulfill the public right to information about matters of public interest, of public ...

 

India

10 ways in which RTI has changed the functioning of govt, officials

The Indian Express

The Right to Information Act was implemented on October 12, 2005. Over the last decade, it has transformed the functioning of the government ...

 

USA

Senators, Let Us Read Your Letters

New York Times

That's because the Freedom of Information Act does not apply to the legislative branch. When Congress enacted the F.O.I.A. in 1966, it was after the ...

 

Australia

Dick defends staffer's $160000 Health appointment offered without resume

Brisbane Times

The Opposition came armed to question time with right-to-information documents which they said showed Robert Hoge, a former staffer for Bligh ...

 

India

RTI: After 4-yr struggle, girl to get dad's pay slip

Times of India

... in 2011 when she sought the salary slip of her father, Mukesh Agarwal, who works in revenue department at Gwalior, under Right to Information Act.

 

India

RTI empowers the citizen, but threats can make Act opaque

Hindustan Times

After a decade of the implementation of the national Right To Information (RTI) Act, it is necessary to reflect on some of its key achievements and the ...

 

India

Dance troupe returns Rs 8L to CM's relief fund

Times of India

A query filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by activist Anil Galgali found that Rs 8 lakh was transferred from the fund to Sachivalaya ...

 

UK

UK police warn more than 1900 people of death threats in four years

The Guardian

Police have warned nearly 2,000 people their lives were under threat in the last four years, according to figures. There have been at least 1,948 "threat ...

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 109

E - Alert

Issue Date: 19-10-2015

 

 

Editorial:

Greetings from the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI).

 

The interplay between the forces vying for transparent and open functioning of government and those led by bureaucracy trying to perpetuate the pervasive culture of secrecy is getting interesting. This interplay is nothing new but the intensity   is quite palpable this time raising hopes of those who have always maintained that this culture of secrecy is one of the leading causes of widespread corruption and lack of public accountability in the country. There have been some excellent decisions by Supreme Court and some sporadic decisions by Ombudsman aimed at countering shenanigans of bureaucracy. However, the text countering bureaucratic pretexts and apologies for  conducting business of government in secrecy and the persistency with which it is being generated by Punjab Information Commission has force the hand of bureaucracy and compelled it to come up with all the cards it holds. It did. The case in point is recently reported story in the News International and included in this edition.

 

Happy reading,

CPDI

 

India

Report: Public Institutions Violating FoI Act

THISDAY Live

“Nor have any of the judicial institutions vested with the powers of adjudication in the protection of the Right to Information, complied with same.”.

 

USA

UW law student sues CIA over data on Salvadoran Army officer

The Seattle Times

A University of Washington law-school student has filed a federal Freedom of Information lawsuit alleging the Central Intelligence Agency has illegally ...

 

Pakistan

Government directive buries Freedom of Information law

The News International

ISLAMABAD: In a major dent to transparency and people's right to know, the federal government has almost buried the Freedom of Information law by ...

 

India

Teaching Muslim youths to earn rightful benefits using RTI

Times of India

... to seek RTI on minority welfare schemes of the Centre and state in a three-hour training session on the Right to Information (RTI) Act on Sunday.

 

USA

Obama Again Found Lacking in Open Government Efforts

GovExec.com

The report card, which includes recommendations in such areas as Freedom of Information Act responsiveness, whistleblower protections and ...

 

Bangladesh

Country Report: Freedom of Information in Bangladesh

Article 19

Country Report: Freedom of Information in Bangladesh ... by the Manusher Jonno Foundation, an NGO advocating for freedom of information In 2008, ...

 

India

7 funny reasons for which Right To Information petitions were filed

India Today

RTI is the Right to Information Act of the Parliament of India under which citizens have right to information in a practical regime. But this right is

 

Pakistan

Right to information law 'bitter pill for the corrupt'

The Express Tribune

Despite opposition from several elements, the Right to Information Act is there to stay in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, KP Information Commissioner Abdul ...

 

Sri Lanka

The Right to Information Act to be presented in Parliament before the end of this month.

SLBC

Speaker of the Parliament Karu Jayasuriya stated that he believes that the Right to Information Act can be presented to Parliament before the end of ...

 

Pakistan

Right to information law 'bitter pill for the corrupt'

The Express Tribune

Despite opposition from several elements, the Right to Information Act is there to stay in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, KP Information Commissioner Abdul ...

 

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 108

E - Alert

Issue Date: 05-10-2015

 

 

Editorial:

Greetings from Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI).

Not exactly 50 but RTI movement in Pakistan has many shades. We have excuse of RTI laws and we have highly rated RTI laws. We have commissions as well as Ombudsman as appellate bodies. We see politicians enacting effective laws in KP and Punjab and see same politicians trying to dilute RTI law in the case of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a combo of bureaucrats and politicians trying to thwart work of Punjab Information Commission through their all too familiar shenanigans i.e. not posting staff, not approving service rules for the commission so that it could not hire on its own and delaying the release of budget, to name a few. Yet another peculiar shade is reflected in the attitude of PPP towards RTI legislation. The party played instrumental role in insertion of 18th Amendment in the constitution thereby playing pivotal role in according right to information constitutional protection and its Senator Farhat Ullah Babar playing leading role in the approval of draft federal RTI bill by Senate Committee on Information and Broadcasting and yet this party has not repealed Sindh Freedom of Information Act 2006 and neither it repealed federal FOIO 2002 when it was in power from 2008 to 2013.

These shades of RTI situation in the country necessitate multi-pronged responses from civil society actors. Yes, we wanted independent and autonomous information commission and we got these in two provinces. Are these information commissions delivering? We have been endeavoring for enactment of effective right to information laws and we got them in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Are citizens using them for attainment of their rights? If yes, to what extent and if not why not? Have civil society groups working in health, education environment and agriculture sectors been able to use these laws? These and other questions we need to find answers to in order to strengthen RTI movement in the country.

CPDI is in the process of finalizing ‘Information Commissions’ Performance Barometer’ to scientifically measure performance of Punjab Information Commission and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commissions and we will be sharing details soon.

Happy reading,

CPDI

 

UK

Hypocritical politicians 'hate' freedom of information, says former commissioner

The Guardian

Public commitment to freedom of information on all sides of politics is “rank hypocrisy”, the former information commissioner, John McMillan, has said...

 

Pakistan

Punjab Information Commission still understaffed

The News International

ISLAMABAD: Despite introduction of much-trumpeted Right to Information (RTI) law, Punjab's bureaucracy is still not allowing general public to access ...

 

Canada

Fix Canada's Broken Access to Information System

Canada NewsWire (press release)

Send an email to your representatives: using CJFE's simple one-click platform, you can easily make your right to information a priority to federal party ...

 

India

IAS officer takes the RTI route over sudden transfer

Chandigarh Tribune

... Vineet Chawdhry, Additional Chief Secretary (Health), has sought information under Right to Information (RTI) about he being divested of the Urban ...

 

USA

Changes sought in Michigan's Freedom of Information Act

WLNS

State lawmakers Tim Greimel and Jeremy Moss will be introducing a plan that would expand the Freedom of Information Act to cover the state ...

 

Pakistan

Despite Promises, KP did not undo regressive changes to KP Right to Information Law

Daily Pakistan

LAHORE (Staff Report) – Despite well-publicized promises, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has yet to undo the widely criticized ...

 

India

Local governments to offer information suo motu under RTI

The Hindu

Local governments such as Chennai Corporation have started implementing suo motu disclosure under Right to Information Act 2005. Residents will ...

 

USA

APNewsBreak: Arkansas execution plan may use UK firm's drug

U.S. News & World Report

Through a Freedom of Information Act request, the AP obtained redacted photographs of the containers, product inserts and expiration dates of drugs ...

 

Bangladesh

Govt asked not to enact laws against right to info

The Daily Star

Transparency International Bangladesh has urged the government not to enact laws conflicting with the Right to Information Act, 2009.

 

Armenia

Armenian ministry of agriculture wins Golden Key award of Freedom Information Center

Arka News Agency (press release)

The award was handed to deputy minister of agriculture Armen Harutyunyan by the head of the Freedom of Information Center Shushan Doydoyan.

 

Scotland

Public services escaping freedom of information scrutiny, campaign says

Herald Scotland

The public's right to know about public services is being eroded as more and more policies stop being covered by Freedom of Information (FOI) laws, ...

 

India

Maharashtra ministers lobbied for transfers of senior IPS officers, reveal RTI papers

The Indian Express

... for transfers of senior IPS officers, reveal RTI papers. Official papers obtained by The Sunday Express under the Right to Information (RTI) Act show.

 

Canada

Canada slides to 59th of 102 nations on information freedom

TheChronicleHerald.ca

... Canada's Access to Information Act ranks a very poor 59th place globally from among 102 countries with right to information (RTI) laws, just behind ...

 

UK

Sir Jeremy Heywood attacks Freedom of Information laws

Daily Mail

The Cabinet Secretary also said Whitehall departments faced rising costs as they dealt with requests under the Freedom of Information Act – which ...

 

UK

AG rules against Rauner, in favor of Illinois Times

Illinois Times

... ruled that the governor must turn over his appointment calendar in response to the paper's request made under the state Freedom of Information Act.

 

America

Naperville spent $760000 on fixes after 2012 cyber attack

Chicago Tribune

A Naperville Sun Freedom of Information request for any FBI records related to the Naperville hack remains ongoing. Krieger said he had not heard ...

 

India

SC declines info on prefix 'justice'

Chandigarh Tribune

In its response to an application filed under the Right to Information Act by advocate Hemant Kumar, the Supreme Court has said: “It is beyond the ...

 

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 107

E - Alert

Issue Date: 14-09-2015

 

 

Editorial:

Greetings from Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI).

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has partly undone what it should not have done in the first place and PMN government is not doing what it should have done long ago. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should be appreciated for retracting exemption accorded to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly through an amendment introduced in the law on June 23, 2015.  However, it has still not been able to bring Peshawar High Court within the purview of the law and district courts are still appellate courts against the decisions of the KP Information Commission. PMLN government should be hauled over the coals for continuously dragging its feet on the issue of enacting RTI law for federal public bodies. So, the work for civil society is clearly cut out. We need to build upon our achievements. It is no small achievement that civil society has been able to have Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act 2013 and the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013 got enacted. This is especially encouraging given the fact that RTI law approved by Senate Committee on Information and Broadcasting has largely benefited from these laws.  PMLN government may continue dragging its feet and our apprehension is that it will try to water down RTI bill and this is where civil society will have to be vigilant, innovative and persistent.

Happy reading,

CPDI

 

India

The Supreme Court Still Adamantly Refuses to Yield to RTI

The Wire

On 20th February 2008, Satnam Singh, a prisoner in Ludhiana's Central Jail sent a Right to Information (RTI) request to the Supreme Court (SC) ...

 

India

MFWA questions Ghana's commitment to transparent governance

GhanaWeb

Ghana has in the last decade been pursuing the passage of the Right to Information Bill but the draft legislation has protracted in the country's ...

