ISLAMABAD: The federal government has raised the sales tax on compressed natural gas (CNG) supply from Rs 140 to Rs 200 per kilogram (KG), ARY News reported on Thursday.A notification regarding the development has been issued with the increase in sales tax value for Region One and Region Two.As per the notification, the sales tax value in Region One will rise from Rs 140 to Rs 200 per kg, with similar adjustments made in Region Two, where the sales tax value increases from Rs 135 to Rs 200 per kg.“The sales tax will be applicable at a rate of 18% based on the value of Rs 200,” the notification said.As per the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Region One comprises Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and Gujar Khan, while Region Two includes other cities of Sindh and Punjab.This notification comes as part of the government's efforts to regulate and standardize sales tax values across regions, aiming to streamline tax collection and ensure compliance with tax regulations.In January this year, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) decided to suspend the gas supply to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) stations.As per details, the spokesperson said that the decision to suspend the gas supply to the CNG station was taken in the wake of the ongoing gas crisis.He said that the gas supply will remain suspended to CNG stations across all the regions of Peshawar from tomorrow onwards.

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan reported an increase in imports and recorded the trade deficit by 34 percent on Monthly basis, ARY News reported on Thursday.As per the data released by the SBP, Pakistan export goods worth $2.57 billion in March, while imported goods worth of $4.87 billion in the same month.The SBP in its report stated that 13 percent of imports were increased on a monthly basis, resulting in the trade deficit at 34 percent.The report further added that the exports was totaled at $23 billion during the first nine month of the current financial year, while the imports reached at $40 billion during the same period.The SBP indicated that the trade deficit decreased by 24 percent to $17.14 billion during the first nine months of the current financial year.Last month, the trade deficit of Pakistan reportedly shrank 30 percent to $14.9 billion during the first eight months of the current fiscal year.The monthly data released by the Bureau noted that the country’s exports increased by nine percent ($1.681 billion) to $ 20.351 billion during July-February 2023-24 compared to $ 18.670 billion in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year.Imports declined by 11.87 percent to $ 35.223 billion during the first eight months of the current fiscal year as compared with $ 39.969 billion in the same period of the last fiscal year.On a month-on-month basis, the trade deficit narrowed down by 13.49 percent to $ 1.712 billion in February 2024, as compared to $ 1.979 billion in January 2024. Exports recorded a 7.84 percent decline to $ 2.573 billion in February 2024 when compared with $ 2.792 billion in January 2024. Import increased by 10.19 percent to $ 4.285 billion in February 2024 when compared with $ 4.771 billion in January 2024.The trade deficit narrowed by 1.95 percent on a year-on-year basis and stood at $ 1.712 billion in February 2024 compared to $ 1.746 billion during the same month of 2023.

QUETTA: A-14 member Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said that a 14-member provincial cabinet will take oath on Friday, ARY News reported In a statement issued here, the spokesperson said that Governor Balochistan Abdul Wali Kakar will administer the oath to 14 ministers in a ceremony scheduled to begin at 12noon.Earlier the Balochistan government decided to form the provincial cabinet after Eid-ul-Fitr. Shahid Rind said that there is a consensus among the allies of the Balochistan government on the formula of cabinet formation.“The swearing-in ceremony was scheduled a few days ago but could not be held as Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti had to fly abroad for the medical check-up of his brother,” the Balochistan government spokesperson added.It is pertinent to mention here that except Balochistan, the cabinets have been formed in all other provinces as well the centre.Earlier on March 2, Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) Mir Sarfraz Bugti was sworn in as Chief Minister (CM) of Balochistan.After taking office on March 2 as chief minister, the chief minister Bugti hinted that the cabinet will be formed following the Senate elections. All eleven of Balochistan’s Senators were elected unopposed in the Senate election on April 2.

