In a major legal reform, Pakistan’s Senate has passed a bill eliminating the death penalty for crimes such as assault against women and sheltering hijackers. The new legislation replaces capital punishment with imprisonment and fines, and is part of broader efforts to align national laws with international human rights standards. The bill will now move to the National Assembly for final approval.
Pakistan’s Senate has passed a bill removing the death penalty for assault on women and harbouring hijackers. The punishment will now be prison terms and fines. The bill is part of reforms to align with human rights standards and awaits National Assembly approval.
criminal justice reform, women protection law, death penalty removal
Lahore Zoo has officially announced a substantial reduction in ticket prices to encourage greater public participation and enhance wildlife education. Under the new pricing structure, adult tickets have been reduced from Rs. 70 to Rs. 50, while tickets for children under 12 are now just Rs. 20 instead of Rs. 40. This move comes as part of the zoo’s broader initiative to promote family outings and raise awareness about animal conservation, especially during the summer season when schools are closed and families look for affordable recreational activities.
Zoo administration highlighted that the revised ticket prices aim to attract more footfall from middle and lower-income groups, making the zoo more inclusive and accessible to a larger population. Officials expect the change to not only boost daily attendance but also enhance public interest in conservation, biodiversity, and environmental protection. The initiative aligns with government efforts to provide low-cost entertainment options and foster community engagement with nature. The new pricing has been implemented with immediate effect and is expected to significantly increase visitor turnout over the coming weeks.
Lahore Zoo reduces entry fees for adults and children to attract families, promote wildlife awareness, and make recreational visits more affordable during summer. Lahore Zoo, reduced ticket prices, wildlife conservation
The federal government has instructed relevant authorities to expedite work on five major motorway and highway projects across Pakistan to improve regional connectivity and support economic growth. The directive was issued during a high-level meeting focused on the National Highway Authority’s (NHA) ongoing development efforts.
The prioritized projects include the dualization and rehabilitation of Balkasar-Mianwali Road, Zhob to Kuchlak section of N-50, Khuzdar to Kuchlak section of N-25, the new Motorway from Karachi to Hyderabad (M-9), and the expansion of Thakot to Raikot section of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Officials were told to remove administrative and financial bottlenecks to accelerate the implementation of these vital transport links. These routes are critical for reducing travel times, improving trade logistics, and fostering regional development, especially in underdeveloped areas like Balochistan and northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The government emphasized transparency, timely delivery, and effective use of resources, directing close coordination between federal and provincial agencies for smooth execution.
The government has called for immediate acceleration of five critical motorway and highway projects to enhance regional connectivity and boost economic activity. Emphasis was placed on eliminating delays and ensuring timely completion of routes crucial for trade and development, especially under the CPEC initiative. infrastructure development, CPEC projects, road connectivity
In response to rising health risks, the Punjab government has officially prohibited the act of bathing in rainwater. The move comes after a series of complaints and health-related incidents linked to the practice, prompting authorities to enforce strict action to curb potential waterborne diseases and accidents caused during rainfall.
According to officials, violators could face legal consequences as part of broader public safety measures. The public is being urged to stay indoors during rainfall and avoid exposure to contaminated water sources. Health and sanitation departments have been instructed to monitor compliance closely.
Punjab has banned bathing in rainwater due to health and safety concerns, warning citizens against exposure to contaminated runoff. Authorities will take strict action against violators, citing disease risks and accidents. Sanitation teams are monitoring compliance across cities. Punjab government, rainwater health risks, monsoon safety
The Board of Directors of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has officially approved a significant agreement for an LPG extraction project. The deal involves entering into a tolling arrangement between SSGC and M/s Pakistan GasPort Consortium Limited (PGPC), which will facilitate the extraction of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas liquids (NGLs) from imported LNG.
The approval came during a recent board meeting, signaling a major step towards enhancing the country’s LPG supply. The agreement is expected to contribute to energy sector efficiency and help meet domestic energy demands. The arrangement will utilize PGPC’s terminal for processing, with commercial operations expected to begin once all formalities and regulatory requirements are met.
This project is seen as a key initiative in optimizing Pakistan’s LNG imports and utilizing existing infrastructure for broader energy benefits.
SSGC’s board has approved a tolling agreement with Pakistan GasPort Consortium Limited for extracting LPG and NGLs from imported LNG. The move aims to improve energy supply and efficiency in Pakistan. This strategic step supports better utilization of existing terminals and infrastructure to meet growing domestic energy needs.
