Sound investment decisions are built on economic understanding. At Chakor, our Economy section covers the macroeconomic trends, policy shifts, market movements, and financial developments that directly influence real estate, construction, and investment across Pakistan.
Whether you are tracking inflation, interest rates, or GDP growth, we break down what matters and what it means for your decisions.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s tax administration is set to shift toward an artificial intelligence-led engagement model, with human intervention between the tax authority and taxpayers reduced to a minimum, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said while addressing a banking summit in Karachi.
The minister noted that Parliament has approved a new tax administration structure under which taxpayer notices will now be issued through AI-led systems, marking a shift from the traditional, human-dependent compliance process.
On external financing, Aurangzeb expressed optimism over Pakistan’s entry into international bond markets, citing the recent Panda Bond issuance as a notable milestone despite the country’s late arrival in China’s capital markets. The bond, launched in mid-May, raised the equivalent of $250 million in yuan and attracted demand exceeding five times its target.
The government is now preparing additional Eurobonds and sukuk, with upcoming instruments structured as dollar-settled, rupee-linked bonds, a first for Pakistan. Requests for proposals have been sent to international investors to gauge pricing and demand.
Following Pakistan’s re-entry into the international bond market after a four-year gap, strong Eurobond demand has created room to raise issuance size to $750 million, the minister said.
On capital markets, Aurangzeb said activity drivers mattered more than headline index figures, citing a growing investor base, including Gen Z participants, and a return to double-digit corporate profitability.
On fiscal policy, he said this year’s budget was formulated for the first time by the Tax Policy Office, now under the Finance Division, with focus on export-led growth through removal of the advance and super taxes.
Pakistan Banks’ Association Chairman Zafar Masood added that the banking sector paid over Rs1 trillion in annual taxes, with agriculture lending up 39 percent, housing lending up 90 percent, and SME lending growth exceeding 111 percent year-on-year.
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KARACHI: The Sindh government and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have agreed to explore collaboration across multiple development sectors, including digital infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, and social protection.
The agreement followed a meeting between Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and IFC Division Director for Pakistan Simon Andrews, held at the CM House.
During the meeting, CM Murad outlined Sindh’s plans to attract investment in strategic sectors. These include establishing an international data centre within the province and expanding private-sector renewable energy generation.
Discussions also covered strengthening agriculture value chains, improving storage and processing facilities, and enhancing farmer livelihoods through mechanisation.
The IFC expressed interest in supporting healthcare, nutrition, and skills development initiatives, including Sindh’s ongoing programme to reduce child stunting.
Nursing sector reforms also featured prominently in the discussion. The Sindh government aims to produce at least 15,000 nurses annually. Both sides agreed to collaborate on developing a comprehensive nursing education and training model to meet this target.
A separate segment of the meeting focused on climate-resilient infrastructure. The IFC’s Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory Team offered technical assistance for climate risk assessment in public-private partnership (PPP) projects.Â
In response, Sindh’s PPP Unit requested support in three areas: capacity building, development of climate resilience guidelines, and integration of climate risk tools into project planning processes.
Provincial Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and Finance Secretary Fayaz Jatoi were among the officials present at the meeting.
Both parties are expected to continue discussions to formalise areas of cooperation in the coming months.
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ISLAMABAD: The government has introduced fresh tax relief for the real estate sector to restore investor confidence and boost stalled investment, according to Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Development Hafiz Mian Muhammad Nauman.
Speaking at a seminar organised by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Nauman said the construction and real estate sectors support around 70 allied industries and play a major role in job creation. He stressed the need to shift from unchecked horizontal expansion of cities to vertical urban development.
LCCI President Faheemur Rehman Saigol welcomed the relief measures, which include a cut in withholding tax on property purchases from 2.5% to 1.25%, and on sales from 5.5% to 2.75%, along with the abolition of Section 7E. He said these steps would help rebuild investor trust, though he urged the government to extend reduced FBR property valuation rates to other housing societies for equal treatment across the sector.
Nauman said he had raised real estate reform with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif nearly a year ago, pushing for a comprehensive construction package. He noted that unchecked urban sprawl has shrunk green spaces around major cities, with Lahore now spreading into Sheikhupura and Kasur. Nearly 150,000 to 200,000 residential plots remain vacant within Lahore alone, he said, making a strong case for vertical development.
