Lifestyle

A recent audit by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has revealed that telecom giant Jazz overcharged its customers by Rs6.58 billion during the 2023-24 fiscal year. The report blames both Jazz for its illegal billing practices and the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) for its “poor regulatory oversight,” which failed to prevent the unauthorized price hikes. This incident raises serious concerns about consumer protection in a market where a single player, like Jazz, holds a dominant position.

A Lahore court has granted a four-day extension to the physical remand of popular YouTuber Ducky Bhai, real name Saadur Rehman, who was arrested for allegedly promoting online gambling applications. The case, filed by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), accuses him of being part of an international gambling network that defrauded the public by encouraging them to invest in betting apps, resulting in significant financial losses. The charges include electronic fraud, forgery, and cheating under both the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC)

The Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) recently raised an alarm over the continuous import of used cars, warning that this practice could decimate the local auto parts industry. According to PAAPAM Chairman Usman Malik, this sector, which directly employs nearly two million people and supplies up to 70% of parts for cars and 90% for motorcycles, is at significant risk. During an Auto Parts Summit, Malik urged the government to protect domestic manufacturing, pointing out that even developed nations like the United States use tariffs to safeguard their industries.

The Pakistani government has allocated a substantial Rs. 100 billion in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) 2025-26 for the critical Karachi–Quetta–Chaman road project. The announcement, made by Parliamentary Secretary for Communications Gill Asghar Khan, underscores the government’s commitment to completing 72 key projects under the National Highway Authority (NHA) with a specific focus on Balochistan’s infrastructure development. This strategic investment aims to resolve long-standing hurdles and improve a vital trade and transportation artery.

Hyundai Pakistan is celebrating Independence Day with an exclusive offer that makes its popular hybrid vehicles more accessible. The promotion, valid until August 31, 2025, allows customers to purchase the Elantra Hybrid, Tucson Hybrid FWD, and Santa Fe Hybrid through easy monthly installments with a low down payment. This limited-time deal also includes one year of free comprehensive insurance.

Dubai-based digital bank Mashreq is set to complete a $100 million expansion in Pakistan by the end of 2025, focusing on digitizing workers’ remittances, supporting SMEs with a dedicated platform, and promoting financial literacy for youth. The bank, currently in a pilot phase, is leveraging its global experience and a digital-only model to fill the gap in Pakistan’s untapped online banking market.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has mandated a two-day maximum turnaround time for new bank account openings and pushed for widespread digital payment acceptance. This bold move aims to significantly boost financial inclusion and enhance customer experience across Pakistan, building on recent successes that saw the country’s financial inclusion rate reach 60% in 2023. Banks are now required to simplify processes, offer digital account opening, and ensure merchants are equipped with digital payment solutions like Raast QR and POS terminals.

Car buyers in Pakistan are facing steeper prices as Honda Atlas Cars Limited (HACL) has implemented significant increases on various models, effective July 1. This surge, ranging from Rs. 47,000 to a staggering Rs. 201,000, is primarily attributed to the new New Energy Vehicle (NEV) levy introduced by the government in the federal budget for FY26. While HACL has previously absorbed cost pressures from rupee devaluation and rising freight, the NEV levy is now being passed directly to consumers, impacting popular choices like the Honda City, BR-V, and Civic.

Pakistani citizens are bracing for yet another economic squeeze as the federal government announces a significant surge in petroleum product prices, effective July 1. This latest adjustment sees petrol costing an additional Rs. 8.36 per litre and high-speed diesel Rs. 10.39 per litre, following recommendations driven by fluctuating international oil markets. This move comes on the heels of a previous hike just two weeks prior. Adding to the burden, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has also notified a substantial increase in gas prices for domestic and various consumer categories, with some household tariffs rising by up to 50%. These continuous price revisions reflect global energy trends and local economic realities, placing considerable financial pressure on inflation-hit households across the nation.