Home Blog

Why Pakistani Startups Face Payment Processing Challenges

Muhammad Asad
-
0

There are many young tech founders in Pakistan building online stores, apps, and software tools. Most of these products rely on digital payments. Ideally, a user should pay within seconds, and the business should receive the money right away. But that is not always the case. There are often issues such as payment failures and delays in bank approvals, and many buyers still prefer cash. These, among many other challenges, slow the progress of most startups.

The Macroeconomic Barrier: Impact of Inflation and IMF Review

The state of the economy affects how payments work in the country, and for many reasons. People’s spending habits are shaped by high inflation and financial pressure. And when there are talks with global lenders, the impact is often reflected in changes to banking rules. Since many Pakistani startups rely on online payments, they are usually the first to feel these changes.

How Inflation Affects Consumer Spending

The prices of food, fuel, clothes, and transport have risen in the last few years. And when things important for daily functioning become expensive, people prioritize basic needs. As a result, there’s always a sharp drop in spending on apps and online services.

In such times, cash becomes more common. After all, many people feel safer using money they can see and count.

Startups face a double problem. Their customers spend less, yet their investment in operating costs goes up.

IMF Review Discussions and Their Influence on Digital Finance

When the economy isn’t at its best, Pakistan often enters review talks with the International Monetary Fund. During such periods, banks tend to tighten their risk checks. And as such, startups may have to wait longer to gain access to payment gateways in Pakistan. Verification of foreign payments such as Skrill, PayPal, and Payoneer may also become stricter. Since many startups rely on global software tools or serve clients abroad, payment delays can disrupt normal business operations.

Managing Business Review and Compliance under New Fiscal Terms

Fiscal changes often bring new rules for businesses. Startups must track each transaction and keep proper financial records. Payment providers usually request several documents before approving a new merchant.

However, many startups run with very small teams. The founder may still have to handle sales, product work, finances, and documentation alone. So, it takes a lot of time and effort to learn new compliance rules and update payment systems.

Technical and Structural Pakistan Payment Issues

The story doesn’t end with economic pressure, as Pakistan’s payment systems also face technical limits. Online payments depend on banks, gateways, mobile wallets, and stable internet connectivity. An issue with a single channel can make the entire process fail.

The Reliability Concern: Why System Downtime is a Major Barrier

Reliability is one serious concern for e-payments in the country. Sometimes, the systems go offline during peak traffic or bank maintenance. And when that happens, transactions fail, or they are delayed. Technically, a failed payment often results in a lost sale, as most customers won’t try again.

Low Transition Rate from Cash to Digital Payments

Cash still dominates everyday spending in Pakistan. Many stores, delivery services, local markets, name it, prefer cash payments. Large online retail shops often offer cash-on-delivery, too.

This makes the jump to e-payments slower. Somehow, startups that make sales online must still handle physical cash.

Yet, cash handling increases costs and is more stressful than using a bank account. For example, businesses will need staff to collect payments and track records. So, until the right policy is put in place, the switch from cash will remain slow.

Why Users Prefer Traditional Methods Over New Digital Solutions

User habits also influence payment choices. Many people trust cash over e-transactions for many reasons.

  • They can see the money and control how it leaves their hands;
  • Online payments require trust in apps and internet security;
  • When bank transfers fail, getting the money back may take days.

With all these in consideration, many users simply stick to the methods they are already familiar with.

Regulatory and Tax Challenges for New Businesses

There are strict rules guiding Payment systems in Pakistan. Not only do banks monitor transactions, but digital merchants must also abide by tax laws. For young startups, these regulatory bottlenecks do not seem easy to manage. Limited legal support and complicated paperwork can slow payment setup and daily operations.

Navigating the Complex Tax Landscape for Digital Merchants

There are several tax duties that online businesses in the country must handle, and the rules vary across provinces. This is enough to cause confusion and uncertainty for an online startup. It’s possible for a company to sell services across different regions without facing the same rules.

Aside from that, payment providers usually require tax registration before allowing online transactions. Startups also have to match payment records with tax filings, as any mismatch may trigger audits or attract penalties.

Competition vs. Rationalisation of Protections in the Market

In Pakistan’s financial sector, there are strict rules designed to protect users and the system. For one, payment services must follow the guidelines set by the central bank. New services will need licenses and approvals before they can launch.

