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SBP launches whistle-blowing forum to bust illegal money dealers

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2 years ago

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  • Illegal money-dealers be reported at whistleblowing.FX@sbp.org.pk.
  • Complaints be sent to SBP at facilitation.fx@sbp.org.pk.
  • Public at large asked to refrain from making false allegations.

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has launched a whistle-blowing forum for the identification of foreign exchange companies operating illegally in the country to ensure accountability and integrity, it said in a statement.

“The public, at large, may use the dedicated email address: WhistleBlowing.FX@sbp.org.pk- to report to SBP any unauthorised foreign exchange activity, said a statement issued here,” the central bank announced.

“The email may also be used to report if any exchange company refrained from providing system-generated receipt of the currency exchange transaction.”

The central bank urged the public to be judicious in reporting any unauthorised foreign exchange activity and provide facts and as much specific information and particulars as possible to examine the matter thoroughly.

“They are also expected to refrain from rumour mongering, speculation, false and frivolous allegations or accusations,” the SBP said adding that the identity of the complainant would be kept confidential however the disclosure of identity for utilising the forum was voluntary.

The SBP has also introduced another email address, facilitation.fx@sbp.org.pk, to receive public concerns if any person faced any issue in dealing with exchange companies including the sale/purchase of foreign currency notes by the money-changers, issuing receipts which are not system-generated, charging exorbitantly high exchange rate over those displayed on the notice board, denial of genuine requests of the customer for the provision of foreign currencies, etc.

The SBP regulates foreign exchange business in the country under Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, 1947 and under the Act central bank has authorised twenty-six exchange companies of the “A” category and twenty exchange companies of the “B” category to deal in foreign exchange business including sale purchase of foreign currency notes.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Finance Dr Ayesha Ghous Pasha on Friday warned the commercial bank of exemplary punishment for overcharging on Letters of Credit (LCs) payments.

Briefing the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue the minister of state said that the banks involved in such activities would be fined heavily.

The meeting of the committee was held under the chairmanship of Senator Saleem Mandviwalla.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmed said that when the commercial banks faced a shortage of dollars they started charging extra dollars on payments of LCs.

He said that the central bank had thoroughly investigated the matter.

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Islamic Sukuk Bonds: Government Is Expected To Begin Bond Auction Next Week

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4 days ago

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There is now more positive economic news for the people of Pakistan. The government is anticipated to begin the Sukuk Islamic Bond auction next week, after the central bank’s announcement of a large drop in the policy rate.

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SIFC Encourages Green Tourism: Reforming Visas to Increase Investment

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Enhancing investment in the tourism sector, Green Tourism Pakistan’s initiative has received backing from the Special Investment Facilitation Council.

Visa-On-Arrival for 126 countries, Visa-Free Entry for Gulf Cooperation Council nations, and 24-hour expedited visa processing are some of the main features of the Green Tourism Visa Policy.

It is anticipated that these endeavors will draw in about 80 million dollars in foreign direct investment and 8.3 billion rupees in domestic investment.

Green Tourism Private Limited has introduced hunting resorts in Naltar, Hunza, and Skardu, along with four- and five-star city hotels, to improve the tourism experience.

In the first phase of the project, 17 of the 78 areas have seen the start of development activity.

Approved is a central authority for Green Tourism that will supervise the growth of Air Operations.

To promote Religious Tourism, extra precautions have been taken to guarantee the security of visitors from all religions, including Sikhs and Buddhists.

Furthermore, in order to improve the quality of the tourist experience, the green guide quality program has been introduced to supply top-notch tour guides.

There is now a deluxe bus excursion from Islamabad to Peshawar that promotes local culture.

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July 2024 export data from Pakistan shows a significant rise.

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The Strategic Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) has been instrumental in improving Pakistani products’ access to international markets, as seen by the significant surge in exports from the country at the start of the 2024–25 fiscal year.

With a 7.26% rise over the same month the previous year, July 2024 exports to the US were $476.017 million. After increasing by 7.74% annually, the United Arab Emirates emerged as the second-largest export destination.

The third and fourth places were occupied by exports to the UK ($183.303 million) and China ($60.100 million). A substantial increase in exports to Afghanistan was recorded in July of this year, rising from $46.262 million to $88.065 million, largely due to successful anti-smuggling efforts.

With a combined export volume of $553.951 million, more important export destinations included Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.

A bright future for the national economy is suggested by the growing confidence major international markets have in Pakistani exports. Through the efforts of SIFC and the government, this greater access to global markets has been made possible.

Pakistan’s economy is predicted to remain stable as a result of the export growth that SIFC has enabled.

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