Today in Pakistan
Saturday, 3 October 2026 · Deadlines, schemes, health campaigns and public notices worth knowing.
Covers: deadlines · tax · government schemes · health campaigns · weather & safety alerts · exams, admissions & scholarships · bills & utilities · passports, CNIC & travel rules · government jobs · official scam warnings
Picked each morning (6 AM Pakistan time) from official government sources by AI. No politics. Always check the official link before you act.
- TaxLast date
FBR Income Tax Return Filing Deadline Extended to October 15
انکم ٹیکس گوشوارے جمع کرانے کی تاریخ میں 15 اکتوبر تک توسیع
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has extended the deadline for filing income tax returns for Tax Year 2026 to October 15, 2026. This extension applies to individuals, association of persons, and companies with a standard tax year. Late filers will face substantial penalties under Section 182.
What to do: File your income tax returns online through the IRIS portal before the extended deadline to avoid penalties.
- Bills & utilitiesLast date
PTA Mandates 180-Day Prepaid Mobile Balance Validity
پی ٹی اے کا پری پیڈ موبائل بیلنس کی میعاد 180 دن کرنے کا حکم
Effective October 1, 2026, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has ordered all mobile operators (Jazz, Zong, Ufone, Telenor) to keep prepaid recharges valid for at least 180 days. Additionally, any expired balance must be automatically restored upon the next recharge, provided the SIM is still active.
What to do: Recharge your inactive prepaid SIMs to automatically restore any previously expired balance.
- Travel & documentsLast date
Pakistan to Transition Fully to E-Passports from October 15
پاکستان میں 15 اکتوبر سے صرف ای-پاسپورٹ جاری کرنے کا فیصلہ
The Directorate General of Immigration and Passports (DGIP) will stop issuing traditional Machine-Readable Passports (MRPs) starting October 15, 2026. All new applicants and renewals at home and abroad will receive biometric e-passports. Existing MRPs will remain valid until their printed expiry dates.
What to do: Apply for a passport renewal or new passport before October 15 if you prefer a machine-readable passport, otherwise prepare to receive an e-passport.
- SchemeLast date
SBP Launches Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme with Rs16 Billion Prize Pool
اسٹیٹ بینک کی 16 ارب روپے کی 'پاسبان ریمیٹنس اسکیم' کا آغاز
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and Pakistan Banks Association have launched the Pasban Remittance Reward Scheme. To qualify for the first quarterly draw on January 15, 2027, beneficiaries must receive at least $100 equivalent per month for three consecutive months (October, November, and December 2026) through formal banking channels.
What to do: Encourage family members abroad to send at least $100 monthly through official banking channels starting October 1 to qualify for the draws.
- Weather & safetyPunjab
Punjab Smog and Air Quality Alert Issued
پنجاب میں فضائی آلودگی اور سموگ کا الرٹ جاری
Air quality has deteriorated significantly across Punjab, with Lahore and Gujranwala recording hazardous AQI levels. The Punjab EPA has activated drone and field squads for anti-smog operations. Residents, especially vulnerable groups, are advised to limit outdoor activities and wear masks.
What to do: Wear N95/KN95 masks outdoors, keep windows closed, and avoid burning waste or crop residue.
- Weather & safetyPunjabLast date
Punjab to Launch Crackdown on Smoke-Emitting Vehicles from October 15
پنجاب میں 15 اکتوبر سے دھواں چھوڑنے والی گاڑیوں کے خلاف کریک ڈاؤن
The Punjab Transport Department, in coordination with the EPA and traffic police, will launch a strict enforcement campaign against smoke-emitting private vehicles starting October 15, 2026. This initiative is part of the government's pre-smog control measures.
What to do: Get your vehicle's fitness certificate updated and resolve any smoke emission issues before October 15.
- EducationLast date
Applications Open for HEC Commonwealth Scholarship Programme 2027-28
ایچ ای سی کامن ویلتھ اسکالرشپ پروگرام کے لیے درخواستیں طلب
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is inviting applications from Pakistani and AJ&K nationals for the Commonwealth Master's and PhD Scholarships in the UK. Applicants must submit their applications on both the HEC portal and the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission portal by October 20, 2026.
What to do: Apply online on both the HEC and Commonwealth portals before the October 20 deadline.
- EducationLast date
HEC Announces Schedule for 5th Law Admission Test (LAT) of 2026
ایچ ای سی کی جانب سے پانچویں لاء ایڈمیشن ٹیسٹ (LAT) کے شیڈول کا اعلان
HEC has announced the schedule for the 5th Law Admission Test (LAT) of 2026. Online registration is open until October 20, 2026, and the test is scheduled to be held on November 15, 2026. This test is mandatory for admission to 5-year LLB programs.
What to do: Register online through the HEC ETC portal if you plan to seek admission to an undergraduate LLB program.
- EducationLast date
HEC International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) Portal Open
ایچ ای سی انٹرنیشنل ریسرچ سپورٹ پروگرام کے لیے پورٹل فعال
The application portal for HEC's International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) is open from October 1 to October 30, 2026. This program provides PhD students enrolled in Pakistani universities with a 6-month research fellowship abroad.
What to do: Eligible PhD scholars should submit their applications online through the HEC portal before October 30.
- SchemePunjab
Punjab Apni Chhat Apna Ghar Program Registrations Ongoing
پنجاب 'اپنی چھت، اپنا گھر' پروگرام کے لیے رجسٹریشن جاری
The Punjab government's flagship housing scheme, 'Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar,' is actively accepting online registrations. Eligible residents can apply for interest-free loans of up to Rs15 lakh with a 9-year repayment period to construct or expand their homes.
What to do: Apply online through the official ACAG portal if you meet the eligibility criteria for housing loans.
- SchemePunjab
Punjab Green Tractor Scheme Phase IV Announced
پنجاب گرین ٹریکٹر اسکیم فیز 4 کا اعلان
The Punjab Agriculture Department has announced Phase IV of the Chief Minister's Green Tractor Program for 2026-2027. The program offers a subsidy of up to Rs. 10 lakh (or Rs. 750,000 depending on tractor HP) for locally manufactured tractors to support farm mechanization.
What to do: Eligible farmers owning 5 acres of land or more should prepare their documents for the upcoming registration phase.
- Bills & utilitiesLast date
PTA Directs Mobile Operators to Fix Coverage Gaps in Islamabad/Rawalpindi
پی ٹی اے کا جڑواں شہروں میں سگنل کے مسائل حل کرنے کا حکم
PTA has directed all mobile network operators to resolve coverage gaps and improve signal quality across Rawalpindi and Islamabad by October 2026. Field audits are scheduled to identify deficiencies, and non-compliant operators will face penalties.
What to do: Report persistent signal drops or coverage issues in the twin cities directly to your operator or the PTA helpline.
