makes registration mandatory
| | |

KP makes registration mandatory for street vendors

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly has passed the Street Vendors Protection Bill 2026, making registration and vending certificates mandatory for people operating carts and roadside stalls across the province.

The new law is expected to provide legal protection to more than 140,000 street vendors for the first time.

Under the legislation, individuals aged 14 years and above will be eligible to register as street vendors. All vendors will be required to complete registration and obtain a valid vending certificate.

Registered vendors will receive a modern digital vending certificate containing a QR code. The certificate is intended to formally recognise vendors and provide them with legal protection while carrying out their businesses.

The law provides protection against unjustified eviction and harassment. Government employees found harassing street vendors could face strict departmental action.

The legislation also introduces penalties for members of the public or shopkeepers who harass vendors. A person found guilty could face a fine of up to Rs20,000 or imprisonment for up to one month.

Vendors will also have the right to appeal if their vending certificates are suspended or cancelled.

The law prohibits vendors from selling or transferring their vending certificates to another person. Anyone violating this provision could face a fine of up to Rs3,000.

The legislation also highlights the economic contribution of street vendors to the province. According to the bill, vendors collectively generate more than Rs380 billion in economic activity every year.

The informal vending sector is estimated to contribute around Rs130 billion annually to the national economy.

The government expects that better regulation and management of the sector could generate an additional Rs2.5 billion to Rs5 billion in annual revenue.

The new legislation aims to bring the informal vending sector under a formal regulatory framework while providing vendors with legal recognition and protection.

Similar Posts

  • | |

    Bushra Bibi seeks sentence suspension on medical g…

    Bushra Bibi, the wife of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan, has filed an appeal in the Constitutional Court seeking the suspension of her sentence and release on bail. In her petition, she requested the court to suspend the sentence handed down by the trial court until the final decision on her appeal. She argued that she should be granted bail on medical grounds. The petition stated that Bushra Bibi is entitled to relief because she is a woman and is suffering from health problems. It maintained that her medical condition requires proper treatment and care, making her eligible for bail during the legal proceedings. According to the appeal, she has been kept in solitary confinement and has been deprived of adequate medical treatment and necessary care while in custody. The petition argued that her continued detention under such conditions has negatively affected her health. Bushra Bibi urged the Constitutional Court to consider her health condition and the circumstances of her imprisonment while deciding her request. She asked the court to suspend her sentence and order her release on bail until the disposal of the appeal. The Constitutional Court is expected to take up the appeal in accordance with legal procedure. A decision on her request will be made after hearing the arguments presented by both sides.

  • |

    Asma Abbas faces criticism over boutique promotion outfit

    Veteran Pakistani actress Asma Abbas has found herself at the center of social media discussion after a promotional video for her clothing boutique drew criticism over her fashion choice. Known for her successful acting career, Asma Abbas has long been admired for her versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters on television. Beyond acting, she has also explored singing and fashion design, keeping herself actively involved in creative pursuits throughout her career. In recent years, she has turned her attention to designing clothing and has been promoting her boutique through social media. In a recently shared promotional video, Asma Abbas appeared wearing a striped co-ord outfit from her own fashion collection while introducing designs available at her boutique. Although the video was intended to highlight her latest clothing line, much of the online conversation quickly shifted toward her personal styling instead of the collection itself. The outfit sparked a wave of mixed reactions across social media platforms. While some viewers appreciated her confidence and willingness to wear her own creations, many others expressed disappointment with the overall look. Several users commented that they did not find the design appealing, while others suggested the outfit did not suit her personality or appearance. Among the many comments circulating online, one user remarked that the outfit looked like something from a second-hand clothing market. Another suggested that people should dress in a way that complements their age and personality. A different commenter criticized the look by saying it did not present the actress in the best possible way. As is often the case with celebrity fashion, opinions remained divided. Supporters argued that fashion is subjective and that every designer has a unique creative vision. They also pointed out that public figures frequently face harsh criticism regardless of what they wear, especially on social media where opinions spread rapidly. Celebrity outfits have increasingly become a topic of discussion online, with fans and critics alike closely examining every public appearance. While some fashion choices receive widespread praise, others can quickly become the subject of debate, generating thousands of comments and reactions. Despite the criticism, Asma Abbas has not publicly responded to the comments surrounding her outfit. She continues to remain active on social media, where she regularly shares updates about her professional projects, television appearances, and fashion venture. Over the years, Asma Abbas has earned respect for her contributions to Pakistan’s entertainment industry and has built a loyal fan base through memorable performances in numerous television dramas. Her decision to expand into fashion reflects her passion for creativity beyond acting. The latest online debate once again highlights how celebrity fashion choices often become a talking point on social media, with audiences offering both praise and criticism. Whether admired or questioned, such moments continue to generate engagement and keep public figures in the spotlight.

  • |

    Amber heat-health alert issued across England

    An Amber Heat-Health Alert has been issued across affected parts of England as hot weather continues, with the alert remaining in place until 9am on Friday, August 14. Health authorities are urging people to take precautions during the heat, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to high temperatures. People are advised to drink plenty of water, avoid the hottest part of the day where possible and take steps to keep cool. Authorities have also urged the public to check on family members, friends and neighbours who may struggle to cope with the heat. Those considered particularly vulnerable include older people, young children and babies, as well as people living with existing health conditions. The alert is intended to raise awareness of the potential health impacts of sustained high temperatures and encourage people to take preventative measures. People are advised to keep indoor spaces as cool as possible, stay out of direct sunlight during the hottest periods and seek medical advice if they become seriously unwell because of the heat. The Amber Heat-Health Alert will remain in force until 9am on Friday, August 14, unless conditions change earlier. Authorities are continuing to monitor the weather situation and are urging the public to take the heat seriously, particularly as temperatures remain elevated across parts of the country.

