Your Ultimate Guide to Starting an Online Business in Pakistan
Staying updated with the news is crucial, but have you ever thought about building a future that’s entirely your own? With a growing internet user base and a booming digital economy, there has never been a better time to start an online business in Pakistan. This guide isn’t just a list of ideas; it’s a step-by-step walkthrough to take you from a simple thought to your first sale. We’ll skip the complicated jargon and give you clear, actionable advice you can start using today. Why an Online Business is Your Smartest Move Let’s be honest, the traditional job market can be tough. An online business offers a powerful way to break through. Here’s what makes it so compelling: Unlimited Reach: Your shop is no longer limited to your local neighborhood. You can sell to customers in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and even across the globe. Low Startup Cost: Many online ventures require minimal investment compared to renting a physical shopfront. Flexibility: You can build your business around your life, working from home and managing your own schedule. Scalability: As your business grows, your online platform can grow with it without the same physical constraints. 5 Proven Online Business Ideas for Pakistanis You don’t need a revolutionary idea to succeed. You need to execute a solid one better than anyone else. Here are five proven paths you can take. Business Idea Core Concept Skills Needed Potential Startup Cost Dropshipping You sell products to customers, but a third-party supplier holds the inventory and ships it for you. Marketing, customer service Low (Website, marketing budget) Freelancing Offer your skills (writing, graphic design, programming) on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. A marketable skill (e.g., SEO, content writing) Very Low Digital Products Create and sell downloadable items like resume templates, SEO guides, or digital art. Design, content creation, marketing Low Affiliate Marketing Promote other companies’ products on your website or social media and earn a commission on sales. Content creation, SEO, building an audience Very Low Niche Blog/Website Build a website around a passion (e.g., Pakistani cuisine, tech reviews) and earn through ads and affiliates. Writing, SEO, patience Low (Hosting, domain) Your 5-Step Roadmap to Launch A great idea is nothing without a plan. Follow these steps to build a strong foundation for your business. Find Your Niche and Validate It The key is to be specific. Instead of “selling clothes,” think “premium embroidered Kurtas for men.” This helps you stand out. Ask yourself: Is there a demand? Are people already spending money in this area? Use your knowledge of local needs to find a gap in the market. Build Your Digital Shopfront Your website is your online identity. For a professional touch, it’s worth getting a proper domain and hosting. Your website must be fast and easy to use on a mobile phone, as most Pakistanis browse the internet on their devices. A clean, simple design builds trust and keeps visitors engaged. Create Content That Connects and Sells This is where you attract your audience. Don’t just sell; teach, help, and engage. For example, if you’re selling kitchenware, post recipes and cooking tips. This “evergreen content”—content that stays relevant for months or years—will continuously bring new visitors from Google. Focus on solving your customers’ problems, and you will build a loyal following. Drive Traffic with Smart Marketing You’ve built a great site; now, how do people find it? SEO (Search Engine Optimization): This is how you get free traffic from Google. Use the keywords your potential customers are searching for naturally in your titles and content. Tools like Google Keyword Planner can help you find these terms. Social Media: Be where your audience is. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok are powerful for building a community and promoting your content. Share behind-the-scenes stories and run engaging campaigns. Master the Logistics Plan for the practical side before you launch. Payments: Offer multiple easy ways for customers to pay. Options like JazzCash, EasyPaisa, and bank transfers are essential in Pakistan. Delivery: Partner with a reliable courier service like TCS, Leopards, or Pakistan Post. Be transparent about delivery times and costs. Essential Tools to Get You Started You don’t need to break the bank. Here are some fundamental tools to launch your business: Website Builder: WordPress.com is a versatile and popular choice for everything from blogs to online stores. Graphic Design: Canva (free version available) for creating social media posts and simple graphics. Communication: WhatsApp Business for customer support and order updates. Final Words of Motivation Building a successful online business doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey of consistent learning and effort. You will face challenges, but every successful entrepreneur started where you are right now. The digital landscape in Pakistan is full of opportunity. By providing real value and building trust with your audience, you can create a sustainable and profitable business. Stop just reading the news—start building your own story. What’s the first business idea that excited you? Let us know in the comments below!