Pakistan

Programme on RTI stopped on DD ahead of Act's 10th anniversary

Hindustan Times

Before the 10th anniversary of Right to Information law the national public broadcaster Doordarshan has stopped showing its weekly awareness ...

 

India

RTI applicant gets protection against legal action

The Hindu

The ruling of the Kerala High Court that even an applicant under the Right to Information Act gets immunity from legal proceedings against him/her ...

 

India

CCI's negligence

Daily Times

The Council of Common Interests (CCI) has published three annual reports in order to fulfil its right to information obligations since its establishment ...

 

India

RTI: Western Railway has slashed number of trains offering normal fare tickets from 26 to 2

Financial Express

During previous years, more such trains were run during the peak summer time,” Right to Information (RTI) activist Chandrashekhar Gaur told PTI here ...

 

UK

UK refuses to release 100-year-old details of its Irish spies

Irish Independent

However, a UK Freedom of Information tribunal rejected Mr Keane's appeal against the refusal by the British Home Office and the Metropolitan Police ...

 

India

Civic body asks RTI activist to pay 25K for photocopies of reply

Times of India

THANE: A city-based Right to Information (RTI) activist has been asked to shell out Rs 25,000 by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for a reply on ...

 

USA

14 years after 9/11, secrecy shrouds many records

Miami Herald

The FBI has yet to release any other commission material –- transcripts, memos and the like –- sought in a Freedom of Information request filed by ...

 

India

BCI gifts right of privacy to NLUO after debarred LLM students cry for transparency in exam rules

Legally India

One of the debarred students filed a right to information (RTI) request with the administration to question this discrepancy and for publishing the latest ...

 

UK

Information requests cost Staffordshire Council £160k

expressandstar.com

A council spent more than £160,000 in a year answering Freedom of Information requests – with businesses asking for commercial information ...

 

USA

14 years after 9/11, secrecy shrouds many records

SunHerald.com

The FBI has yet to release any other commission material — transcripts, memos and the like — sought in a Freedom of Information request filed by ...

 

USA

Truth censored by the top brass: Evidence that backs jailed Marine Alexander Blackman to be ...

Daily Mail

Military top brass have been plotting the cover-up for weeks – vowing to use a loophole in the Freedom of Information Act to deny the public the full ...

 

Pakistan

PA again brought within purview of RTI law

DAWN.com

The amendment said that it was desirable to amend the KP Right to Information Act 2015 to add again the secretariat of the provincial assembly, along ...

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 104

E - Alert

Issue Date: 13-07-2015

 

 

Editorial:

Greetings from Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI).

How can one understand the logic of fixing what is not broken? This is what PTI provincial leadership has been trying to do with its landmark Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act 2013. On June 23, 2015, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, without any debate, and, as it later transpired, without following the proper legislative process, amended RTI law, giving exemption to itself and, more shockingly, lowered the status of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commission by declaring district courts the forum for appeals against the decisions of the Commission. Thanks to the aggressive campaign on print and electronic media by civil society groups and friends in the media, Imran Khan had to intervene and promise that these amendments will be revoked once the provincial assembly meets next time which is July 28. It goes without saying that RTI activists need to stay vigilant till the time these amendments are not taken back. This is important to ensure that what has happened in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa does not become a precedent.

It seems federal government will have to table RTI bill in the parliament as Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting had to  face music from the members of the Senate Committee on Information and Broadcasting who approved RTI bill  on July 15, 2014. Subsequently, he promised that RTI bill will be on the agenda of the Cabinet when it meets next time. So far, this PMLN government has not shown any enthusiasm for introducing governance reforms and its stony silence on the issue of reforms has compelled even its sympathizers in the media to question its performance. So, there is hope for legislation on right to information in near future at the federal level.

 

Happy reading,

CPDI

 

 

USA

School charges mom $77000 to access emails about her son

FOX31 Denver

Ellison also said the Freedom of Information Act laws changed July 1. The biggest change has to do with people being charged too much money such ...

 

India

10 years of RTI: 39 activists dead, 275 harassed, says report

Hindustan Times

When right to information activist Guru Prasad Shukla was beaten to death by fellow villagers last month, he became the 39th person to lay down his ...

 

Pakistan

KP Assembly speaker has to cut a sorry figure

The News
ISLAMABAD: As Imran Khan has vetoed the controversial amendments in the RTI Act haphazardly voted into law by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, the architect of this failed game plan has now run short of excuses for justifying his ...

 

India

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's Shimla Land Deal Can't be Revealed for Now, Says High Court

NDTV

... Pradesh - she reportedly has bought two pieces of land - was sought last year by Debashish Bhattacharya, a Right to Information (RTI) activist.

 

Pakistan

Committee formed to review Punjab RTI law

The News
ISLAMABAD: While the PML-N government is being hailed for introducing right to information (RTI) law in Punjab, the provincial bureaucracy is effectively blocking its implementation considering it a threat to its power. In a ...

 

India

SC rejects RTI appeal to obtain judges' medical expenses

Legally India

The Supreme Court dismissed a Right to Information (RTI) appeal that had asked for judges' medical expenses, citing judges' right to privacy, reported ...

 

Australia

Diplomats rack up thousands of dollars in unpaid parking and speeding fines

Sydney Morning Herald

Figures obtained under freedom of information from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Canberra revealed that the United States ...

 

Pakistan

Punjab excels in effective RTI legislation: Report

The News

ISLAMABAD: Punjab has scored the highest marks in terms of effective RTI legislation when measured against the global best practices while Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has slid down in the ranking due to the negative amendments enacted recently in addition to other problems in the law.

  

India

Make public RTI replies to stop repeated queries: Centre

Times of India

NEW DELHI: To check wasteful duplication of effort while responding to RTI queries, the Centre has asked all departments to do an analysis of ...

 

UK

Fire crews rescue 650 obese people a year using winches and cranes

Mirror.co.uk

... April 2014 and 2015, compared with 609 cases between 2013 and 2014, according to figures released under the Freedom of Information act.

 

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 105

E - Alert

Issue Date: 06-08-2015

 

 

 

Editorial:

Greetings from Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI).

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly is in session and RTI community in Pakistan is waiting with baited breath as to when will it revoke amendments introduced on June 23  in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act 2013. Civil society groups, concerned citizens and media took PTI government to task for diluting the law which suggests there is greater ownership of RTI in Pakistan. The level of informed debate also shows that RTI movement in the country is maturing. Our background information suggests that these amendments will be withdrawn in this session.

Couple of lessons can be drawn from this saga of amendments. Wherever you are, beware   of bureaucratic shenanigans for it was the law department that wanted to lower the status of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commission. Never underestimate the power of empire to strike back. Neither it is an isolated case for we have seen it happening in India where bureaucracy would have succeeded in declaring file notings exempted from disclosure had Indian civil society not taken sustained stand against bureaucratic ‘indecent’ proposal. Secondly, it was Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly who played an instrumental role in giving exemption to the Assembly. So rare unity at display by bureaucrats and politicians on the lines of one at times displayed by Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey Appleby to protect mutual interests, in this case the mutual interest being the preference for secretive ways of running government over transparency. Yes, price of freedom is eternal vigilance and as it is ‘mother of all rights’ and touch stone of all our freedoms, right to information will always remain n obvious target and corresponding greater level of vigilance will be required and forever.

Happy reading,

CPDI

 

Pakistan

Pakistan may have top global ranking if RTI draft law passed

The News

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is an ‘if’ away from grabbing the top global ranking as it can proudly claim to have the best Right to Information (RTI) legislation in the world to promote transparency if the draft RTI Act 2014 is passed into ...

 

Pakistan

Development funds: district courts not providing info to CGPA

Business Recorder (press release) (blog)

Anwar said District courts are covered in purview of the KP Right to Information (RTI) Act. Section 2, Sub section (i) of KP RTI Act 2013 include ...

 

India

Indian Potash Limited comes under RTI Act's ambit: CIC

Economic Times

NEW DELHI: Indian Potash Limited (IPL), the Rs 15,000-crore fertliser behemoth, is answerable to people under the Right to Information Act, the full ...

 

India

RTI Act: A decade of stonewalling information

Hindustan Times

When the Right to Information Act (RTI) was passed in 2005, the view across the political spectrum was that the law will provide access to services and ...

 

USA

Details released in Navy bribery scheme, censure of 3 admirals

The Seattle Times

... not known until the Navy Times published a story over the weekend based on redacted documents received through the Freedom of Information Act.

 

UK

Freedom of Information Act could be 'watered down' as review is launched

Telegraph.co.uk

Maurice Frankel, director of the Campaign for Freedom of Information said the current system, in which a tribunal oversees the balance between the ...

 

UK

Syria air strikes conducted by UK military pilots

BBC News

And yet news of Britons bombing Syria emerged not in the Commons but via a freedom of information request. Few pilots were involved. They were ...

 

Sri Lanka

Let sleeping watch dogs lie

The Sunday Times Sri Lanka

In fact the Right to Information Bill which should have gone to parliament much earlier and become law by now obviates the need for such bodies as ...

 

UK

We would never have known John Bercow claimed £172 for a taxi were it not for the Freedom of ...

The Independent

Discovering fresh details of the Speaker's travel and accommodation costs would never have been possible but for the Freedom of Information (FoI) ...

 

Pakistan

CRTI rejects amendments to Right to Information Act

The News International

PESHAWAR: Rejecting the amendments to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act 2013, the Coalition on Right to Information (CRTI) has ...

 

India

Soldier on trial for 27 years for a 'secret' that never was

Hindustan Times

... retired lieutenant general Nirmal Puri found the “classified” information he allegedly leaked was freely available under the Right to Information Act.

 

Ireland

Adopted people to gain right to information on birth parents

Irish Times

Planned legislation that would offer up to 50,000 adopted people a legal right to information about their birth parents for the first time has been ...

 

Philippine

Palace says it never wavered in pushing for Freedom of Information Bill

Philippine Information Agency

MANILA, July 30 --Malacañang remains committed to pursue the passage of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill to achieve more transparency in the ...

 

UK

Police overtime costs up due to staff shortages

BBC News

One Met Police officer received an overtime payment of £45,000 last year, a Freedom of Information request found. The overtime bill for officers and ...

 

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 104

E - Alert

Issue Date: 13-07-2015

 

 

Editorial:

Greetings from Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI).

How can one understand the logic of fixing what is not broken? This is what PTI provincial leadership has been trying to do with its landmark Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act 2013. On June 23, 2015, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, without any debate, and, as it later transpired, without following the proper legislative process, amended RTI law, giving exemption to itself and, more shockingly, lowered the status of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commission by declaring district courts the forum for appeals against the decisions of the Commission. Thanks to the aggressive campaign on print and electronic media by civil society groups and friends in the media, Imran Khan had to intervene and promise that these amendments will be revoked once the provincial assembly meets next time which is July 28. It goes without saying that RTI activists need to stay vigilant till the time these amendments are not taken back. This is important to ensure that what has happened in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa does not become a precedent.