At the same time, competition in fintech remains on the rise globally. New wallets and services enter the market year-on-year.

Obtaining a Visa and Operating Overseas as a Pakistani Entity

Many Pakistani startups aim to serve customers outside the country. But receiving foreign currency may not be that easy. Some international payment platforms apply extra verification measures to companies registered in Pakistan.

Travel limits also create barriers, as founders sometimes face visa delays when attending tech events or meeting investors abroad. These dents make global expansion slower for many startups.

Mobile Payment Solutions: Demand vs. Reality

Smartphones are everywhere in Pakistan. People want simple apps to pay bills, shop, or send money, and there are many mobile wallets for that. Still, apps sometimes fail, networks are slow, and people don’t have much confidence in online payments. Eventually, startups end up facing a gap between what users want and what works reliably.

Meeting the Growing Demand for Seamless Mobile Transactions

Users expect their payments to be processed quickly, and they quit when apps are slow or delayed. That’s why freelance startups can’t help but work extra hard to keep apps running smoothly. Old phones, weak internet, and extra security checks slow things down. As such, small teams have to fix bugs quickly to keep payments as simple as possible.

Building Trust in Raast Merchant Payments for Better Adoption

Raast is a new instant payment system from the State Bank of Pakistan that allows businesses to get money straight to accounts or wallets. It is faster and cheaper than card acceptance, but unlike Stripe, not many people know it yet well-known. Since payments are processed smoothly repeatedly, the trust everyone has in it keeps growing. It’s also important that startups show users how it works.

Crucial Steps to Scaling Digital Payments for Startups

To grow, startups need systems that rarely fail.

  • Apps must be practical and easy to use;
  • Banks, wallets, and payment services must work together;
  • There should be security measures to protect money and data.

The moment startups ensure their payments are simple and safe, their growth becomes rapid.

Strategic Outlook: Transition to a More Stable Ecosystem

Despite the dominance of cash, Pakistan’s payment systems have continued to improve. Almost everyone uses a smartphone, there are more legitimate fintech apps now than ever, and government programs have been helpful. As infrastructure gets better, startups can collect payments faster and expand locally and internationally.

Learning from Regional Peers: Case Studies from Saudi Arabia and the Middle East

Saudi Arabia and the UAE built systems linking banks, wallets, and shops. They also adopt strict rules and awareness campaigns to make people trust digital payments. As a result, startups over there grow much faster. Pakistan can copy these lessons by connecting the channels and helping people trust online payments.

Scaling Responsibility: A Pricing Blueprint for Pakistan

Startups are affected by high fees. Lower fees for new businesses make e-payments easier to use. Some countries reduce fees for young startups. Pakistan could make the same resolution to help more businesses go digital while keeping payments safe.

Why Reliable Payment Processing is Crucial for Survival

Payments are the lifeline for startups. When transactions fail or get delayed, they lose customers and money. With reliable systems, trust is built, and companies are able to grow. Strong payment networks also let startups sell abroad. When transactions work well, they enable founders to focus on products and not on fixing money problems.

Marine pollution: Hidden threats from land to the Arabian Sea

Irum Iqbal
-
0

Pakistan’s maritime sector is increasingly recognised as a pillar of economic growth. Port infrastructure expansion, shipping activity and economic focus under the proposed National Maritime Policy 2025, the country is standing itself to harness the full potential of its blue economy. In 2025 alone, record profit of USD 360 million were generated by Pakistan’s maritime sector, a promising signal for fisheries, trade and regional connectivity.

Yet beneath this economic optimism lies a growing environmental crisis.

Globally, over 80% of marine pollution originates on land. According to the UN-Water Report 2024, only 38% of global wastewater is treated before entering aquatic ecosystems; a figure already considered insufficient for ecological sustainability. Pakistan’s situation is considerably worse.

Karachi alone generates approximately 472 million gallons of wastewater daily, along with nearly 16,000 tons of municipal solid waste. About 15% of this wastewater receives some significant treatment. The 85% flows untreated into the Arabian Sea, carrying industrial effluents, heavy metals, plastics, and hazardous chemicals into coastal ecosystems.

The consequences are visible. Degrading water quality, declining fish stocks, damaged mangrove forests and contamination of marine food chains are undermining both biodiversity and livelihoods. What appears to be a coastal problem is, in fact, a national economic risk.