He called the removal of Section 7E a major relief for property owners, noting that taxing non-income-generating assets had discouraged investment.
On affordable housing, Nauman said high financing costs keep home ownership out of reach for most citizens. He urged banks to offer long-term mortgage financing spanning 15 to 20 years, similar to models used in developed countries.
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KARACHI: Pakistan’s capital markets showed renewed vigour in the first half of 2026, with companies raising more than Rs20 billion through initial public offerings, according to figures released by the SECP.
The figures reflect a broader push by Islamabad to strengthen the country’s capital markets and steer businesses toward equity financing as an alternative to conventional bank borrowing.
Nine companies completed public listings during the period, drawing capital from a diverse range of sectors including manufacturing, petroleum, dairy, Islamic finance, poultry, and real estate. The SECP attributed the uptick in market activity to a series of regulatory reforms aimed at streamlining the IPO process and making stock market listings more accessible to companies across industries.
In a related development, the regulator unveiled Pakistan’s first regulatory framework for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) mutual funds. Under the new rules, ESG-designated funds will be required to allocate at least fifty percent of their assets to qualifying sustainable investments.Â
The framework also incorporates safeguards intended to curb “greenwashing,” ensuring that funds marketed as environmentally or socially responsible genuinely meet defined sustainability criteria.
The ESG framework is part of a wider sustainable finance strategy being rolled out by the SECP, which includes new ESG disclosure requirements, sustainability reporting standards, and the introduction of Pakistan’s Green Taxonomy, a classification system meant to identify and standardise environmentally sustainable economic activities.
Taken together, these developments signal a deliberate effort by Pakistani regulators to modernise the country’s financial markets, attract a broader base of investors, and align domestic capital-raising practices with global sustainability standards.Â
Analysts suggest that continued regulatory simplification could further encourage companies to tap public markets in the coming months, potentially deepening liquidity and investor participation in Pakistan’s equity landscape.
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ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court of Pakistan has restored the property inheritance rights of female heirs in a decades-old land dispute, delivering a judgment underscoring that inheritance of ancestral property is a vested legal and religious right, not something that can be surrendered through informal family arrangements.
The dispute traces back to 1955, when, following the death of the parties’ father, two brothers transferred the family’s inherited property into their own names. They claimed their mother and sisters had orally gifted away their share of the ancestral land.
Appellant Noor Muhammad challenged this claim, arguing the so-called gift was a fabricated device to strip female heirs of their legitimate property inheritance. For decades, the trial court, appellate court, and high court upheld the brothers’ claim, leaving the sisters excluded from land that was rightfully theirs.
A two-judge Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices Shahid Bilal Hassan and Shakeel Ahmad, reversed these findings, declaring all prior judgments void and ordering revenue authorities to correct the land record so the sisters’ property inheritance is formally recognised.
The Court ruled that the burden of proving an oral gift lies with those who benefit from it, not with female heirs seeking their inheritance, and reiterated that a valid gift requires clear declaration, acceptance, and delivery of possession. Importantly, it held that revenue mutations serve fiscal record-keeping purposes only and cannot, by themselves, transfer or extinguish property inheritance rights.
The Court also found no unjustified delay in the claim, noting that the sisters had continued to receive income shares from the land for years, indicating no knowledge of the exclusion.
Anchoring its ruling in constitutional guarantees of equality and property rights, alongside Islamic principles, the Court characterised the deprivation of women’s inheritance of property as an entrenched social issue that demands effective enforcement, not just legal recognition on paper.
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Lahore is a city built on commerce as much as culture. Every neighborhood has a market that defines it, and every market has a personality of its own. From air-conditioned fashion outlets to centuries-old open-air spice bazaars, the famous markets in Lahore capture the city better than any monument could.
Some trace their roots to the Mughal era; others grew alongside the city’s twentieth-century expansion. What ties them together is the same thing that has always defined Lahori commerce: energy, negotiation, and a genuine love of the transaction itself.
This guide walks through the ones worth knowing, whether you are shopping for bridal wear, hunting for wholesale bargains, restocking a kitchen, or simply want to feel the pulse of the city.