It seems federal government will have to table RTI bill in the parliament as Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting had to  face music from the members of the Senate Committee on Information and Broadcasting who approved RTI bill  on July 15, 2014. Subsequently, he promised that RTI bill will be on the agenda of the Cabinet when it meets next time. So far, this PMLN government has not shown any enthusiasm for introducing governance reforms and its stony silence on the issue of reforms has compelled even its sympathizers in the media to question its performance. So, there is hope for legislation on right to information in near future at the federal level.

 

Happy reading,

CPDI

 

 

USA

School charges mom $77000 to access emails about her son

FOX31 Denver

Ellison also said the Freedom of Information Act laws changed July 1. The biggest change has to do with people being charged too much money such ...

 

India

10 years of RTI: 39 activists dead, 275 harassed, says report

Hindustan Times

When right to information activist Guru Prasad Shukla was beaten to death by fellow villagers last month, he became the 39th person to lay down his ...

 

Pakistan

KP Assembly speaker has to cut a sorry figure

The News
ISLAMABAD: As Imran Khan has vetoed the controversial amendments in the RTI Act haphazardly voted into law by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, the architect of this failed game plan has now run short of excuses for justifying his ...

 

India

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's Shimla Land Deal Can't be Revealed for Now, Says High Court

NDTV

... Pradesh - she reportedly has bought two pieces of land - was sought last year by Debashish Bhattacharya, a Right to Information (RTI) activist.

 

Pakistan

Committee formed to review Punjab RTI law

The News
ISLAMABAD: While the PML-N government is being hailed for introducing right to information (RTI) law in Punjab, the provincial bureaucracy is effectively blocking its implementation considering it a threat to its power. In a ...

 

India

SC rejects RTI appeal to obtain judges' medical expenses

Legally India

The Supreme Court dismissed a Right to Information (RTI) appeal that had asked for judges' medical expenses, citing judges' right to privacy, reported ...

 

Australia

Diplomats rack up thousands of dollars in unpaid parking and speeding fines

Sydney Morning Herald

Figures obtained under freedom of information from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for Canberra revealed that the United States ...

 

Pakistan

Punjab excels in effective RTI legislation: Report

The News

ISLAMABAD: Punjab has scored the highest marks in terms of effective RTI legislation when measured against the global best practices while Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa has slid down in the ranking due to the negative amendments enacted recently in addition to other problems in the law.

  

India

Make public RTI replies to stop repeated queries: Centre

Times of India

NEW DELHI: To check wasteful duplication of effort while responding to RTI queries, the Centre has asked all departments to do an analysis of ...

 

UK

Fire crews rescue 650 obese people a year using winches and cranes

Mirror.co.uk

... April 2014 and 2015, compared with 609 cases between 2013 and 2014, according to figures released under the Freedom of Information act.

 

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 103

E - Alert

Issue Date: 23-06-2015

 

 

Editorial:

Greetings from Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI).

The deafening silence maintained by PPP on the issue of provincial right to information law has finally been broken. Ms. Sharmila Farooqi, Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh said in a conference held by CPDI on June 08, 2015 in Karachi that the new RTI bill will be tabled in Sindh Assembly at the start of the next parliamentary year. This is the first public commitment by PPP leader in the Sindh province. However, we have seen many public commitments by PPP to repeal Freedom of Information Ordinance 2002 during its tenure but nothing came out of those commitments. Therefore, this is high time that civil society groups step up the campaign for the enactment of effective RTI law in Sindh. CPDI has already shared with the Sindh government model RTI law as the draft Sindh bill leaves much to be desired according to those who have seen the bill. We will keep you posted about the developments.

Happy reading,

CPDI

 

India

Over 40000 Cases Pending as Central Information Commission Remains Headless

NDTV

... cases - comprising 32,531 appeals and 7,520 complaints filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act - are pending in the Commission as on today, ...

 

Canada

Freedom Of Information Requests More Costly, Less Informative: Report

Huffington Post Canada

HALIFAX - People are waiting longer, paying more and getting less information when they file requests under the Freedom of Information and ...

 

UK

Downing Street accused of deliberate attempt to avoid freedom of information requests as ex-staff ...

The Independent

Transparency campaigners have claimed the system is in place to avoid information being released to the public through freedom of information ...

 

Ireland

Stormont department answers FoI request ... almost four years later

Belfast Newsletter

A Stormont department has finally responded to a Freedom of Information request more than three and a half years after it was first made – but said ...

 

USA

FBI Spends Up to One-Third of Its Aviation Budget on Executive Travel, Documents Show

GovExec.com

... is secondary to the FBI's operational work,” the FBI told Smith in a letter obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by Government Attic.org.

 

Scotland

Call to include housing associations in the Freedom of Information Act

The National

THE Scottish information commissioner has criticised the Scottish Government for failing to include housing associations in plans to extend the ...

 

India

PMK demo on Jun 22 to demand CIC appointment

Web India

Hence most of the appeal petitions on Right to Information Act are kept pending without hearing. Though the numbers of the appeal petitions had ...

 

India

Fine imposed on Mundoor Gram Panchayat PDO

SahilOnline

... of Rs 6,000 onMundoor Gram Panchayat PDO Sujatha for failing to furnish information sought by general public under the Right to Information Act.

 

India

Government refuses to return chief information commissioner's financial powers

Economic Times

CIC, which is the final appellate authority for Right to Information (RTI) Act, has got a new chief information commissioner - Vijai Sharma - after over ...

 

 

Ireland

Revealed: Gifts and hospitality lavished on Stormont ministers over past five years

Belfast Telegraph

The gifts were offered to the ministers by private companies and Heads of State, according to information obtained under the Freedom of Information ...

 

Nigeria

Code of Conduct Bureau denies groups access to Buhari's Assets declaration form

TV360

The Code of Conduct Bureau has turned down a Freedom of Information request by a network of Civil Society organisations, Stop Impunity Nigeria ...

 

India

Daunting task ahead for new CIC

The Hindu

The Defence Ministry tops the list of Central government departments contributing the highest number of Right to Information (RTI) appeals pending ...

 

India

Delhi govt to conduct RTI test for its officials in Sept

Press Trust of India

New Delhi, Jun 19 (PTI) To encourage its officials to get acquainted with the provisions of Right to Information Act, the Delhi government has decided ...

 

UK

Tory crackdown on Freedom of Information sparks transparency fears

RT

Conservative ministers are plotting a clampdown on Britain's Freedom of Information (FoI) laws, a move that observers warn could signal the death ...

 

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 102

E - Alert

Issue Date: 08-06-2015

 

 

Editorial:

Greetings from Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI).

CPDI is engaged with governments in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa impressing upon them to remove factors that hamper implementation of RTI laws in these provinces. Notwithstanding the overriding powers of these RTI laws, West Pakistan Government Servants (Conduct) Rules 1966, Rules of Business and other such laws contain provisions contrary to the spirit of these laws and have the potential to be used to discourage citizens to exercise their right to information.  Especially, Sections 4 and 5 of the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013 and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act 2013 respectively pertaining to the proactive disclosure of information will only be implemented when the sharing of the listed information in these sections is assigned as functions to be performed by the public bodies under the Rules of Business.  CPDI is in communication with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab governments urging them to revisit and amend West Pakistan Government Servants (Conduct) Rules 1966 and Rules of Business with the view to promote and protect citizens’ right to information. The response from the Punjab government is positive and it has directed Punjab Information Commission to develop recommendations and share it with the government which it has done. We will keep you posted about the developments.

Happy reading,

CPDI

 

India

Two years on, student still fighting for answer book copy

Times of India

... South Gujarat University (VNSGU) has been fighting to get a copy of his answer book for the last two years under the Right to Information Act (RTI).

 

UK

Freedom of Information reveals UK police spend at least £36m a year on comms

PR Week

The role of PR professionals in the police continues to be crucial with 12 forces across the country spending over £1m on comms. News ...

 

UK

UK police requests to access phone calls or emails are granted 93% of the time

The Guardian

The figures, released to Big Brother Watch under freedom of information laws, found there were more than 730,000 requests for communications data ...

 

India

'Matriculate holds several posts in CM's grievance cell'

JAMMU, May 29: Information sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by a social activist has revealed that a matriculate is holding several top ...

 

USA

FOI bill in line for plenary debate, but will it open up SALNs to scrutiny?

InterAksyon

MANILA, Philippines -- Advocates have heightened their push for the passage of the Freedom of Information bill by the House of Representatives with ...

 

USA

10 incidents discovered at the nation's biolabs

USA TODAY

... 2014 at the USDA's Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory in Athens, Ga., records obtained under the Freedom of Information Act show.

 

India

Salman Khan's Hit-and-Run Files Burned in Fire

India West

A recent Right to Information inquiry revealed the 2002 hit-and-run case files of actor Salman Khan, photographed leaving for the Arab-Indo Bollywood ...

 

India

Mineral water worth Rs 4.66 lakh consumed at Maha secretariat: RTI

Zee News

... consumed a total of 24,684 litres of bottled mineral water at a cost of Rs 4.66 lakh in the last 5 months, a Right to Information query has revealed.

 

Australia

Single freedom of information request ends up costing taxpayers $80000

The Canberra Times

The Department of Agriculture has been lashed at a Senate Estimates hearing for an $80,000 review into how it handles freedom of information ...

 

Malta

62 freedom of information requests

Times of Malta

The government has received 62 freedom of information requests since the act came into force, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said this evening.

 

Bahamas

Freedom Of Information Bill Does Not Fix Flaws, Says Expert

Bahamas Tribune

Full consultation and debate prior to enacting a right to information law is appropriate, given its democratic importance and complexity. “However ...

 

India

T fails to take up fight against tobacco menace

Times of India

... a cardiologist, who filed a series of applications under the Right to Information (RTI) Act with two dozen district and state level health authorities on ...

 

USA

Police tasers used on children and elderly

East London and West Essex Guardian Series

Figures released under the Freedom of Information Act show officers used the weapon on 11 people over the age of 60 in the 12 months up to April ...

 

UK

We all had a right to see Prince Charles's letters. But not any more, it seems

The Guardian

However the tightening-up of the Freedom of Information Act brings to an end this brief glimpse into Charles's lobbying. The shutters have come down, ...

 

India

Karnataka Governor Spent Rs 3.5 Crore on Renovation, Chartered flights, Finds RTI Query

NDTV

... office, Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala has spent a hefty Rs 3.5 crore, an application filed under the Right to Information Act, or RTI, has found.

 

India

State health insurance scheme: Money flows to private hospitals

Times of India

According to information obtained through Right To Information (RTI) Act, out of close to Rs 680 crore that was spent on health insurance in the 2013, ...

 

UK

Garden thefts occur 'every eight minutes'

The Independent

Figures compiled from 38 police forces suggest there were more than 60,000 thefts from gardens last year, the study based on freedom of information ...

 

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 101

E - Alert

Issue Date: 05-05-2015

 

 

Editorial:

Greetings from Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI).

