LAHORE: Air pollution levels across eastern Pakistan have surged sharply following the Diwali festival in neighboring India, as thick smog drifted across the border into Punjab’s major cities, pushing air quality to hazardous levels.

According to data from the Punjab Air Quality Monitoring Network, Lahore recorded an overall Air Quality Index (AQI) of 318, placing it among the world’s most polluted cities. Dera Ghazi Khan reported the province’s highest pollution level at 450, while Sheikhupura recorded 311, Faisalabad 281, and Gujranwala 268. 

Within Lahore, localized readings were even more alarming, with Kahna at 430, Shahdara at 379, Burki Road at 344, Multan Road at 336, and DHA Phase 6 at 327.

Global monitoring platform IQAir ranked Lahore as the world’s most polluted city on Tuesday, with an AQI of 298, surpassing New Delhi, which recorded 283.

In response to the worsening air quality, the Punjab government has activated anti-smog guns and launched night operations in high-pollution zones, including Thokar. The Environment Protection Department (EPD) reported that polluted air masses from Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Haryana are drifting into Pakistan, affecting Lahore, Faisalabad, Sahiwal, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, and Multan. Officials warned that pollution levels are expected to peak during the early morning and nighttime hours due to stagnant weather conditions.

Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb called for public cooperation, urging citizens to follow environmental safety protocols and support government measures to combat the crisis.

The Punjab Smog Monitoring Center has advised citizens, especially children, the elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses, to wear masks and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed that fine PM2.5 particles have spiked across major cities, posing serious health risks. 

Authorities emphasized strict enforcement against industrial emissions, open burning, vehicular smoke, and smoke-emitting eateries as part of a renewed campaign to improve air quality.

As air quality continues to deteriorate, environmental experts warn that the crisis will not abate without comprehensive and cooperative regional action. For now, Lahore and other parts of Punjab remain shrouded in toxic haze — a grim reminder of South Asia’s worsening smog season.

Saleha Ali

ISLAMABAD: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has proposed sending a technical assistance mission to Pakistan to examine a trade data discrepancy amounting to between $16.5 billion and $30 billion, aiming to identify the causes and suggest corrective measures.

The proposal was made during the recent review discussions under Pakistan’s $7 billion bailout program, but local authorities have so far declined the offer, asserting that they are capable of addressing the issue independently. Officials said part of the discrepancy stems from unbooked raw materials imported under trade facilitation schemes, while others believe the gap may involve tax evasion or trade-based money laundering.

According to official records, Pakistan Single Window (PSW) reported imports worth $321 billion from July 2020 to June 2025, whereas the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) recorded only $291 billion, creating a $30 billion gap. Additionally, Pakistan Revenue Automation Limited (PRAL) listed $304.5 billion, about $16.5 billion less than PSW’s figure, with $12.8 billion linked to the export facilitation scheme.

PBS Chief Statistician Dr. Naeem Uz-Zafar stated that Pakistan does not require IMF assistance, emphasizing that the bureau is technically equipped to reconcile trade data. Meanwhile, the IMF has urged Pakistan to publicly disclose the discrepancies and enhance transparency in its reporting.

The SBP clarified that its trade data is based primarily on bank-reported transactions, meaning no major revision is expected in the country’s current account balance, though minor adjustments could follow.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said the government had explained the matter to the IMF, which appeared satisfied with the justification. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to reforming the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) through improvements in people, process, and technology.

The IMF’s proposed mission, if accepted, would be separate from its financial program and would focus solely on data accuracy and governance improvements.

Saleha Ali

LAHORE: The Punjab government has disbursed over PKR 113 billion in loans to 95,600 low-income families under the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Program, aimed at helping citizens build their own homes. The initiative is a key part of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision to make homeownership accessible to deserving families across the province.

According to a spokesperson from the Punjab Housing Department, the program plans to provide loans to a total of 500,000 families over the next five years. The project continues to gain momentum, with 82,931 houses currently under construction and 20,940 homes already completed. Additionally, 59,510 families have received their second loan installment to continue building their homes.

A recent review meeting, chaired by Secretary Housing Punjab Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, provided an update on the progress of the scheme. Program Director Waleed Baig briefed attendees on the transparent loan disbursement process, which involves strict eligibility verification to ensure fairness.

The Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Program is making a significant impact, benefiting thousands of families in both urban and rural areas and helping them realize the dream of homeownership.

Saleha Ali

Pakistan’s Information Technology (IT) sector has reached a significant milestone, with exports climbing to an all-time high of $3.8 billion in fiscal year 2025, reflecting an 18% year-on-year growth. This performance underscores the increasing role of the IT industry in Pakistan’s economic landscape, spurred by heightened global demand for digital services.

A key factor behind this growth has been the rise in freelance and remote work, which saw an impressive 90% surge, contributing $779 million to the total export value. This highlights Pakistan’s growing pool of digital talent and its enhanced competitiveness in IT-enabled services on the global stage.

