New measures reduce taxes for homeowners, professionals, and eco-conscious citizens, aiming for a fairer and more efficient fiscal system.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has officially signed the Finance Act 2025, which came into force on July 1, 2025, aiming to ease the tax burden on low-income individuals while expanding the province’s revenue base (tribune.com.pk).

Key highlights include:

• Property tax is waived for houses under five marlas, extending exemptions up to 4.9 marlas.
  
• Abolished professional tax for individuals earning up to Rs 36,000/month, a significant relief for middle-income earners.
  
• Stamp duty was halved from 2% to 1% on allotment and transfer of residential and commercial properties, streamlining real estate transactions.
  
• Mandatory vehicle registration before permit issuance to improve transport regulation.
  
• Extension of EV tax exemptions until June 30, 2028, to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles.
  
• The hotel bed tax was reduced from 10% to 7%, and the professional tax for doctors and tailors was also lowered.
  
• New penalties for rickshaw violations and more onerous clauses for fake or forged driving licenses.

However, five- to 15-marla homes in divisional and district headquarters are now subject to revised nominal property taxes, ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,500 annually (tribune.com.pk).

Provincial authorities stress that no new taxes have been imposed in the former FATA or PATA areas, clarifying that the law strikes a balance between taxpayer relief and revenue expansion.

As the province embarks on this new fiscal journey, the Finance Act 2025 signals an economic shift, offering targeted relief, promoting compliance, and supporting sustainable growth.

One of Pakistan’s largest commercial real estate transactions signals a strategic shift and capital strengthening, ranking as the second-largest by rupee value and the third-largest by dollar value.

Bank Makramah Limited (BML) has announced the sale of its iconic Cullinan Tower in Clifton, Karachi, for Rs 12 billion, marking a significant milestone in its financial strategy (brecorder.com). The decision follows a directive from BML’s Board of Directors as part of an aggressive recapitalization plan aimed at strengthening its balance sheet and supporting future growth initiatives.

The Rs 12 billion proceeds from the headquarters sale will add substantial liquidity and capital gains, fueling ongoing efforts to enhance BML’s net asset base by approximately Rs 50 billion in conjunction with other financial measures (brecorder.com). These measures include a fresh PKR 5 billion capital injection from sponsor Nasser Abdulla Hussain Lootah—adding to a prior Rs 10 billion infusion in 2023, as well as a pending merger with Global Haly Development Limited (brecorder.com).

Additionally, BML is close to recovering over Rs 13 billion in legacy non-performing loans, which will further support its profitability and recapitalization targets (brecorder.com).

As BML positions itself for sustainable growth and excellence, the strategic asset sale sends a strong confidence signal to shareholders and investors. The transaction underscores the bank’s commitment to financial resilience and positions it well for future growth and expansion.