Pediastan Biz Updates, Office #18, 3rd Floor, Executive centre i-8 Markaz, Islamabad (2026)

05/09/2026

Electricity consumers across Pakistan are set to face higher bills after the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) approved adjustments totaling Rs2.58 per unit. The increase includes a Rs2.06 per-unit monthly fuel cost adjustment for electricity consumed in July 2026, which will be reflected in September bills. The July adjustment alone is expected to place an additional burden of around Rs33 billion on consumers.

NEPRA has also approved a 52-paisa per-unit quarterly adjustment covering April to June 2026, which will apply from September through November 2026. This adjustment is expected to add another Rs12.67 billion to consumer costs and will also apply to K-Electric customers. Certain categories, including lifeline consumers and specified prepaid users, are excluded from the monthly fuel adjustment.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is based on the latest available reports and regulatory decisions. The actual impact on individual electricity bills may vary depending on consumption, consumer category, applicable taxes and other charges.

05/09/2026

Pakistan Services Limited (PSL), the company operating the Pearl-Continental (PC) hotel chain, could see several of its hotel properties divided between Thatta Cement and the Fauji Foundation under a proposed out-of-court settlement. According to sources, the parties have signed a memorandum of understanding after a year-long ownership dispute involving a roughly 56% voting stake in the company.

Under the reported proposal, PC Karachi, PC Rawalpindi and PC Muzaffarabad would go to Thatta Cement, while PC Lahore, PC Bhurban and PC Mirpur would be transferred to the Fauji Foundation. The proposed settlement has not yet been formally announced, and the transfers have not been confirmed as completed. PC Peshawar is outside the dispute after being sold separately to Serena Hotels.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is based on available reports and sources. The proposed settlement has not been formally confirmed, and ownership arrangements, hotel allocations and other details may change following further negotiations or official announcements.

05/09/2026

Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) has rejected an emergency LNG cargo offer after receiving only one bid from BP Singapore at $26.969 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) for delivery to Port Qasim between September 4 and 8. Officials considered the price too high, particularly as international LNG prices were around $23.18 per MMBtu. The rejection comes as Pakistan faces shortages caused by disruptions to supplies from Qatar.

PLL has now issued a fresh tender for another 140,000-cubic-metre LNG cargo, with delivery planned for September 8–12. Pakistan has increasingly relied on spot purchases after Qatar declared force majeure following disruptions to its LNG facilities, while instability around the Strait of Hormuz has pushed global LNG prices higher. Authorities are trying to secure supplies without adding further pressure to the country’s already expensive energy import bill.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is based on the latest available reports. LNG prices, tender results, supply conditions and delivery schedules may change according to international market conditions and government decisions.

05/09/2026

Punjab government has launched an AI-powered initiative aimed at identifying child labourers and children who are out of school across the province. The system is intended to use digital data and technology to help authorities locate vulnerable children, understand the reasons they are outside the education system and improve targeted government support. Punjab has been expanding the use of artificial intelligence and digital platforms in public-sector governance and education.

The initiative focuses on strengthening coordination between government departments so that children affected by poverty, child labour, migration and limited access to education can be identified and connected with appropriate services. Authorities are also working on broader measures to improve school enrolment, provide financial support and develop skills-based opportunities for vulnerable children.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is based on available reports. Details about the AI system, its implementation and the number of children identified may change as the Punjab government releases further information.

05/09/2026

The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony has set November 20, 2026, as the final deadline for private Hajj pilgrims to select their packages and complete payments. The ministry has also introduced a tighter digital booking system to make the process more transparent and protect pilgrims from payment-related risks.

Pilgrims must select their packages and make payments only through the official Hajj Portal or Pak Hajj App. The ministry warned that it will not be responsible for financial losses resulting from payments made directly to agents or companies through cash or cheque. A total of 16 basic packages have been finalized, with prices ranging from Rs 1.4 million to Rs 3.75 million, while 71,684 seats have been allocated for the private Hajj scheme. If the quota is not fully used by the deadline, the ministry may reallocate the remaining seats.

05/09/2026

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has rejected reports claiming that the Raast instant payment system was identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as a money-laundering channel. SBP said the reports misrepresented the findings of the FATF report.

The central bank clarified that FATF did not identify Raast as a money-laundering mechanism or raise concerns about its integrity. SBP said Raast is a legitimate domestic payment system and does not currently facilitate cross-border transfers, while authorities continue strengthening safeguards against financial crime.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is based on available reports. The image is AI-generated and is for reference purposes only.

05/09/2026

Pakistan’s food imports reached $9.15 billion in FY2025-26, while food exports stood at $5.02 billion, according to figures presented at a government roundtable in Islamabad. The widening gap highlights the country’s continued reliance on imported food products.

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal called for a shift from exporting raw agricultural commodities to processed, certified and branded products. Officials identified livestock, halal meat, poultry, horticulture, basmati rice and processed foods as key areas that could help Pakistan increase agricultural exports and reduce its food import burden.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is based on figures presented at a government roundtable. Trade figures may be revised as official data is updated. The image is AI-generated and is for reference purposes only.

02/09/2026

Bank Alfalah and SAWiE Ecosystems are taking climate-smart farming from ideas to real farms through their Climate Smart Village Initiative, helping farmers respond to water scarcity, changing weather patterns and other climate risks affecting agriculture.

The initiative, launched in February 2025, brings practical solutions such as soil health improvement, water-efficient farming and resource-efficient harvesting directly to farming communities. Bank Alfalah is also using the on-ground experience to better understand how resilient farming can be scaled and financed.

The latest Climate Smart Village roadshow brought together farmers, researchers, policymakers, development organisations and financial institutions to discuss how Pakistan can build a more climate-resilient and financially sustainable agriculture sector.

27/08/2026

The federal government is considering replacing Pakistan’s existing slab-based gas pricing system with a single, uniform gas price for all consumers. Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the current subsidy model needs to be reviewed, with vulnerable households potentially receiving direct support through targeted social protection programmes instead of broad-based subsidies. The average prescribed gas price is currently around Rs1,700 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), while consumer rates vary across different slabs.

The proposed reform is aimed at reducing market distortions, improving the financial sustainability of the gas sector and discouraging consumers from shifting to alternative fuels. The government is also working with the World Bank on wider gas-sector reforms, including reducing losses and gas theft, improving the performance of Sui companies and moving towards a more competitive and financially sustainable market. Any major change in pricing would require further government decisions and consultation with stakeholders.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is based on available reports. The uniform gas pricing proposal is under consideration and is subject to government approval, regulatory decisions and further consultations. Gas prices and subsidy policies may change.

27/08/2026

Saudi Arabia, Iran and Türkiye have expressed condolences and solidarity with Pakistan following the deadly fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, which claimed the lives of 14 newborn babies. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry offered sympathy to the victims’ families and said the Kingdom stands with Pakistan during the tragedy. Iran also conveyed condolences from its government and people, expressing sympathy for the bereaved families.

The Turkish Embassy in Islamabad said it was deeply saddened by the loss of newborn lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the affected families. Messages of support have also come from several other countries as Pakistani authorities investigate the fire and review safety arrangements at hospitals. The tragedy has renewed calls for stronger fire-prevention systems and emergency preparedness in healthcare facilities.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is based on available reports. Details surrounding the PIMS fire and official findings may be updated as the investigation continues.

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