Pakistani Passport Ranked 4th Worst in World for 4 Straight Years
It’s another disappointing year for Pakistan’s passport. For the fourth year in a row, it’s been ranked one of the worst in the world. Out of 199 passports, Pakistan came in at a dismal 100th place, the same as last year. This means people with Pakistani passports can only travel to 33 countries without getting a visa beforehand. That’s only slightly better than Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, which hold the very bottom spots. Meanwhile, countries like Singapore, Germany, and Japan are at the top of the list, with their citizens able to travel to almost anywhere in the world without needing a visa. Even the United Arab Emirates jumped way ahead, landing in 9th place. It seems like Pakistan is stuck in the same place, making it harder for its people to explore the world freely.
Afghan Protestor Removed Pakistani Flag from Embassy and Humiliated it
Frankfurt Incident: An Outrageous Attack on the Pakistani Consulate FRANKFURT: Imagine this: Afghan nationals, fueled by anger, launched a vicious attack on the Pakistani consulate in Frankfurt. They didn’t just protest; they pelted the consulate with stones and showed utter disrespect by desecrating the Pakistani flag. This shocking event unfolded on a Sunday, leaving many in disbelief. Videos that have gone viral on social media paint a chaotic scene. Protesters stormed the consulate, hurling stones and forcefully removing the Pakistani flag. Some reports even suggest that these attackers tried to set the flag ablaze. Yet, despite the severity of this attack, German police have yet to make any arrests. Details reveal that a group of 8 to 10 Afghan nationals were involved in this brazen assault. After tearing down the flag, they managed to flee the scene. In a statement filled with deep concern, Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned the breach of security at its consulate, highlighting the grave danger posed to its diplomatic staff. This attack isn’t just an isolated incident; it’s a blatant violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, which obligates the host country to protect consular premises and ensure the safety of diplomats. Pakistan has formally expressed its outrage and demanded immediate action from the German Government. They have urged Germany to uphold the provisions of the Vienna Conventions and to implement stringent measures to protect Pakistani diplomatic missions and staff in Germany. Moreover, Pakistan is calling for the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible for this attack. They insist that any security lapses that allowed this incident to occur must be addressed. German authorities have assured Pakistani officials in Frankfurt of a thorough investigation. Following the circulation of videos on social media, several individuals have reportedly been arrested, and interrogations are underway. This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of diplomatic security and the need for immediate and decisive action to prevent such breaches in the future.
Thailand Offering Visa-Free Entry to 93 Countries But Not to Pakistan
On a poignant day for Pakistan, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced a significant expansion of Thailand’s visa-free scheme, now encompassing 93 countries. This initiative, set to be signed into effect on Monday, allows visitors to stay in Thailand for up to 60 days, promising seamless integration thanks to robust measures by immigration and security authorities. While this move brings joy to many, the absence of Pakistan from the list is deeply felt. The anticipation and hope of Pakistani travelers remain unfulfilled, stirring a sense of longing and disappointment. Countries Previously in the Visa-Free Scheme Country Country Country Andorra Australia Austria Belgium Bahrain Brazil Brunei Canada Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Indonesia Ireland Israel Italy Japan Kuwait Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malaysia Maldives Mauritius Monaco Netherlands New Zealand Norway Oman Philippines Poland Portugal Qatar San Marino Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Spain South Africa South Korea Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Peru Hong Kong Vietnam Saudi Arabia Newly Added Countries Country Country Country Bhutan Bulgaria Cyprus Fiji Georgia India Kazakhstan Malta Mexico Papua New Guinea Romania Uzbekistan Taiwan China Laos Macau Mongolia Russia Cambodia Albania Colombia Croatia Cuba Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Guatemala Jamaica Jordan Kosovo Morocco Panama Sri Lanka Trinidad and Tobago Tonga Uruguay This expansion, though a testament to Thailand’s embrace of global diversity, leaves Pakistani hearts yearning for inclusion. The dream of exploring Thailand’s rich culture and landscapes remains just that — a dream, waiting for the day it will become a reality.