  • | |

    Malik Imran Khalil, Asif Butt elected unopposed as…

    LONDON: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has completed its 2026 intra-party elections in the United Kingdom, with Malik Imran Khalil elected unopposed as President of PTI UK. According to the official results issued by the PTI Overseas Election Commission, Rizwan Naseer was elected Senior Vice President, Faheem Malik became Information Secretary, Inamul Haque was chosen as Additional General Secretary, and Shagufta Akhtar was elected Women Secretary. Expressing gratitude after his election, Malik Imran Khalil thanked party members for unanimously backing his panel. He said the overwhelming support reflected the confidence of party workers and pledged to work for strengthening the organisation across the UK. In the North West chapter, Asif Butt was also elected unopposed as President, while his Junoon panel secured all key positions without contest. Chaudhry Bilal Gujjar was elected General Secretary, Rizwan Naseer became Senior Vice President, Suleman Ali Shah was chosen as Information Secretary, and Sanobar Zafar was elected Women Secretary. Asif Butt secured the PTI North West presidency for a third consecutive term. Thanking party supporters for their continued trust, he reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the party and said the organisation would continue its political campaign for the release of PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan.

  • | |

    Republic Policy unveils Federal democratic governa…

    ISLAMABAD: The Economic Policy and Business Development Think Tank, founded by former Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, Gohar Ejaz and Sir Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera, hosted a policy session showcasing the Republic Policy Governance Model, a proposed federal and democratic framework aimed at reforming Pakistan’s existing system of governance. The session brought together policy leaders and prominent figures to discuss four books authored by Republic Policy: Fixing the Executive, Fixing the Legislature, Fixing the Judiciary, and The Bureaucratic Coup. A New Federal Democratic Governance Model According to Republic Policy, the proposed model seeks to establish a governance framework aligned with Pakistan’s federal constitutional structure, democratic representation, parliamentary supremacy and principles of effective public administration. The think tank said the initiative goes beyond criticism of the existing governance system and seeks to offer a practical alternative based on constitutional supremacy, democratic accountability, federalism and stronger parliamentary institutions. The model also addresses longstanding debates surrounding decentralisation, bureaucratic influence and the balance of power among the executive, legislature and judiciary. Reform Agenda Draws Appreciation Sources attending the event said the governance model and the four books received appreciation from participants, including former Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, Gohar Ejaz and Sir Ahmed Nawaz Sukhera. A representative of Republic Policy said fundamental reforms in Pakistan’s governance system would need to become a central part of the national debate on the country’s future. “The encouragement we received is immensely encouraging for us,” the representative said, stressing the importance of continuing discussions on structural governance reforms. Focus on Constitutional Governance The Economic Policy and Business Development Think Tank was established to promote policy dialogue on economic and governance issues in Pakistan. The presentation of the Republic Policy Governance Model adds a new dimension to discussions on institutional reform, decentralisation, bureaucratic overreach and parliamentary empowerment. Republic Policy maintains that strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring governance within the framework of the Constitution are essential for improving the effectiveness and accountability of the Pakistani state.

  • |

    India expects weaker August monsoon raising concerns for crops

    India is likely to receive below average rainfall in August after recording near normal monsoon rains in July, according to the country’s weather department. The forecast has raised concerns about crop production and economic activity because millions of farmers depend on seasonal rainfall for agriculture. The India Meteorological Department said rainfall in August is expected to remain below 94 percent of the long period average. Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said the combined rainfall for August and September, which make up the second half of the monsoon season, is also expected to stay below the long term average. The annual monsoon is vital for India’s economy, providing nearly 70 percent of the country’s yearly rainfall. It replenishes reservoirs, rivers and groundwater supplies while supporting agriculture in a country where almost half of all farmland relies entirely on rain instead of irrigation. Farming remains the primary source of income for about half of India’s population. Weather officials said moderate El Nino conditions are currently present in the Pacific Ocean and are expected to strengthen in the coming weeks. The phenomenon could become strong by September, increasing the likelihood of reduced rainfall across parts of India and other areas of Southeast Asia. El Nino is a recurring climate pattern caused by warmer than normal sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. It often disrupts weather systems around the world and has historically been linked to weaker monsoon seasons in India. Previous El Nino years have brought drought conditions that damaged crops, reduced agricultural output and forced the government to restrict exports of certain food grains. Despite the weaker outlook for August, rainfall improved significantly during July. India received one percent more rain than the long period average during the month, helping reduce the overall seasonal rainfall deficit. Since the monsoon began on June 1, the deficit has narrowed to 12.6 percent after reaching 35.4 percent at the end of June. The stronger rainfall in July also helped farmers recover from delays in planting caused by a slow start to the season. Agricultural experts say the improved weather allowed growers to speed up sowing in many regions after an uncertain beginning. However, analysts warn that below normal rainfall during August could still affect the development of crops that have recently been planted. Adequate rainfall during this stage of the growing season is considered essential for healthy crop growth and stable harvests. Government data shows that summer crop planting was nearly 25 percent lower than the previous year at the end of June. Since then, the situation has improved considerably, with the shortfall shrinking to less than five percent as better rainfall encouraged farmers to increase sowing. The latest weather forecast has increased attention on the remainder of the monsoon season, as rainfall over the next two months will play a key role in determining agricultural output, food supplies and overall economic performance in one of the world’s largest farming economies.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *