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State bank of Pakistan (SBP) announces holiday in Banks

State Bank has announced holiday on May 28th Youm-e-Takbir

The State Bank of Pakistan has announced a holiday on Youm-e-Takbir. According to the notification, all branches of the central bank and private banks will remain closed on Wednesday, May 28.

The government has declared May 28 a public holiday across Pakistan in connection with Youm-e-Takbir.

The notification states that on Wednesday, May 28, all sub-offices, including the head office of the State Bank, and all branches of private banks will remain closed and the staff will be on leave.

Govt proposes to provide energy-saving fans on easy installments

The government has prepared a national plan to replace high-power fans. The Prime Minister of Pakistan has approved a proposal to provide interest free energy-saving fans to the public on easy installments.

The IMF will also be consulted on a scheme to provide fans to the public on easy installments without interest.

Sources in the Finance Ministry say that the project to install energy-saving fans will be announced in the upcoming budget. Under the project, consumers will be able to install energy-efficient fans with the financial assistance of banks. Consumers will be able to pay for these fans in installments through electricity bills.

Punjab Govt Apni Chat Apna Ghar scheme registration, apply

According to the report, replacing AC fans with DC fans will save up to 5,000 MW of electricity. The Prime Minister has ordered the public to prepare various proposals for relief in electricity bills.

Motorway and National Highway Police New Challan Rates and Toll plaza tax

Lahore Traffic Police introduced 5 new traffic laws

Lahore Traffic Police has recently introduced a bold and strict new traffic laws to curb traffic violations and reduce the number of fatal accidents on the roads.

In a significant move, they have decided to stop issuing challans (fines) for major traffic violations. Instead, violators will now face direct arrest or an FIR (First Information Report).

Traffic Police New Laws

  1. Unregistered vehicles: Most of these are two-wheelers that are attached to vehicles and often go unnoticed. These vehicles are now being strictly checked.
  2. One-way violation: So far, 536 people have been arrested for driving the wrong way. This dangerous act not only leads to accidents but also creates major traffic jams.
  3. Underage driving: Authorities are planning new laws to hold parents accountable as well. They will be considered aggressors and could face legal action if their underage children are caught driving.
  4. Overloading Loader Rickshaws: Many rickshaws are so overloaded that the driver cannot see behind them. This leads to accidents and creates serious safety hazards.
  5. Reckless Driving: Speeding, unnecessary overtaking, and dangerous driving patterns will no longer be tolerated.

This step is being taken to make people more serious about traffic rules. According to officials, many drivers ignore challans and continue to break the law, which puts lives at risk. Therefore, now the traffic police will take strict legal action on the spot.

NHA has increased motorway and highway toll tax rates 2025

Another important step involves creating a digital footprint of every violation. This means that if someone breaks the law, the record will be stored online as evidence.

Also, once an FIR is filed, the violator will not be able to get a job in the police or any government department in the future. This adds to the long-term consequences of their actions.

This new policy by the Lahore Traffic Police shows that they are serious about making the roads safe for everyone. It is now up to the public to follow the rules and drive responsibly.

Govt announced Summer Vacations in Punjab - Notification

Punjab government announced summer vacations 2025 in schools

The wait for students is over. The Punjab government has finally announced the summer vacations 2025 for schools.

Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat announced on Tuesday that summer vacations in all government and private schools across the province will begin from May 28, 2025.

The decision to approve was taken by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif after consultation with the provincial education department and relevant authorities.

“All government and private schools in Punjab will observe summer vacations from May 28 due to extreme heat and to ensure the safety of students and staff,” the statement said.

Punjab New School Timings 2025

The Minister of Education has added that as of May 28, as part of interim measures to reduce exposure to extreme heat, schools will operate under revised hours from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The new schedule will be effective immediately across the province.

