Punjab Province

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
Punjab has presented its annual budget for 2026 27. The budget places significant emphasis on reforming the property related tax system to make it more effective and enhance provincial revenue. According to official budget documents, the Government of Punjab has set a target to improve collections through long-discussed policy changes in the Urban Immovable Property Tax system, expansion of the tax base and digital reforms.
The budget strategy states that the tax net will be expanded through measures aimed at increasing digitization and efficiency in Punjab’s revenue system. The policy is intended to make the process of property records, valuation and tax collection more transparent and effective.
The Punjab government has already made a policy decision to shift the basis of property tax from rental value to capital value. Later, a self-assessment system was also introduced for Urban Immovable Property Tax. According to official documents, these measures are part of efforts to modernize the tax system in line with the actual value of properties.
Real estate experts say that if the property tax system is implemented through digital records and transparent valuation, it could increase provincial revenue on the one hand, while also improving property transactions and ownership records on the other. However, market circles believe that the government must avoid placing an additional burden on ordinary citizens and small property owners while implementing tax reforms.

Lahore | ReNews Pakistan
The Punjab government has proposed a revised sales tax regime for restaurants in the Punjab Finance Bill 2026, which would increase the tax rate on digital payments.Under the proposed framework, payments made through debit cards, credit cards, mobile wallets or QR codes will be subject to an 8 percent sales tax, up from the existing 5 percent.
In contrast, all other payment methods will attract a higher 16 percent tax rate.
The proposed change would raise the sales tax on restaurant payments made through debit cards, credit cards, mobile wallets and QR codes from 5 percent to 8 percent, increasing the cost of digitally paid dine-in and takeaway transactions while still keeping them lower than the 16 percent rate applicable to other payment methods.
The move is expected to generate additional revenue for the provincial government and further encourage documentation of restaurant sales through formal payment channels. The lower 5 percent rate had already been in place under the existing tax structure, and the new bill seeks to revise it upwards.

Faisalabad: [ReNews Pakistan]
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has provided two anti-smog guns to Faisalabad as part of Punjab’s broader efforts to control air pollution and reduce the impact of smog before the winter season.
EPA Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh inaugurated the anti-smog machines at the DC Office Complex in Faisalabad. The initiative is aimed at improving air quality in the city by using modern technology to suppress dust and airborne particles at pollution hotspots.
During the ceremony, The University of Faisalabad and the EPA also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote research on smog prevention and control. Officials said the collaboration would help strengthen scientific studies, public awareness and practical measures for reducing air pollution in urban areas.
Participants at the event were briefed on various steps being taken to control smog, including the use of anti-smog guns, monitoring of pollution sources, and preventive measures to reduce dust and emissions.
Speaking to the media, EPA Director General Imran Hamid Sheikh said the anti-smog guns had been introduced in Faisalabad after similar equipment was used in Lahore last year. He said the machines release a fine mist of water into the air, which helps settle dust and other suspended particles that contribute to smog.
He added that the Punjab government is continuing to use modern technology and preventive planning to improve environmental conditions across the province. According to officials, such measures are particularly important ahead of the winter months, when smog levels usually rise due to weather conditions, industrial emissions, vehicular pollution and dust.
The EPA said the deployment of anti-smog guns in Faisalabad reflects the government’s focus on expanding pollution control initiatives beyond Lahore and addressing air quality challenges in other major cities of Punjab.
Environmental experts believe that while anti-smog guns can help reduce dust in specific areas, long-term improvement in air quality will require strict action against industrial emissions, vehicle smoke, crop residue burning, construction dust and other major sources of pollution.
Officials said the EPA would continue working with academic institutions, local administrations and relevant departments to develop effective strategies for smog control and environmental protection in Punjab.