Lifestyle

Rawalpindi is getting three new underpasses on Peshawar Road, a Rs6 billion project approved by the Punjab government. The underpasses—located at Race Course Park, Army Graveyard, and Chairing Cross—will create a signal-free corridor from Katcheri Chowk to Motorway Chowk, aiming to reduce travel time to 20 minutes. Construction is set to begin next month.

Pakistan is facing a dollar shortage, a problem worsened by the recent floods that have disrupted the foreign exchange market. The scarcity of dollars could jeopardize the rupee's recent winning streak, as banks and exchange outlets have been submerged. While the shortage is expected to be temporary, analysts warn it could strain the country's foreign exchange reserves and hinder imports. Despite a recent upgrade and rising remittances, a survey indicates that nearly half of market participants expect the rupee to weaken to 285-290 per dollar by year-end.

The Punjab government has announced a new plan to construct 57,000 affordable houses on government land across 21 districts. The project, which will be offered to eligible citizens on easy installment plans, is expected to be a joint collaboration with the World Bank and the private sector. The plan is awaiting final approval from the provincial cabinet.

The Sindh government has agreed to a partnership with NADRA to launch an online property transfer system and improve land record management. The collaboration also includes plans to establish 13 new NADRA offices and mega centers across the province, with a focus on rural areas. This move is part of the government's push for modern, digital services for its citizens.

Islamabad will soon host its first weekly organic farmers’ market in Sector F-7/3, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, olives, and other organic products. The initiative by CDA and MCI aims to promote healthy eating, ensure fair pricing, and support small farmers by linking them directly with consumers.

Jazz has completed a full 4G network upgrade across Punjab’s Central A and B regions, from Jhelum to Sadiqabad. The upgrade delivers faster internet, wider coverage, and improved reliability for over 53 million users, reinforcing Jazz’s position as Pakistan’s leading digital operator while advancing its vision of an inclusive, connected future.

SECP and Mobilink Bank have signed an MoU to simplify corporate account openings for SECP-registered companies. The collaboration will roll out in two phases, including data verification through SECP’s FI Portal and later, full digital integration via secure APIs. The initiative aims to boost transparency, improve regulatory compliance, and enhance ease of doing business while promoting financial inclusion for SMEs and MSMEs across Pakistan.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has received federal cabinet approval to launch Margalla Enclave Phase II, a new housing scheme covering 83 kanals of land. Following the successful first phase with DHA, CDA will now seek a partnership with another government-owned developer for this new project. The initiative is being fast-tracked under public procurement rules, with the goal of expanding the housing scheme near Kuri and Humak.

BYD has sold over 2,000 cars in Pakistan within six months, with strong demand for its Shark model. Hubco is setting up a $150 million CKD assembly plant in Gharo, aiming to start production in 24 months. The company also plans to roll out EV charging stations along the Karachi-Peshawar motorway, while Sazgar Engineering prepares to introduce new hybrid models by 2026.