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Prof Zaman for heeding IMF proposal for tobacco tax reforms

It is estimated that approximately 8% of Pakistan's population are smokers, making Pakistan one of the most susceptible country to the negative effects of cigarette consumption.

Published by Noor Fatima

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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has recommended implementing a uniform tax structure on the tobacco industry to increase revenue.

The report titled 'Pakistan - Tax Policy Diagnostic and Reform Option' emphasizes the need for single tier taxation on both foreign and domestic cigarette manufacturers in Pakistan.

Furthermore, the report suggests that recent tax increases on cigarettes have resulted in a decrease in smoking rate by 20 to 25%.

Professor Muhammad Zaman, the founding chairman of the School of Sociology at Quaid-i-Azam University and the head of Zaman Research Center, supports the IMF's recommendations and highlights the importance of aligning cigarette taxes with guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO).

It is estimated that approximately 8% of Pakistan's population are smokers, making Pakistan one of the most susceptible country to the negative effects of cigarette consumption.

Professor Zaman emphasizes that protecting public health should be a priority for policymakers and implementing the IMF's proposed tax measures on tobacco products can help reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with smoking.

He also calls for increased research and advocacy efforts to address the social implications of smoking. He appreciates Capital Calling, an Islamabad based think tank, whose report IMF has referred to laying down its recommendations for tax reforms.

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Regional

ATC approves Raja Basharat pre-arrest bail in arson case

However, the court issued notice to government by April 17.

Published by Qurrat Tul Ain

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Rawalpindi: Anti-terrorism court has approved former minister of law Raja Basharat’s pre-arrest bails in 14 cases including May 9 arson, vandalism and attacks on official buildings.

According to the details, Malik Ejaz Asif heard the case. Raja Basharat appeared in court along with his lawyer Sardar Abd-ur-Razzaq Khan.

Raja’s lawyer stated that Raja Basharat has no concern with May 9 incidents. Just for the sake of political revenge he has been involved in lying cases.

However, the court issued notice to government by April 17.

It should be noted that police had got the arrest warrants of Raja Basharat on March 4.     

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World

Sharjah administration denies rumors of change in Azan

The statement said that community members should verify the news to check its sources and refrain from sharing rumors.

Published by Noor Fatima

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Sharjah: The administration of Sharjah city has reacted to the news of changes related to Azan. It denied all these reports and indicated strict action against those spreading fake news.

In this regard, a statement has been issued by the Government Media Office of Sharjah, in which citizens are urged to verify any news before sharing it.

The statement said that community members should verify the news to check its sources and refrain from sharing rumors.

The authority further said that there is no truth in the news regarding the recent change in Azan in Sharjah, while it is also against the religious values of the emirate.

It is pertinent to note that there is a strict law in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the spread of fake news.

According to Article-52, Federal Decree Law No. 34, 2021, any person who shares fake news, rumor, misleading information using the Internet, shall be punished with imprisonment of at least one year and a penalty of 100,000 dirhams.

On the other hand, in the situation of crisis, disaster or pandemic, spreading fake news against the state or public opinion against the state, the criminal will be imprisoned for at least two years and a fine of 200,000 dirhams will be imposed.

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