KARACHI: The man allegedly involved in damaging the newly constructed road of DHA’s Khayaban-e-Bukhari by drifting was arrested by Karachi police officials, ARY News reported on Thursday.Upon the complaint of the Cantonment Board, Clifton police reportedly arrested a man, a doctor by profession, and conducted raids to apprehend the other individual allegedly involved in the incident.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by ARY News (@arynewstv) Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South, Asad Raza, stated that the individual responsible for drifting on the newly constructed road has been arrested and is under investigation.He asserted that the police would soon arrest the other individual as no one is allowed to damage the city's infrastructure.“Those found involved in damaging the infrastructure will face the full extent of the law,” DIG added.Meanwhile, Cantonment officials mentioned that the cost of repairing the newly constructed road of DHA’s Khayaban-e-Bukhari will be borne by the car owner.It is pertinent to mention here that the road, constructed with modern infrastructure, was inaugurated a few days ago and was damaged by a youth engaging in drifting.A case was registered by the Cantonment Board Clifton after videos of the drifting went viral on social media.

SUKKUR: The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on Thursday foiled a major terrorist attack bid as four terrorists were arrested and explosives were recovered near Sindh's Rohri, ARY News reported, citing CTD officials.According to CTD officials, the four terrorists were arrested after their vehicle was stopped for a search on National Highway in Rohri.The suspected terrorists were transporting explosives to Karachi in their car for a terrorist attack, they added.According to the officials, the arrested terrorists were wanted in over 16 cases filed at different police stations in Karachi.The CTD officials said that the suspects were also involved in several crimes including robberies in Karachi and other districts.They would snatch cars and motorcycles and later sell them to a man, identified as Haji Mandrani, in Balochistan.According to CTD officials, Mandrani would later hand over the snatched vehicles to the terrorists groups active in Balochistan.

ISLAMABAD: The World Bank has put forth major demands for tax reforms from the Pakistani government and eliminating the exemptions on duties and sales tax, ARY News reported on Thursday.The World Bank released its report on Pakistan and suggested the government of the urgent need for tax system reforms and the elimination of sales tax exemptions to promote economic and social improvement.The report calls upon the government of Pakistan to establish a national policy for the child development and advocates for reducing subsidies on energy and other commodities, while suggested to reallocate these funds towards public welfare initiatives.“Government should implement austerity measures and promote public-private partnership in govt owned companies,” the report suggested.The report of World Bank suggested the Pakistani government to restructure the tax system and abolish the exemptions of duty and sales tax and hinted to impose new taxes on real estate and agriculture industry.Apart from this, it is also suggested to formulate a long-term commercial tariff strategy and align the gas tariff for consumers with the cost of supply.READ: World Bank projects Pakistan’s GDP growth at 1.8pc in FY24Last year, the World Bank revealed that Pakistan is collecting lesser tax than its actual capacity.Pakistan is falling short of Rs737 billion in tax collection, the World Bank said in its report and urged Islamabad to close all tax exemptions to release the burden of debts.The WB has suggested Pakistan to increase tax incomes from agriculture, properties and retail businesses to generate additional revenue. Two major areas in the provincial jurisdiction — real estate and agriculture — had most of the untaxed wealth, which should be taxed by the provincial governments, the international lender said.The real estate sector is also paying Rs402 billion tax in Pakistan than its actual capacity, the report said.

RAWALPINDI: New Zealand have won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan in the first T20I of the five-match series here at Pindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday.Earlier, the toss was was delayed due to the wet outfield.The toss was originally scheduled to take place at 7 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST), however, persistent drizzle brought the covers back.It is worth mentioning here that the first three T20Is of the five-match series between Pakistan and New Zealand are likely to be affected by the rain.As per the weather forecasts, there could be heavy rain in Islamabad and Rawalpindi throughout this week. There are 80 per cent chance of rain, during tonight's first T20I.The rain probability increases to 84 on April 20 before it significantly drops down to 20 per cent on April 21.Pakistan squad playing XIBabar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Irfan Khan Niazi, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir and Abrar Ahmed.New Zealand playing XIMichael Bracewell (c), Tim Seifert (wk), Tim Robinson, Dean Foxcroft, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Josh Clarkson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears and Benjamin Lister.Pakistan vs New Zealand T20I series scheduleApril 18 — 1st T20I, RawalpindiApril 20 — 2nd T20I, RawalpindiApril 21 — 3rd T20I, RawalpindiApril 25 — 4th T20I, LahoreApril 27 — 5th T20I, Lahore

