ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has introduced a new law requiring banks and financial institutions to report details of high-value banking transactions to help combat tax evasion, with the measure coming into effect on 1 July.Under the Finance Act 2026, the data of all those bank account holders whose cumulative deposits or withdrawals exceed Rs. 100 million over six months would be provided for digital scrutiny.According to the Finance Act 2026, a new provision Section 165AB has been added to the Income Tax Ordinance, 2001, titled "Reporting of Financial Transaction Data by Banking Companies and Financial Institutions."Under the new law, all banking companies will be required to upload specified financial transaction data to a ‘central digital data hub’, regardless of any conflicting banking or financial regulations, so as to analyze by using computer algorithms to compare banking records with taxpayers' declared income and tax information.What information will be shared?Banks will share the data of account holders whose collective transactions across one or more accounts reach or exceed Rs.100 million during a six-month reporting period.The data to be shared includes details of deposits and withdrawals, opening and closing account balances, peak credit balance during the reporting period, and total credits received.This reporting will take place twice during a fiscal year, first from1 July to 31 December must be submitted by 31 January, while information for the second period from 1 January to 30 June must be filed by 31 July.The new law applies to all major types of bank accounts, including current, savings, fixed deposit, and term deposit accounts.According to the law, the information will be processed through a fully digital system. During the initial cross-matching stage, the data will not be directly accessible to income tax officials, so as to safeguard account holders from the risk of harassment or misuse.If the system identifies a significant difference between an individual's tax declarations and banking activity, the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) automated system will refer this case through the Compliance Risk Management system to the National Faceless Centre for further legal action.The law also authorizes the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to establish a secure, centralized virtual database for storing financial transaction records maintained by scheduled banks.The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has also been placed under a legal obligation to ensure the confidentiality of the information received from banks and to prevent any unauthorized disclosure or misuse of the data.

KARACHI- 30 June 2026- A 50kg bag of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC - usually grade 53) in Pakistan costs somewhere between roughly Rs. 1,505 to Rs. 1,610, depending on your chosen brand, the part of the country you’re in, the overall quality, and what your local dealer might be charging on top. On a national scale, the average price is between Rs. 1,540 to Rs. 1,580, with many popular brands holding their own in the Rs. 1,550-1,610 price point range in local markets.In the major urban centres:• The south (Karachi and rest of Sindh) is often a bit cheaper, typically running at between Rs. 1,520 to Rs. 1,570 due to its proximity to cement manufacturing hubs and efficient transport links.• Lahore, Islamabad, and the rest of the northern markets often hover between Rs. 1,550 and Rs. 1,610, influenced by transportation costs and strong demand from ongoing housing, commercial and infrastructure construction projects.The recent tensions in the region surrounding Iran have had some impact on global fuel prices (and thus local ones too) since late February 2026 following some disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, although recent efforts towards a truce have helped alleviate some of that pressure. As such, international oil prices have softened, and Pakistan saw some much-needed relief in fuel costs effective in late June 2026, bringing petrol to around Rs. 299-300 per litre and high-speed diesel to approximately Rs. 311 per litre after substantial government subsidies. However, prices at the pump still remain higher than they were prior to the outbreak of conflict, continuing to influence transportation costs for cement (mostly via diesel for transport) and energy inputs required in cement production. Stable domestic supply and a large amount of domestic output have limited the extent to which this has impacted bag prices.Pakistan continues to rely heavily on cement for nearly all construction needs – from the smallest individual homes and apartment buildings to massive government-led infrastructure projects like roads and bridges. In late June 2026, domestic supply continues to be robust, ensuring that this critical commodity is available, though prices reflect these underlying cost structures with little day-to-day volatility. Today's Cement Prices in Pakistan (Per 50kg Bag) A 50kg bag of standard OPC grey cement ranges between Rs. 1,505 and Rs. 1,610 across the country. The southern markets (particularly in Karachi and other parts of Sindh) usually offer more competitive rates of Rs. 1,520 to Rs. 1,570, compared to cities in the north such as Lahore and Islamabad where prices tend to fall within the Rs. 1,550-1,610 bracket. These price variations are attributed to the logistics and transportation costs associated with the locations of the plants as well as local market demand.The price of petrol and high-speed diesel, affected by the Iran situation and post-truce adjustments, had influenced transportation and manufacturing expenses for cement in recent months, although prices remain relatively stable on this late June 2026 date thanks to substantial government relief measures and balanced domestic output, allowing individuals and companies to plan their construction projects with more certainty.