E-waste, along with other hazardous waste streams add another alarming dimension. Pakistan generates nearly 50,000 tons of e-waste per year, with growth rates estimated at 15-20%. In addition, around 40,000 metric tons of e-waste are reportedly imported annually. More than 90% of this waste is treated informally, that release persistent organic pollutants and toxic heavy metals into soil, air, and waterways; eventually making their way into the marine environment.

Atmospheric deposition further intensified the problem. A study by the US Geological Survey indicate that open waste burning, coal combustion and industrial emissions contribute up to 30-35% of global mercury pollution, which can travel long distances before settling in coastal ecosystem. Given the industrial activity and high urbanisation along Sindh’s coastline, this pathway is likely significant for the northern Arabian Sea.

Despite this escalating crisis, Pakistan’s wastewater treatment capacity remains critically inadequate. Large infrastructure initiatives such as the Karachi S-III Project and Karachi S-IV Project were launched to improve sewage conveyance and treatment capacity. These projects outcomes with only 10-15% of Karachi’s sewage treatment. With delays, operational inefficiencies, and limited effective capacity have meant that substantial volumes of untreated wastewater continue to enter coastal waters.

If Pakistan is serious about safeguarding its blue economy, it must treat marine pollution as a strategic national priority.

First, wastewater treatment coverage must be increased from the current 10-15% to at least 60-70% by 2030, with full treatment targeted by 2035. This will require expanding and upgrading existing treatment plants, ensuring proper operation and maintenance, and encouraging public-private partnerships to mobilise investment and technical expertise.

Second, strict implementation of environmental regulations is important. Provisions under the National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) must be enforced strictly to avoid untreated industrial effluents from entering rivers and coastal waters. Provincial Environmental Protection Agencies should improve monitoring procedures, including real-time effluent tracking systems and clear reporting frameworks.

Third, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations for plastics and electronic waste must be introduced and operationalized. Producers and importers should be held accountable for the lifecycle management of their products. Without shifting responsibility upstream, downstream clean-up efforts will remain insufficient.

Positively, many developing nations offer useful lessons. Ghana’s “Trashy Bags Africa” initiative converts plastic waste into commercially viable products, diverting large quantities of plastics from waterways. The Philippines has launched a billion-dollar blue economy initiative focused on strengthening marine governance and enforcing plastic waste accountability. The Colombian city of Medellín sustained investment and governance reforms and accomplished wastewater treatment coverage of nearly 80%.

Pakistan can adapt such models to its own context.

Lastly, public awareness must not be overlooked. Behavioural change campaigns through educational institutions, media and community engagement programmes are vital to promoting waste management and strengthening environmental stewardship.

Marine pollution is not merely an environmental issue; it is an economic, health and governance challenge. If left unaddressed, it threatens fisheries, tourism, coastal infrastructure and food security; ultimately undermining the very blue economy Pakistan seeks to expand.

The Arabian Sea is not an infinite sink. It is a shared national asset, and its protection must become a national priority.

By Dr Mureed Kazim (PhD Environmental Science)
Policy Think Tank, Bahria University, Islamabad

Shaheen Shah Afridi Becomes Pakistan’s Top T20 World Cup Wicket‑Taker

Muhammad Asad
-
0
Shaheen Shah Afridi Becomes Pakistan’s Top T20 World Cup Wicket‑Taker

Shaheen Shah Afridi, a Pakistani fast bowler, has created history at the T20 World Cup 2026, becoming Pakistan’s highest wicket-taker in T20I history. The experienced pacer delivered an outstanding spell, taking 4 wickets for 30 runs in his four overs during a crucial match, helping Pakistan dominate the opposition.

With this performance, Shaheen Afridi has now claimed 135 wickets in 102 T20 matches, surpassing Haris Rauf’s previous record of 133 wickets in 94 matches. His consistency and ability to deliver under pressure have made him one of the most lethal bowlers in modern T20 cricket.

The list of Pakistan’s top T20I wicket-takers is led by Afridi, followed by Shadab Khan with 114 wickets in 123 matches. Former captain Shahid Afridi ranks fourth with 96 wickets in 98 matches, while Mohammad Nawaz is fifth with 91 wickets.

Cricket analysts praised Shaheen’s skill in taking crucial wickets at key moments, particularly in the high-stakes environment of the T20 World Cup. His mastery over pace, accuracy, and death-over bowling has solidified his position as a vital asset for Pakistan.

