Punjab Govt approves tourist glass train project from Rawalpindi to Murree
Authority to approve amendments to building rules for constructions in Murree will now be vested at the provincial level, streamlining administrative processes for future developments.
LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved the tourist glass train project from Rawalpindi to Murree during a 5-hour long meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and attended by PML-N President Nawaz Sharif. Senior provincial minister Maryam Aurangzeb provided a detailed briefing on the Murree development project during the session.
The meeting approved the Murree development plan, including beautification, transport upgrades, construction and rehabilitation projects, and specifically endorsed the Rawalpindi to Murree tourist glass train project. It was decided to engage an international consultant for this project.
Furthermore, the meeting decided to restore the original names of cities, areas, and historical buildings across Murree. Plans were made to remove high-rise hotel buildings on Mall Road to preserve natural scenery. The hotel at the prominent GPO Chowk in Murree will be relocated to an alternative site, and a uniform appearance and color scheme will be implemented for old buildings on Mall Road.
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Authority to approve amendments to building rules for constructions in Murree will now be vested at the provincial level, streamlining administrative processes for future developments.
The approval of the Rawalpindi to Murree tourist glass train project underscores the Punjab government’s commitment to enhancing tourism infrastructure while preserving the cultural heritage of Murree.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb Vows Action against Non-Filers, Promises Relief for Salaried Class
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has emphasized the government’s resolve to curb non-compliance among taxpayers, highlighting ongoing efforts to strengthen the economy. Speaking in Islamabad, he underscored significant economic improvements attributed to government initiatives and emphasized the clearance of financial backlogs ahead of the new fiscal year.
Aurangzeb noted international financial support, with approvals such as $1 billion from the World Bank for Daso and $400 million from IFC for PTCL. He stressed the importance of maintaining macroeconomic stability, citing its pivotal role in facilitating sustainable growth.
Addressing budget principles, Aurangzeb outlined goals to increase tax-to-GDP ratio to 13% over three years and implement reforms in sectors like LNG, power, and petroleum to curb fiscal leakages, estimated at around 10 trillion rupees annually.
Regarding fiscal reforms, he highlighted efforts through digitization of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to reduce corruption and enhance efficiency. Aurangzeb expressed optimism about economic stability and restored foreign institutional confidence, pointing out Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves of $9 billion.
He announced forthcoming taxation on retailers from July 1, emphasizing fiscal discipline with reduced government expenditures and voluntary austerity measures among ministers. Aurangzeb reiterated policies to support businesses, including tax exemptions for companies facing losses and expedited sales tax refunds.
Looking ahead, he affirmed commitment to the IMF program and reiterated the government’s focus on sustainable economic policies amid global economic challenges.