US free visas for 43 countries under Visa Waiver Program 2025

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has also issued an alert regarding the possibility of a heatwave in areas of southern and central Punjab, urging the public to limit outdoor activities during peak hours.

expected petrol and diesel price in pakistan

Diesel price reduced, petrol price unchanged for next 15 days

The federal government has announced no change in the price of petrol. Diesel prices reduced in Pakistan for the next fortnight.

According to the notification issued here, the price of high-speed diesel has been reduced by Rs 2 per liter as the new price has been fixed at Rs 254.64 per liter. However, the price of petrol has been maintained at Rs 252.63 per liter. The new prices will be in effect from May 16 to 31.

On April 15, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that prices would not be reduced, adding that the benefits of the reduction in global oil prices would be delivered through improvement projects.

He said that the benefits of the reduction in the price of petrol in the global market will be passed on to the people through development projects.

Earlier, on April 30, the government had reduced the prices of petrol and diesel by Rs 2 per liter, bringing the price of petrol to Rs 252.63 per liter and diesel to Rs 256.64 per liter after a reduction of Rs 2.

 

petrol price

Major reduction in petroleum product prices likely from May 16

There is a possibility of a major drop in the prices of petroleum products in Pakistan in the next 15 days starting from May 16.

Petroleum products may become cheaper due to a slight decline in the international market and an import premium on petrol. Petrol and diesel prices are likely to fall by Rs 3.5 and Rs 7 per liter respectively.

Sources say that based on the current tax rate, the final calculation on May 15 is estimated to reduce the ex-depot price of petrol by about Rs 3.5. The price of high-speed diesel may decrease by Rs 7 per liter.

The reduction in the price of petrol was estimated based on a decrease of about $1.5 per barrel in the international price of petrol and about $3 per barrel in the price of diesel over the past two weeks.

The current price of ex-depot petrol is Rs 252.63 per liter.

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Customs duty on imported vehicles likely to be reduced in budget

Imported vehicles are likely to be cheaper in the budget at the request of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The budget for the next fiscal year will be presented in parliament on June 2.

Imported vehicles are likely to become cheaper in the new budget. The IMF has also called for reducing taxes on vehicle imports and opening up commercial imports of vehicles. Customs duty on imported vehicles of 850cc to 1801cc is likely to be reduced by 5 to 30 percent in Pakistan

According to FBR sources, it is proposed to reduce customs duty on new imported vehicles. This includes vehicles with an engine capacity of 850cc or less and larger vehicles up to 1801cc. The duty on imported vehicles is proposed to be reduced by 5 to 30 percent.

Mobile Vehicle car registration service started in Lahore

According to sources, currently the duty on imported vehicles ranges from 50 to 100 percent. It is proposed to keep the duty on used imported vehicles relatively higher.

According to FBR sources, consideration is being given to allowing the import of five-year-old vehicles. After this, it is proposed to gradually open the import of 10-year-old vehicles. It has also been decided to promote e-vehicles under the new five-year energy vehicle policy.

Airspace over Lahore and Karachi restored, NOTAM issued

The Pakistan Airports Authority has restored the airspace of Lahore and Karachi. The Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan has issued a new NOTAM.

According to NOTAM, the airspace was suspended for 48 hours during the operational restrictions, but the affected airspace is now fully available.

Given the regional situation, passengers are advised to remain in close contact with their respective airlines. The final decision on flight schedules and routes rests with the airlines.

US free visas for 43 countries under Visa Waiver Program 2025

It should be noted that after India’s cowardly action in the dark of night, a high alert was issued at the country’s major airports.

Flight operations at the New Islamabad International Airport were immediately suspended, while the airspace was closed to general flights, imposing a security red alert.

Electricity and light load shedding schedule in mandi bahauddin

WAPDA Light Schedule in Mandi Bahauddin Today May 2025

Gujranwala Electric Power Company Organization (GEPCO) has released the light schedule for May 2025 in Mandi Bahauddin, Phalia and Malikwal today.

