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Courier companies hike delivery charges in face of new taxes

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ISLAMABAD – In a shocking development, several major courier companies have issued a notification to all customers, including registered E-commerce companies and online traders, that due to the government of Pakistan’s having imposed additional taxes, from July 2025 onward.

From July onwards, courier companies will start deducting 2 percent withholding tax and 2 percent sales tax on every delivery item, regardless of Cash on Delivery (COD) and deposit. The additional charges added are according to the instructions issued by the Government under the Finance Bill.

The Courier operators urged their sellers to get themselves registered with the relevant tax authority to avail delivery services under the new regulatory requirements. Under these new regulations, all sellers are required to register for sales and income tax on goods ordered digitally. The courier companies will not be authorized to process the delivery without the required registration.

Furthermore, the E-commerce trend in Pakistan has helped the overall growth of over 2,000 courier companies operate across the country as their businesses were improved, the courier operators who witnessed such improvements include TCS, Leopards, Pakistan Post, SpeedeX, FedEx, DHL, M&P, BlueEx, Call Courier, Trax, DCS, APX, SWYFT.

In the upcoming budget, the FBR has assigned courier services as collection agents because they possess the seller’s invoice. These companies will deduct taxes from E-commerce sellers and remit them to the tax authorities. Shoaib Bhatti, President of the Pakistan E-commerce Association—Karachi Chapter, stated that the new taxes on E-commerce companies, online businesses, and their logistics partners will severely hinder the growth of this emerging sector, negatively impacting all stakeholders involved.

He predicts that major e-commerce companies and marketplaces may be able to absorb some of the incremental costs within their operations. In contrast, small and medium-sized sellers are likely to pass on the effects of new taxation to their customers in order to remain competitive in the market.

In plight of increasing taxes on petroleum products and additional utility charges, mainly on electricity, gas, and internet, have squeezed the profit margins of online businesses in Pakistan, he further stated. Shoaib Bhatti pointed out that the charges might be passed on to customers on domestic and intracity orders through online marketplaces.

According to reports coming from the SBP, as many as 8,000 E-commerce merchants have now registered themselves with the banking system. FBR officials further clarified that one-time sellers and women selling goods will be excluded from the required registration process under the new e-commerce tax rules.

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realme celebrates the holy month with “Craft Your Ramadan” creative workshops

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LAHORE – As Ramadan approaches, a season of togetherness and shared moments, realme is introducing a vibrant, youth-focused community initiative designed to add creativity and color to the month. Titled “Craft Your Ramadan,” the experience invites individuals and families to customize their Ramadan vibe through hands-on DIY workshops in an energetic in-store setting.

Taking place every weekend throughout Ramadan from 4 pm to 11 pm at Dolmen Mall Lahore, the campaign transforms the retail space into an interactive, creative hub instead of a traditional retail setup. Blending art, personalization, and technology, the initiative encourages participants to customize realme smartphone back covers in a fun, Iftar-ready environment inspired by self-expression and youthful energy.

With “Craft Your Ramadan,” realme moves beyond the usual store experience to create an engaging, workshop-style creative zone. The space will feature art stations, creative materials, Ramadan-themed design elements, and a lively ambiance that inspires imagination. Participants can paint, decorate, and personalize smartphone back covers with patterns, crescent motifs, calligraphy-inspired designs, and colorful embellishments. Guided by local influencers and creative facilitators, each session is designed to be interactive, social, and beginner-friendly, perfect for young creators and families looking to express their style.

Alongside the workshops, participants can enter daily lucky draws throughout the campaign. The celebration will culminate in a Grand Draw, where lucky winners will receive exciting prizes, including realme Buds and the latest realme C85 series smartphone. The inclusion of the realme C85 series as the Grand Draw prize adds a strong tech highlight to the creative experience, making it both expressive and rewarding.

Make this Ramadan more colorful and creative by joining “Craft Your Ramadan” every weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, at Dolmen Mall Lahore. Visitors can walk into the realme outlet, register on-site for the DIY workshop, complete their customized design, and instantly enter the lucky draw for a chance to win exciting prizes. To stay updated on timings, activities, and announcements, follow realme Pakistan on social media and be part of the celebration.