As the State Bank of Pakistan released its official exchange rates for June 30, 2026, the Pakistani rupee posted a mixed showing against the world’s leading currencies as the second quarter of the 2026 fiscal year drew to a close on Tuesday. At the closing of trade on Tuesday, the US dollar settled at Rs 278.16 in the interbank market. The interbank market closed Tuesday trading month-on-month with largely stable rupee, marking the end of a calm trading month punctuated by enhanced forex inflows and moderate central bank intervention in the currency market.Saudi Riyal: In a significant update, the Saudi Riyal has been priced at Rs 74.07 against the local currency as the remittance-centric economy continues to flourish from Saudi Arabia based remitters to Pakistan.UAE Dirham: The currency, based on the dollar peg, stood at Rs 75.74 in Tuesday trading, playing a crucial role as an benchmark currency to facilitate remittance flows to the Gulf. British Pound: Sterling has quoted at Rs 368.02 as against Pakistani rupee in the market as it’s still one of the highly traded currencies on a higher end.The highest valued currency at the moment was the Kuwaiti Dinar, which was trading at Rs 903.41 against PKR.The Bahraini Dinar followed at Rs 737.78, a currency that showcases the economic stability of the Bahraini financial services economy which also has close monetary co-ordination with some of its neighbors.Qatar, with significant natural gas revenues and a successful economic diversification policy also witnessed its Riyal trade at Rs 76.31. Commonwealth Currencies Still predictable The Canadian Dollar- A significant currency now for Pakistani expats in North America traded at Rs 195.45 in todays trade.Canada has been the most significant destination for Pakistani students and skilled professionals with considerable number of new immigrants and professionals landing in and Canada is becoming an increasingly viable destination for Pakistani business and entrepreneurship .This exchange rate has become quite critical to many families depending on money received from relatives living in and around Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal etc.The Australian Dollar was valued at Rs 191.36 just a few basis points lower from the Canadian Dollar.Australia has been and continues to be a preferred choice for students and skilled workers from Pakistan. This exchange rate will also play a vital role in the financing of education and property purchases for people considering Canada and Australian properties.

The Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, has said that his party is open to expanding political alliance with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, while urging the federal government to support the Fazlur Rehman's offer to mediate on the Kashmir issue.Speaking with media correspondents following a meeting with a Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam leader, the PPP chairman stressed that the upcoming elections in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) should be conducted in a peaceful, free, and transparent manner.He said he had advised the federal government to take advantage of Maulana Fazlur Rehman's offer to mediate on the Azad Kashmir issue, reiterating his support for the initiative and calling on the government to endorse it.He reiterated his backing for Maulana Fazlur Rehman's proposed mediation efforts on Azad Kashmir and called on the government to endorse the initiative.Talking about the electoral alliance, Bilawal said the PPP and JUI-F had formed an alliance in Azad Kashmir for the first time, and he also expressed confidence that the two parties could jointly form the next government following the polls.The PPP Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari added that his party was interested in extending its cooperation with the JUI-F beyond Azad Kashmir, expressing hope that both parties could work together to form governments in Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Sindh and other parts of the country.

LAHORE, June 30: Rescue teams have completed the operation at a tuition centre in Lahore's Kahna area where 14 children were killed after the roof of the building collapsed on Tuesday, ARY News reported.According to officials, around 35 children were attending classes when the roof suddenly caved in. Rescue 1122 teams, assisted by local residents, carried out an hours-long operation and rescued 20 injured children and one teacher.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUW3jS0h12E Victims identified The Medical Superintendent (MS) of THQ Kahna Hospital confirmed the identities of eight of the deceased children: 16-year-old Khadija 7-year-old Mah Noor 7-year-old Ramsha Khan 5-year-old Murtaza 6-year-old Tabisha 9-year-old Ghulam Nabi 6-year-old Salman 8-year-old Fawad https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPXXcq_IpfIHospital officials have confirmed that the death toll has risen to 14. The identities of the remaining victims have not yet been officially released. Injured children Twelve injured children are under treatment at THQ Kahna Hospital. Five children and one woman are reported to be out of danger. The injured include 8-year-old Abia, 10-year-old Faria, 11-year-old Murtaza, 8-year-old Eyan, 7-year-old Rabia and 30-year-old Hamidah Rehman.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qxdtFl1Zn0 Police action Police have arrested two brothers, Rehan and Faizan, who own the tuition centre, while a third brother is being searched for. DIG Operations Faisal Kamran said five people have been taken into custody in connection with alleged negligence.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NC3TtzSCdc What caused the collapse? According to the initial investigation, construction work was underway on the roof of the single-storey building. Soil and other construction material had been placed on the roof, increasing the load and causing it to collapse.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_O1PGP1Xf8Officials said the tuition centre had been operating at the location for the past year. Government response Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Imran Khan declared an emergency at nearby hospitals following the incident. He directed medical staff to ensure the injured children receive immediate treatment and said no negligence would be tolerated. Rescue 1122 statement Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmed said all available resources, including heavy machinery, were used during the operation to remove the debris and rescue those trapped inside.The incident left the area in mourning, with grieving parents and relatives gathering at the site and hospitals as authorities completed the rescue operation.

KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued new guidelines directing banks not to block or freeze customers' accounts without a valid legal basis or authorization from a competent authority.The directive, issued in compliance with an order of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), requires all banks to ensure that account freezing or debit blocks are imposed strictly in accordance with the law.Under the new guidelines, banks cannot freeze or restrict bank accounts without proper legal authority and due verification. The SBP also instructed financial institutions to ensure that precautionary restrictions do not unnecessarily harm account holders.The SBP directed all banks to establish appropriate internal mechanisms to ensure compliance with the new instructions and prevent unlawful restrictions on customers' accounts.The SBP has submitted a compliance report to the Islamabad High Court following the issuance of the directive.Earlier, the IHC ruled that banks cannot block or freeze customers' accounts without a verified legal basis.Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued the ruling while hearing a petition filed by a citizen whose bank account had been blocked by a private bank during an inquiry conducted by the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA).Pakistan's 9,000 people hold Rs 750 billion bank deposits: FBRIn its six-page judgment, the court imposed a Rs300,000 fine on the private bank after it admitted freezing the customer's account without lawful justification. The court also ordered the bank to reimburse the account holder's litigation expenses.The judgment emphasized that financial institutions must act strictly within the law and cannot deny customers access to their funds without proper legal authority.In its judgment, the court also directed the SBP to take measures to prevent citizens from being adversely affected by unjustified account blockages in the future.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar on Tuesday said Pakistan would respond effectively if India attempted to stop the water flow, stressing that the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) remains vital for regional peace and stability.Addressing the inaugural session of an international seminar titled "Indus Waters Treaty: An Instrument of Peace and Regional Stability," Tarar said the event was not merely about a treaty but about the lifeline of more than 240 million Pakistanis.He said water was not just a resource for Pakistan but a matter of survival.The minister emphasized that the Indus Waters Treaty was concluded through mutual agreement and could not be amended, revoked, suspended, or held in abeyance unilaterally. Any changes to the treaty, he said, could only be made with the consent of both parties.Tarar said India's attempt to unilaterally suspend the treaty had caused it embarrassment at various international and legal forums."The moral, legal and diplomatic foundations of any unilateral action are weak, and anything built on such weak foundations cannot endure," he said.Highlighting the growing impact of climate change, Tarar said protecting the treaty had become even more important as glaciers melt at unprecedented rates and water scarcity emerges as one of the world's biggest challenges.He warned that the weaponisation of water or unilateral attempts to alter long-standing agreements would undermine not only regional peace and stability but also the broader framework of international law.The minister said Pakistan had consistently demonstrated its commitment to peaceful engagement, constructive dialogue and the faithful implementation of the treaty.However, he warned that if India attempted to stop Pakistan's share of water, the country's leadership was fully prepared to respond effectively to safeguard the nation's water rights.India using river water as weapon: Musadik Malik

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Parliamentary Affairs on Tuesday raised serious concerns over alleged irregularities worth Rs25 billion and data deficiencies highlighted in the audit report of the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), calling for a thorough investigation.The committee met at Parliament House under the chairmanship of Rana Iradat Sharif Khan.During the meeting, committee member Nikhat Shakeel Khan cited the audit report and highlighted a major anomaly, claiming that the records showed one individual's Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) linked to the registration of 5,558 female beneficiaries.Expressing concern over the irregularity, the committee member demanded an immediate, high-level investigation, saying government assistance and subsidies must reach deserving beneficiaries through a transparent and accountable system.The committee also questioned the effectiveness of the public complaints redressal mechanism and sought a detailed briefing on the performance of the Prime Minister's Public Affairs & Grievances Wing, including the timeline and procedures for resolving complaints.Members voiced concerns over delays in biometric verification for women, issues related to beneficiary surveys, and the performance of the complaint cell.During the briefing, the Secretary for Parliamentary Affairs informed the committee that the highest number of public complaints had been received from Punjab. He said complaint data was being analysed and recommendations were being forwarded to the relevant departments.The committee was informed that proposals are under consideration to strengthen the grievance system by obtaining feedback from complainants, verifying complaint resolution, and conducting mandatory follow-up calls in at least 20 percent of cases. Complaints related to banking services and overseas Pakistanis are also being forwarded to the relevant institutions within the prescribed timeframe.BISP issues important update for all beneficiariesAccording to the Audit Report 2025-26 for the fiscal year 2024-25, the Auditor General of Pakistan identified material weaknesses in the BISP Management Information System (BISP-MIS), particularly in beneficiary profiling and spouse data verification.The audit reported a total financial exposure of more than Rs25 billion involving 601,850 potentially compromised beneficiary records.Among the findings, the audit stated that a single spouse CNIC was linked to up to seven different female beneficiaries in 5,558 cases, involving payments of Rs239.03 million.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued a new schedule for its two-month summer vacation and announced revised court and office hours.According to official details, the High Court's annual summer vacation will begin on 1 July. Following the approval of the Chief Justice, a revised roster of judges and updated working hours have been issued to ensure the continued hearing of urgent cases during the vacation period.Under the new schedule, Chief Justice Sardar Muhammad Sarfraz Dogar will not take any leave during the summer vacation and will remain available to hear cases throughout the period.During July, Justice Ejaz Ishaq Khan and Justice Azam Khan will be available to hear cases, while Justice Khadim Hussain Soomro and Justice Muhammad Asif will perform judicial duties during August.Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir and Justice Inam Amin Minhas will also remain available in accordance with their respective duty rosters.Read more: Summer vacation announced by Supreme Court of PakistanAccording to the notification, only urgent matters will be heard during the summer vacation. These include bail applications, habeas corpus petitions and other cases of an urgent or exceptional nature.The High Court's Diary Branch will remain open throughout the vacation to facilitate the filing of new cases and ensure uninterrupted access to judicial services.Court and office hours have also been revised for the vacation period. From Monday to Thursday, working hours will be from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm, while on Fridays, court hours will be from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Government has established the "Petroleum Prices Stabilization Fund" to address fluctuations in the prices of petroleum products.The government has issued notification about the new Petroleum Prices Stabilization Fund and allocated official account for it.The Ministry of Finance has intimated to all concerned institutions including the Auditor General Pakistan, Controller General Accounts and Accountant General Pakistan Revenue.Accountant Generals of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have also been informed about the new fund. "The provincial governments have also been issued orders to ensure necessary arrangements with regard to the fund receipts".The government has notified that all amounts deposited in the fund will be transferred to the public account of the federal government.The special account head and Object Code have been allocated for the fund, as per the official notification."The Ministry of Finance, Petroleum Division and the OGRA will jointly prepare the rules and regulations of the Fund".Moreover, the legal and financial mechanism will separately approved for the stability of the petroleum prices.

