KARACHI, August 27, 2025 – Habib Bank Limited (HBL) has teamed up with Mastercard to roll out two new debit cards designed exclusively for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and sole proprietors. The Classic and World Business Debit Cards aim to streamline transactions for business owners while accelerating Pakistan’s shift toward a cashless economy….
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) has confirmed that its next round of cash assistance—Rs. 13,500 per family—will be distributed between September 10 and September 30, 2025. This payment is part of the July–September cycle of the Benazir Kafaalat program, aimed at cushioning vulnerable households against rising inflation and economic pressure. Rollout Schedule and Payment…
The Punjab government’s Green Credit Programme, first rolled out in December 2024, is picking up pace this September with new initiatives aimed at rewarding eco-conscious behavior. The scheme, designed to encourage recycling, tree planting, and waste reduction, is now expanding across the province. In a bid to make participation easier, reverse vending machines have been…
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has announced a major shake-up in its education system: schools across the province will now follow a semester-based academic calendar. The move, unveiled by the provincial Department of Education, is aimed at making learning more structured, easing students’ workload, and aligning the province’s education model with modern standards. First Phase Targets Primary…
The Pakistan Khidmat Card program has rolled out significant improvements this August, making it easier and faster for citizens to apply for financial assistance. The updated online registration system now operates through a redesigned portal, cutting down application time and improving accessibility. For the first time, registrations are open across Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,…
The Punjab government has announced a sweeping Farmer Welfare Package for 2025, introducing subsidies, interest-free loans, and digital tools aimed at cutting costs for farmers and boosting productivity. The initiative, part of a broader presidential package, reflects a renewed focus on agriculture—a sector employing a large portion of Pakistan’s population but struggling with rising input…
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) is taking a major step forward in making education support more accessible for low-income families. Starting September 1, 2025, parents enrolled in the Taleemi Wazaif scheme will be able to withdraw their children’s stipends instantly — and this time, without any hidden charges or deductions. For years, families have…
For thousands of Pakistanis living in the UK, renewing or updating their National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) has often meant long trips to distant NADRA centers. Now, that hassle may be coming to an end. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) has rolled out a Mobile Registration Team that will travel across…
unjab’s Green Tractor Scheme has entered its second phase, promising significant support for farmers seeking modern, efficient tractors. With 20,000 subsidized tractors available this year, the initiative aims to modernize agriculture, reduce costs, and improve productivity across the province. Tractor Subsidies: How Much You Can Get The scheme offers two levels of financial assistance depending…
The Government of Punjab has unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at preparing Pakistan’s youth for the digital economy. The Punjab IT Certification Program 2025 offers free access to internationally recognized IT courses, enabling participants to build in-demand skills and pursue careers locally or abroad. The program is designed for students, job seekers, freelancers, and professionals…
Punjab’s push toward sustainable urban transport is picking up pace under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The province’s Green E-Taxi Scheme, designed to reduce pollution and create new opportunities for youth, has reached several key milestones this September. Expansion on the Horizon The first phase of the program saw 1,100 electric taxis deployed, offering drivers…
Pakistanis should brace for higher fuel costs starting next month, as petrol prices are expected to increase by Rs. 7–12 per liter. The announcement, confirmed by sources within the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), means that petrol could soon cost between Rs. 271.61 and Rs. 276.61 per liter, up from the current Rs. 264.61….
Pakistan is grappling with one of its most destructive monsoon seasons in recent years. Torrential rains and sudden flash floods have displaced millions, submerged vast swaths of farmland, and crippled healthcare services in several provinces. In the midst of this humanitarian crisis, Bill Gates and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have stepped in with…
In a move aimed at alleviating the hardships of Pakistan’s flood victims, Federal Minister for Energy Owais Leghari has announced a relief package for residents in affected regions. The announcement comes after devastating floods wreaked havoc across the country, displacing millions and destroying essential infrastructure. With families struggling to secure food, water, and shelter, the…
Gold enthusiasts in Pakistan are getting a modest reprieve as local gold rates have seen a minor dip in recent days. Although prices remain high, this slight downturn provides some optimism for families planning purchases ahead of the wedding season. Current Price Movements According to recent market data, the price of 24K gold fell from…