Despite these positive results, industry leaders have raised concerns about the sustainability of this growth. They warn that without stable government policies, the sector may struggle to maintain its upward trajectory. Concerns center around the unpredictability of regulations and the complexity of compliance processes, which could impede future expansion.

The Ministry of IT and Telecom attributes the sector’s success to a combination of strategic priorities, including the global promotion of Pakistan’s IT sector, investments in talent and infrastructure, supportive policies, reliable internet connectivity, and national digital initiatives such as the drive toward a cashless economy.

IT and Telecom Minister Shaza Fatima outlined ambitious goals for the sector, aiming to achieve $15 billion in IT exports by 2030. She emphasized that ongoing reforms would be key to maintaining this growth momentum. However, the Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) has urged the government to introduce a predictable and long-term tax and regulatory framework to support the IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) industry.

P@SHA Chairman Sajjad Syed pointed out that tech entrepreneurs often spend considerable time navigating overlapping regulations rather than focusing on creating export-oriented products. He stressed that the sector’s growth would be significantly boosted if regulatory continuity and compliance processes were simplified. “Every serious investor—local or international—asks two critical questions: What will my tax exposure be, and will the rules change after I invest?” he stated.

To address these concerns, the association has proposed several measures, including extending the 10-year Final Tax Regime (FTR) for IT/ITeS export income, addressing tax disparities that negatively impact businesses operating payrolls within Pakistan, and creating a dedicated channel for foreign currency transactions akin to the Roshan Digital initiative.

Other recommendations include revising the super tax for the sector under the FTR, exempting capital gains tax to enhance investor confidence, standardizing provincial sales tax regulations, and consolidating labor-related levies through a unified digital system for the tech industry.

“These proposals are not about subsidies,” emphasized the P@SHA chairman. “They focus on predictability, digitalization, and simplifying administrative processes.” He further noted that many of these reforms could be cost-neutral or even revenue-positive, as they would foster greater compliance, better documentation, and higher export revenues.

Saleha Ali

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended the deadline for filing income tax returns for Tax Year 2025. The new deadline, originally set for October 15, 2025, will now be October 31, 2025. This extension comes after repeated requests from trade bodies and tax bar associations, seeking more time for taxpayers to complete their filings.

The notification issued by the FBR confirms that the deadline has been extended in accordance with Section 214A of the 2001 Income Tax Ordinance. The decision marks the second time that the FBR has revised the deadline, having previously extended it from September 30, 2025, to October 15, 2025. Despite earlier affirmations that no further extension would be granted, the FBR chose to extend the date again following additional requests from concerned parties.

The FBR’s decision to revise the deadline reflects the pressure exerted by various stakeholders, including the business community and legal professionals, who emphasized the need for more time to meet the filing requirements. Taxpayers who were initially required to submit their returns by September 30 now have until October 31, 2025, to do so.

This announcement is seen as a major relief for taxpayers, allowing them more flexibility in meeting their obligations. However, it also underscores the challenges faced by the tax authority in balancing compliance requirements with the practical realities of the filing process.

Saleha Ali

LAHORE: The Punjab government has unveiled plans to digitize all toll plazas across the province in a move to improve efficiency, transparency, and the overall experience for commuters.

During a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the government approved the replacement of the manual receipt system with a fully digital toll collection mechanism.

The initiative, named ‘One App, One System’, will be implemented at 38 toll plazas in Punjab, operating similarly to the existing system on national motorways.

This digital transition aims to eliminate manual irregularities, reduce congestion at entry and exit points, and enhance transparency in revenue management. The Chief Minister emphasized that the new system would offer greater convenience to travelers while ensuring more efficient toll collection.

The meeting also covered progress on several development projects, with the approval of five major road projects to be developed through public-private partnerships. These projects are expected to reduce costs and accelerate completion timelines.

Additionally, the Punjab government reported saving PKR 40 billion through e-tendering, which has strengthened procurement transparency. The Chief Minister also directed the installation of solar-powered streetlights along new roads to promote sustainability and energy efficiency.

In urban development, the government approved beautification initiatives in Lahore, including the installation of a decorative fountain and a miniature train for children near the railway station park. New roads and pedestrian pathways in the area will enhance accessibility and the city’s visual appeal.

Finally, progress was shared on the restoration of flood-affected infrastructure, with repairs completed on 54 major bridges, 142 small bridges, and 858 damaged roads, while rehabilitation in Murree, Chakwal, and Sahiwal has been finalized.

The toll digitization project marks a significant step toward modernizing Punjab’s infrastructure, integrating technology into public management systems, and improving service delivery for residents and travelers alike.

Saleha Ali

ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Islamabad have announced a series of measures to curb smog, reduce air pollution, and protect the environment in the capital. The directives were issued during a high-level meeting at CDA Headquarters, jointly chaired by CDA Chairman and Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa and Pak-EPA Director General Nazia Zeb Ali.