The statement came out of nowhere leaving us pleasantly surprised and our perception about politicians suffering from selective amnesia further reinforced. First, the statement. On World Press Freedom Day, former president Asif Ali Zardari said:  “The fact that the RTI legislation had been finalised by the Senate committee almost a year ago but the government, despite promises, has not tabled it in parliament raises serious questions about the intent and motives of the government.”

Taken on its face value, this statement seems to be contributing to the demand for the enactment of effective right to information law repealing FOIO 2002. Leader of country’s major political party championing the cause of transparency. What else can you ask for? After all, this is what CPDI and other civil society groups have been demanding as PMLN has continuously dragged its feet on this issue.  

However, it is when we see this statement in the context of developments pertaining to right to information legislation in the country that our enthusiasm dampens a bit. Furthermore, the failure of Mr. Zardari to dwell upon the lack of development on the repeal of Sindh Freedom of Information Act 2006 is too glaring an omission to go unnoticed. The following timeline depicting not-so-flattering trail of broken promises pertaining to legislation on right to information left behind by PPP after its tenure from 2008 to 2013 juxtaposed with Mr. Zardari’s recent statement and the feed-dragging of PMLN on this issue confirms what is already widely known-both these parties do not walk the talk and that civil society groups will have to mount pressure on politicians to arrest this trend.

May 14, 2006-Pakistan People’s Party and PML-N commit in Charter of Democracy that ‘access to information will become law after parliamentary debate and public scrutiny’.

March 29, 2008-Yousaf Raza Gillani pledges in his address to Parliament soon after being nominated as Prime Minister that a new freedom of information law will be brought to promote press freedom.

September 20, 2008-President Asif Ali Zardari, while addressing the joint session of the Parliament states that “We will soon be bringing other fundamental laws such as freedom of information bill…”

November 21, 2008-As Federal Information Minister, Ms Sherry Rehman states “Freedom of Information bill would shortly be tabled in the parliament after incorporating views of the provincial governments in it”.

 

Happy reading,

CPDI

 

Pakistan

PPP calls for adoption of right to information bill

DAWN.com

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has called for early adoption of the Right to Information (RTI) Bill that has been lying in limbo since...

 

UK

'Racism rising' on Britain's railways, Freedom of Information request finds

Metro

Figures obtained by the Press Association via a Freedom of Information request showed that the British Transport Police recorded a total of 1,468 ...

 

India

RTI reply points to bungling in sale of Army vehicles

Chandigarh Tribune

Replies received under the Right to Information Act (RTI) to queries pertaining to certain financial transactions by the Directorate General of ...

 

Mexico

Mexican Congress expands reach of freedom-of-information law

U-T San Diego

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico's Congress has approved freedom of information legislation that will allow public access to data from almost any entity ...

 

UK

BBC Favours Daily Mail Over The Guardian, Freedom Of Information Request Reveals

Huffington Post UK

The Daily Mail is known for slating the BBC as “Guardian-reading Lefties” but it's going to struggle to get round the findings of a recent Freedom of ...

 

UK

25 pregnant Navy sailors airlifted from ships

Telegraph.co.uk

The figures reported in The Sun were released under the Freedom of Information Act and follow the disclosure last year that 200 women were flown ...

 

India

The secrecy regime

The Hindu

A committee set up by the Union government to look into the provisions of the Official Secrets Act, 1923 (OSA) in light of the Right to Information Act, ...

 

USA

National Guard referred to Ferguson protesters as “enemy forces”

World Socialist Web Site

The documents were obtained by CNN through a Freedom of Information Act request. CNN reported Monday that “internal communications from as ...

 

India

PMO has no information on Modi's wardrobe, says a RTI reply

Hindustan Times

... information sought should be provided is not correct,” the Prime Minister's Office said in a reply to Right To Information application filed by Kumar.

 

USA

Federal agencies fail freedom of information test by Syracuse University

Syracuse.com

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security had the fastest response to requests for public information, in a study by researchers at the Transactional ...

 

UK

UK Government Belated FOI Transparency Lamented By The Man Who Pushed For It, 'Cash ...

Techdirt

The UK's Freedom of Information law was a long time coming. In contrast to the United States government, which (begrudgingly) (and only sort of) ...

 

Sri Lanka

Draft Bill on Right to Information gets Cabinet approval

The Official Government News Portal of Sri Lanka

It was pledged that under the 100 days programme of the government the Draft Bill on Right to Information will be presented to the Parliament.

 

UK

Prince Charles 'black spider memos' may not be released for months

The Guardian

The Guardian challenged this use of the veto under the freedom of information act, and won at the supreme court. Lord Neuberger, the president of the ...

 

Australia

Risdon prison spends tens of thousands on nicotine patches and microwave ovens

ABC Online

Risdon prison has spent $40,000 on nicotine patches for inmates and nearly $1,500 replacing microwaves in the last three months, right to information...

 

India

Step-motherly treatment for non-clinical subjects

The Hindu

Despite the seriousness of the problem efforts to obtain details under the Right to Information elicited no response. The Directorate of Medical ...

 

Canada

1500 school bus crashes since 2010, but contractor info remains secret

Toronto Star

... is the same one journalists often use to uncover government secrets: the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).

 

India

PM Modi's Wife Files Second RTI Appeal on Her Security Cover Issue

NDTV

... Prime Minister Narendra Modi's wife Jashodaben has filed a second appeal under the Right To Information or RTI Act seeking details on the matter.

 

Pakistan

Crossroads Of Despotism

The Nation

The PPP has rightly reminded the government of its promises to implement the Right to Information (RTI) Bill, and it is of utmost importance that the ...

 

India

'Cops Arbitrarily Closed 23pc FIRs in 3 Years'

The New Indian Express

Based on the data obtained through the Right To Information (RTI) Act, Evidence, the Madurai-based NGO working on Dalit issues, has claimed that ...

 

 

India

'Cops Arbitrarily Closed 23pc FIRs in 3 Years'

The New Indian Express

Based on the data obtained through the Right To Information (RTI) Act, Evidence, the Madurai-based NGO working on Dalit issues, has claimed that ...

 

UK

Kent police spent £1.2m on their PR budget in 2014/2015 a Freedom of Information request by the ...

Kent Online

Kent Police is the second highest spender out of county forces when it comes to their PR budget, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

 

Jamaica

New ATI Act to be tabled and passed this parliamentary year

Jamaica Gleaner (subscription)

She said an expert on international access to information/freedom of information law took the recommendations of the joint select committee, and ...

 

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

A newsletter containing news

Description: C:\Documents and Settings\admin\My Documents\My Web Sites\cpdi_logo.33JPG.JPG

A newsletter containing news, views, articles, investigative stories in the field of

Right to Information

From

Around the World

Issue No: 100

E - Alert

Issue Date: 15-04-2015

 

 

Editorial:

 

Greetings from Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI).

We received an interesting response from Additional Secretary (Welfare)/ Public Information Officer for Welfare Wing, S&GAD, Punjab on our request pertaining to the list of passengers of the Punjab government helicopter and number of flights taken from July 01, 2013 to April 02, 2014 filed under the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013. The Punjab government has cited 'security' reasons for not divulging names of those who have used helicopter of the Government of Punjab. Interestingly, we got positive response from Section Officer (Aviation-I) on a similar request for information filed under Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act 2013. Rumours abound about the way Punjab government helicopter is being used and it is in the best interest of the Punjab government that it shares the requested information to put an end to these damaging rumours. Mr. Waseem Abbasi, an investigative journalist is also trying to get access to the similar information and those who are interested in the use of Punjab government helicopter might find the related stories in this issue very interesting. Especially, the Punjab government clarification and the rejoinder by Mr. Abbasi show the effectiveness of RTI as a tool for investigative reporting.

 

Happy reading,

CPDI

 

Punjab CM's copter makes 627 flights costing Rs37 million

ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has spent more time in air then his counterpart in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Pervaiz Khattak as the official helicopter of former was almost used twice daily throughout last year, according to official figures obtained by The News.

The documents provided by the Punjab government revealed that official helicopter of Punjab chief minister took 627 flights from July 2013 to October 2014 which cost national exchequer an amount of Rs37.07 million.

 


Punjab govt clarifies use of helicopter

LAHORE: A Spokesman of Punjab government has taken exception to a news item, published in a section of the press, regarding the government of the Punjab's helicopters flights, costing Rs37 million.

The spokesman said that the official helicopter of the government of the Punjab is only used for legitimate government functions.

 

UK

Prince Charles letters must be disclosed, rules Supreme Court

Out-Law.com

In his leading judgment, Lord Neuberger said that provisions within the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) did not give the attorney general of England ...

 

Canada

Serious access to information reform is needed in Canada

Straight.com

Canada is currently ranked 57th out of the 101 countries on the Centre for Law and Democracy's Right to Information Rating, a comparative ...

 

USA

Lawsuit filed over new lethal-injection law

Arkansas News

... drugs secret violates the prisoners' constitutional rights, including their right to information about procedures the state intends to use to execute

 

India

'Air safety rules wilfully violated at Mumbai airport'

The Indian Express

The DGM's letter is in response to a Right to Information request filed by activist Vishwas Bhamburkar about action taken on safety issues at the airport.

 

USA

Illinois mulls expanded disease list for marijuana program

Macon Telegraph (blog)

... emotional pleas for help, according to 269 pages of petitions obtained by The Associated Press through the state's Freedom of Information Act.

 

USA

Judge Shoots Down 'FOIA Terrorist' Jason Leopold; Says 'Panetta Review' Documents Can Be ...

Techdirt

In a court filing last month as part of a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, a C.I.A. officer said that the review had been stopped abruptly in 2010, had ...

 

India

Intelligence agencies silent on RTI: study

The Hindu

India's top security and intelligence agencies consistently refuse to give out any information about the Right to Information requests they receive, and ...

 

India

Why are CIC posts vacant, Delhi High Court tells government to explain

Economic Times

... why vacancies in the Central Information Commission, the final appellate authority for Right to Information Act, have not been filled for almost a

 

India

NGT asks state to spring into action to curb illegal mining

Times of India

BHOPAL: National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed concern over illegal sand mining in Madhya Pradesh following death of a cop, who was ...

 

Nigeria

I Will Guarantee Lagosians Right to Information – Jimi Agbaje

Daily Times Nigeria

Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Mr. Jimi Agbaje has pledged to ensure Lagosians unfettered right to ...

 

USA

DHS: FOIA Requests Up 182 Percent Under Obama – 5.7 Percent Are Fully Granted

CNSNews.com

... Homeland Security has experienced a 182 percent increase in the number of requests it receives under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) since ...

 

Australia

Australian officials knew of surrogate baby abandonment

ABC Online

Freedom of Information (FOI) documents obtained by the ABC's Foreign Correspondent program reveal startling new information about the case which ...

 

Australia

Peculiar public service job: Strange tasks come with National Museum of Australia jobs

The Canberra Times

Documents obtained by a member of the public via a freedom of information request show damage to the cement base of a statue of 19th Century gold ...

 

UK

Mapped: The world's most open governments

Telegraph.co.uk

The countries were assessed on four categories: publicised laws and government data, right to information, civic participation, and complaint ...