LAHORE: In a move to promote environmental conservation, Punjab Government announced to impose ban on the usage of polythene bags (plastic shoppers) in the province and appealed the public to use cloth or paper bags, ARY News reported on Thursday.On the occasion of Earth Day, April 22, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, decided to take environment-friendly measures and approved the ban on the use of plastic bags from June 05.During a review meeting to implement the environment-friendly measures, Maryam Aurangzeb directed the members to ensure a complete ban on the use, delivery and production of the plastic bag as it is non-degradable in nature and effects environment.She added that burning plastic bags contributes to spread of the respiratory and other life-threatening illness, including lungs cancer.Maryam Aurangzeb urged the people to refrain from using and burning plastic bags to save themselves against cancer and other life-threatening diseases.“Without the assistance of media and cooperation citizens, this campaign cannot be successful,” She said.The meeting members decided that the Deputy Commissioners will ensure ban on the use of plastic bags, meanwhile, lectures and workshops related to environmental awareness will be conducted in the educational institutions.Back in 2020, Lahore High Court (LHC) banned the use of polythene bags at all stores, bakeries and hotels across the city.The LHC bench headed by Justice Shahid Kareem conducted hearing on Advocate Salman Khan Niazi’s petition and gave two weeks deadline to phase out polythene bags.During the hearing, the Environment Protection Department told the court that they are implementing the high court orders to ban the use of plastic bags at all stores across Lahore.Justice Shahid Kareem remarked that polythene bags will be banned across Punjab in next phase.The LHC bench asked representatives of the Environment Protection Department when they would stop producing plastic bottles.At which, the Punjab Wildlife Department assured that the order would be implemented.

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Turkish General Staff General Metin Gürak called on Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.During the meeting, matters related to enhancing the level and scope of bilateral military engagements and cooperation were discussed. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to forge deeper strategic ties.The dignitary lauded the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent presented ‘Guard of Honour’ to the visiting dignitary.Read More: Commander Bahrain National Guard meets CJCSC in RawalpindiEarlier on March 13, Commander Bahrain National Guard, General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Issa Bin Salman Al Khalifa called on General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi.According to a news release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), during the meeting matters of bilateral professional interest were discussed, along with strategies for further strengthening security and defense collaboration between Bahrain and Pakistan.

DERA ISMAIL KHAN: At least four Customs officials were killed on Thursday in a firing incident near Saggu road in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's DI Khan, ARY News reported, citing police.Police said that a passerby was also killed when nearby vehciles collided following the shooting.According to police, unidentified assailants opened fire as the Customs officials were on routine duty on the DI Khan-Quetta road.They said that the attackers escaped the scene after the shooting incident.Last month, at least two soldiers of Pakistan army embraced martyrdom in DI Khan suicide attack.Read more: Two soldiers martyred in DI Khan suicide attackAccording to Inter-Services-Public-Relations, two security personnel embraced martyrdom as a vehicle-borne suicide bomber exploded himself on a security forces’ convoy in Dera Ismail Khan District.In February this year, at least five cops were martyred and two others sustained injuries as explosion occurred near police vehicle in Kulachi.As per details, the explosion occurred in Garah Aslam area of Kulachi which targeted a police vehicle.According to officials, the dead bodies and injured have been transferred via a helicopter to DI Khan.

