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FBR finds money laundering in solar panel imports of Rs69.5 billion.

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According to the comprehensive study by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, two significant corporations were involved in the purported outflow of an astounding amount of Rs72.83 billion from Pakistan.

The firms in issue reportedly imported solar panels from China, with noticeably inflated amounts shown on the official invoices. There are concerns about possible illegal financial activity after the money from these transactions was allegedly transferred to accounts in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

63 shipments had over-invoiced amounts, purportedly on behalf of importers, according to the probe. For each of these importing companies, a first information report has been registered. These businesses reportedly brought in solar panels valued at Rs. 72.83 billion, which they then sold for Rs. 45.61 billion.

The offices of these two companies, which were meant to be housed in the same building in Peshawar, were nonexistent, as the FBR’s investigating team shockingly discovered. Even more confusing the trail of the illegal activities were the fictitious addresses utilized for official papers.

Concerns were also raised by the income tax records of these corporations, which showed that the entities were fraudulent and had successfully embezzled Rs. 20.4 billion illegally. Against the two import companies concerned, formal complaints have been filed in response to these results.

Nonetheless, a few days ago, in Ahmedpur Sial tehsil of Jhang, a huge fraud scheme worth billions of rupees was discovered. Here, gullible residents and business owners were duped into falling for a gigantic solar panel scam.

Particularly for individuals who invested in solar energy solutions to offset their skyrocketing electricity bills, the scandal resulted in significant financial losses.

The scam, which has reportedly cost between Rs2 and Rs2.5 billion in Ahmedpur Sial alone, has severely damaged the afflicted residents, who say it has hurt them greatly. According to the victims, there may have been as much as Rs14–15 billion in fraud committed in Punjab overall.

Claiming to have started trading in solar energy after receiving large electricity bills, traders collected advance payments from customers without receiving any material. As the primary suspect in the scheme fled, the situation became even more grave for the local investors and store owners.

Today, Ahmedpur Sial’s business community is fighting to survive since their investments are gone and no items are being provided. One storekeeper bemoaned, “It has become difficult for us to continue our business,” and bemoaned the lack of attention paid to their predicament.

The chief minister of Punjab is currently being urged by the victims to act quickly. A high-level committee to look into the scam in detail and make sure the perpetrators are apprehended right away has been urged. Parties impacted expect that this will result in the return of their stolen money and the prosecution of those responsible.

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In interbank trade, the Pakistani rupee beats the US dollar.

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In the international exchange market, the US dollar has continued to weaken in relation to the Pakistani rupee.

The dollar fell to Rs278.10 from Rs278.17 at the beginning of interbank trading, according to currency dealers, a seven paisa loss.

In the meantime, there was a lot of turbulence in the stock market, but it recovered and moved into the positive zone. The KSE-100 index recovered momentum and reached 116,000 points after soaring 1,300 points.

Both currency and stock market swings, according to analysts, are a reflection of ongoing market adjustments and economic uncertainty.

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Phase II of CPEC: China-Pakistan Partnership Enters a New Era

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The cornerstone of economic cooperation between the two brothers and all-weather friends is still the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the initiative’s flagship project.

In contrast to reports of a slowdown, recent events indicate a renewed vigour and strategic emphasis on pushing the second phase of CPEC, known as CPEC Phase-2, according to the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives.

According to the statement, this crucial stage seeks to reshape the foundation of bilateral ties via increased cooperation, cutting-edge technology transfer, and revolutionary socioeconomic initiatives.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal is leading Pakistan’s participation in a number of high-profile gatherings in China, such as the 3rd Forum on China-Indian Ocean Region Development Cooperation in Kunming and the High-Level Seminar on CPEC-2 in Beijing.

His involvement demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to reviving CPEC, resolving outstanding concerns, and developing a strong phase-2 roadmap that considers both countries’ long-term prosperity.

At the core of these interactions is China’s steadfast determination to turn CPEC into a strategic alliance that promotes development, progress, and connectivity.

Instead of being marginalised, CPEC is developing into a multifaceted framework with five main thematic corridors: the Opening-Up/Regional Connectivity Corridor, the Innovation Corridor, the Green Corridor, the Growth Corridor, and the Livelihood-Enhancing Corridor.

With the help of projects like these, the two countries will fortify their partnership, and CPEC phase-2 will become a model of global economic integration and collaboration that benefits not just China and Pakistan but the entire region.

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The inflation rate in Pakistan dropped to its lowest level.

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On December 2, core inflation as determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) significantly slowed, falling to 4.9% in November 2024 from 7.2 percent in October 2024.

The CPI-based inflation rate for the same month last year (November 2023) was 29.2%, according to PBS data.

Compared to a 1.2% gain in the prior month, it increased by 0.5% month over month in November 2024.

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