Officials said a comprehensive joint strategy will be implemented to tackle pollution, focusing on the transport, industrial, and brick kiln sectors. Vehicle emission tests are being conducted across the city, with real-time data monitored through an integrated digital dashboard. Additional checkpoints will be established to strengthen monitoring.

All brick kilns and industrial units in Islamabad have been directed to adopt modern, eco-friendly technology, with a deadline of 20 October 2025 for kilns to switch to the zigzag system. Repeat violators contributing to air pollution may face legal action or the dismantling of their facilities. The ICT administration will also coordinate with Rawalpindi authorities to manage kilns located near the boundary areas.

To expand air quality monitoring, one station is already functional in Sector H-8, with more stations planned across the city. Open-air waste burning has been banned, and legal action will be taken against violators. All ongoing construction projects are required to implement water sprinkling systems and adhere to mitigation measures outlined in their Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).

Chairman Randhawa emphasized that these initiatives, in line with directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, aim to maintain a cleaner, healthier, and safer environment for residents of Islamabad.

Saleha Ali

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has approved the construction of a new Convention Centre in Islamabad ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2027, officials confirmed. The proposed facility will be located adjacent to the existing Jinnah Convention Centre and is intended to meet international standards for hosting major global conferences.

The decision was announced following a meeting chaired by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at CDA Headquarters, which was attended by Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, Interior Secretary Mohammad Khurram Agha, and senior officials from the district administration and CDA. The new centre will feature a spacious convention hall, along with multiple large conference and meeting rooms, with design work to be handled by both international and local architects.

The move comes after it was observed that the current Jinnah Convention Centre, covering 7.59 acres with 4.13 acres of built-up space, is insufficient to host large-scale international events. Earlier plans to privatise the existing centre were reconsidered in light of this need.

During the meeting, the interior minister also reviewed ongoing infrastructure projects, including the construction of six new police stations in Islamabad, which have been given a 45-day completion deadline. 

CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa briefed officials that tenders for 10 additional police stations have been issued, the new block of Parliament Lodges will be finished on schedule, and all piles for the T-Chowk Flyover Project have been completed, with the foundation stone for Shaheen Chowk to be laid shortly.

Additionally, restoration work on the R-Block of the Pak Secretariat is nearing completion, and plans for the commercialisation of the Islamabad Expressway are being prepared.

Saleha Ali

PESHAWAR: The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) has sanctioned 45 major development projects, valued at over PKR 66 billion, across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, spanning key sectors including agriculture, livestock, transport, infrastructure, irrigation, health, and population welfare.

The approval was given during the PDWP’s fourth meeting, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (Planning and Development) Ikramullah Khan, with senior officials from the relevant departments in attendance. The projects aim to strengthen public welfare, enhance connectivity, and stimulate provincial economic growth.

In line with directives from Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, the PDWP also endorsed a PKR 1 billion beautification project for Peshawar, which will focus on upgrading road networks, rehabilitating streetlights, expanding green belts, and installing modern urban amenities to improve the city’s aesthetic and functional appeal.

In the agriculture sector, initiatives were approved to promote dryland farming in southern districts, expand sunflower cultivation, and introduce advanced mechanization. For livestock development, the body approved schemes for genetic improvement through artificial insemination and cross-breeding with high-quality foreign breeds, with a particular focus on enhancing livelihoods in the merged districts.

A significant portion of the development budget has been allocated to road and infrastructure improvement, including feasibility studies and construction of new bypass routes such as Kurram Pul–Miranshah (via Kot Brara and Hashni Kala), the dualization of Provincial Highway S-8 in Dera Ismail Khan, and the rehabilitation of the Zafarabad irrigation channel from Dakhan Bypass.

Officials emphasized that these projects reflect the provincial government’s commitment to balanced regional development, improved service delivery, and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities across both settled and merged districts.

Saleha Ali

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has unveiled a comprehensive reform plan for the National Highway Authority (NHA), focusing on removing encroachments and standardizing land use policies along motorways and highways.

Speaking at a high-level meeting at NHA headquarters, Aleem Khan said the reforms aim to make the authority self-sustaining and profitable, targeting annual revenues of PKR 500 billion. He noted that the NHA had already achieved a historic increase of PKR 50 billion in its own resources over the past year.

The minister directed that funds previously allocated for patchwork and road repairs be redirected toward new road construction, calling the former practice a source of corruption. He also emphasized restructuring the NHA along corporate lines by involving private-sector experts, implementing performance-based evaluations, and rewarding officers who meet targets with cash incentives.

Aleem Khan further instructed the strict enforcement of encroachment removal, the timely completion of projects, and the outsourcing of commercial rights on NHA land, with quarterly reviews to ensure transparency and efficiency. The meeting was attended by the Federal Secretary for Communications, the NHA Chairman, and senior officials who updated the minister on the progress of these directives.

Saleha Ali