Yellow Cab scheme launched again

In the first PML-N government, Yellow cab scheme was introduced for the unemployed youth and Rs 50 billion was borrowed from banks to run the scheme. Thousands of vehicles including luxury cars were also imported and later were exported to earn profit. More vehicles were given to political activists. The loan, which was obtained for the scheme resulted in the default of Allied Bank and Habib Bank and public money was used to save the banks.

Cut in customs duties also affected the economy. Local auto industry also suffered due to the imported vehicles and no investment was made in this sector during the next 5-years.

KESC decides to sack 4000 employees again

KARACHI: Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) has once again decided to sack at least 4500 employees.

It should be mentioned here that the dismissal of these employees was announced some time back; however, the decision was reversed thanks to the protest that last several days.

KESC has presented to Sindh High Court (SHC) a proposal worth Rs. 5.35 billion for the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) for 4000 employees, who will be paid up at least Rs. 700,000 and maximum Rs. 4.7 million.

KESC spokesman said the VSS will be announced on an appropriate time; however, the announcement of the scheme is contingent upon court’s permission.

Earlier also, these employees were sacked; however, they were restored to their jobs after KESC’s head office was besieged for at least one week. TrendPK

Strike over fuel prices hits India

NEW DELHI: Police came out in force in cities across India on Monday for an opposition-led national strike over fuel price rises that disrupted flights and train services, and closed schools and businesses.

The strike was called by the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and leftist parties in a concerted show of strength against the Congress-led government”s reform programme.

The unlikely alliance of the right-wing BJP and leftist groups broadened the strike”s impact, disrupting normal life in a large number of states with non-Congress administrations.

Flights to and from Mumbai airport were severely disrupted, with domestic airlines canceling 45 departures and 39 arrivals.

The Indian capital, which is controlled by a Congress administration was relatively normal, but with a heavy police presence on the streets.

Nepra gives KESC go-ahead for tariff hike

ISLAMABAD: National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) gave green signal to Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) to raise a total of Rs2.79 per kilowatt, Geo News reported Monday.

It should be mentioned here that the Company is already charging Rs2.18 per kilowatt in bills.

According to sources, the Nepra allowed the Karachi power company to transfer to the consumers the extra cost of fuel and line losses.

Under the scheme, the extra cost of fuel and 25 percent of line losses from July 2009 to May 2010, have not been included in the bills.

Sasti Roti Scheme not a scam: Sana

LAHORE: Responding to Governor Taseer’s remarks, Law Minister Rana Sanaullah has said that Sasti Roti Scheme is not a fraud.

“A fraudulent person thinks everything is a fraud,” Sana said.

“Hundreds of thousands of people are feeding their children two times a day thorough this scheme,” he said.

The law minister said Taseer’s remarks show his anti-Punjab sentiments.

Quinn Gray Audio Tape

Quinn Gray Audio Tape: Attorneys for 37-year-old Quinn Gray, who claims she was abducted and held for four days in captivity, are taking to the media trail to defend their client against allegations that her abductor, a 25-year-old Bosnian immigrant, was actually her lover, and that she invented the scheme to extort $50,000.00 from her husband, Reid. Quinn Gray and Jasmin Osmanovic have both been charged with extortion. But two of her lawyers appeared on TODAY Tuesday to share with us all the facts: more info: Examiner

Quinn Gray Audio Tape:Attorneys for 37-year-old Quinn Gray, who claims she was abducted and held for four days in captivity, are taking to the media trail to defend their client against allegations that her abductor, a 25-year-old Bosnian immigrant, was actually her lover, and that she invented the scheme to extort $50,000.00 from her husband, Reid.

Quinn Gray and Jasmin Osmanovic have both been charged with extortion. But two of her lawyers appeared on TODAY Tuesday to share with us all the facts:

more info:Examiner