The circular design means shoppers can walk the full loop and see almost every shop category along the way, from designer lawn and formal wear to imported cosmetics and mobile accessories.
Weekend evenings are the busiest. If you are short on time and want a single stop that represents modern Lahori retail, Liberty is usually the answer.
Anarkali Bazaar: Lahore’s Oldest Market
No list of famous markets in Lahore is complete without Anarkali Bazaar, one of the oldest and most storied markets in South Asia. Split into Old and New Anarkali, it stretches along Mall Road and offers everything from books and handicrafts to fabric, jewellery and street food. Its narrow lanes and centuries of trading history make it as much a heritage experience as a shopping trip.
The market takes its name from a legend tied to the Mughal court. Old Anarkali leans toward food, with some of Lahore’s most loved street food stalls tucked between shops, while New Anarkali is the stronger destination for clothing, embroidery and gift shopping.
Ichra Bazaar: Everyday Fashion for Every Budget
Ichra Bazaar, close to the historic Ichra neighborhood, is known for affordable clothing, accessories and footwear. It draws a steady crowd of students and families looking for everyday fashion without the price tag of Gulberg’s boutiques, and its stalls are a reliable source for seasonal and festive wear.
Shoppers on a budget often prefer Ichra for Eid and wedding season shopping, when the market fills with stalls selling matching sets, artificial jewelry and ready-made outfits at prices that are easy to negotiate down.
Barkat Market: A Neighborhood Favorite
Barkat Market serves the Garden Town and Model Town area with a mix of grocery stores, bakeries, clothing outlets, and household goods. It is less about tourism and more about daily convenience, which is exactly why residents rely on it so consistently.
In a single visit, shoppers can pick up groceries, drop off tailoring, grab fresh bread and still have time to browse a clothing outlet before heading home.
Firdous Market: Bridal Wear and Fabric
Firdous Market, tucked near Gulberg, has built a reputation around bridal wear, fabric and tailoring services. It is a popular stop for anyone planning a wedding in Lahore, with shops specializing in embellished and made-to-order outfits.
Many of the tailors and boutiques here have worked with the same families across generations, and alongside bridal specialists, the market has a strong selection of fabric shops carrying everything from everyday cotton to formal silk and chiffon.
Kareem Block Market: Allama Iqbal Town’s Local Hub
Kareem Block Market in Allama Iqbal Town is a smaller, community-focused market offering clothing, groceries, and general household items. It reflects the everyday commercial rhythm of Lahore’s residential neighborhoods, away from the bigger tourist-heavy bazaars.
It rarely appears on tourist itineraries but plays a real role in daily life for the families who live around it, with small tailoring shops, general stores, and eateries keeping the block running from morning until late evening.
Shah Alam Market: The Wholesale Powerhouse
Shah Alam Market is where Lahore does business in bulk. Occupying the site of the old Shah Alam Gate, it has served as a commercial hub for more than a century and today holds close to ten thousand shops selling accessories, cosmetics, electronics, handicrafts, stationery and crockery.
It’s located in close proximity to Minar-e-Pakistan. Entrepreneurs from across Pakistan travel here to stock up, and the constant hum of bargaining is part of its character.
Prices tend to drop sharply for anyone buying in bulk, which is why small retailers from across Punjab make regular trips here. The market is organized loosely by category, with entire lanes dedicated to specific goods like cosmetics or stationery.
Tollinton Market: Fresh Produce Near Mall Road
Tollinton Market, close to Mall Road, is the place for fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, poultry, and flowers. Restaurants and caterers across Lahore source their produce here, and over time some stalls have expanded into home goods and packaged food as well.
Early mornings are when Tollinton is at its best, with the freshest stock arriving before the day’s heat sets in. Its proximity to Anarkali and Mall Road makes it an easy add-on for anyone already exploring that part of the city.
Auriga Market: Trendy and Affordable
Auriga Market sits near Main Boulevard Gulberg and Ferozepur Road, offering budget-friendly clothing, shoes, bags, and home goods. The market takes its name from the Auriga Centre building at its core, though many locals still call it Origa Market.
Its location makes it a natural stop for anyone already in the Gulberg area, and it has become a favorite among younger shoppers looking for current trends at a fraction of boutique prices.
Akbari Mandi: Asia’s Grain and Spice Giant
Inside the Walled City, Akbari Mandi is one of the largest wholesale markets for grains, spices, herbs, and chemicals in Asia. Its name traces back to the Mughal era, either named for Emperor Akbar or for the sheer scale (akbari, meaning large) of its trade. Either way, it remains a working piece of Lahore’s Mughal commercial legacy.
Walking through Akbari Mandi means moving past sacks of grain stacked to head height and the scent of fresh spices carrying through the lanes. It is a working market first and a tourist attraction second, supplying shops across Lahore and beyond.
Kasera Bazaar: Utensils With a Century of History
Kasera Bazaar, near Rang Mehal Chowk, has been trading household utensils and crockery for close to 135 years. Around a hundred shops sell everything from steel and brass cookware to antique decoration pieces, chandeliers and vases that are hard to find anywhere else in the city. It remains a favorite stop for tourists hunting for souvenirs making it one of the most famous markets in Lahore.
Many of the shops have been run by the same families for multiple generations, and beyond everyday kitchenware, it is worth visiting simply to see the ornate serving trays and traditional metalwork that are increasingly hard to find elsewhere in the city.
Moti Bazaar: The Walled City’s Shoe Market
Moti Bazaar is the Walled City’s dedicated wholesale shoe market, with roughly 1,200 shops supplying footwear across Pakistan and beyond. Its name is believed to date back to the Mughal period, and it remains one of the largest shoe trading hubs in the country, as well as one of the most famous markets in Lahore.
Retailers from across Pakistan travel to these famous markets in Lahore to buy in bulk, and the range spans everyday footwear to elaborate embroidered shoes made for weddings and festive occasions.
Sarafaa Bazaar Gold Market: Famous Markets in Lahore
Also called Sooha Bazaar, Sarafaa Bazaar at Rang Mahal Chowk has been the city’s center for gold and jewellery trade since well before Partition. With over 500 shops today, it covers everything from handmade traditional jewelry to modern machine-crafted designs, blending old-world craftsmanship with contemporary demand.
Families across Lahore still make Sarafaa Bazaar their first stop for wedding jewelry, gold investment, and custom pieces made to order, and many shoppers stay loyal to the same family-run shops their parents and grandparents used.
How to Plan a Market Route in Lahore?
Because alll the famous markets in Lahore are spread across different parts of the city, it helps to group a visit by area rather than trying to cover everything in one trip. A Gulberg-focused day could combine Liberty Market, Auriga Market and Firdous Market, all within a short drive of each other and close to Main Boulevard Gulberg.
A heritage-focused day works better around the Walled City, pairing Akbari Mandi, Kasera Bazaar, Moti Bazaar and Sarafaa Bazaar with a stop at Anarkali Bazaar and Tollinton Market on the way back toward Mall Road.
Other neighborhood famous markets in Lahore like Barkat Market, Ichra Bazaar and Kareem Block Market are best visited when you are already in that part of the city, since they are built more for convenience than for a dedicated trip.
Shopping Tips for Famous Markets in Lahore
When on a shopping spree in these famous markets in Lahore, bargain where it is expected, especially at Liberty, Auriga, Shah Alam and the Walled City bazaars. A polite, unhurried negotiation almost always gets a better price than a rushed one, and shopkeepers generally respect buyers who know the value of what they are asking for.
Evenings tend to be cooler and busier, so plan visits after five for the best atmosphere, particularly at Liberty Market and Anarkali Bazaar where the crowds and lighting are part of the experience.
Wholesale famous markets in Lahore like Shah Alam, Akbari Mandi and Moti Bazaar are the opposite, and are best visited earlier in the day before the lanes get too crowded to move through comfortably.
Cash is still king in most of these markets, so carry enough on hand, especially in the Walled City where card payments are far less common. And if you are heading toward Shah Alam or the Walled City, leave early since traffic and crowding build up fast, and parking close to the entrance can be difficult later in the day.
Why These Famous Markets in LahoreMatter?
Each of these famous markets in Lahore tells a different part of the city’s story. Liberty and Auriga represent its modern, fast-moving retail culture. Anarkali, Akbari Mandi, Kasera Bazaar, Moti Bazaar and Sarafaa Bazaar carry centuries of trading history within the Walled City.
Ichra, Barkat Market, Firdous Market and Kareem Block Market keep the city’s neighborhoods running day to day. Together, famous markets in Lahore make the city one of the most dynamic retail landscapes in Pakistan, and one that continues to grow even as the city expands well beyond its old boundaries.
What sets Lahore apart from many other shopping cities is how little separation there is between commerce and community. A visit to Sarafaa Bazaar is also a walk through generations of family businesses, and a trip to Akbari Mandi means watching a working supply chain in real time.
That blend of transaction and tradition is what keeps both locals and visitors coming back to these markets year after year.
Citadel Prime: A New Landmark on Main Boulevard Gulberg
Just as Gulberg has long been home to Lahore’s favorite markets, it is now home to the city’s next major mixed-use address. Citadel Prime, developed by Chakor on CBD at Main Boulevard Gulberg, brings together premium corporate offices and branded apartments in one of Lahore’s most connected locations, minutes from Liberty Market and Auriga Market. Positioned within the same commercial energy that has made Gulberg synonymous with prime real estate, Citadel Prime offers a rare opportunity to live, work, and invest at the center of it all. Learn more about Citadel Prime.
This was all about famous markets in Lahore; for more information on relevant topics such as Main Boulevard Gulberg, visit Chakor blogs.
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Barkat Market is one of Lahore’s most recognised commercial destinations, sitting right on Main Boulevard in Garden Town. Known for its food, retail variety, and central location, Barkat Market Lahore has grown from a small neighbourhood bazaar into one of the city’s busiest commercial corridors.Â
Whether someone is looking for a quick bite, running errands, or exploring commercial real estate opportunities in the area, Barkat Market remains a reliable point of reference in Lahore’s urban landscape.
This guide covers everything worth knowing about Barkat Market Lahore location, how to get there, what it offers, its history, and why it continues to matter for both residents and businesses.
Barkat Market Location
Barkat Market location places it on Main Boulevard, Garden Town, Lahore, in Usman Block’s commercial area. Its central position places it within easy reach of several major Lahore localities, including Gulberg, Model Town, Faisal Town, and Allama Iqbal Town. The postal code for the broader Garden Town area, which includes Barkat Market, is 54600.
Because of this location, Barkat Market functions as a connecting point between several residential and commercial zones, making it a natural stop for people commuting across the city.
How to Reach Barkat Market Lahore
Barkat Market is accessible from multiple directions, which is part of why it sees such consistent foot traffic.
From Ferozepur Road: Head toward Kalma Chowk, then turn onto Main Boulevard Garden Town instead of taking the flyover. Continue straight, and the market will appear on the left, near the Shell petrol pump.
From Gulberg: Approach Kalma Chowk and take the underpass onto Main Boulevard Garden Town. Continue straight, and Barkat Market will be visible on the left after passing the main Garden Town blocks.
From Multan Road or Thokar Niaz Baig (via Okara Road): Enter Main Boulevard Garden Town and take the designated U-turn near the Shell petrol pump. The market sits just past the turn, on the left.
From Canal Road: Canal Road offers one of the smoothest approaches, connecting directly into Garden Town with minimal traffic compared to peak-hour routes through Kalma Chowk.
Public transport, rickshaws, and ride-hailing services regularly stop near Barkat Market, and parking is available in designated spaces around the market, though it can get tight during peak evening hours.
What You’ll Find at Barkat Market
Barkat Market is best described as a mixed-use commercial strip that blends food, retail, services, and business activity in one compact stretch.
Food and Dining: This is arguably what Market is best known for today. The market has built a reputation as one of Lahore’s reliable food destinations, with a dense cluster of restaurants and food stalls covering everything from fast food and BBQ to traditional Pakistani cuisine and continental options.
Among the long-standing names here, Lal Qila Barkat Market is frequently mentioned by regulars for its Mughal-inspired menu, alongside other established spots serving karahi, biryani, and grilled fast food. The area is informally treated as a food street by locals, especially in the evenings when most outlets are at full capacity.
Retail and Shopping: Beyond food, Market houses a range of retail outlets, including clothing stores, mobile phone shops and repair centers, bakeries, grocery stores, and general merchandise shops. It has also developed a presence as a destination for wedding-related shopping, supported by nearby event venues.
Banking and Financial Services: Several major banks operate branches or ATMs in and around Market, giving visitors easy access to everyday banking needs without having to travel outside the area.
Healthcare Pharmacies, clinics, and basic diagnostic facilities are present within the market, and larger hospitals are a short drive away, making the area reasonably well-served for routine medical needs.
Offices and Commercial Spaces: Market is also home to a number of small offices, service centers, and real estate agencies, reflecting its dual identity as both a retail destination and a working commercial zone.
A Brief History of Barkat Market
Barkat Market began as a modest neighbourhood market serving the residential needs of Garden Town, established as the area developed in the decades following independence.
As Garden Town expanded and nearby institutions, including Punjab University’s campus, grew their presence, the market expanded alongside the rising population and commercial demand.
A significant redevelopment took place in the mid-2000s, which included road widening, improved infrastructure, expanded parking, and modernised shopfronts. This redevelopment played a major role in shifting Market from a basic retail strip into the dining and commercial hub it is recognised as today.
In recent years, the market has leaned further into its identity as a food destination, while still retaining its role as a practical commercial center for the surrounding residential communities.
Why Barkat Market Matters for Commercial Real Estate
For anyone evaluating commercial property in Lahore, Market is a useful reference point. Its consistent footfall, central location, and proximity to established residential societies such as Garden Town, Model Town, and Faisal Town make it an example of how a well-positioned commercial corridor sustains long-term value.Â
Areas like this tend to attract continued investment in retail and food businesses precisely because of steady demand and easy accessibility from multiple parts of the city.
This pattern is one that real estate developers pay close attention to when assessing commercial viability in Lahore. A strong mix of footfall, accessibility, and surrounding residential density is often what separates a commercial area that thrives long-term from one that struggles to retain businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Barkat Market’s general operating hours?
Most shops operate during standard daytime hours, but the market is busiest in the evening, particularly between 5 PM and 10 PM, when food stalls and restaurants see peak activity.
Is parking available at Market?
Yes, designated parking spaces are available around the market, though they can fill up quickly during evening hours.
Is Barkat Market mainly known for food?
While it offers a wide range of retail and services, food is what Bakat Market is most popularly associated with today, particularly its concentration of restaurants and food stalls.
What is Barkat Market Lahore location relative to major roads?
Market sits on Main Boulevard, Garden Town, within close reach of Canal Road, Ferozepur Road, and Gulberg, making it accessible from most parts of central Lahore.
Is Lal Qila Barkat Market still open?
Lal Qila Market remains one of the area’s established dining spots, known for its Mughal-inspired menu and continued popularity among regular visitors to the market.
What residential areas are closest to Barkat Market?
Garden Town, Model Town, Faisal Town, and parts of Allama Iqbal Town are all within close reach.
Are banks and hospitals available nearby?
Yes, several bank branches operate within the market, and larger hospitals are a short drive away.
What is the best route to avoid traffic when visiting Barkat Market?
Canal Road tends to offer a smoother approach compared to routes through Kalma Chowk during peak hours.
For more informative blogs on Lahore’s most promising commercial real estate, visit Chakor.
BBC-featured Content Specialist with a sharp eye for search intent and a proven ability to turn content into a growth engine. I leverage cutting-edge digital marketing tools to craft strategies that fuel organic traffic, amplify brand growth, and own the local SEO landscape, particularly across the competitive real estate market. I help brands dominate search rankings and convert visibility into measurable business success.
LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced a 16% General Sales Tax (GST) on rented properties across the province. The new tax will take effect from July 1, 2026.
The tax will apply to rented commercial buildings, non-residential properties and other rented immovable properties. Smaller houses rented out will also be included.
The decision is expected to affect both landlords and tenants. Landlords may either pay the tax from their rental income or increase rents to cover the cost. This could make homes, shops, offices and warehouses more expensive for tenants.
Property tax payments in Punjab will now be made through the E-Pay Punjab system. Taxpayers who use the self-assessment method will get a 5% rebate. Those registered before January 1, 2025, will receive a 20% cap on capital value assessment.
If property tax is not paid on time, the government will add a surcharge every three months. These increases will take place on October 31, January 31, April 30 and July 31.
Property dealers have criticised the move. They say property owners already pay taxes on rental properties, so adding another tax is unfair.
Residents have also raised concerns. Many people, especially pensioners, depend on rent as their main source of income. They fear the new tax will reduce their monthly earnings.
The Punjab government has also increased the token tax on commercial vehicles, including vans and trucks, as well as vehicles of 1,000cc and above.
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Islamabad, Pakistan — June 20, 2026: Chakor, one of Pakistan’s leading real estate developers, has concluded a landmark FDI signing with a Portuguese investor delegation from OLAE at the Chakor Global Initiative’s Islamabad event held on June 20, 2026.
The historic signing formalises a combined investment commitment of 200 million USD across two Chakor development projects: Citadel Prime, a premium residential project located in the CBD Lahore, and a second flagship Chakor project, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s real estate sector.
This game-changing signing brings tangible European FDI inflow in Pakistan property market at a time when international confidence in the country’s economic trajectory is building. The impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth in Pakistan is well documented, and signings of this scale translate directly into job creation, infrastructure development, and long-term sectoral confidence. For Chakor, this is not merely a transaction; it is a statement of intent: that Pakistan is open, investable, and ready for the world.
The Islamabad event was attended by Prof. Dr. Jose Paulo Oliveira, Founder and President of OLAE, accompanied by other senior OLAE representatives, including Dr. Carlos Alberto Ribeiro, Sueny Aline, and Dr. Muhammad Sohail.
Speaking on the occasion, Muhammad Abbas Khan, CEO of Chakor, said:
“This signing with OLAE is a defining moment not just for Chakor, but for Pakistan’s real estate sector as a whole. Attracting European investment of this scale reflects the strength of our projects, the credibility of our platform, and the growing appetite of global investors for what Pakistan has to offer. We built the Chakor Global Initiative to open exactly these doors, and today, they are wide open.”
“We have seen firsthand the opportunities this market offers, and we are proud to be part of what Chakor and Muhammad Abbas Khan is building here. “
The Chakor Global Initiative, which also held its inaugural gathering in Lahore, has positioned Chakor at the forefront of Pakistan’s push to integrate its real estate market with global investment networks. This OLAE partnership represents one of the most consequential instances of foreign direct investment in Pakistan‘s real estate sector to date, and a defining addition to the country’s growing FDI in Pakistan narrative, standing as the most concrete outcome of that ambition to date.
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ISLAMABAD: In a major relief measure for consumers, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday announced a substantial cut in fuel prices, reducing petrol by Rs74 per litre and high-speed diesel by Rs67 per litre, as the government moves to pass on the benefits of falling international oil prices to the public.
According to the announcement, the formal notification confirming the new rates had not yet been issued at the time of reporting. Prices have been adjusted weekly since the outbreak of the US-Iran war, reflecting the volatility conflict has introduced into global energy markets.
Once the revision takes effect, petrol will be priced at Rs299.78 per litre, while diesel will be priced at Rs311.78 per litre, sharply lower than the previous rates of Rs373.78 and Rs378.78, respectively.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, the Prime Minister stated that the government was responding to an improved regional economic climate alongside the broader decline in oil prices, describing the move as the fulfilment of a commitment previously made to the nation.
The announcement follows remarks PM Shehbaz delivered earlier in the day in the National Assembly, where he had pledged a “significant” reduction in fuel prices, attributing the shift to de-escalating tensions in the Middle East following the recently brokered US-Iran peace agreement and the resumption of energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
In his official statement, the Prime Minister also acknowledged the difficulties faced by ordinary citizens during the period of elevated fuel costs, commended the public for its patience and resilience, and expressed appreciation for their continued support for the government throughout the challenging period.
The development is being viewed as a direct economic dividend of the broader regional stabilisation following the recent ceasefire arrangement between Washington and Tehran, which has restored confidence in global oil supply chains.
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