Author name: NEN News

PESHAWAR — The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Excise, Taxation and Narcotics Control Department has intensified its enforcement drive against property tax defaulters. The department sealed multiple commercial units and properties across Peshawar and Mansehra. These operations aim to recover outstanding government revenues and improve the province’s financial position. Enforcement Campaign Targets Property Tax Defaulters The crackdown specifically targets property owners who have failed to clear their tax liabilities. Department teams are conducting raids across both cities to identify and seal non-compliant properties. Officials have prioritized systematic recovery to address revenue shortfalls. The enforcement actions demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving tax compliance rates. Focus Areas of the Operation The operations concentrate on three key areas: Commercial units with outstanding tax dues Residential properties in default Recovery of accumulated tax arrears Provincial Government Revenue Recovery Strategy The enforcement campaign reflects the provincial government’s broader push to strengthen tax collection mechanisms. Officials aim to reduce revenue shortfalls in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through systematic recovery operations. The property tax revenue drive forms part of comprehensive efforts to improve the province’s financial position. Enhanced tax compliance will enable better public service delivery across the region. Department officials continue monitoring compliance levels and plan to expand operations to additional districts in coming weeks.

LAHORE — The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Wednesday urged Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to intervene over escalating concerns about enforcement activities carried out by the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA). Business Community Demands Transparency in Regulatory Actions The chamber called on the provincial government to ensure transparency, accountability, and protection of legitimate businesses. This appeal comes amid growing unease within the business community over PERA’s conduct. Business leaders expressed concerns that enforcement actions are disrupting lawful commercial operations across Punjab. The LCCI emphasized the need for clear protocols before regulatory measures are implemented. PERA’s Enforcement Methods Face Mounting Criticism PERA was established to regulate markets and crack down on profiteering and hoarding. However, the authority has faced mounting criticism from traders in recent months. Business owners allege that enforcement drives are being carried out without due process. Many legitimate establishments report disruptions to their daily operations during regulatory inspections. Key Concerns Raised by Business Leaders Lack of transparency in enforcement procedures Disruption of lawful commercial operations Absence of clear legal safeguards Need for balanced market regulation Regulatory Tensions Impact Punjab’s Business Environment The LCCI’s appeal reflects broader tensions between regulatory authorities and business groups in Punjab. Traders are demanding clearer legal safeguards before enforcement actions target their establishments. The business community seeks a balance between effective market regulation and protection of legitimate commercial interests. Industry leaders hope provincial authorities will establish more transparent enforcement procedures moving forward.

ISLAMABAD — The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) announced on Wednesday a scheduled power suspension programme for Thursday across various areas under its jurisdiction. The outages will facilitate essential maintenance and routine development work. Scheduled Power Outage Details According to an IESCO spokesman, electricity supply in the Islamabad Circle will remain suspended from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in affected areas. The utility has implemented this schedule to ensure necessary infrastructure upgrades and maintenance activities. Impact on Consumers The power suspension will affect multiple residential and commercial areas within IESCO’s jurisdiction. The utility urged consumers to plan their activities accordingly during the outage period. IESCO expressed regret for any inconvenience caused during the scheduled outages. The company emphasized that these maintenance activities are essential for improving the overall reliability of electricity supply in the capital region.

LAHORE — Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) Chief Executive Officer Engr. Muhammad Ramzan Butt has pledged uninterrupted electricity supply to Pakistan’s textile sector. The commitment prioritizes export-oriented manufacturing units to support the country’s trade objectives. Priority Power Supply for Export-Oriented Textile Units The assurance from LESCO specifically targets textile mills focused on international markets. Export-oriented units will receive priority power distribution to maintain continuous production cycles. This commitment was made during discussions with the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association. The pledge aims to eliminate electricity disruptions that have historically hampered manufacturing schedules. Economic Impact on Pakistan’s Textile Industry The textile sector remains Pakistan’s largest foreign exchange earner and a critical driver of industrial output. Stable electricity supply directly impacts the industry’s ability to meet international orders and delivery timelines. Bolstering textile production through reliable power infrastructure is expected to increase export volumes. This initiative supports broader economic activity across Pakistan’s manufacturing base. Power Distribution Strategy for Industrial Growth LESCO’s commitment signals a strategic shift by power distribution companies toward stabilizing supply for high-priority industrial consumers. The focus on export-oriented industries reflects government priorities to strengthen trade performance. Industrial output in the textile sector is directly tied to consistent electricity availability. The new supply guarantee aims to enhance Pakistan’s competitiveness in global textile markets.