The Government of Pakistan has announced major tax cuts on over 40 imported items, including vehicles, SIM cards, and essential food products, effective from July 1, 2025. According to the official notification, the regulatory duty on mobile phone SIM cards has been reduced from 15% to 12%, offering slight relief to consumers. One of the biggest changes is in the auto sector—used and new cars, including minivans, will now be taxed at 10%, a one-third reduction from previous rates. Imported SUVs will see the most significant drop, with regulatory duty reduced by 44%, bringing it down to 50%. In the food sector, duties on frozen fish have been halved to 17.5%. Chicken and fish imports now carry a 5% duty, while bird eggs will be taxed at 10%, reduced from 15%. Cheese and yogurt duties have been brought down to 50%, offering relief to dairy product consumers. For pet owners, the duty on dog and cat food has been reduced to 40%, a 5% decrease. The government has also cut duties on several fruits and nuts—up to 16% on dates, coconuts, cashews, and Brazilian nuts, and up to 20% on figs, mangoes, guavas, papayas, avocados, and pineapples. Apple duties were brought down from 45% to 36%. Tobacco products and instant coffee also saw 5% to 40% reductions in duty. The tax relief package aims to ease inflationary pressure and make imported products more affordable. These revised rates are now officially in effect across Pakistan.
Govt Jobs Now Open for Expats in Dubai, Here’re details.
Good news for job seekers, Dubai is now offering government job opportunities for expats, with several positions currently open. Despite common beliefs that hiring slows down in the summer, many departments continue their recruitment efforts and some even increase hiring during this time. The UAE job market has been going through changes in 2025. While private companies have slowed hiring due to global challenges and corporate tax pressures, the government sector remains active. For expats looking for stable, rewarding careers, government roles are becoming more appealing. Dubai is especially taking the lead, with its official job portal, dubaicareers.ae, listing various openings across departments. These roles cover different fields such as administration, engineering, IT, and public services. Some of the positions come with attractive salary packages certain roles are offering monthly pay as high as Dh50,000, along with other benefits. Experts say that these jobs are not only well-paying but also offer job security, work-life balance, and long-term growth opportunities. Many expats prefer government roles because of clear career paths and the chance to contribute to meaningful public projects. Whether you’re already in the UAE or planning to relocate, now is a great time to explore these government opportunities in Dubai. Make sure to check the portal regularly, prepare your documents, and apply early because competition is tough, and these jobs don’t stay open for long.
Punjab Govt to Convert All Schools and Colleges to Solar Power
The Punjab School Education Department has started a major project to shift all higher and secondary schools across the province to solar energy. This move aims to reduce electricity bills and promote environmental sustainability. Out of a total of 861 schools, including 21 in Lahore, only 4 have been converted to solar energy so far. To speed up progress, school heads have been ordered to submit updated reports on solar installation by June 30, 2025. Those who fail to do so may face disciplinary action. Some schools have already taken the initiative and installed solar panels on their own. However, the Punjab Teachers Union is raising concerns. They are asking the government to provide full funding for the solar systems instead of relying on teachers to contribute. The union says it is unfair to place the financial burden on staff and is calling for equal access to solar energy for all schools, regardless of their location or resources. The shift to solar power is seen as a positive step toward cleaner, more cost-effective energy in schools. It will also help students learn the value of renewable energy from a young age. But for the plan to succeed, teachers and school heads say proper government support is needed. If implemented properly, this solar energy drive could make Punjab’s schools leaders in sustainability and set an example for the rest of the country.
Government Impose 27.5% Tax on Monthly Income of Rs 333,000 in 2025-2026 Budget
The Government of Pakistan has proposed a 27.5 percent income tax on individuals earning a monthly salary of Rs. 333,000 or more in the Federal Budget 2025–26. This move is part of efforts to boost revenue collection and fulfill commitments made to IMF. According to officials, the new tax rate targets high-income earners in the salaried class. The aim is to make the tax system more balanced by collecting more from those who have a greater ability to pay, while trying to protect lower and middle-income groups from additional financial pressure. Previously, an annual income of up to Rs1.2 million was exempt from tax. However, under the new proposals, this threshold might be reduced, although official confirmation is still awaited. The announcement has raised concerns among professionals who feel that the salaried class is already under pressure due to inflation and rising living costs. Many are urging the government to introduce relief measures alongside the new tax to avoid overburdening honest taxpayers. The proposal is part of the Finance Bill 2025–26 and will come into effect after approval from Parliament. More details are expected to be released in the coming days.