The Pakistan government has issued the official Gazette notification for the Finance Act 2026–27, formally giving legal effect to the new fiscal year's federal budget. Under the notification, all new tax measures will come into force nationwide from 1 July.According to official details, the government has completed the legal process required to implement the 2026–27 federal budget. With the issuance of the Gazette notification, the budget will be enforced across the country from the beginning of the new financial year.Government sources said the Finance Bill 2026–27 was approved by the National Assembly through a majority vote before being sent to the President for final assent.Following the President's approval and signature, the Bill was forwarded to the Printing Corporation of Pakistan for publication in the official Gazette. With the Gazette's publication, the Finance Bill has now formally become the Finance Act 2026–27.According to the Gazette notification, all fiscal measures included in the 2026–27 federal budget including new tax measures, customs duties, sales tax provisions, revenue measures and other key financial decisions—will take effect nationwide from 1 July.Read more: Finance Act 2026–27 Gazette notification issued - 30 June, 2026The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other relevant authorities have also been instructed to ensure the collection of taxes and the strict implementation of the provisions of the new Finance Act. All measures contained in the budget will become effective with the commencement of the new financial year.The National Assembly on June 21 approved 88 demands for grants worth more than Rs43.85 trillion under the federal budget 2026-27, including allocations for defence, education, health, communications, water resources and other key sectors.During the budget session, demands for grants relating to the armed forces and defence development expenditures were presented before the House. Notably, the opposition did not move any cut motions against the defence allocations, resulting in the defence budget being approved unanimously.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Climate Change, Musadik Malik has said that the core issue is not shortage or excess of water, actual issue is control over the water flow.Pakistan's climate change minister was addressing a seminar over the Indus Water Treaty in Islamabad."We witness scarcity of water at Maralla Headworks on a day, while on the next day flooding comes from India," minister said.He said, "around 6,000 people have died, and thousands suffered injuries because of India, people in such huge numbers even not died in wars.""It is not an environmental problem, it is the matter of justice," he further said. "The actual issue has been using the water as weapon," he said."If a robust Indus Water Treaty could not sustain than no treaty of the world would remain intact," Musadik Malik said."But India is refusing to accept decisions over the matter. If this treaty doomed to failure, every upstream country would halt flow of rivers to downstream country," he said. "It is not an issue of Pakistan, but it is related to the whole world," emphasizing gravity of the issue the climate change minister added.

The Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, has said the Indus Waters Treaty is not merely a water-sharing arrangement, but a vital instrument of regional peace, stability and cooperation.He expressed these views while addressing a seminar on the Indus Waters Treaty in Islamabad on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.Ishaq Dar warned that any attempt to deprive Pakistan of the waters rightfully allocated to it under the treaty would have profound consequences for regional peace and security.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oiv7LeLVMQE The Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan made it clear that Pakistan would safeguard and defend its rights and interests under international law through all available means.He said the shared waters must remain a bridge between nations, guided by cooperation, dialogue, and respect for international law for the benefit of the present and future generations.The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that Pakistan and India concluded the Indus Waters Treaty in 1960 under the auspices of the World Bank.The treaty established a durable and carefully negotiated framework, allocating three eastern rivers to India and three western rivers to Pakistan.Ishaq Dar underscored that the treaty justified that confidence for more than six decades, including periods of war and political tension. It has rightly been regarded as one of the most successful examples of transboundary water cooperation anywhere in the world.He said it is regrettable that this landmark treaty now faces its gravest challenge. He said India's unilateral decision to place the treaty in abeyance has no basis in the treaty itself or in international law.Ishaq Dar said Pakistan rejects India's unilateral and illegal announcement. He added that the Indus Waters Treaty remains valid, binding, and operative. No party can unilaterally suspend or terminate its obligations under a treaty that contains no such provision.The Deputy Prime Minister stressed the need to promote peace in South Asia by addressing all outstanding issues.He said Pakistan has consistently sought to resolve differences through dialogue, diplomacy, and the treaty-based mechanisms agreed by both parties.

UMERKOT: Three minor girls were killed after a school wall collapsed in Goth Gamuri of Umerkot district in Sindh on Tuesday, officials said.According to police, the girls were walking alongside the school wall while returning from a nearby madrasa when the wall suddenly collapsed, burying them under the debris.Rescue workers and police rushed to the scene immediately after the incident was reported and shifted the bodies to the Civil Hospital Umerkot.The deceased were identified as 13-year-old Sughra, three-year-old Raiba, and Kaneezah.Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took notice of the incident and expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of the three girls.CM Murad Ali Shah sought an immediate report from the Education Department and ordered a transparent and impartial investigation into the incident.[video mp4="https://arynews-1313565080.cos.ap-singapore.myqcloud.com/zip-archives/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AQOsYaFv4bPOAyQNbGorF1ZhE1KW_P0p-0KmuxbIaqACiAFW8yxZkCvtRr-yR51oi5cpmMbhRLoTG3GxseesszT3ht9svmggYsqXen5D4g.mp4"][/video]He directed authorities to take strict action against those found responsible if negligence or carelessness is established.Murad Ali Shah also ordered a province-wide survey of dilapidated walls in schools and other government buildings to prevent similar tragedies in the future.Sindh’s FRAMES school attendance system draws criticism over past reform failuresEarlier, Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) MPA Rabia Azfar Nizami raised questions about the Sindh government’s facial recognition attendance system, “FRAMES,” for teaching and non-teaching staff in schools.In a statement shared on social media, Rabia Azfar Nizami questioned whether Sindh’s facial recognition attendance system was about “accountability or optics.”She also cited examples of similar past projects that failed and urged international donors to seek verified improvements before approving funding for such initiatives in Sindh.Nizami asked: “At what point do international donors require proof of outcomes before writing the next cheque?”The government’s FRAMES initiative uses biometric facial recognition and geo-fencing technology to track teacher attendance. “Technically sound. Politically brilliant. But Sindh has been here before — repeatedly,” she remarked. 