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari addressed the joint sitting of the parliament amid Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) ruckus, ARY News reported.Addressing the joint session of parliament, President Zardari emphasized the need for fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and political reconciliation by embracing the vision of great leaders including Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.He expressed the confidence this will also help to effectively tackle all the challenges which are not impossible to overcome.The President emphasized meaningful dialogues, parliamentary consensus and time-bound implementation of rigorous reforms to take the country forward.Sharing his vision for future, President Asif Ali Zardari urged the political leadership to prioritize the specific needs of marginalized community and under develop areas, underscoring the need to move forward on the path of inclusive growth.The President said Pakistan needs to revitalize its economy. He said our primary objective should be to attract foreign direct investment. He urged the government intensified its efforts in implementation comprehensive ease of doing business reforms and simplifying regulations to provide an enabling environment to both domestic and foreign investors.He commended the establishment of Special Investment Facilitation Council to attract investment in key sectors of the economy, describing it as a step in the right direction.Under Article 56 (3) of the Constitution, the President shall address a joint session of Parliament at the commencement of the parliamentary year. The National Assembly Secretariat finalised preparation for the joint sitting of parliament (Majlis-e-Shoora). The Chief Justice of Pakistan, governors and chief ministers of all the provinces, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are also invited. Besides, the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, along with the three services chiefs, has also been invited. Speakers, deputy speakers all provincial assemblies, Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are also invited.This is President Asif Ali Zardari’s record seventh address to the joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate.During his five-year stint in the Presidency from 2008 to 2013, he had already addressed the parliament six times.It is pertinent to mention here that the previous joint sitting of Parliament was summoned on March 9 for the presidential elections with National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in chair.

ISLAMABAD: The federal government on Thursday decided to continue the Prime Minister (PM) relief package at Utility Stores across Pakistan, ARY News reported citing sources.According to sources, subsidies will be maintained on five basic commodities including sugar, flour, ghee, pulses and rice under the Prime Minister's Relief Package.Sources said that the price of sugar for BISP customers is fixed at Rs 109 per kg whereas a 10 kg bag of flour will be available at Rs 648 at utility stores.It is important to mention here that the federal cabinet approved Ramzan relief package 2024 worth Rs7.49 billion for holy month.The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved Rs 7,492.75 million proposed for subsidy in account of Ramazan Relief Package 2024 to the targeted beneficiaries of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), which is provided for in the budget for 2023-24.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced to charge a fixed amount of sales tax on services from restaurants and wedding halls across the province, ARY News reported on Wednesday.The decision was taken in a meeting chaired by Director General Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority (KPRA) Fouzia Iqbal.Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzzammil Aslam was also present in the meeting.The DG KPRA briefed the minister on issues related to shifting of sales tax on services from percentage to fixed regime in various sectors including wedding halls and beauty parlors across the province.The wedding halls and beauty parlors will be divided into different categories depending on their sizes and business volumes and rates of sales tax will be fixed for different categories.It was also decided that traders' associations and chamber of commerce will be taken on board and all the service providers will be compulsorily registered with KPRA.The minister also said that a rebate of 2 percent will be given to those who make payments on credit cards in restaurants and hotels registered as companies with KPRA in the 15% tax slabs.“We are taking these steps to overcome the trust deficit and to facilitate our taxpayers and service providers,” the Advisor said adding that these steps aim to document the economy and provide ease to the taxpayers and service providers.

ISLAMABAD: Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi is scheduled to visit Pakistan on April 22 for a three-day trip, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed Wednesday.Taking to media, Dar said that Iranian president visit to Pakistan has nothing to do with the escalating tensions between Tehran and Israel.“Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Pakistan was planned before the tensions between Tehran and Tel-Aviv,” the foreign minister explained.As per sources, during his visit, President Raisi will hold meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir.Discussions are expected to cover topics such as border security, the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline, trade, economic cooperation, and mutual areas of interest.The meetings will also address the broader regional situation. The visit signifies ongoing efforts by both countries to deepen their cooperation, following a temporary setback earlier this year.A day earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that the Iranian president's visit is imminent. In January, relations between the two countries had turned sour after Pakistan, in retaliation to Tehran's cross-border strikes, carried out precision strikes to target terrorists inside Iranian territory. Pakistan had even withdrawn its ambassador from Iran and announced that it would not allow the Iranian envoy visiting his home country. The diplomatic ties, however, were soon restored with the ambassadors of the two countries returning to their respective posts.