Temu, a rapidly growing e-commerce platform, is under intense scrutiny in Pakistan for alleged tax evasion, predatory pricing practices, and misleading advertisements. Regulatory authorities have flagged the company for not paying the appropriate duties and taxes while offering products at unsustainably low prices, severely disrupting local markets.
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) is currently investigating Temu’s pricing tactics, which may violate fair competition laws and hurt local businesses. Moreover, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has raised concerns regarding the platform’s tax compliance, particularly its practices that allow it to bypass import duties under deceptive labeling.
Adding to the controversy, the platform’s advertising claims have come under fire for misleading consumers about product quality, discounts, and delivery times. This has led to growing calls for stricter regulations on international e-commerce platforms operating in Pakistan.
Authorities have hinted at possible penalties and policy reforms to ensure a level playing field for domestic and international players in the online retail sector.
Temu is under investigation in Pakistan for allegedly evading taxes, using predatory pricing to undercut local sellers, and publishing misleading ads. Regulatory bodies are cracking down on these practices to protect local businesses and enforce fair market standards in the country’s growing e-commerce sector. Temu Pakistan, tax evasion, predatory pricing
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has reported a significant milestone, revealing that the number of active taxpayers in Pakistan has reached an all-time high of 7.27 million. This growth highlights an increased compliance rate and expanding tax base, reflecting the government’s efforts to encourage documentation and improve tax culture.
According to officials, this jump in filer numbers indicates both enhanced public awareness and the success of recent policy initiatives. Compared to previous years, the increase is notable and demonstrates greater participation from individuals and businesses across various sectors.
Authorities remain optimistic that this upward trend will continue, which would help strengthen national revenue and reduce reliance on external borrowing. They emphasized the importance of consistent filing and warned that those failing to comply risk being excluded from the Active Taxpayers List (ATL), losing various benefits associated with the status.
Pakistan’s Active Taxpayers List has reached a record 7.27 million, reflecting increased tax compliance and broader documentation of the economy. The rise is attributed to policy reforms and improved public awareness. Authorities urge continued participation to ensure sustainable national revenue growth.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized the urgent need to attract more private investment into Pakistan’s shipping sector. While chairing a high-level meeting focused on maritime development, he highlighted that a stronger shipping industry is essential for economic growth, trade efficiency, and reduced reliance on foreign vessels for cargo transport.
The Prime Minister directed relevant authorities to create a supportive policy environment that encourages private sector participation. He also stressed the modernization of ports, the acquisition of advanced cargo ships, and the introduction of digital tracking systems to enhance logistics. Moreover, he encouraged collaboration with international shipping companies and port operators.
The goal, he stated, is to make Pakistan a competitive player in regional maritime trade by building self-sufficiency and boosting employment. A roadmap will soon be developed to facilitate investment-friendly reforms in the maritime industry.
PM Shehbaz Sharif has called for increased private sector investment in Pakistan’s shipping industry, aiming to strengthen maritime trade and reduce reliance on foreign cargo services. He stressed policy reforms, port modernization, and international cooperation to make Pakistan a competitive maritime hub.
Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka in a thrilling T20I series finale, securing a 2-1 victory. The highlight was Mahedi Hasan’s historic performance, where he surpassed Harbhajan Singh’s record for the most T20I wickets by a spinner in powerplays. His economical and impactful spell helped Bangladesh dominate the decisive match.
Mahedi Hasan set a new T20I record for spinners in powerplays, overtaking Harbhajan Singh, as Bangladesh triumphed over Sri Lanka to win the T20I series 2-1. His match-winning spell was pivotal in defending a modest total and sealing the series in a tense showdown.
Mahedi Hasan record, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka T20I, T20I series win
Actress Emma Watson, best known for her role in the “Harry Potter” series, has been handed a six-month driving ban in the UK. The ban comes after she accrued 12 penalty points on her license due to multiple speeding offenses and failing to provide driver details. The court also imposed a fine of over £800 on Watson, who did not attend the hearing in person. The suspension and fine were decided under existing laws governing repeated traffic violations.
Emma Watson has been banned from driving for six months in the UK after accumulating 12 penalty points on her license. The penalty follows several speeding offenses and failing to identify the driver when required, resulting in an £800+ fine.
