SBP Extends Banking Hours for Hajj 2026 Applicants The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that authorised branches of 14 designated banks will remain open on Saturday, 16 August 2025, from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. This decision ensures that intending pilgrims for Hajj 2026 have an additional opportunity to submit their application forms. […]
The rapid expansion of digital technology and mobile connectivity is essential for the economic and social development of any modern country. In Pakistan, however, the high tax rate on mobile phone services has become a significant obstacle to achieving the government’s ambitious Digital Pakistan vision. According to the latest report from the GSM Association (GSMA), […]
Tougher Measures for Non-Filers in Banking Transactions The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced significant amendments to the income tax regulations for the fiscal year 2025-26, aiming to broaden the nation’s tax base and clamp down on non-compliance. According to official documents, one of the most notable changes concerns non-filers of income tax withdrawing […]
Major Tariff Structure Reforms on the Table The federal government of Pakistan is reportedly contemplating significant changes to the electricity tariff structure, a move that could provide substantial relief to millions of low-income households. According to insider sources, the government has realized that the current billing system unfairly penalizes consumers who slightly exceed the 200-unit […]
Sweeping Tariff Hikes Announced by White House In a dramatic escalation of global trade tensions, the United States has imposed import tariffs on 69 countries after the expiration of multiple trade agreement deadlines. The new tariffs, effective immediately, were announced by the White House as President Donald Trump signed an executive order to formalize the […]
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended his “profound thanks” to former US President Donald Trump for his pivotal role in finalizing a landmark trade agreement between Pakistan and the United States. This agreement, described by Sharif as a “historic” moment, marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between the two nations. Strengthening Bilateral Ties […]
Revised Minimum Wage Structure: In a significant move to support unskilled workers and address the challenges posed by inflation, the Sindh government has revised the minimum wage structure across the province. This initiative, as reported by ARY News, comes as part of the government’s efforts to ensure fair compensation and improve the living standards of […]
Planning a trip to Oman in 2025? This Middle Eastern gem continues to attract global travelers with its serene landscapes, ancient culture, and warm hospitality. The best part—Oman has simplified its visa policies, offering multiple ways for tourists to enter with ease. From visa-free entry to a streamlined eVisa system, and the much-anticipated GCC Unified […]
Motorcycle Prices Surge Amid New Tax Adjustments Motorcycle prices in Pakistan have seen another round of significant increases. Leading the charge this time are Yamaha Motor Pakistan and Unique, both revising their price structures in response to fiscal changes introduced in the 2025–26 federal budget. The price adjustments are a direct result of the newly […]
The Punjab government has temporarily stopped accepting new applications for its flagship “Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar” housing scheme. The program, designed to provide low-income families with free residential plots, is now moving into its verification phase. According to the Housing Minister Bilal Yasin, the government has received a total of 481,000 applications through the scheme’s […]
Pakistan has taken a significant step toward embracing the future of finance by signing a letter of intent (LoI) with El Salvador to collaborate on initiatives related to Bitcoin and digital assets. This landmark agreement, reported by local media, marks the beginning of a new era in digital diplomacy and underlines the growing importance of […]
Federal Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, has addressed widespread speculation surrounding Microsoft’s recent exit from Pakistan. Speaking to reporters after an IT Committee meeting, she offered much-needed clarification following the tech giant’s global restructuring. “Microsoft has undergone a global shift, laying off between 15,000 and 16,000 employees,” the minister said. “However, […]
Bitcoin shattered previous records on Monday, reaching an unprecedented high of $121,207.55 during the early hours of Asian trading. This marks the first time the world’s leading digital asset has broken the $120,000 barrier, fueled by growing optimism around pending US regulatory reforms and strong political backing from former President Donald Trump. At the time […]
Consumers in Pakistan may face yet another surge in fuel costs, with the federal government likely to announce a fresh hike in petroleum product prices starting July 16, 2025. According to industry estimates, petrol is expected to rise by Rs6.60 per litre, while high-speed diesel (HSD) could see an increase of around Rs5.27 per litre. […]
BMW Prices Slashed Following Federal Budget Incentives Dewan Motors, the official distributor of BMW vehicles in Pakistan, has announced sweeping price reductions across its entire BMW lineup. This move comes as a direct response to the recent federal budget for FY 2025-26, which introduced significant cuts in customs duties and taxes on imported vehicles. These […]
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Meets with Alibaba Leadership Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a significant meeting on Thursday with a high-level delegation from Alibaba Group, led by James Dong, the company’s president of international markets. The primary focus of the discussions was to explore new avenues for expanding Pakistan’s e-commerce sector and integrating local businesses […]
The Federal Government has finalized plans for the rollout of the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme 2025, with the official distribution ceremony scheduled for July 25 at the Jinnah Convention Centre in Islamabad. The announcement was made during a special committee session chaired by Education Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui. Held to review implementation strategy, the […]
Pakistan’s federal government is set to roll out the Prime Minister’s Fan Replacement Program by the end of July 2025, a move seen as a cornerstone in the country’s energy efficiency drive. Federal Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, while chairing a detailed readiness review, reiterated the government’s resolve to align energy savings with broader economic […]
The government has implemented revised withholding tax rates for prize bond winnings and profits derived from debt or loan interest under the National Savings Schemes. These new rates reflect a significant increase for non-filers, aiming to encourage individuals to register themselves on the Federal Board of Revenue’s Active Taxpayers List (ATL) and enter the formal […]
In a significant development, the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Jameel Ahmad, announced that inflation in the fiscal year 2025 has reached its lowest level in nine years. Speaking at the launch of the Women Entrepreneur Finance Code (WeFinance Code), he attributed this achievement to stringent monetary and fiscal policies that have […]