NAROWAL: A 23-year-old youth reportedly lost his life after being hit by the squad vehicle of Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz in Narowal on Thursday, ARY News reported. As per details, 23-year-old Abu Bakar, who was traveling on a motorbike near Chandowal was allegedly hit by the protocol vehicle of Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz.The FIR of the incident has been registered at Saddar police station in Narowal on the complaint of a cousin of the deceased.Read more: CM Maryam Nawaz order reduction in housing installments for low-income groupsThe First Information Report (FIR) stated Abu Bakar was 'hit' by an Elite Force vehicle while the squad of Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz was on its way to Kartarpur. The incident took place due to overtaking, the FIR said and added.Rizwan, the cousin of the deceased said Abu Bakar was traveling on a motorcycle with his friend, who remained safe in the crash.

ISLAMABAD: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has expedited the process for outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport, ARY News reported.Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Director General Khaqan Murtaza chaired a meeting to review the process of outsourcing of country’s three major airports.During the meeting, DG CAA was briefed on progress made so far on outsourcing process.Turkey has shown interest in outsourcing plan for Islamabad airport, the meeting told. The CAA team will brief the Turkish team regarding outsourcing of airport tomorrow.Investors from Germany, France, Netherlands, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, and Turkiye as well as local groups have shown their interest in outsourcing of three airports of Pakistan, it emerged earlier.The federal government had earlier decided to outsource the country’s major three airports including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) briefed the meeting about updates on the matter.Khawaja Muhammad Asif directed to convene an online meeting with Pakistani ambassadors in these countries and to ask them for actively engaging with interested groups.He also suggested linking local investors with international investors so that awareness of local investors can be increased and they can participate in the bidding process.Privatisation Commission Secretary Usman Akhtar Bajwa informed the minister about the marketing plan and initial engagements with international investors. The federal minister directed to visit these countries to establish active links with potential investors and bring groups interested in privatisation to Pakistan.

Pakistan to commence Hajj 2024 operation from May 9 from eight airports of the country, ARY News reported on Thursday. According to details, the arrangements for the Hajj 2024 flight operation have been completed by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony.Four Airlines including Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Saudi Airlines, Air Blue and Serene Air will take part in the Hajj operation.The vaccination of the pilgrims will start on April 30 at the Hajj Camps. As many as 69,500 pilgrims will depart on the spiritual journey under the government's scheme.Hajj 2024 flight operation will be carried out from Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Quetta, Sukkur, Sialkot, Rahim Yar Khan and Faisalabad airports.In Hajj camps, all pilgrims are required to receive the mandatory vaccination ten days before Hajj flights commence.Pilgrims would be provided with a suitcase, hand-carry bag, shoe bag, Ihram belt, and a green scarf with the Pakistani flag.Read more: Hajj 2024: Govt’s sponsorship scheme faces ‘slow response’  Carrying a smartphone will be mandatory for all intending pilgrims so that they can seek help from useful mobile Apps during their Hajj journey.Hajj is a sacred pilgrimage and is one of the fifth pillars of Islam. Each year, millions of Muslims worldwide travel to and perform Hajj in Makkah, modern day Saudi Arabia.It takes place during the same time each year, in the sacred month of Dhul Hijjah – the twelfth month in the Islamic Calendar. Hajj begins on the 8th of Dhul Hijjah and lasts approximately five to six days depending on the sighting of the moon.When the new crescent moon is sighted, Muslims around the world welcome in the four-day festival of Eidul Adha.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday announced abolishing the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) death certificate fee.During his visit to the NADRA headquarters, the minister visited all sectors and instructed the authorities to set up National Database Registration Authority offices across the country on the pattern of model police stations established in Punjab.During the meeting, the minister ordered to waiver of the fee on the death certificates convenience of the public. The minister directed to ensure complete security of citizens’ data.Naqvi praised the excellent performance of the current Chairman NADRA Lieutenant General Muhammad Munir Afsar.The minister planted saplings on the lawn of National Database Registration Authority headquarters as part of the plantation campaign.Read more: Data of over 2mn Pakistanis stolen from NADRA: reportMr. Muhammad Munir Afsar presented NADRA’s Roadmap 2024- 25 in a briefing which included modern and phased security architecture, cyber security audits and employee cyber security awareness and the National Database Registration Authority Strategic Plan.Upgradation of National Database Registration Authority technology and infrastructure and online platforms of registration centres will also be improved by which Pakistanis living abroad including local citizens will also efficiently get access to these facilities, the chairman briefed the minister.

