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Stay informed with the latest developments in real estate, business, and investment trends across Pakistan and beyond. Chakor News delivers timely updates, expert insights, and market analysis to help you make informed decisions. Whether it’s project launches, economic shifts, or updates on regulatory changes, our news coverage keeps you ahead of the curve. Explore reliable stories, impactful headlines, and trusted reporting—only on Chakor News.

CategoriesNews Economy

IMF Acknowledges Pakistan’s Economic Stabilisation Following Reform Measures

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has acknowledged a notable improvement in Pakistan’s economic conditions, citing policy reforms implemented under the country’s ongoing IMF-supported programme.

According to IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack, Pakistan’s recent policy efforts have contributed to macroeconomic stabilisation and helped restore confidence in financial markets. The assessment comes as the country continues to implement reforms under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF).

The IMF highlighted Pakistan’s strengthened fiscal performance, noting that the country achieved a primary fiscal surplus of approximately 1.3 percent of GDP in fiscal year 2025, meeting programme targets. Improved revenue collection and tighter fiscal discipline were identified as key factors behind the progress.

Pakistan’s external sector has also shown signs of recovery, with the country recording its first current account surplus in over a decade. The development signals reduced pressure on foreign exchange reserves and improved balance-of-payments stability.

Inflation, which surged during the recent economic crisis, has begun to moderate, reflecting the impact of monetary tightening and stabilisation measures. IMF officials emphasised that these trends indicate a gradual easing of macroeconomic pressures.

An IMF mission is expected to visit Pakistan later this month to conduct programme review discussions, including assessments under both the Extended Fund Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility.

Despite recognising the progress, the IMF stressed the importance of maintaining reform momentum. Continued fiscal discipline, structural reforms, and prudent economic management will be essential to sustaining stability and supporting long-term growth.

The Fund described Pakistan’s recent performance as a shift toward economic stabilisation rather than a full recovery, underscoring the need for consistent policy implementation in the months ahead.

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Umrah Prices Rise Sharply
CategoriesNews Economy Ramadan

Umrah Prices Rise Sharply as Pilgrims Rush to Book Flights for Ramazan

LAHORE: With the commencement of Ramazan, the holiest month for Muslims, demand for Umrah travel has risen sharply, leading to a significant increase in airfare prices. Umrah, a pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, is a highly anticipated spiritual journey, especially during Ramazan, when many Muslims aim to complete their religious obligations.

The surge in demand has led to a noticeable increase in airline ticket prices, with domestic and international airlines raising fares. Reports indicate that business-class tickets, which were previously priced at around Rs 425,000–Rs 450,000, have now risen to an astonishing Rs 500,000. Similarly, economy and economy-plus tickets, which were available at rates of Rs 130,000–Rs 140,000 earlier, are now being sold at Rs 180,000–Rs 200,000. This price hike has left many pilgrims struggling to accommodate the rising costs in their travel budgets.

Travel agents attribute this surge to the seasonal rush, as many pilgrims prefer to undertake the journey to Mecca during the holy month of Ramazan. The influx of bookings, especially for flights departing in the early and later Ashra, or the ten-day periods, has led to limited seat availability. Consequently, airlines have raised fares to capitalize on the growing demand. Many flights are now fully booked, and only a few seats remain, often at premium prices.

For some pilgrims, this unexpected rise in airfares has made it more difficult to plan their pilgrimage. Families who had previously booked tickets months in advance at lower rates are now finding it difficult to cover the additional financial burden caused by the fare surge.

As the holy month progresses, the situation may become more challenging for individuals and families looking to embark on their spiritual journey, further underscoring the trend of rising airline costs during peak travel seasons.

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CategoriesNews Ramadan

Rawalpindi Enhances Security Measures Ahead of Ramazan

RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi’s law enforcement agencies have implemented additional security measures in preparation for Ramazan, focusing on maintaining public safety and order during the holy month. The decision was made following a meeting of the Regional Police Coordination Committee, chaired by Regional Police Officer (RPO) Rawalpindi, Syed Khalid Mahmood Hamdani.

The newly outlined security plan includes specific measures for Taraweeh prayers and other religious gatherings, ensuring proper security arrangements are in place at these key events. The authorities will also increase surveillance of sensitive installations across the city and enhance overall security presence in vulnerable areas.

As part of the security strategy, police will conduct search and combing operations throughout Rawalpindi to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. The coordination between law enforcement agencies will be strengthened to improve response times and enforcement efficiency. Additionally, the official complaint portal will be used to address any public concerns promptly.

The police have been tasked with managing traffic flow to ensure smoother movement of vehicles, particularly in high-traffic areas, and protecting tourists in the Murree region.