 

India

You can put national calendar dates on cheques, but banks don't know

Times of India

Information sought from RBI through Right to Information (RTI) query filed by city-based activist Abhay Kolarkar clarifies that all nationalized banks ...

 

India

CIC Directs Govt to Bring Pvt Hospitals Under RTI

The New Indian Express

NEW DELHI: The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the Centre and state governments to enforce the Right to Information (RTI) Act to ...

 

 

 

 

Transparency and Right to Information Program
-------------------------------------------- 
Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, Pakistan (CPDI-Pakistan)
Tel: +92 (0) 51-2375158-9; 4319430
URL: 
www.cpdi-pakistan.org

 

TitleDetails
Project TitleCivil Society Engagement for Effective COVID-19 Response
DurationFebruary 2021 – January 2022
Objectivesa) To assess the impact of the government's policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic;
b) To use the findings of the assessment to inform and enrich debate among CSOs for developing appropriate recommendations and government engagement strategy; and
c) To publicise civil society recommendations to inform stakeholders and facilitate meetings among CSOs and government institutions for discussing improved policy response to the COVID-19.
Geographic FocusPakistan
Target Groups and beneficiariesCSOs, Marginalized / vulnerable communities, Health Practitioners, COVID-19 patients and cured and National / Provincial legislator’s/policy makers.
DescriptionCentre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) has initiated a project, with the financial support from the Commonwealth Foundation, in February 2021, titled “Civil Society Engagement for Effective COVID-19 Response” to assess the government COVID-19 response and to generate a debate by engaging Civil Society for facilitating the government in formulation of a feasible strategy to better cope with the pandemic crisis.

The project is supposed to help formulate improved and updated SOPs for COVID-19 patients, inclusive policies for preventing, diagnosing, or treating COVID-19 patients belonging to vulnerable and marginalised groups. Increased budgetary allocations for health sector, especially for COVID-19 response and identification of loopholes in budget utilization. Moreover, the project seeks to improve coordination between CSOs and government agencies, for devising a sustainable feedback mechanisms and consequently for flooring convenient Government's social protection programs for vulnerable groups as well.

TitleDetails
Project TitleStrengthening of Municipal Services to Citizens through improved local governments - Support to Local Government program-II
Commissioned byFederal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, (BMZ)
DurationMay 2021- Feb 2022
Objectives1. To Provide technical assistance to the LGE&RDD KP for developing or improving statutory rules under the LG Act 2013.
2. To provide technical assistance for enhancing regulations, procedures and guidelines for the efficient delivery of identified municipal services.
3. To build capacity of LG staff and elected officeholders through a strengthened Local Governance School (LGS) that delivers training based on enhanced capacity development instruments, tools and approaches.
4. To strengthen the capacity of the Regional Municipal Office (RMO) and the office of Superintending Engineer (SE) for more efficient oversight and monitoring functions.
Geographic FocusKhyber Pakhtunkhwah (KP) - Swat, Haripur, Kohat
Target Groups and beneficiariesLocal Government Elections and Rural Development Department (LGE&RDD) KP, Tehsils Local Governments
DescriptionCPDI and GIZ are implementing a project titled Strengthening of municipal Services to Citizens through improved local governments. Main Aim of the project is to Pilot-test improved mechanism for efficient and effective delivery of municipal services by tehsil local governments and to advise LGE&RDD KP on the institutionalization and upscaling of such pilot approaches. The project is funded by German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
TitleDetails
Project TitleWorld Learning Legislative Fellowship
Duration2011-2015
ObjectivesThe World Learning Legislative Fellowship have following themes and topics related to legislation and governance that may be included in the program, as well as those proposed by participants – multiculturalism, ethnic/religious tolerance, social justice, emerging democracies, grassroots democracy, freedom of the press, environment, building civil society, transparency and government oversight, conflict resolution, economic development, worker rights, and the role of women. The program goals are as follows. Participants will:
1. Gain an understanding of public policy and the role of NGOs in shaping it
2. Explore governance principles and practices in both public and civil society institutions in the U.S.
3. Enhance their appreciation for the role of civil society in the political process
4. Gain a deeper understanding of U.S. society, culture, and people
5. Gain a deeper understanding of the societies, cultures, and people of other countries in the fellows’ region
6. Develop and implement projects or programs in their home country that promote good governance, civil society, and democratic institutions
7. Effect positive change in their workplaces and communities
8. Increase regional cooperation among governments and civil society
9. Create linkages between American and Asian governments, institutions, and citizens
Geographic FocusPakistan
Target Groups and beneficiariesNGOs, Civil Society Activists
DescriptionTo strengthen the understanding of the U.S. legislative branch and civil society’s role in the political process and foster relationships among Asian and American institutions, World Learning (WL) will select 40 NGO leaders and staff from Pakistan to join the 2012-13 South and Central Asia Region Legislative Fellows Program (LFP). The selected Pakistani participants will join their counterparts from across the region and actively take part in LFP, which is a two-way exchange project for professionals and young leaders from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and the U.S. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of State. WL is an American educational and development organization with decades of training, exchange, and youth leadership development experience. Through the program 80 young emerging leaders from the ten Asian countries and 26 from the U.S. will gain knowledge and leadership skills to become more engaged in their communities, learn about their regional colleagues and discover each group members’ ethnically, religiously, and nationally diverse background.
LFP will increase the institutional capacity of local and national NGOs in Pakistan as a result of the active participation of selected Pakistani NGO leaders and staff. Through professional fellowships, experiential activities, dialogues, site visits, and training modules, participants will have the opportunity to increase their understanding of U.S. civil society while engaging in civic life in the United States. Participants will explore facets unique to each country’s history and identity, and engage in discussion and educational activities that promote learning on an academic and a personal level.
The World Learning Organization in collaboration with its partner organization Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives, (CPDI) will implement Legislative Fellows Program in Pakistan. CPDI will facilitate WL in selection process of the candidates.

TitleDetails
TitleLong Term Election Observation and Oversight in Pakistan, (LTEOOP)
Project DurationJanuary 2013 - December 2013
Project Objectives1. To strengthen democratic institutions in Pakistan by contributing to transparent and accountable electoral process.
2. To observe the pre-election and election day process
3. Advocacy for corrective measures for electoral reforms
Geographic FocusRawalpindi, Jhelum, Jhang, Sargodah, Chiniot, Khushab, Toba Tek Singh
Target Groups and beneficiariesElection Stake Holders
DescriptionTDEA-FAFEN is implementing the European Union (EU)-funded, Long-Term Election Observation and Oversight in Pakistan (LTEOOP) in partnership with its member organizations, covering all the National Assembly constituencies across Pakistan. CPDI in collaboration of TDEA-FAFEN will implement LTEOOP in 25 National Assembly Constituencies of seven districts in Punjab.
The overall objective of the TDEA-FAFEN strategy is to strengthen democratic institutions in Pakistan by contributing to transparent and accountable electoral processes. Free and fair elections are a vital element of democratic processes. The freedom and fairness of elections are not confined to Election Day. All aspects of the electoral cycle contribute to the freedom and fairness of elections and the democratic process as a whole. TDEA-FAFEN is implementing a long term observation programme as part of its overall election observation methodology, encompassing the monitoring of both pre and post electoral processes.
Under this program CPDI will recruit seven District Long Term Observers (for 10 months), 25 Constituency Long Term Observers (for 3 months), Two Assistant District Long Term Observers (for 3 months) and an Election Observation Manager (12 months) to execute the project. All LTEOOP staff will monitor the election related activities daily in their respective constituencies during the pre-election phase and report to FAFEN online reporting portal daily. CPDI will further recruit 4310 short term observers for Election Day observation in 25 constituencies. After the execution of election observation the LTEOOP District Long Term Observers will hold the advocacy campaigns on the electoral reforms in their respective districts which aim to reforms the electoral process in Pakistan.
TitleDetails
Project TitleContent Development and Management
for Pakistan Elections Information Web Portal (PEIWP)
Duration One Year (Apr 2013 – Mar 2014)
Objectives1. To sensitize the voters community, with a focus on Youth, Women and marginalized groups, and other electoral stakeholders like political parties, civil society organizations etc. on the importance of the political process and to motivate them to actively participate in the electoral processes;
2. To provide a one-stop resource to people of Pakistan about election related news, views and Information;
3. To produce voter education material to enhance the understanding of voters about political and electoral system of Pakistan.
Geographic FocusNational
Target Groups and beneficiariesVoters of Pakistan 2013 elections, political parties and civil society organizations
DescriptionThe project is aimed to sensitize Citizens of Pakistan on the power of their vote and thus serve as a catalyst in increasing the voter turnout. The project activities intend to produce a variety of audio-visual resource material to assist the voters in understanding the voting process extensively and also to motivate him/her to cast their vote. The project material, which comprises e-booklets, documentary, election jingle, democracy games, monthly newsletter, animations, online election analysis and quizzes on political concepts and facts etc, is all intended to be disseminated via utilization of web-technology as the primary means. It is envisaged that the project would connect the citizens of Pakistan in the electoral process and empower them in playing their part towards building a democratic Pakistan.
DetailTitle
Project TitleParliament Watch Pakistan (PWP)
Project Duration July 2011-June 2013
Objectives1. To observe the proceedings of parliament and share the reports with the voters.
2. To get the observation data on a specially designed check list based on rules and procedures of the parliament and generate qualitative reports of working of house and performance of members thereof.
3. To make the performance of houses and the members available for further research and advocacy.
Geographic FocusNational (National Assembly and Senate)
Target Groups and beneficiariesElected representatives, Voters
DescriptionThe project is aimed at getting an independent insight into the performance of the parliament and the individual elected representatives based on a scientific study that is supported by direct observation of permanent observers. The observation of the observers will be reported on a well designed check list that will be based on the rules and procedures of the relevant house of parliament. The project will disseminate observation information to all stakeholders i.e. parliamentarians, civil society and the voters. Purpose of dissemination of this information will be to bring improvements in the working of parliament and open new avenues of public accountability in Pakistan.
TitleDetails
Project TileStrengthening Gender Legal Framework for combating Violence against Women
Duration15 Months (October 2010-December 2011)
Project Objectives