PESHAWAR: The anti-polio drive that was scheduled for April 29 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is likely to be postponed, ARY News reported citing sources.According to sources, the decision to postpone the anti-polio drive was taken by the KP government due to lack of security in the province.Sources said that the KP government has excused itself from providing security as the personnel will perform their duties for by-elections on April 28.Furthermore, the anti-polio drive in 26 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) will now kick off on May 6.Earlier, National Institute of Health (NIH) sources said that Polio virus was found in sewerage of the major cities of Pakistan.Read more: Pakistan reports second polio case of 2024According to a technical report of polio-positive sewerage samples compiled by the NIH, the virus of crippling disease was found in nine sewerage samples of five cities of Pakistan including, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Chaman and Mastung.The samples were taken from February 21 to 27 and tested positive for the wild poliovirus.Sources quoting the NIH report said that the polio virus was found in the sewerage of Karachi South and Korangi.In Peshawar, the virus was detected in the sewerage of Peshawar’s Shaheen Muslim Town, while in Quetta, the virus was found in the sewerage of Sir Pul, Taosabad.It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan reported two polio cases in 2024 so far.The first polio case of 2024 was reported in Dera Bugti where a two-and-a-half-year-old child from Dera Bugti was confirmed with the poliovirus whereas the second case was reported in Chaman’s Mir Ali Zai area where a four-year-old boy was confirmed with the disease.

ISLAMABAD: PML-N leader and federal minister Ahsan Iqbal in his statement to the Faizabad Commission said that Gen. (retd) Faiz Hameed held talks with the TLP leaders, ARY News reported on Thursday."He brought the text of the agreement after talks with the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) leaders," than interior minister Ahsan Iqbal said.The inquiry commission, constituted to investigate the TLP sit-in staged at Faizabad Interchange in Islamabad in 2017.Ahsan Iqbal testified that in the text of the agreement, it was agreed over resignation of the minister of law. Maj. Gen. Faiz Hameed's name was also written in text.Iqbal said that he shared the text with the prime minister. The PM opposed resignation of the minister and the name of the military officer in the text."I was informed that the agreement has been finalized and could not be pulled out," Ahsan Iqbal said.The federal government established an inquiry commission, headed by retired Inspector General Akhtar Ali Shah, in response to the Supreme Court’s rejection of the Fact-Finding Committee's report.The inquiry commission – in its 149-page report gave clean chit to Faiz Hameed.The commission maintained that the then DG ISI and Army Chief had given permission to Faiz Hameed for the agreement. The report added that then Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal were also taken on board for the agreement.The Faizabad sit-in inquiry commission was established in the light of Supreme Court directives. The commission reviewed the reasons related to the Faizabad sit-in and also made recommendations.Faizabad sit-inOn November 08, 2017, TLP held a sit-in at Faizabad interchange against the amendments in the Election Act 2017, changing the word 'oath' to 'declaration'.As a result of the protest, the then PML-N government had to sack its law minister Zahid Hamid. The Supreme Court had taken suo motu notice of the sit-in on November 21, 2017.Later, a division bench led by Justice Qazi Faez Isa on February 6, 2019, unveiled its verdict in the sit-in case, criticizing the role of intelligence agencies in the saga.Soon after assuming office of the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) in September this year, Justice Isa listed for hearing the petitions that had been filed against the SC’s February 2019 verdict.