The achievement has sparked nationwide celebrations, with fans and experts alike hailing it as a historic moment for Pakistan cricket. Officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also lauded Afridi’s accomplishment, promising to honor him for his contribution to the team.

Shaheen Afridi’s record-breaking feat not only highlights his individual brilliance but also demonstrates Pakistan’s growing strength and depth in T20 cricket, inspiring the next generation of fast bowlers.

Pakistani Married Women Allowed to Keep Father’s Name on Passports Under New Govt Policy

Um E Aimen
-
0
Pakistani Married Women Allowed to Keep Father’s Name on Passports Under New Govt Policy

Pakistani married women are allowed to keep their father’s name on passports if they choose, instead of being required to list only their husband’s name by the Pakistani government under the new policy. This reform applies to both new passport applications and renewals, simplifying documentation and strengthening women’s legal identity.

The change comes following directives from the Lahore High Court, which ordered authorities to update passport systems to give women the option to keep their father’s name on their CNIC and passport documents. Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi and Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar provided guidance for implementing the amendment.

The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports, under the supervision of Director General Mustafa Jamal Kazi, updated its passport application software in coordination with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). This ensures married women can maintain continuity in their legal identity without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

Officials and advocacy groups, including UN Women Pakistan, have welcomed the reform as a positive step toward gender-responsive public service delivery and empowerment of women by affirming their independent legal status on official documents.

This change is seen as part of broader efforts to modernize administrative procedures and align Pakistan’s passport policies with principles of choice and equality.

Driving Permits for 16 to 18 Years Old Approved in Punjab

Abdul Waheed
-
0
Driving Permits for 16 to 18 Years Old Approved in Punjab

Driving Permits for 16 to 18 Years Old Approved by the Punjab government, introducing a regulated system aimed at bringing teenage drivers under legal supervision and improving road safety.

Lawmakers said the initiative is designed to regulate young drivers who are already commuting daily for education and other purposes but were previously driving without legal documentation.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Requirements

Under the new policy, authorities have set the permit fee at Rs 500. Applicants must successfully pass both a road test and a traffic sign test to qualify for the permit.

Officials confirmed that permission from a father or legal guardian is mandatory. Applicants are required to submit a stamped consent paper along with their Form B during the application process.

Vehicle Restrictions and Permit Validity

According to the rules, permit holders will not be allowed to ride motorcycles above 125cc, while electric bikes will also be subject to specific limits set by authorities.

The government clarified that the juvenile driving permit will automatically be cancelled once the holder turns 18 years old. After that, individuals must obtain a regular driver’s license under standard traffic regulations.

Officials believe the new system will help improve traffic discipline, ensure proper documentation of young drivers, and reduce violations across Punjab’s roads.

Kuwait Freelance Residency Visa 2026: Work Permit for Foreigners Without Sponsor Announced

Um E Aimen
-
0
Kuwait Freelance Residency Visa 2026: Work Permit for Foreigners Without Sponsor Announced

Kuwait Freelance Residency Visa 2026: Kuwait is preparing to launch a new freelance residency visa that will allow expatriates to live and work independently without needing a traditional employer sponsor, marking a major change in its labor system.

The upcoming permit, expected to roll out within the next two months, will move away from the long-standing kafala (sponsorship) model, under which foreign workers are tied to a single employer. Authorities say the new system will create a legal pathway for self-employed professionals while helping eliminate illegal visa trading practices.

According to the Ministry of Interior, applicants will pay an annual government fee ranging between KD 750 and KD 1,000, paid directly to the state through official channels rather than intermediaries. Officials have urged expatriates to avoid illegal agents and follow government procedures to ensure transparency in residency processing.

Part of Wider Labour Reforms

The freelance residency permit forms part of broader labor market reforms aimed at regulating employment, modernizing residency laws, and tightening oversight of foreign workers. For years, loopholes in the sponsorship system allowed some individuals to obtain visas through middlemen without legitimate jobs—an issue authorities now intend to curb.

Who Can Apply

While complete eligibility rules will be announced in executive regulations before the launch, the visa is expected to target skilled expatriates, including:

  • Consultants

  • IT professionals

  • Designers and creative workers

  • Small business operators

  • Other self-employed specialists

Applications will likely be processed digitally through official government systems, and successful applicants will receive a renewable residency permit after payment of the annual fee.