1. To accomplish action oriented research study on implementation deficit of gender legal framework for combating violence against women
2. To capacitate the officials in legal structures for gender sensitive approach to support women victim in target areas
3. To inform and undertake advocacy campaign with civil society, government machinery and legislators for proposed gender sensitive reforms in legal structures to promote gender justice
Geographic FocusDistrict Jhelum, Khushab, Lahore, Muzaffar Garh
Target Groups and beneficiariesGeneral Communities, Lawyers, Police Department, Crisis Centers( Women Protection Centers), Public Helath Department, Legislators, Civil Society, Women Development department, Provincial CEDAW Committee
DescriptionGeneral Communities, Lawyers, Police Department, Crisis Centers( Women Protection Centers), Public Helath Department, Legislators, Civil Society, Women Development department, Provincial CEDAW Committee
TitleDetails
Project TitleWomen Political & Parliamentary Development
Objectives1. To support a vibrant and strong Women MPs’ Caucus in developing leadership skills.
2. To Provide Women MPs Caucus with technical support in conducting researches on the topics of their interests
Duration 7 months(August 1, 2010 to February 28,2011)
Geographic FocusIslamabad
Target Groups and beneficiariesWomen Legislators, Police Department and Women Development Department.
DescriptionWomen Political and Parliamentary Development project aims to strengthen Women Parliamentarians Caucus (WPC) by providing institutional support and building capacities of WPC members in order to enable them to play an effective role in the parliamentary processes. Under research component of the project 7 research reports were developed to capacitate the Women Parliamentary Caucus on topics as follows:
Gender analysis of National education Policy 2009
Parliamentary brief on free and compulsory education
Gender base analysis of Police Order 2002
Parliamentary brief on Women Policing in Pakistan
Towards new legislation to combat burn violence in Pakistan
Rising from the ashes: Medical treatment of burn patients and victim of burn violence
Parliamentary brief on home based workers
TitleDetails
Project TitleDeveloping Employability Skills among Educated Youth
Supported ByUmeed Jawan
Project Durationone year
Objectives1. To Train 1540 (approximately 65%-35% male-female ratio) graduate and post graduate youth from four target districts on employability skills by May 2015;
2. To minimize the skill-gap of educated graduate and post graduate students and enhance their civic education and knowledge on governance;
3. To enable youth to act as ambassadors of peace in their localities and reduce their vulnerability to join violent groups and by providing them employability skills and civic education
Geographic FocusMultan, Bahawalpur, Muzaffargarh and Lodhran
Target Groups and Beneficiaries: The direct number of beneficiaries will be 1540 graduate and post-graduate youth of south Punjab (660 from Multan, 440 from Bahawalpur, 220 from Muzaffargarh and 220 from Lodhran). CPDI will endeavor to ensure 35% female participation in the program.
The indirect beneficiaries will be 9240 (average household size taken at six people) members of families of the direct beneficiaries.
Description:CPDI’s Skills for Peace Initiative aims to prevent youth from joining violent groups by imparting employable-skills training so they have better career prospective and providing them civic education so that they can participate actively in improving governance and propagate the message of peace and harmony in the society by serving as ambassadors of peace. To achieve this objective, CPDI will train these youth in four skill development and civic education centers set up in district headquarters. Youth benefiting from this activity would belong to all 18 tehsils of the four project districts.
With the support of Umeed Jawan, CPDI will invite graduate and post-graduate degree awarding institutes and universities of all four districts to train a total of 1540 graduate and post-graduate students. CPDI will liaison with job sector offering employment opportunities and government institutions to arrange exposure visits on governance for the students.
TitleDetails
Project TitleCivil Society and Police Reform in South Asia
Project Duration Three Years (Jan 1, 2013 – Dec 31, 2015)
Project Objectives1. Contributing to enable civil society in South asia to play a greater role in the promotion of human rights and accountability in policing;
2. Build in-country knowledge of civil society in order to monitor reform initiatives and engage with policy makers and governments on police reforms;
3. Enhance public awareness of citizens’ rights vis-à-vis state authorities;
4. Build capacity of existing in-country external oversight mechanisms in order to strengthen police accountability;
5. Strengthen the regional network of CSOs, catalyse a regional debate and exchange of best practices on police reforms and orient it in accord with international human rights standards.
Geographic FocusNational
StatusCurrent
Target Groups and beneficiariesPolice and Citizens
DescriptionCentre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) is implementing a project on “Civil Society and Police Reform in South Asia”, lead by FNF and Funded by European Union (EU). The project focuses on police accountability and is being implemented in India, Maldives, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The project includes comprehensive research activities, multimedia campaigns on citizens’ rights, capacity building of CSOs and multistakeholder forums for discussion and dialogue. The project aims to generate an informed debate on democratic policing through a comprehensive research base, increase public awareness on citizens’ rights, having more informed police reform advocates in the region and constructing a vibrant regional network through multi-stakeholder forums for discussion and dialogue.
TitleDescription
TItleProject Title: Citizens’ Oversight of Federalism in Context of 18th Amendment

Supported by: USAID
Duration:October 2013 to November 2014 (14 Months)
Project ObjectivesThis project has been conceived and designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. To carry out action-oriented and policy relevant research, which is based on sound understanding of implementation related challenges and which provides practical ideas for progress in terms of people-oriented and more efficient implementation.

2. To improve public awareness about the salient features of 18th amendment, any implementation gaps, and how it should be implemented in relation to the selected sectors for the benefit of public and to ensure maximum public participation, transparency and public accountability.

3. To oversee the progress in terms of implementation of 18th amendment and highlight the progress as well as gaps with the aim of drawing the attention of relevant authorities.

4. To build capacity of journalists and civil society activists in terms of effective reporting or oversight of as well as engagement with authorities about the issues related to 18th amendment.

5. To promote use of available accountability mechanisms for the purpose of ensuring that pace of implementation improves in manner that is consistent with best practices and ensures public participation in all its phases.
Geographic Focus: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)
Target Groups:Media/CSOs/Political Parties
DescriptionThe 18th constitutional amendment has significantly changed the nature of relationship between the Federal government and the provinces in Pakistan. It included 102 amendments, whereby various provisions of the 1973 constitution were amended, substituted, added to, or deleted. It has transferred a large number of powers, responsibilities and institutions to the provinces, and hence has empowered them to be able to efficiently respond to public needs, demands and aspirations at the provincial levels without needing approvals or concurrence from the Federal government. The reforms through the 18th amendment were widely agreed by political parties and appreciated by civil society, especially in the smaller provinces of the country.
The 18th amendment is, nevertheless, consistent with the long-standing demands of nationalist political parties, as well as those who believed that a strong Federation would be possible only through stronger federating units. It is also in line with the best practices in
relation to governance, which revolve around the principles like devolution, decentralization, subsidiarity, transparency and accountability. It is because the people can have more effective and stronger say when authority, power or responsibility is vested in institutions that are located closer to them.In Pakistan, however, the biggest challenges usually relate to implementation of laws,
policies or constitutional provisions. The implementation capacities are generally weak, whereas vested interests or players with interests in status quo also seek to obstruct or delay implementation of specific reforms. In relation to the 18th amendment, it is generally believed that bureaucracy at the Federal level is not willing to loose control and, therefore, has been offering resistance, which has slowed down the implementation process. Certain segments of political class also find it difficult to adjust with the new reality marked by a leaner Federal government and stronger provinces. On the other hand, provincial governments do not have the requisite technical capacities to quickly absorb the new powers, responsibilities and institutions within the existing scope of provincial jurisdiction. In this regard, they face numerous challenges including the following:
Laws, rules and procedures: As a result of changes in the constitutional framework, the provinces need to adopt the hitherto Federal laws, as per the needs of the respective province, or amend existing provincial laws to make them compatible with the scope of newly assigned responsibilities, or enact new laws, as required. Similarly, various rules and procedures also need to be improved and updated.Administrative measures and oversight mechanisms: The provincial governments need to take appropriate administrative measures to manage the departments, institutions, assets and human resources, which have been or are to be shifted to them, as well as to ensure the existence of appropriate oversight mechanisms. In certain cases, there will be a need to establish new wings or even departments to manage various responsibilities.Policy framework: In several instances, the provincial governments need to either come up with policies or adjust existing policies with the post 18th amendment situation. Relevant examples may include education policy and health policy, which used to be Federal in scope but now each province will need to have one exclusively of its own.Financial measures: While new powers, responsibilities and institutions are transferred to the provinces, there exist a range of questions about how the relevant financial requirements will be met. There exist controversies as well as confusions, which need to be clarified, besides ensuring that provinces are able to receive or raise required resources.Most importantly, as of now, the role of civil society in the context of implementation of 18th amendment is conspicuous by its absence. It is due to multiple reasons such as limited interest and capacities within the civil society as well as technical nature of interventions and engagement with the relevant authorities. Yes, it is imperative that civil society organizations come forward and play their role in terms of creating public awareness, developing or organizing the pro-reform constituency, undertaking effective oversight of the implementation process, engaging with authorities to highlight gaps or give public input, and hold the authorities accountable in case of any lapses, problems or inefficiencies.In view of the above, this project will be implemented in the province of KPK with a focus on education, health, food and agriculture. Most of the research, government oversight, and policy advocacy will be with the focus on provincial government or, though minimally, with the federal government. Besides, the project will undertake public awareness and consultation meetings or events in three main districts, which are Peshawar, Abbottabad and Mardan. CPDI has strong presence, connections as well as experience of working in these districts.
TitleDetails
Project TitlePromoting Transparent and Accountable Public Procurement Regime in Pakistan
Supported byAffiliated Network for Social Accountability (ANSA SAR)
Duration1 year, November 1, 2011 to October 31, 2012
Project Objectives1. Strengthening accountability mechanisms through the use RTI and procurement legal regime
2. Informed policy discourse on transparent and accountable practices public procurement
Geographic FocusNational
Target Groups and beneficiariesPolitical parties, elected representatives, public officials, journalists, civil society organizations, procurement authorities
DescriptionThis project raised awareness about procurement processes in public bodies and lacunas in this regard were highlighted by conducting and disseminating research studies taking into loop procurement processes adopted by public bodies.
TitleDetails
Project TitleSupporting Transparency, Accountability and Electoral Process in Pakistan
Duration February , 2011 to September, 2013
Objectives1. Governance Monitoring to ensure quality of services provided to the general public
2. Formation of Constituency Relation Groups to foster local level accountabilities with the objective of enhancing the responsiveness of elected representatives and public officials.
3. Increase public awareness about political and electoral violence and get support for its prevention and reduction.
4. Election Observation of all By- Elections and General Election 2013 to make the process more transparent and inclusive
5. CNIC and Voter registration to increasing citizens’ participation in democratic process
6. Parliamentary Watch to bring the performance of ER to limelight.
Geographic FocusNA51, NA54, NA55, NA56(Rawalpindi), NA63(Jhelum), NA66, NA67, NA68 (Sargodha), NA70 (Khushab), NA87, NA89 (Jhang), NA93 (Toba Tek Singh)
Target Groups and beneficiariesConstituents of all above mention 12 constituencies
PublicationsRequirement for an Access to Information Law in Punjab
DescriptionThe main aim of STAEP is to ensure more effective, transparent and accountable governance by increasing citizen's participation in ensuring transparency and accountability of elected and public institutions. Further program is to ensure democratic processes in Pakistan are more open, inclusive, efficient and accountable to citizens through multiple interventions; Improving the responsiveness of elected representatives to their constituents; Enhancing electoral reforms and citizen participation in democratic processes; Improving civic education on democratic rights and responsibilities etc.
TitleDetails
Project TitleVoter Education Project
DurationSep 2012 to May 2013
Objectives1. Mapping of 0% women turnout polling areas and ascertaining the reasons of low turnout in General Election 2008.

