Federal Cabinet, under the second schedule of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001, has approved tax exemption on the profits gained through Euro Bonds, dealings in International Sukuk issued under the government’s medium-term notes and Panda Bonds, issued in the Chinese market.

The cabinet meeting held in Islamabad, with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair, also gave a go-ahead to the Ministry of National Health Services to directly make a five-year agreement with NADRA for data verification of Sehat Sahulat Programme.

The cabinet was given briefing on the issue of Broadsheet, and it was decided to constitute a committee to be headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court or High Court to investigate the matter.

The meeting was briefed in detail about the measures taken during the last six months with respect to civil service reforms.

The Prime Minister directed the ministries and divisions to take steps, in line with the reforms, for improved performance and further ensuring the ‘ease of doing business’.

Briefing the cabinet about the effects of COVID-19 pandemic in the country, Minister for Planning Asad Umar said around 20 million people lost their incomes to the large extent in April last year.

He said it was the government’s prudent strategy, adoption of smart lockdown policy and the decision making in construction and manufacturing sectors which led to revival of the incomes of 20 million people.

The Prime Minister appreciated the timely and transparent distribution of cash grants among the deserving in coronavirus situation.

He said the data based on a recent survey by FBS is reflective of the fact that the government’s strategy regarding COVID-19 remained successful.