What It Means for Foreign Workers

If implemented as planned, the freelance residency visa will become one of the most significant residency reforms in recent years, offering greater flexibility to skilled workers while strengthening government control over labor compliance and payments.

Experts believe the move could make Kuwait a more attractive destination for global freelancers and remote professionals seeking legal long-term residence in the Gulf region.

AI Course Now Compulsory for All Degree Programs of 2026 Across Pakistan: HEC

Irum Iqbal
-
0
AI Course Now Compulsory for All Degree Programs of 2026 Across Pakistan: HEC

AI course is now compulsory for all university degree programs across Pakistan starting from the 2026 academic session, announced by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan

Under the new directive, every public and private university must introduce a three-credit-hour AI course as part of its curriculum. Institutions have been instructed to implement the policy without delay and ensure that students from all academic backgrounds study the subject regardless of discipline.

The commission clarified that universities may offer the course as an elective, interdisciplinary module, or supporting subject within a degree program, but completion of the course will be compulsory for graduation.

Officials stated that artificial intelligence is no longer limited to computer science and is rapidly transforming sectors such as healthcare, engineering, finance, agriculture, and social sciences. The move aims to equip graduates with essential digital skills and prepare them for modern workplace demands.

Education experts have welcomed the initiative, saying it will improve employability and innovation by giving students practical understanding of automation, data analysis, and intelligent systems.

Universities have now been directed to update curricula, train faculty members and develop learning resources ahead of the 2026 rollout as the country moves toward technology-focused higher education reform.

Sahibzada Farhan Becomes Second Pakistani Cricketer to Score T20 World Cup Century

Muhammad Asad
-
0
Sahibzada Farhan Becomes Second Pakistani Cricketer to Score T20 World Cup Century

Sahibzada Farhan smashes a century, becoming the second Pakistani hero in the T20 World Cup as he scored a brilliant 100 runs off 58 balls against Namibia in a high-voltage group stage match. His innings included 10 fours and 4 sixes, showcasing a perfect blend of aggression and composure. With this performance, Farhan joined Ahmed Shehzad as the only Pakistanis to hit a century in T20 World Cup history, scoring 111 in 2014 against Bangladesh.

Pakistan posted a total of 199-3 in their 20 overs, largely thanks to Farhan’s explosive knock. Namibia fought back valiantly but could only manage 97 in their 20 overs, giving Pakistan a comfortable 102-run victory. Farhan’s century not only anchored Pakistan’s innings but also set the tone for a commanding team performance, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Farhan’s innings was characterized by fearless stroke play, smart running between the wickets, and timely boundaries that kept the scoreboard ticking. Cricket experts praised his ability to handle pressure, particularly during the middle overs when wickets fell at regular intervals. His partnership of 100 runs with the number 3 batsman stabilized Pakistan’s innings and built a platform for a late-innings acceleration.

This record-breaking century boosts Pakistan’s confidence in the tournament and strengthens their campaign for the knockout stages. Fans celebrated Farhan’s achievement across social media, calling it one of the most exciting Pakistani innings in recent T20 World Cup history. Analysts believe that if Farhan continues this form, he could become a consistent match-winner for Pakistan.

With this sensational knock, Sahibzada Farhan has not only made history but also firmly established himself as a rising star in Pakistan cricket, inspiring fans and teammates alike as the T20 World Cup moves forward.

Diet Plan for Ramadan 2026: Healthy Sehri and Iftari for Weight Loss

Irum Iqbal
-
0
Diet Plan for Ramadan 2026: Healthy Sehri and Iftari for Weight Loss

Diet Plan for Ramadan 2026 should be the first priority as the holy month approaches. Health experts are urging Pakistani families to adopt smarter eating habits during fasting to prevent weight gain and improve overall wellness. Contrary to popular belief, losing weight in Ramadan does not require expensive superfoods or complicated meal plans. A balanced Iftari and Sehri using everyday desi ingredients can help maintain energy levels while supporting healthy weight loss.

Nutritionists say the key lies in portion control, hydration, and choosing protein- and fiber-rich foods that keep you full longer. Here’s a practical and affordable Ramadan diet plan designed specifically for Pakistani households.

Iftari

Experts recommend breaking the fast in the Sunnah way: start with one to two dates and a glass of plain water. Dates provide natural sugars for quick energy, while water rehydrates the body after long fasting hours. Taking a short break to pray before eating a full meal helps control overeating.