RPO Hamdani stressed that the protection of citizens’ lives and property remains the primary objective, and all police units are on heightened alert during the month of Ramazan. These comprehensive security efforts aim to ensure a peaceful environment throughout the month and enhance public confidence in law enforcement.

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CategoriesNews Ramadan

Ramadan Office Hours Notified for Federal Constitutional Court

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Constitutional Court has announced revised office timings for the month of Ramadan. The schedule, approved by the Chief Justice, will be implemented across court offices located in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta.

According to the official notification, court offices will operate from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm from Monday through Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, working hours will be observed from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. These timings will remain effective for the duration of Ramadan.

The notification further states that routine cases will not be accepted during the final hour before the close of business each day. However, arrangements have been made to allow urgent or emergency matters to be filed outside regular office hours, where required.

The revised schedule is part of administrative measures introduced to adjust working hours during the holy month while ensuring continuity of court operations. Legal practitioners, litigants, and other stakeholders have been advised to take note of the updated timings to avoid inconvenience.

Court offices in the specified cities will follow the notified schedule until further instructions are issued.

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CategoriesNews

Rawalpindi Kachery Chowk Project Reaches 64% Completion

ISLAMABAD: Construction work on Rawalpindi’s multi-billion-rupee Kachery Chowk traffic improvement project has reached approximately 64 percent completion, according to officials from the Punjab Communication and Works Department. The scheme is aimed at converting one of the city’s busiest intersections into a signal-free junction to improve traffic flow.

The project includes the construction of two major flyovers and three underpasses, along with extensive utility relocation and infrastructure upgrades. Structural work on the main flyovers and underpasses has been completed, while finishing activities such as earth filling and placement of utility services are currently in progress.

Several utility agencies, including IESCO, PTCL, and SNGPL, are coordinating efforts to relocate power lines, telecommunications cables, and gas pipelines to support the development. Authorities have confirmed that electricity pylons are being shifted to facilitate the next phase of construction.

In addition to the ongoing works at Kachery Chowk, three more underpasses are planned along Peshawar Road as part of an extended signal-free corridor project. Construction on this segment is expected to begin next month, with an estimated cost of around Rs8 billion. The expansion is intended to ease congestion on one of Rawalpindi’s busiest traffic arteries.

The Kachery Chowk junction connects Old Airport Road, Saddar, Jehlum Road, and Peshawar Road, handling more than 250,000 vehicles daily. Upon completion, the project is expected to reduce congestion, shorten travel times, and contribute to the development of a continuous signal-free route from Ammar Chowk to Motorway Chowk.

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CategoriesNews Developments

Islamabad to Get First-Ever Comprehensive Digital City Map Under CDA Initiative

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has introduced a plan to create a citywide digital map of Islamabad, aimed at strengthening urban planning and improving administrative efficiency.

The proposed initiative will compile detailed geographic and infrastructure data into a centralized digital system. The mapping framework is expected to cover land records, road networks, utility infrastructure, zoning details, and public amenities across the capital. Officials say the project will provide accurate spatial information to support planning, monitoring, and development activities.

By consolidating multiple data layers into a single digital platform, the CDA intends to enhance coordination among departments and improve oversight of construction and land management. The system is also expected to assist in evaluating development proposals, tracking infrastructure projects, and ensuring better resource allocation.

Authorities describe the initiative as part of ongoing efforts to modernize municipal governance through technology-driven solutions. The digital map is anticipated to serve as a reference tool for future expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and policy decisions related to Islamabad’s growth.

While no specific timeline for completion has been announced, officials indicate that the project will lay the groundwork for more transparent and efficient city management. The move reflects broader efforts to adopt data-based approaches in public administration and improve service delivery in the federal capital.

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CategoriesNews Economy

SBP Pushes Banks to Deepen Agri-Finance

KARACHI: The Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Jameel Ahmad, has called on banks to expand the agricultural borrower base, strengthen inclusion of small farmers, and accelerate digital delivery channels to support sustainable growth in the farming sector.

Speaking at a meeting of the Agricultural Credit Advisory Committee (ACAC) in Karachi on Thursday, the governor emphasised that agriculture remains vital for improving farm productivity, supporting rural livelihoods, and ensuring food security. He stressed the need to enhance agricultural financial intermediation to promote value addition, market linkages, and long-term sectoral growth.

During FY2024-25, agricultural credit disbursement reached a record Rs2,577 billion, reflecting a 16% annual increase. Building on this momentum, disbursements in the first half (July-December) of FY2026 amounted to Rs1,412 billion, while the number of borrowers rose to 2.97 million.

Highlighting macroeconomic improvements, Ahmad noted that Pakistan’s real GDP grew by 3.7% in the first quarter of FY2026, with full-year growth projected between 3.75% and 4.75%. Headline inflation moderated to 5.8% by January 2026, allowing monetary policy to support growth while maintaining price stability.

The governor urged banks to leverage initiatives such as the Risk Coverage Scheme for Small Farmers and Underserved Areas and Zarkheze, the SBP’s flagship digital agricultural lending platform. Zarkheze enables digital onboarding, standardised credit assessment, land record integration, and end-to-end loan traceability.

The committee also reviewed progress on upgrading crop loan insurance under the ADB-supported Pakistan Insurance Transformation Programme and discussed scaling up Electronic Warehouse Receipt Financing to enhance post-harvest liquidity.

Ahmad outlined three priorities for banks: expanding borrower outreach, deepening inclusion of small farmers, and extending agricultural finance to underserved regions.

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CategoriesNews Real Estate

Sindh Launches Landmark Digital Property Registration for Overseas Pakistanis

KARACHI: The Government of Sindh has introduced a digital property registration system to facilitate overseas Pakistanis in executing property transactions without traveling to Pakistan.

Senior Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, described the initiative as a “historic and revolutionary step” designed to ease long-standing procedural challenges faced by expatriate Pakistanis. The reform enables overseas citizens to complete sale deeds and related property documentation through Pakistani embassies and consulates abroad.

The initiative follows amendments to the Sindh Registration Act, which exempt overseas Pakistanis from the requirement to appear in person at local sub-registrar offices. The new system integrates with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to enable biometric and facial verification, enhancing security, transparency, and fraud prevention.

Additionally, e-stamping services have been transitioned to the Sindh Information Technology Company to streamline digitization. The system incorporates paperless stamp duty, two-factor authentication, and mobile application access to facilitate secure, efficient transactions.

Officials say the move is expected to strengthen investor confidence among overseas Pakistanis and encourage greater participation in Pakistan’s real estate sector. The government views the reform as part of broader efforts to modernize land administration, improve governance, and simplify bureaucratic procedures.

The digital registration framework represents a significant development in Sindh’s administrative reforms and could set a precedent for similar initiatives in other provinces.

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CategoriesNews Tourism Urban Developments & Planning

CDA Unveils Plan to Transform Islamabad into a Vibrant Cultural and Tourism Hub

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has launched a new initiative to enhance Islamabad’s status as a cultural and tourism capital. Announced on February 10, the plan aims to boost the city’s cultural appeal and attract both local and international tourists.

The CDA’s strategy includes the development of spaces dedicated to art, heritage, and cultural events, designed to foster a vibrant cultural scene. The initiative will involve the creation of cultural centers, public art spaces, and tourism-focused facilities, all of which will contribute to the city’s identity as a prominent cultural hub.

Additionally, the CDA plans to allocate land for the construction of museums, galleries, and cultural landmarks, which will showcase Pakistan’s rich history and diverse cultural heritage. These new facilities are expected to enhance the city’s tourism infrastructure, drawing more visitors to Islamabad.

The CDA is committed to preserving the city’s natural beauty as a “garden city,” ensuring that the new cultural developments align with the city’s environmental and architectural character. This approach aims to balance urban growth with sustainable design, offering a blend of modern amenities and green spaces.

This initiative is part of the CDA’s broader goal to boost the city’s visibility on the global tourism map, stimulate economic growth through cultural tourism, and create a more engaging environment for both residents and visitors. The CDA’s efforts are expected to elevate Islamabad’s reputation as a key cultural and tourism destination in the region.

CategoriesNews Construction Transport Urban Developments & Planning

Traffic Diversion Plan Announced for Park Road Underpass Construction

ISLAMABAD: Authorities have announced a comprehensive traffic management plan in connection with the construction of a new underpass at Margalla Enclave on Park Road in Islamabad. The diversion strategy aims to regulate vehicular movement and minimize congestion during the development phase.

According to the advisory, vehicles traveling from Rawal Dam Chowk toward Taramari will be redirected via NIH Road and will rejoin Park Road through Mohra Noor. Meanwhile, traffic moving from Taramari toward Rawal Dam Chowk will be diverted near Chai Khana, passing through the CDA Nursery area and two temporary access roads before merging back onto Park Road.

Motorists have been advised to consider alternative routes, including Lehtrar Road, Khanna Pul, and the Islamabad Expressway, to avoid delays near the construction site. Officials have cautioned that the area is likely to experience increased traffic pressure, particularly during peak hours, and commuters are encouraged to allow an additional 20 to 30 minutes for travel.

Islamabad Police personnel will remain deployed along affected stretches to assist drivers and ensure the orderly movement of vehicles. The traffic management measures will remain in place for the duration of the construction work.

The underpass project forms part of ongoing infrastructure development efforts aimed at improving traffic flow along Park Road, a key corridor connecting residential and commercial areas of the capital. Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with traffic officials and adhere to the designated diversion routes to maintain smooth traffic operations during the construction period.