PM says Track and Trace System is a ‘fraud

Those who harmed country’s economy will be held accountable: Shehbaz

 

Islamabad(Mudasser Chuhdary) _Shehbaz Sharif has described the Trace and Track System (TTS) as “fraud” and formed an inquiry committee.

“This Track and Trace System is nothing, but a fraud,” he said in an address to his cabinet that was telecast live on Friday. “The TTS was enforced in the PTI tenure. A committee has been formed for the system’s failure.”

In 2021, the Federal Board of Revenue launched the TTS to boost additional revenue, digitise the economy, and curb counterfeiting.

In the initial phase, the FBR rolled out the project for the tobacco sector to prevent leakage of revenue and under-reporting of production and sales of tobacco products. The TTS was planned to be implemented in the sugar, fertiliser and cement sectors in the next stage. Premier Shehbaz was of the view that the FBR made a mistake by allowing the owners to install the system, adding that the initiative could have resulted in trillions of rupees of income.

“The system was ruined by criminal negligence and collusion. Those who harmed the economy will be held accountable,” he said and expressed his concerns over the implementation of the TTS.

“If billions of rupees do not come to the national treasury, then we have no right to govern,” PM Shehbaz said and vowed to bring money to the national exchequer.

“We will have to take tough decisions for the sake of the country.

Taking a dig at the political opponents, the premier said: “I had no idea where the transparent government was running the country.

“We are implementing the agenda of the economic referendum. The situation is getting better with our joint efforts,” he added.

The premier was of the view that the country witnessed an increase in its exports.

“The track and trace system of the cigarette’s manufacturing was nothing but fraud,” said PM Shehbaz.

The decision has been taken to control power theft and strengthen the transmission system.

Earlier, the premier vowed on Thursday to contain malaria.

Expressing his thoughts on the occasion of World Malaria Day, the premier said: “Pakistan stands by the rest of the world in terms of observing World Malaria Day.”

The premier underlined the concerns in connection with malaria, saying, “”Every year, 10 million citizens suffer from malaria.”

“Every individual should have access to a free medical checkup and treatment for malaria,” PM Shehbaz said.

Few days back, the premier said that the Chinese language was an effective tool for communication worldwide.

PM thanks Army Chief for helping eliminate smuggling

Expressing his thoughts in connection with the Chinese Language Day, the prime minister underscored the importance of the language, saying, “Even the United Nations (UN) has included the Chinese language officially.”

The premier acknowledged the growing popularity of the Chinese language in the country, saying, “More people are learning the Chinese language in Pakistan.”

PM Shehbaz made it clear that all-out steps were being taken to promote the Chinese language and literature in the country.

He expressed optimism that, with the learning of the Chinese language, the people of both countries will get even closer.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the formation of a committee on Friday to engage with the provinces in policy-making regarding guiding principles for carbon credits.

“Our challenges concerning climate change are escalating each passing day,” the premier remarked while presiding over the third meeting of the Pakistan Council for Climate Change.

Shehbaz emphasised the collaboration between federal and provincial governments in formulating climate change policies, stating that without the consultation of provinces on all matters, policy-making on climate change would be untenable.

During the meeting, participants delved into detailed discussions on policy guidelines for foreign trading in carbon credits.

PM Shehbaz instructed that a policy draft be presented at the next council meeting after consultations with the provinces.

The chief ministers of the four provinces expressed their viewpoints on policy-making and offered recommendations.

The PM stressed the importance of garnering the confidence of provinces and all stakeholders regarding this significant policy draft on climate change.

Highlighting Pakistan’s vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change, Shehbaz referenced the severe impacts of the 2022 rains and subsequent floods.