On 6 May, 2025, the light of Gojra, Rukkan, Sahna/jayya, Nain, Saida Sharif, Mianwal, Gohar, Kuthiala Shekhan, Qadirabad, Farrukh Pur, Bhekhewal, Bosal, Makkewal and Dera Mina Sahab feeders will be off from 9AM to 1PM.

On 7, 11, 18, 25 May, 2025, the light of Mandi Bahauddin City, Gurrah, Shah Taj, Wasu, Katchery Road, Crytal, Complex, Sohawa, Al Asar Mall, Shafqatabad feeders will be off from 9AM to 1PM.

On 10 May, 2025, the light of Makkewal and Dera Mina Sahab feeders will be off from 9AM to 1PM.

On 13 May, 2025, the light of Gojra, Rukkan, Sahna/jayya, Nain, Saida Sharif, Mianwal, Gohar, Kuthiala Shekhan, Qadirabad, Farrukh Pur, Bhekhewal, Bosal, Makkewal and Dera Mina Sahab feeders will be off from 9AM to 1PM.

On 20, 27 May, 2025, the light of Gojra, Rukkan, Sahna/jayya, Nain, Saida Sharif, Mianwal, Gohar, Kuthiala Shekhan, Qadirabad, Farrukh Pur, Bhekhewal, Bosal feeders will be off from 9AM to 1PM.

Feeder Name Date
Gojra
Rukkan
Sahna/Jayya
Nain
Saida
Mianwal
Gohar
Kuthiala Sheikhan
Qadirabad
Farrakh Pur
Bhakhay Wal
Bosal		 06-05-2025
13-05-2025
20-05-2025
27-05-2025
Makkewal
Dera Mian Sahib		 06-05-2025
10-05-2025
13-05-2025
Mandi Bahauddin City
Gurrah
Shah Taj
Wasu
Katchery Road
Crystal
Complex
Sohawa
Al Asar Mall
Shafqatabad		 07-05-2025
11-05-2025
18-05-2025
25-05-2025

United State US visa waiver program countries

US free visas for 43 countries under Visa Waiver Program 2025

Citizens of 43 countries can now enter the United States without a visa for up to 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), but they must meet specific requirements and have a valid ESTA approval.

However, stays must not exceed 90 days, and travelers must secure an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding.

ESTA is a web-based system operated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that determines eligibility for travel under the VWP.

Visa waiver program countries

The list includes countries like

  1. United Kingdom
  2. Andorra
  3. Australia
  4. Austria
  5. Belgium
  6. Brunei
  7. Chile
  8. Croatia
  9. Czech Republic
  10. Denmark
  11. Estonia
  12. Finland
  13. France
  14. Germany
  15. Greece
  16. Hungary
  17. Iceland
  18. Israel
  19. Ireland
  20. Italy
  21. Japan
  22. Latvia
  23. Liechtenstein
  24. Lithuania
  25. Luxembourg
  26. Malta
  27. Monaco
  28. Netherlands
  29. New Zealand
  30. Norway
  31. Poland
  32. Portugal
  33. Qatar
  34. Republic of Korea
  35. Romania
  36. San Marino
  37. Singapore
  38. Slovakia
  39. Slovenia
  40. Spain
  41. Sweden
  42. Switzerland
  43. Taiwan

What is US Visa Waiver Program?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP), administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, allows citizens of certain countries to visit the United States without a visa for up to 90 days, as long as they meet certain requirements. The program is intended for short-term visits for tourism or business.

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Who is eligible for visa waiver program

  • Even if you are from a VWP country, you must apply for a visa if any of the following apply:
  • You have visited or were present in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021.
  • You have visited or were present in North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011.
  • You have dual citizenship with Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria.
  • Such individuals are not eligible for ESTA and must apply for a traditional B-1/B-2 visitor visa.

For complete details and application, travelers are advised to visit the ESTA website or contact their nearest U.S. embassy.