Instead of beginning with fried items, start Iftari with a bowl of soup or a fresh salad. Options like chicken corn soup, daal soup, vegetable soup, or kachumber salad with boiled chickpeas are low in calories and highly filling.

A glass of water beside two dates on a plate, accompanied by a meal of grilled chicken, rice, and a fresh vegetable salad.
A glass of water beside two dates on a plate, accompanied by a meal of grilled chicken, rice, and a fresh vegetable salad.

For the main meal, health professionals suggest following a balanced plate formula:

  • Half plate vegetables or salad

  • One quarter lean protein (grilled chicken, fish, eggs, or daal)

  • One quarter complex carbohydrates (one roti or small portion of rice)

Healthy Iftari meal ideas include grilled chicken tikka with salad and roti, daal with sabzi, homemade chicken vegetable soup with chapati, baked fish with steamed vegetables, or chana chaat without fried toppings. These meals typically range between 400 to 500 calories and provide sufficient protein to sustain energy levels.

Between Iftari and Taraweeh, light snacks such as a handful of almonds, fruit chaat without cream, plain lassi, roasted chana, or green tea are recommended. Experts advise avoiding sugary drinks, fried rolls, gol gappay, and heavily processed bazaar items to prevent excess calorie intake.

Sehri

Sehri plays a crucial role in managing hunger and energy throughout the day. Skipping Sehri or consuming oily and salty foods can lead to fatigue and dehydration.

A healthy Sehri for weight loss should include protein, fiber, and healthy fats. This combination digests slowly and provides sustained energy during fasting hours.

Ideal Sehri options include:

  • Two boiled or lightly cooked eggs with a whole wheat paratha and plain lassi

  • Oatmeal with milk, banana slices, almonds, and a teaspoon of honey

  • Roti with daal and yogurt

  • A smoothie made with banana, oats, peanut butter, and milk

A collage of breakfast dishes: oatmeal topped with banana and almonds, a banana smoothie, Indian curry with yogurt, and eggs with flatbread.
A collage of breakfast dishes: oatmeal topped with banana and almonds, a banana smoothie, Indian curry with yogurt, and eggs with flatbread.

Experts also emphasize drinking a full glass of water before Fajr and limiting salty foods such as pickles and heavily spiced dishes, which can increase thirst during the day.

Health specialists conclude that Ramadan weight loss is achievable with mindful eating, proper hydration, and balanced traditional meals. By making small but consistent dietary adjustments at Iftari and Sehri, Pakistani families can stay energized, healthy, and fit throughout the holy month.

Improved and Strict Fire Safety Rules Now Mandatory for Buildings Across Sindh

Abdul Waheed
-
0
Improved and Strict Fire Safety Rules Now Mandatory for Buildings Across Sindh

Improved and strict fire safety rules for buildings are rolled out across Sindh in a major regulatory update aimed at preventing tragedies like the recent Gul Plaza inferno and significantly enhancing life-safety standards across the province. The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has amended the Building & Town Planning Regulations 2022, introducing stricter requirements that took effect immediately to ensure safer construction and emergency preparedness.

Under the new framework, fire safety infrastructure has become a mandatory component of building planning and approval, with developers required to include features such as dedicated underground and overhead water tanks for firefighting, clearer emergency access routes, and certified mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) drawings before construction permits are issued. No building will receive a completion certificate without the necessary no-objection certificates (NOCs) from civil defense and fire departments.

The regulatory overhaul was shaped by the urgent need to address risks exposed by serious fire incidents, including the Gul Plaza blaze in Karachi, which prompted investigations, compensation orders, and demands for deep fire safety reforms.

In addition to structural changes, the rules now require commercial properties to meet stricter internal fire prevention criteria; for example, each shop must have at least one fire extinguisher, and larger retail spaces must maintain adequate firefighting equipment proportional to their size.

The enhanced fire safety standards also streamline administrative procedures: new and renewal building licenses will be handled centrally by the SBCA headquarters, and parking and vehicle space requirements have been reconfigured to ensure unimpeded access for emergency responders.

Authorities say these improved rules are designed to close regulatory gaps, raise compliance levels province-wide, and strengthen oversight, inspection, and enforcement mechanisms so that buildings – whether residential, commercial, or industrial – are better equipped to withstand and respond to fire emergencies.

123...135Page 1 of 135