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The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has mandated that all digital bank accounts and mobile wallets in the country must have biometric verification completed by the deadline.Millions of account holders who failed to meet the deadline face immediate service suspension, losing the ability to send or receive funds. This new rule is part of a strict SBP policy shift to strengthen Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CFT) controls.Customers must complete biometric verification as soon as possible to reactivate their accounts.

The Punjab government has disbursed PKR 113 billion in home loans to 95,600 low-income families through the ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ Programme. The initiative, championed by CM Maryam Nawaz, aims to help 500,000 families over five years. Currently, 82,931 houses are under construction, with 20,940 already completed. The scheme emphasizes transparency and strict eligibility checks, benefiting both urban and rural areas.

The Punjab government is moving forward with an initial plan for Lahore's second airport to reduce pressure on the existing system and support urban growth. The Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) has identified a potential site near Ravi City, close to the M-3 Motorway, about 30 km from Allama Iqbal International Airport. The project is currently in the consultation stage to determine its cost and financing. While no timeline is set, the new facility is expected to boost employment and investment, strengthening Lahore's role as a major commercial hub.

The Ufone-Telenor merger has transformed Pakistan's telecom sector into a three-player market, creating a near two-horse race. The new entity, MergeCo (≈32.8% share), is now a powerful rival to the market leader, Jazz (≈43%). This consolidation is expected to spark intense competition, forcing both giants to invest heavily in 4G and 5G networks. Customers are set to benefit from better network quality and more competitive pricing, while Zong (≈24.1%) adapts as the third major competitor.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has unexpectedly extended the deadline for filing income tax returns for the tax year 2025 to October 15, reversing its firm prior stance. The decision was announced late Tuesday, right as the initial September 30 deadline was expiring. The FBR stated the extension, granted under Section 214A of the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, was in response to requests from "various trade bodies, tax bar associations and the general public." Just one day earlier, the FBR had explicitly dismissed all reports of a possible extension, calling them "false, baseless, and misleading.

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has approved $475 million in financing for Pakistan's 306 km M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad motorway, a crucial north-south corridor project. The $1.7 billion, six-lane motorway is part of CPEC's Eastern Alignment. While construction is planned for April 2026, the project faces delays and cost increases. The government is seeking further funding from institutions like the Saudi Fund for Development and the Asian Development Bank to cover the remaining costs.

Textile major Gul Ahmed (GATM) has announced the permanent closure of its export apparel segment due to persistent operational losses. The company, in a notice to the PSX, cited soaring energy tariffs, strong regional competition, and adverse government policy changes as the key reasons behind the strategic move, which aims to reduce losses and improve cash flow.

The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) is urgently demanding the government extend the income tax return filing deadline from September 30 to October 31. Citing disruptions from devastating floods and major technical issues with the FBR's online system, the LCCI warns that without an extension, many honest taxpayers face unjust penalties. The business body insists the move is vital for compliance and relief.

The federal government has launched a massive, zero-markup scheme to finance 116,000 e-bikes and 3,170 e-rickshaws for FY26. The plan offers substantial capital subsidies (up to Rs. 50,000 for bikes and Rs. 200,000 for rickshaws) and waives all markup costs, with 25% of bikes specifically allocated to women.