Lifestyle

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.

Pakistan's IT exports achieved a stellar 33% year-on-year increase in April 2026, reaching $423 million and maintaining a steady month-on-month growth above the $400 million baseline. According to State Bank of Pakistan data, cumulative technology exports for the first 10 months of FY26 soared to $3.81 billion, entirely outpacing the previous fiscal year's total earnings. Industry experts credit this rapid expansion to robust global demand for software and freelancing services, streamlined digital payment infrastructure, and a rising profile for Pakistani tech startups on the international stage.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the immediate suspension of nationwide business hour restrictions, allowing commercial centers, markets, shopping malls, and restaurants across Pakistan to operate 24/7 until May 31, 2026. Issued by the Cabinet Division ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, the notification completely overrides the energy-saving early-closure mandates enacted in April 2026. This temporary move aims to catalyze economic activity and provide flexibility to both traders and consumers during the high-volume festive shopping season.

The Punjab Communication and Works Department is set to open the Rs19 billion Kutchery Chowk remodelling project by May 31, achieving 92% completion in just six months—a significant acceleration from its original 18-month timeline. Executed by the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), the project features two flyovers and three underpasses designed to manage over 250,000 vehicles daily, alongside new pedestrian bridges and green belts. Once this junction is operational, the government will immediately launch an Rs8 billion project on Peshawar Road involving three additional underpasses to further streamline Rawalpindi's traffic flow.

The Ministry of Finance has directed all federal ministries and autonomous bodies to surrender their unspent budget allocations by May 10, advancing the usual deadline by nearly a month to finalize fiscal estimates for the upcoming year. This push for fiscal discipline, mandated by the Public Accounts Committee, covers savings across civil government operations, grants, and the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). The directive comes amid a challenging fiscal environment where PKR 173 billion has already been diverted from development projects to fuel subsidies due to geopolitical tensions, and while overall public welfare spending remains low at 41.5%, parliamentary schemes have seen a much faster utilization rate of 70%.

The Sindh government is expanding its Pink Scooty scheme to Hyderabad following a successful pilot in Sukkur. The initiative aims to enhance women's independence by providing free scooters along with essential safety gear, formal driving training, and official licenses. In addition to the scooter program, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon announced an expansion of the People’s Bus Service, with new routes planned for Hyderabad, Khairpur, Rohri, and Tando Allahyar. These combined efforts reflect the provincial government's commitment to providing affordable, safe, and reliable transport options for women, youth, and the working class.

Pakistan’s IT sector achieved a major milestone in March 2026, with exports climbing to $413 million, marking a 21% year-on-year increase. This growth brings cumulative exports for the fiscal year to $3.39 billion, driven by steady global demand and a stable domestic exchange rate. While the government is pushing toward a $5 billion annual goal, analysts project a year-end total of $4.5 billion. Under the ‘Uraan Pakistan’ initiative, the country aims to hit $10 billion in IT exports by 2029, relying on sustained policy support and digital service expansion to maintain an aggressive 27% annual growth rate.

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi has launched an upgraded Safari train service in Rawalpindi, reimagining the route as a premium tourism experience with modern amenities and scenic stopovers. This launch is part of a massive $2 billion modernization plan scheduled for completion by late 2026, which includes major track upgrades and faster travel times between Karachi and Lahore. Through partnerships with provincial governments, the ministry aims to modernize key junctions and expand specialized train routes to restore public confidence and boost the country's transport infrastructure.