2. Mobilization campaign in targeted areas to raise women turnout up to 10 % in general election 2013.
Geographic FocusNA-64, NA-65 ( Sargodha) , NA-68 (Jhang cum Chiniot)
Target Groups and beneficiariesWomen Voters, Political Parties, Political Workers, Candidates and Community.
TitleDetails
Project TitleActive Citizenship Program
(ACP)
Duration October , 2011 to June 2012
Objectives1. To motivate the youth to work for their community and inculcate the importance of active citizenship in them.
2. To Build the capacity of youth and prepare them for Social Action Projects.
3. It aims to contribute to positive social change locally and globally by establishing an enduring international network of young leaders who act together to address grass-root initiatives around the world.
4. It also encourages these young leaders to play a bigger role in their local communities by engaging thought influencers through dialogue, and through civic engagement with community-based organizations.
Geographic FocusNational
Target Groups and beneficiariesYouth
TitleDetails
Project TitleDemocratic Governance Program
DurationJuly 2009 to January 2011
Objectives1. Governance Monitoring to ensure quality of services provided to the general public
2. Formation of Constituency Relation Groups to foster local level accountabilities with the objective of enhancing the responsiveness of elected representatives and public officials.
3. Increase public awareness about political and electoral violence and get support for its prevention and reduction.
4. Election Observation of all By- Elections and General Election 2013 to make the process more transparent and inclusive
5. CNIC and Voter registration to increasing citizens’ participation in democratic process
Geographic FocusNA51, NA54, NA56(Rawalpindi), NA63(Jhelum), NA67, NA68 (Sargodha), NA70 (Khushab), NA87, NA89 (Jhang), NA93 (Toba Tek Singh)
Target Groups and beneficiariesConstituents of all above mention 10 constituencies
DescriptionDemocratic Governance Program aims to increase accountabilities in public departments and make them responsive through public accountabilities. The primary objective is to encourage active citizenry to hold elected representatives accountable and answerable to their constituents. Program also ensures more open, inclusive and efficient democratic process.
TitleDetails
Project TitleConstituency Relation Project
DurationAugust to November 2008
Objectives1. Formation of Constituency Relations Group (CRG) comprising 25 citizens to bridge gap between elected representatives and the constituents.
2. Active citizenship to ensure that elected representatives are responsive, and meeting their words as they have promised.
3. Identification of governance issue through FGDs to raise demand for its solutions from the platform of CRG.
Geographic FocusNA51, NA54 (Rawalpindi), NA65,66 (Sargodha), NA69,70 (Khushab), NA63 (Jhelum), NA89(Jhang), NA93, NA94 (Toba Tek Singh)
Target Groups and beneficiariesConstituents and elected representatives of all above mention constituencies
DecriptionConstituency Relations Project will encourage active citizenship and empower the constituents to make their elected representatives accountable. Constituency Relations Groups formed in each constituency will identify local issues of governance and will raise public demands and will hold constituency forums, interface meetings with elected representatives, organize seminars and other advocacy activities to get the public demands met. CRGs will also work as a bridge between the electors and the elected.
TitleDetails
Project TitlePromoting Public Accountability through Right to Information in Pakistan
Supported byFoundation Open Society Institute Pakistan (FOSIP)
DurationDecember 01, 2010 to June 2017
Project Objectives1. Strengthening Demand Side for RTI
2. Mainstreaming RTI in National and Provincial Policy Discourse
Geographic FocusNational
Target Groups and beneficiariesPolitical parties, elected representatives, public officials, journalists, civil society organizations and grass root activists of 8 districts of Punjab
DescriptionThis project aims at consolidating the critical achievements and builds upon the gains of CPDI initiatives on transparency and right to information in partnership with Foundation Open Society Institute. CPDI started partnership with OSI in December 2010 and the project completed in December 2011.

The proposed project is spanned over a period of three years. The project was implemented in 4 districts of the Punjab in first year and would be extended to 2 more districts from second year of the project. CPDI is focusing on initiatives pertaining to advocacy efforts for the enactment of effective right to information laws and implementation of the existing ones by focusing both the demand and supply side.
TitleDetails
Project TitleStrengthening RTI Movement by Building National RTI Coalition
Supported byFoundation Open Society Institute Pakistan (FOSIP)
DurationDecember 1, 2012 to June 2017
Project Objectives1. Providing a platform to civil society groups for collective efforts for implementation of RTI laws and knowledge sharing.

