The federal government is developing a new scheme to provide 100,000 electric bikes to the public on convenient loan terms. The initiative aims to promote eco-friendly transportation and ease the burden of rising fuel costs. The program will prioritize students and low-income earners, making electric mobility more accessible across Pakistan.
The government will offer 100,000 electric bikes through easy loan schemes to encourage green transportation and support those hit hardest by fuel price hikes. Students and low-income individuals will be given preference under the program. electric bike scheme, green transportation, affordable mobility
The Government College University for Women, Home Economics, has introduced six new degree programs aimed at enhancing educational diversity and career opportunities for female students. These include BS programs in Education, Interior Design, Fashion Design, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Textile Design, and Sociology. The announcement marks a significant academic expansion at the university, aiming to align education with modern-day professional demands.
All six BS (Hons) programs will be offered in the afternoon shift, providing more flexible learning options. The university is currently finalizing admissions criteria and procedures, which will be available soon. The new programs are designed to equip students with practical and theoretical knowledge to meet the evolving job market and societal needs.
This move reflects a broader vision to promote women’s empowerment through education and specialized skill development in growing sectors such as design, nutrition, and social sciences.
Home Economics University has introduced six new BS programs in fields like Fashion Design, Sociology, and Human Nutrition. Offered in afternoon shifts, these degrees aim to expand educational access and meet modern career demands. Admission details will be released soon. education reform, women empowerment, university programs
The government’s decision to impose a 10% sales tax on imported solar panels has sparked concern among industry experts. They fear this move will slow down the adoption of renewable energy in Pakistan, increase installation costs, and discourage investment in clean energy infrastructure, affecting long-term sustainability efforts.
The new tax could significantly hinder affordability and accessibility for residential and commercial users, especially as the country seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. Stakeholders are calling for tax exemptions or incentives to promote solar energy rather than deter its growth.
Increased solar costs, slower adoption of clean energy, and reduced investor confidence could all emerge as side effects of the policy.
Pakistan’s renewable energy transition may face new hurdles due to added financial burden on solar imports, pushing consumers away from affordable clean alternatives.
Pakistan’s solar energy future under threat, 10% tax discourages adoption, stakeholders demand policy rethink solar panel tax, renewable energy policy, green transition Pakistan
The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) has raised serious concerns regarding the accelerating effects of climate change in Pakistan. The chamber emphasized that the country’s vulnerability to environmental challenges like floods, heatwaves, and droughts demands urgent and coordinated policy action from both public and private sectors. The OICCI pointed out that Pakistan ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries despite contributing minimally to global emissions. It called for aggressive strategies focusing on sustainability, carbon reduction, and resilience-building across industries.
The chamber also urged the government to incentivize green investments, introduce climate-smart regulations, and improve institutional capacity to mitigate these risks. Business leaders affiliated with OICCI also advocated for awareness campaigns and joint ventures for environmental sustainability.
The OICCI has voiced alarm over Pakistan’s climate vulnerability, urging swift reforms and collaboration to tackle environmental threats. It stressed policy support for green investment, climate-smart practices, and resilience-building. Pakistan’s minimal emissions contrast sharply with its high exposure to climate impacts. climate change, environmental policy, Pakistan economy
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
