Flour prices have been raised again in Karachi by the commissioner. The retail rate of flour No. 2.5 has been increased by Rs12 to Rs125 per kg, while fine flour has been raised by Rs14 to Rs135 per kg. Chakki flour has been kept unchanged at Rs145 per kg. Meanwhile, a citywide crackdown has been launched to enforce official rates, and fines worth Rs1.2 million have been imposed on businesses across Karachi’s seven districts for overcharging.

Affordable Loans to Be Expanded for SMEs, Agriculture, IT and Housing

A high-level review of Pakistan’s Access to Finance Plan was chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Banks were urged to increase affordable lending to priority sectors, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises. The plan was designed to expand credit access for SMEs, agriculture, exports, renewable energy, housing and information technology. The SME sector was described as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, while greater financial support was directed to be provided for business growth, investment and job creation.

Neelum-Jhelum Power Project May Remain Shut Until March 2028

The Rs500 billion Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project is expected to resume electricity generation by March 2028, nearly four years after being shut following a tunnel collapse on April 2, 2024. The timeline was disclosed by Wapda Chairman retired Lt Gen Muhammad Saeed during a parliamentary committee meeting. A Rs23 billion loss was also reported after a fake bank guarantee was submitted by the defaulting Nai Gaj Dam contractor. The committee was further informed that groundwater levels were declining in Lahore, Multan, Okara, Vehari and Sahiwal.