2. Creating demand for enactment of right to information laws according to international best practices of right to information legislation;
Geographic FocusNational
Target Groups and beneficiariesPolitical parties, elected representatives, public officials, journalists, civil society organizations
DescriptionThis project is aimed at providing common platform to civil society organization to launch efforts to protect and promote right to information in the country. It has been a successful effort as civil society organizations have been able to pool in their resources to further strengthen their advocacy initiatives giving impetus to right to information movement in the country.
TitleDetails
Project TitleStrengthening Investigative Journalism through Right to Information
Supported byUSAID
DurationFrom: February ,2014 To March, 2015(13 Months)
Project Objectives1. To establish an Information Clearing House (ICH), which can assess the information requirement of journalists and the challenges they face in accessing information; and take timely steps to facilitate them in obtaining information from public bodies by using existing laws including RTI laws
2. To build and strengthen the capacity of ICH in such a way that it can handle the increasing number of information requests including submission and follow up of complaints where public bodies unfairly deny or delay access to information
3. To share with journalists the information collected from public bodies on critical issues of public importance to support their reporting and investigative stories
4. To enable journalists to improve their reporting techniques and promote investigative journalism by utilizing the Right to Information legislation
Geographic FocusPunjab
Target Groups and beneficiariesMedia/ Journalists
DescriptionThis project aims to build the capacity of journalists to use RTI laws for the purpose of investigative reporting. The journalists, both from print and electronic media, will be trained in use of RTI in investigative reporting. The project team will keep a strong follow up with trained journalists and will keep on encouraging them to use RTI for investigative reporting
TitleDetails
Project TitleBuilding Capacity of Civil Society Organizations on Using Social Audit Tools
Supported byFoundation Open Society Institute Pakistan (FOSIP, Open Society Foundation’s Human Rights Initiative (OSFHRI)
Duration1 Month, June 15, 2013 to July 15, 2013
Project Objectives1. To impart training on the use of tools for social audits to 42 civil activists, 14 per training.
2. To bring debate on the use of tools for social audits in mainstream development discourse
Geographic FocusNational
Target Groups and beneficiariesCivil society organizations, media
DescriptionThis short term project aims at learning from the success stories in the region and beyond and further strengthen CSOs work on social accountability by imparting training on the use of social audit technique and bringing social accountability into mainstream development tools.
TitleDetails
Project TitleRTI diagnostic study
Supported ByThe Asia Foundation
Project Duration Three months (Feb 2013 – Apr 2013)
Project Objectives1. To analyze the political commitment and legal framework facilitating citizens’ access to information in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
2. To evaluate the implementation of the RTI Act or transparency provisions in other laws in terms of the setting up of adequate, appropriate and empowered institutional structures and processes to facilitate citizens’ access to information.
3. To assess the ease with which citizens can access information;
4. To assess the role of the media and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as users, facilitators, and educators of the RTI Act or transparency provisions in other laws.
5. To collect primary and secondary data on identified parameters to establish a baseline on the evolution of the information regime and the implementation of various information laws.
6. To formulate recommendations for strengthening the country’s access to information regime.
Geographic FocusNational
Target Groups and beneficiariesCivil Society, legislatures and public at large
DescriptionThis study, supported by TAF is the first of its kind endeavor in Pakistan that aims to evaluate the situation of right to information, gauging both the demand and supply side of information access mechanism, in extensive detail. Conducted simultaneously in four countries of South Asia, the study would utilize both quantitative and qualitative research tools to unearth the condition of the essential elements that RTI mechanism in Pakistan comprises. This study is vital as it seeks to identify the barriers that cripple the access to information regime at all administrative tiers and the problems/challenges prevailing therein. For Pakistan, the timing of the study is also very crucial- while the new Right to Information bill is under deliberation of legislatures at the Federal level, at the provincial level, efforts are currently underway, in both Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to enact provincial legislations on RTI. This study is expected to serve as an impetus to the efforts undertaken in Pakistan to bestow citizens with their constitutional right to information.
TitleDetails
Project TitleRTI Campaign – Federal Access To Information Network (FATIN)
Supported ByFriedrich Naumann Foundation
Project DurationOne Year (Jan 2013 –Dec 2013)
Project Objectives1. To engage policy-makers, government, media organizations, civil society, state institutions and academia within Pakistan to implement The Freedom of Information (FoI) Ordinance.
2. To pursue a programme of Federal Access To Information Network that develops and advocates a discourse among the fresh graduates and emerging leaders of youth to exercise their right to information
Geographic FocusFederal
Target Groups and beneficiariesLegislatures, government official, journalists, Academia, Civil Society and Citizenry
DescriptionThe 2013 Right to Information (RTI) campaign, supported by Friedrich Naumann Foundation, focuses specifically upon sensitizing youth leaders from the Federal Capital, Islamabad on RTI. The campaign aims to select a pool of talented students via an online competition phase on RTI and direct the efforts of these students towards filing information requests in pre-specified sectors. The campaign would build upon the prior year’s endeavors to recognize RTI as an enabling right. All the stages of the campaign would be documented via a documentary. The involvement of parents, peers and teachers of the students would help in first hand dissemination of awareness on RTI, while the involvement of media would ensure that the message reaches citizenry across Pakistan.
TitleDetails
Project TitleEngaging Stakeholders for Freedom of Information Ordinance and its Implementation
Supported ByThe Asia Foundation
DurationSix months, July 01, 2006, to December 31, 2006
Projects Objectives1. Building capacity of CSOs in integrating RTI in their work
2. Raising demand for enactment of effective RTI laws
Geographic FocusNational
Target Groups and beneficiariesCSOs, elected representatives, public officials
DescriptionThis short term project helped develop capacity of Islamabad based civil society organizations on the use of right to information in order to achieve their objectives. A regional conference on right to information was also organized in which delegates from South Asia participated.
TitleDetails
Project TitleStrengthening Transparency and Accountability Mechanism in KPK
Supported byUSAID
Duration1 year,
From: March,2013 To February, 2014
Project Objectives1. To raise public awareness of Right to Information, the windows of opportunities it opens and how the corruption can be reduced using the Right to Information tool;
2. To build the capacity of journalists, civil society organizations and local opinion leaders to use the RTI tools efficiently and thus creating a huge demand for RTI;
3. To sensitize and build the capacity of public officials to respond positively to the citizen demand of information
4. To design and implement a comprehensive campaign for reforms in transparency and accountability mechanisms at provincial level
Geographic FocusKhyber Pakhtunkhwa districts of Peshawar, Mardan, Abbottabad, Mansehra
Target Groups and beneficiariesPolitical parties, elected representatives, public officials, journalists, civil society organization, youth
DescriptionThis project aims at strengthening accountability and transparency mechanism in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province and generating awareness at grassroots level about using different tools to combat corruption. Furthermore, this project will critically analyze the existing anti-corruption mechanisms and would advocate for reforms where required. The project will also raise awareness among public regarding corruption in government bodies and will strengthen citizens’ voice against corruption.
TitleDetails
Project TitleRight to Information Campaign
Supported ByFriedrich Naumann Foundation
Project Duration One Year (Jan 2012 – Dec 2012)
Project Objectives1. To engage policy-makers, government, media organizations, civil society, state institutions and academia within Pakistan to implement The Freedom of Information (FoI) Ordinance.
2. To develop and advocate a discourse centered on the values of equitable democratic and social entitlements – the purpose is to initiate the public dialogue amongst the stakeholders.
3. Building momentum for Right to Information law in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces.
Geographic FocusFederal Capital, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces
Target Groups and beneficiariesLegislatures, government official, journalists, Academia, Civil Society and Citizenry
DescriptionThe 2012 Right to Information campaign, supported by Friedrich Naumann Foundation, focuses upon sensitizing and generating debate amongst various stakeholders, comprising civil society, public and the government institutions on the importance of having a functional access to information mechanism. The campaign constitutes workshops, seminars and a conference at the Federal as well as provincial level in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Apart from these events, the campaign seeks to enable the recognition of Right to Information as an enabling right via development of four animated spots and the publication of a booklet “Right to Information- an enabling right
TitleDetails
Project TitleJournalist Training for Effective use of Right to Information
Supported byBritish High commission
Duration1 year, July 09, 2007 to July 08, 2008
ObjectivesBuilding capacity of journalists in using RTI as tool for investigative reporting
Geographic FocusNational
Target Groups and beneficiariesPrint media journalists
TitleDetails
Project TitleEngaging Stakeholders for Freedom of Information Ordinance and its Implementation
Supported ByThe Asia Foundation
DurationSix months, July 01, 2006, to December 31, 2006
Projects Objectives1. Building capacity of CSOs in integrating RTI in their work
2. Raising demand for enactment of effective RTI laws
Geographic FocusNational
Target Groups and beneficiariesCSOs, elected representatives, public officials
DescriptionThis short term project helped develop capacity of Islamabad based civil society organizations on the use of right to information in order to achieve their objectives. A regional conference on right to information was also organized in which delegates from South Asia participated.
TitleDetails
Project TitleStrengthening Civil Society to Improve Accountability
Supported ByNational Endowment for Democracy(NED)
Project DurationOne Year (Feb 2015 – Jan 2016)
Project Objectives1. To analyze budgets of the provincial government and share reports with partners and stakeholders for debate and policy influence.
2. To form a network of different civil society organizations, academia and NGOs named “Citizens Network for Budget Accountability, CNBA” for monitoring of the budget at district level.
3. To provide facilitation and technical support to CNBA so that it can continue to efficiently monitor the use of public funds and take initiatives to make the relevant public authorities accountable.
4. To inform and sensitize key officials of district so that they could positively respond to demands of civil society by establishing transparent procedures, implement participatory budgeting, effective monitoring and democratic accountability of the use of public funds
5. To provide platforms for discussion on main concerns related to development priorities of the present government.
6. To provide technical assistance to district governments in developing their own districts websites where the budget of last three years can be placed.
7. Advocacy for transparency and public participating in the budget making process.
Geographic FocusPunjab
Target Groups and beneficiariesGeneral Public and District Governments of the Punjab.
PublicationsDistrict Budget Punjab-Study of Budget Making Process at District Level
DescriptionWith the support of National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) has been implementing a project on “Strengthening Civil Society to Improve Accountability” since February 2006. Initially, the project was implemented only in the Rawalpindi district but, later, its scope was expanded to district Jhang in 2008-09 and district Khushab in 2009-10. Main objective of the project is ‘to promote democratization by establishing and strengthening mechanisms of enhanced public participation in monitoring and accountability of use of public funds by public authorities in the districts of the Punjab. In 2013-14, CPDI will take the gargantuan step of widening the scope of the project further to cover all 36 districts of the Punjab.
The project will consist of a comprehensive study of budget process in 36 districts of the Punjab. This study will look into the budget making process at district level with the lens of accountability, transparency and public participation. As a result of this study, long-term engagement will be made with district governments to improve the process of budget making. Civil Society Organizations, academia and NGOs from different districts will be involved for the accomplishment of this purpose and a network named “Citizens Network for Budget Accountability” will be made. CPDI will provide facilitation and technical support to CNBA so that it can continue to efficiently monitor the use of public funds and take initiatives to make the relevant public authorities accountable.
Under this program CPDI will also be giving these district governments the technical support for developing their website where the budget of last three years will be placed. This would be a step towards open and transparent district government.
TitleDetails
Project TitleOur Money Our Responsibility
Supported ByIlm Ideas, DAI-DFID
Objectives1. To analyze education budgetary allocations and disbursements at provincial and district levels
2. To identify the leakage in the education budget at district, school and SC level
3. To identify the issues of inefficiencies at the school level
4. To collect and analyze information on access, quality and satisfaction of beneficiaries of education services
5. To propose a set of recommendations for policy and decision makers
Geographic FocusJhang & Toba Tek Sngh
Target Groups and beneficiariesSchools and school going children
DescriptionPublic Expenditure Tracking Survey (PETS) is an important tool to track the flow of resources to the lowest tier of administration. Likewise in Punjab, the education budget is extremely low which in turn results in low educational outcomes. As observed inn previous fiscal years, even the intended allocations do not reach out to the users of that service in the education sector. Leakage in education is rampant. Most of the time, education allocations either go to salary or development of infrastructure, very little remains for operational expenses. In most of the schools, non-salary budget is non-existent and in some, well below the requirements. Such situation compels the school administration charging school increments' on a monthly basis which exert extra pressure on the already poverty stricken people. This PETS along with government and citizen report card on service delivery will help document the leakage, inefficiencies and procedural disbursement bottlenecks. The production of research report will be followed by district dialogues and annual conference on education governance in provincial capital engaging a wide range of stakeholders on issues of common interest in the education sector in Punjab.
TitleDetails
Project TitleWorkshop on Budget Analysis and Budget Advocacy (Consultation)
Duration5 Days (Sept 28-Oct 2, 2010)
Objectives1) Budget literacy – understanding budget documents (national, provincial and district)
2) Understanding the budget cycle targets and opportunities for advocacy (Preparation, Enactment/Legislation, Execution, Key indicators to monitor and Public Expenditure review)
3) Analyzing Budget (Current and Development Budget)
4) Budget Tracking
Geographic FocusIslamabad
Target Groups and beneficiariesAction Aid and its project partners.
DescriptionBudget making in Pakistan has traditionally been an exclusive domain of the government, as people could not access or analyze the relevant information in a timely manner. Most of the public has no knowledge of the budget making process at district level and could not differentiate between the development, non-development and current budget. To ensure the people centered budget making and to promote transparency in the utilization of the budget, people should have complete knowledge about its making process and have eagerness and skill to monitor it. There is a dire need for building relevant budget tracking capacities in the civil society and articulating and advocating peoples-centered budget making. With this background in mind, Action Aid Pakistan is arranging a workshop on Budget Analysis and Advocacy for its project partners. Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) is the implementing partner.
Main activities of the workshop will include:
Basic concepts of budget (including budget terminology)
Budget, types of Budget, Budget Cycle
Discussion on District Government; its structure and salient features
Fiscal Transfers
Advocacy
Budget Training
Current Budget
Analyzing the Current Budget
Understanding Development Budgets with special focus on education
Budget Advocacy -- Identifying Issues and Developing an Agenda for Advocacy
Freedom of information and its relation to budget work
TitleDetails
Project TitleBudget, Humaray Masail Aur Zimaydariyaan (A pictorial toolkit on Budget Advocacy)
Duration4 months (May -Sept, 2010)
Project ObjectivesA pictorial toolkit for better understanding of budget and budgetary process for common man. It includes basic concepts of budget, budget terminology, why and who makes the budget, spending of public money, whom to consult for queries and responsibilities as a citizen.
Geographic FocusIslamabad
Target Groups and beneficiariesAction Aid, project partners, CSOs and general public.
Description: Consultation – To develop a pictorial toolkit for better understanding of budget and budgetary process for common man

TitleDetails
Project TitleEducation Budget of Selected Districts
(Comparative Analysis)
DurationDec 2009
Project Objectives1) To review the budget making process for the education sector and assess whether it is effective and how it could be improved;

2) To analyze the budget documents relating to the education sector, especially from the perspectives of allocations, priorities, gender and regional or urban/ rural areas;

3) To examine the implementation of education sector budget, especially the problem of low utilization, and analyze the role of relevant institutions;

4) To identify the weaknesses and gaps at various stages of budget cycle as well as in relation to relevant procedures or responsible organizations, and make appropriate recommendations for improvement.
Geographic FocusIslamabad, Faisalabad, Multan, Jhelum, Abbottabad and Nowshera
Target Groups and beneficiariesUNESCO, CSOs, policy makers and general public
DescriptionThis will be the first study of its kind that will be carried out on the education budgets of selected districts by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) with the support of UNESCO. Purpose of this study is to analyze the preparation and implementation of annual budget for the education sector in order to understand various trends in terms of budget allocations, priorities, utilization and peoples’ participation.
This study includes six case studies covering the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT); District Abbottabad and District Nowshera in the North Western Frontier Province (NWFP); and District Jhelum, City District Multan and City District Faisalabad in the Punjab Province. It is expected that this study will provide comparable data, which should help in informing various policy relevant analyses and discussions in the country.
TitleDetails
Project TitleStrengthen Local Governance & Civil Society for Need Based Health Budget
Duration One Year (Oct 2008 - Oct 2009)
Objectives1. To work with health authorities to achieve improved sharing of information and promote informed dialogue around various policies, priorities, resource allocations and management practices related to health services;
2. To inform citizens about their rights, especially their right to information, and entitlements in relation to health services under various laws and governmental policies;
3. To develop needs-based annual budgets of selected health facilities through a participatory process and then advocate reform in the way health budget is made;
4. To build the capacity of stakeholders including relevant officials, councilors, local civil society organizations and media, about the use of various laws to protect citizens and consumer rights vis-à-vis health services.
Geographic FocusDistrict Jehlum
Duration1 year
Target Groups and beneficiariesGeneral Public, CSOs, BHUs, hospital management & District Consumer Protection Council.
DescriptionThis project aims to improve the delivery of health services by focusing on improved mechanisms of information sharing, enhanced capacity of media and civil society for oversight, piloting and promoting needs based budgeting and building capacity of citizens or consumer of health services for seeking redress if and when they feel aggrieved or discriminated against.
The project will introduce a rights based perspective in relation to health services in the district, especially focusing upon right to information, needs based budgeting, transparency in management and utilization of funds and promotion and protection of citizens/ consumer rights vis-à-vis health services. A regular interaction with all the stakeholders and other health related projects would be ensured, in order to explore synergies and joint initiatives and minimize possibilities of any duplication.
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