LAHORE: The Punjab government on Tuesday announced a new electric bike (e-bike) scheme under which students will be able to purchase e-bikes through interest-free monthly installments of Rs2,100.The decision was taken during a meeting of the Transport Department chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.Under the scheme, the provincial government plans to provide 100,000 electric bikes to students across Punjab within a year. The government will offer a subsidy of Rs70,000 on each e-bike, significantly reducing the purchase cost.Students will be required to make a down payment of Rs14,000, followed by interest-free monthly installments of Rs2,100.In a major relief for female students, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that the Punjab government will pay the down payment and registration fee for eligible female applicants. They will only have to pay the monthly installment of Rs2,100.The scheme has also been extended to Punjab government employees, who will be eligible to purchase electric bikes on easy installment plans. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must:Be 18 years of age or older.Be enrolled as a regular student in a degree college or university in Punjab recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).Hold a valid motorcycle learner's permit or driving licence.If the number of applications exceeds the allocated quota, successful applicants will be selected through electronic balloting (e-balloting).The government said the initiative aims to provide affordable, environmentally friendly transportation to students while easing their commuting expenses.Major electric bike scheme set to launch— Here’s what’s comingEarlier, the Punjab government decided to launch a major scheme aimed at reducing environmental pollution and making electric bikes more accessible to the public.The initiative is designed to promote eco-friendly transport amid rising petrol prices and growing public demand for affordable commuting options. Officials say electric vehicles not only reduce dependence on expensive petrol but also help lower environmental pollution.Under the initial phase of the project, the Punjab government will introduce around 10,000 electric bikes for rental use in Lahore. In addition, 300 docking and charging stations will be established across the city.

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister's 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' (My Roof, My Home) programme has achieved another significant milestone, with 166,000 interest-free housing loans disbursed to eligible applicants.According to the programme spokesperson, more than Rs215.76 billion has been released to support the construction of homes across the province.So far, 105,594 houses have been completed, enabling thousands of families to move into their new homes.Construction work is progressing rapidly on 28,453 houses across Punjab, while work on a further 32,048 homes is expected to commence shortly.The spokesperson added that more than Rs14.5 billion in loan repayments has already been recovered. The programme has received over 1.2 million applications, reflecting strong public interest in the initiative.Interest-free housing finance continues to be provided to low-income families, and the programme has now become one of Pakistan's largest affordable housing finance initiatives.Read more: ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ Punjab announces loan for more 12000 familiesTo date, 91,434 men have completed the construction of their homes under the scheme, while 14,007 women have also successfully built their own houses under 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar'scheme.The spokesperson further stated that 23 transgender beneficiaries have also received support through the Apni Chhat Apna Ghar programme.In rural Punjab, 60,139 homes have been completed, marking significant progress in improving housing opportunities. In urban areas, 45,325 homes have been completed, providing thousands of families with safe and dignified accommodation. Provincial minister for housing, Bilal Yaseen said the primary aim of the initiative ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ is to provide affordable housing to underprivileged segments of society, adding that the government is working to ensure transparency while expanding access to eligible applicants.

Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread monsoon rainfall across the country during the first week of July.According to the Met Office, most parts of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan and Sindh are expected to receive rainfall between 1 and 6 July.The PMD stated that a westerly weather system is likely to enter the country on the evening or night of 30 June. In addition, moist winds from the Arabian Sea are expected to affect the eastern and central regions, while humid air from the Bay of Bengal is forecast to reach the upper parts of the country from 2 July.Under the influence of this weather system, rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds is expected across Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir from 1 to 6 July, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan from 1 to 5 July, and the northern and north-eastern districts of Balochistan from 1 to 4 July.In Sindh, rainfall is expected to begin on 3 and 4 July in Sukkur, Jacobabad, Larkana and surrounding districts. However, there is currently no forecast of rainfall for Karachi.Read more: Met Office forecasts rain with strong winds in parts of countryThe Met Office has warned that heavy rainfall could lead to urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sialkot, Nowshera and Faisalabad between 1 and 4 July.Furthermore, from 2 to 6 July, there is a risk of landslides and flash flooding in streams and hill torrents across the mountainous regions of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.Authorities have advised the public to avoid weak structures, electricity poles and billboards during heavy rain and strong winds, and to exercise extreme caution while travelling.