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Din Properties showcases united business park SEZ at PSIE ’26

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LAHORE – Din Properties marked a strong and impactful opening day at the Pakistan Sundar International Expo(PSIE’26) as the Platinum Sponsor, presenting its flagship project, the United Business Park (SEZ) within the Special Economic Zone.

The opening day witnessed significant engagement at the United Business Park booth, attracting industrialists, investors, exporters, and key business stakeholders who explored the project’s development framework, infrastructure planning, and long-term investment potential. The strong footfall and detailed discussions reflected growing interest in structured and compliant industrial development within Sundar Industrial Estate.

A key milestone during the expo was the official inauguration of United Business Park SEZ by the Minister for Industries, Chaudhry Shafay, reinforcing institutional support for organised industrial growth and investment facilitation in the region. The booth also welcomed prominent business leaders, including SM Tanveer, SM Imran, SM Nabeel, and SM Irfan, demonstrating confidence from the industrial community in the vision and direction of the project.

Developed by Din Properties, United Business Park is a strategically planned Special Economic Zone designed to provide a modern, compliant, and investment-ready industrial environment. The project offers planned industrial and commercial plots with organised zoning for manufacturing, warehousing, and support services, along with a wide internal road network suitable for heavy transport. It features dedicated utilities infrastructure, including electricity, gas, water, and sewerage, secure gated premises with controlled access, and a prime location within Sundar Industrial Estate with strong connectivity to major industrial corridors.

United Business Park SEZ is positioned to facilitate sustainable industrial expansion, attract domestic and international investment, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to long-term economic growth. Through its Platinum Sponsorship at PSIE ’26, Din Properties reaffirmed its commitment to advancing structured industrial development and strengthening Pakistan’s industrial landscape.

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Frontier consumers are value seekers, not bargain hunters, says Dr Zeelaf Munir at Gulfood 2026

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Dr Zeelaf Munir, MD and CEO of English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM) and Chairperson of the Pakistan Business Council, noted at the Gulfood World Economy Summit 2026 in Dubai that consumers in the frontier markets are more discerning than they are often perceived to be.

Participating in a global panel on the next wave of consumer growth, she highlighted how value-driven consumption, disciplined affordability, and trust-based manufacturing are enabling companies in markets such as Pakistan to build export-ready businesses and compete beyond domestic boundaries.
The Gulfood World Economy Summit brings together international policymakers, manufacturers, and industry leaders to examine how frontier markets will drive future demand in food and consumer categories. Representing Pakistan’s FMCG sector, EBM’s participation focused on how large domestic markets can serve as a launchpad for value-added exports rather than remaining consumption-led economies.

Dr Munir noted that frontier markets are increasingly being recognized for their manufacturing scale, compliance with international standards and ability to supply trusted products to regional and global markets.

She added that the long-standing perception of frontier markets as low-cost, high-risk destinations is steadily giving way to a new reality, where resilience and standard-compliance define competitiveness. In Pakistan’s case, sustained consumption despite repeated economic pressures is increasingly being seen as a demand signal, highlighting the opportunity to convert local scale into export-oriented manufacturing rather than relying on imports.
Drawing on its experience of operating at scale in one of South Asia’s most competitive consumer landscapes, Dr Zeelaf Munir emphasized that affordability in frontier markets is not driven by price alone, but about disciplined portfolio design, operational efficiency, and trust. These fundamentals, when executed consistently, allow brands to compete sustainably both at home and abroad.

Speaking at the summit, Dr Zeelaf Munir said, “The biggest misconception about frontier markets is that consumers are driven purely by price. In reality, they make considered choices based on value. It was important to bring Pakistan’s perspective to one of the world’s leading food economy platforms, because our region will drive the next chapter of global consumer growth.”

She added, “At EBM, this has meant building products that combine affordability with global standards of quality and safety, principles that are essential not only for domestic leadership, but also for export competitiveness.”
Alongside its participation at the summit, EBM also unveiled Piper’s Gold, its luxurious biscuit line in Dubai, reflecting the company’s focus on expanding its portfolio of export-ready, value-added products for international markets.

EBM has been a regular participant at Gulfood over 12 years, using the platform to strengthen international partnerships, showcase Pakistani manufacturing capability and expand its global footprint.
As global food systems face pressure from climate volatility and shifting consumer expectations, EBM’s export-oriented approach highlights how Pakistani manufacturers can compete through scale, resilience and trust, strengthening both corporate growth and the country’s export presence.

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