Lifestyle

Starting September 6, the Punjab Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will prohibit businesses from charging customers for plastic bags. This mandate aims to stop retailers from profiting off plastic, which has discouraged the use of eco-friendly alternatives. While plastic bags must now be provided for free, businesses are still permitted to charge for reusable or recyclable non-plastic options. Violators face fines up to Rs50,000, potential store closures, and legal action.

The Sindh government has distributed solar home system kits to 140 households in Tharparkar and Ghotki as part of the "Roshan Ghar – Roshan Sindh" initiative. Funded by the Sindh Energy Department and executed by the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO), the project aims to bring clean, reliable, and affordable solar energy to 275,000 households across 30 districts. To ensure the sustainable and safe use of the systems, all recipients underwent training on equipment installation, operation, and maintenance.

SG Power Limited has officially transitioned from an independent power producer to the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector, following approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). This strategic pivot enables the company to manufacture, trade, and maintain medical devices, hospital supplies, and pharmaceutical products. The company, which previously focused on electricity generation, plans to utilize approximately Rs535 million raised through a recent rights issue to support this business diversification and fuel future growth initiatives.

Gold prices in Pakistan declined on Monday, June 29, 2026, as domestic rates tracked a drop in international markets. The price of 24-karat gold fell by Rs2,300 to settle at Rs428,936 per tola, while 10-gram gold decreased by Rs1,972 to Rs367,743. Silver also saw a reduction, falling by Rs69 to Rs6,324 per tola

A survey by the Press Network of Pakistan (PNP) reveals that most Pakistanis support the government’s proposed 5% withholding tax on social media influencers, agreeing that creators should contribute to the national tax system. However, respondents emphasized the need for a balanced approach, strongly favoring income-based exemptions for small creators and the implementation of government incentives to support digital entrepreneurship. While there is concern that the tax could discourage young talent, the public generally views this measure part of the Finance Bill 2026—as a necessary step to bring the growing digital economy into the formal tax net.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched Pakistan’s first Environment Protection Agency (EPA)-certified "Liquid Tree," a bio-artificial system designed to combat smog and improve urban air quality. Developed through seven months of research, the system utilizes an AI-monitored, algae-based bioreactor—using a highly effective species identified in Sukkur—to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This initiative will initially be deployed in major shopping malls as a space-efficient alternative to traditional afforestation in congested urban areas, forming a key part of the government's broader strategy against climate change and environmental degradation.

The privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to be finalized by the end of June 2026, transferring 100% control to an Arif Habib-led consortium. The transition follows the completion of all local and international regulatory requirements, including a 15-year tax exemption for aircraft-related operations approved by the IMF. Alongside the PIA sale, the government has unveiled an ambitious privatization roadmap for FY2026-27, which includes the outsourcing of major international airports, the sale of five power distribution companies (DISCOs), and the privatization of two major financial institutions.

The Pakistani government has announced a comprehensive shift to e-passports to enhance security, reduce fraud, and ensure global compatibility. While a timeline for phasing out machine-readable passports is pending, the transition will allow citizens to utilize e-gate facilities worldwide. Alongside this upgrade, the government is digitizing services by introducing a cashless payment system for all passport offices starting July 1, 2026, and launching home-delivery services for passports. Additionally, online applications will be streamlined through the Pak ID platform, and a new policy for business passports is currently under development.

Oil prices dipped on Wednesday as investors reacted to optimistic remarks from US President Donald Trump, who claimed the war with Iran would end "very quickly," a sentiment reinforced by Vice President JD Vance’s reports of diplomatic progress. However, the market's downward move remained capped by ongoing volatility and deep-seated supply anxieties, as the conflict has effectively shuttered the Strait of Hormuz choking off roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies. With major institutions like Citi warning that the market is underpricing the risk of a prolonged disruption and US crude inventories projected to fall for a fifth straight week, analysts emphasize that oil prices are likely to remain elevated even if a tentative peace agreement is reached.