In another accident involving heavy traffic in Karachi, a motorcyclist was injured after being struck by a water tanker on Karimabad Bridge on Tuesday.Following the incident, angry bystanders assaulted the tanker driver and smashed the vehicle's windows. The injured was moved to a nearby hospital,The driver fled the scene, while Traffic Police officers arrived to manage the situation and begin an initial response.Read more: Barcode system introduced for water tankers in KarachiKarachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab announced the launch of a barcode-based identification and tracking system for all registered water tankers operating in the city.The move is described as an initiative towards eliminating the illegal water tanker mafia and improving transparency in water distribution.In a statement issued on Saturday, the mayor said every registered water tanker has been assigned a unique barcode that allows both citizens and authorities to instantly verify whether the vehicle is legally authorised to operate.According to Wahab, scanning the barcode will provide detailed information about the tanker, including the driver’s name and photograph, the vehicle’s designated route, fitness certification and the source from which the water has been supplied.“The barcode system will enable citizens to distinguish between registered and illegal water tankers while promoting greater transparency and accountability in Karachi’s water supply network,” he said.

MULTAN: A heartbreaking incident - highlighting the impact of extreme poverty - has emerged from Multan, where a father brought the body of his 25-year-old son to a graveyard without a burial shroud because he could not afford the funeral expenses.The incident took place in Rashidabad, where the man's son, identified as Danish, died. According to the grieving father, he did not have enough money to purchase a kafan (burial shroud) or meet the basic costs of the funeral.Police said they received information that a burial was about to take place without a shroud at Rashidabad Graveyard. Upon reaching the site, officers from Lohari Gate Police learned that the family was facing severe financial hardship.According to police, the father had wrapped his son's body in a bedsheet and was preparing for the burial due to his inability to afford a proper shroud.[video mp4="https://arynews-1313565080.cos.ap-singapore.myqcloud.com/zip-archives/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AQPbvAR02E6VuJedoa3cRDqypWSHIWYPGPIIPNtHSr4dVb9Vy1lA0tNu88o_kJeRcTzoNHOoQQkpTGSVniCuQGK3w_-ICq08FWP9GD2Ot-EmGQ.mp4"][/video]Saddened by the family's plight, the police officers contributed money from their own pockets to purchase a burial shroud and ensured the deceased was buried according to Islamic rites.The officers also provided immediate financial assistance to the bereaved family and helped arrange the remaining funeral expenses.Petrol price in Pakistan from June 27, 2026A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread sympathy for the family and praise for the police officers' compassionate response. Many users described the incident as a stark reminder of the hardships faced by low-income families struggling to meet even the most basic funeral expenses.Notably, in graveyards in Multan, private individuals, including gravediggers, are reportedly charging Rs40,000 to Rs50,000 for a grave, despite there being no official government burial fee. This has made funerals increasingly unaffordable for many low-income families.

ISLAMABAD: The People's Party and the PML-N have agreed over likely changes in Balochistan's cabinet, PPP sources said on Tuesday.Pakistan's two major parties, partners in existing power-sharing setup, in high-level contact between the leadership, exchanged views over the matters related to Balochistan's government, have agreed over an early meeting of the PPP and PML-N leaders to further discuss the affairs related to the provincial government, sources shared.The PPP and the PML-N leaderships have nominated their points-men for further consultation over the Balochistan cabinet. "NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq will represent the PML-N, while the PPP has nominated Aijaz Jakhrani for consultations," sources said.Ayaz Sadiq and Aijaz Jakhrani will prepare a report on proposed changes in the Balochistan cabinet after mutual consultation and submit report to their respective party hierarchies, according to sources.According to sources, the portfolios of the PML-N and the PPP ministers in Balochistan likely to change with a possibility of relieving some of the provincial ministers and addition of new ministers and advisers.The likely reshuffle in Balochistan's cabinet, has been expected within a period of one month, sources added.