Eight Soldiers Martyred in Bannu Cantonment Terrorist Attack
In a heartbreaking attack early Monday, ten terrorists targeted Bannu Cantonment in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, leading to the tragic loss of eight brave soldiers. The military reported that the attackers tried to enter the cantonment but were stopped. They then detonated an explosive-laden vehicle, causing part of the wall to collapse and damaging nearby structures. The fallen heroes include Naib Subedar Muhammad Shehzad, Havildar Zil-e-Hussain, Havildar Shahzad Ahmed, Sepoy Ashfaq Hussain Khan, Sepoy Sobhan Majeed, Sepoy Imtiaz Khan, Sepoy Arsalan Aslam, and Lance Naik Sabz Ali. The military’s swift response resulted in all ten terrorists being killed, preventing a larger tragedy and saving many innocent lives. The attack was carried out by the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, which operates from Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the Afghan government to stop terrorists from using their soil. Despite a rise in terrorist activities, especially in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the Pakistan armed forces remain committed to defending the nation. Recent reports show a decline in violence and casualties, but the regions continue to face significant security challenges.
Shahbaz Govt Seeking Ban on PTI and charging Imran Khan with High Treason
Just days after the Supreme Court declared PTI a parliamentary party, the government announced plans to ban it and charge its founder with treason. Information Minister Ataullah Tarar revealed that the government will file a case to outlaw PTI and initiate high treason proceedings against former Prime Minister Imran Khan and other top leaders. The Supreme Court’s decision, which granted PTI reserved seats for women and minorities, has sparked government outrage. Tarar stated that the ruling coalition would seek a review of this decision and take strict legal action against those conspiring from abroad and sabotaging the IMF bailout program. The government accuses PTI of anti-state activities, including obtaining prohibited funding and sabotaging previous IMF deals. They allege Imran Khan used a diplomatic cable for personal gain and pushed the country towards economic default. The government plans to send a reference to the Supreme Court to invoke high treason charges related to the 2022 National Assembly dissolution. Tarar also blamed PTI for the May 9 riots and for bringing back the Taliban to Pakistan, undermining the National Action Plan against terrorism. He played a leaked audio where Imran allegedly discussed manipulating the diplomatic cable, further accusing PTI of pressuring the National Accountability Bureau over corruption cases. Meanwhile, PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain urged a thorough review of the government’s decision to ban PTI, warning of significant political consequences. He emphasized the need for political forces to focus on the country’s economy and the common man’s hardships.
Pakistan Stock Exchange Hits All-Time-High 81000 Points
Pakistani Investors celebrated on Monday as the benchmark KSE 100 index soared to an all-time high above 81,000, following the announcement of a Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a $7 billion credit line. This came despite the rising political noise after the landmark apex court ruling on reserve seats. Market optimism was further fueled by an anticipated softening of monetary policy, which drew significant buying interest, particularly from foreign investors. Ahsan Mehanti of Arif Habib Corporation noted that stocks closed at a record high, attributing the surge to the SLA’s boost to investor confidence. He also mentioned that the expected ease in the State Bank of Pakistan’s policy rate, resolution of the energy sector’s circular debt crisis, increased remittances, and rupee stability were key factors in the market’s performance. Topline Securities Ltd highlighted that the new Extended Fund Facility for 37 months significantly bolstered investor sentiment. Major contributions to the index’s rise came from Systems Ltd, MCB Bank, Fauji Fertiliser, Pakistan Oilfield, Hub Power, and Engro Corporation, which collectively added 599 points. The benchmark index achieved an intraday record high of 81,428.43 points and a low of 80,743.46. It ultimately settled at 79,992.35, after a remarkable rally of 1,211.51 points or 1.52% on a day-on-day basis. The overall trading volume remained stable at 441.33 million shares, marking a slight increase of 0.91%. However, the traded value improved by 15.93% to Rs27.22 billion day-on-day. Significant contributors to the trading volume included PIA Holding Company (35.75 million shares), Pak Elektron (25.83 million shares), WorldCall Telecom (24.92 million shares), Air Link Communication (21.33 million shares), and Avanceon Ltd (19.88 million shares). The shares with the most significant price increases in absolute terms were Nestle Pakistan (Rs105.00), Exide Pakistan (Rs93.45), PIA Holding Ltd (B) (Rs82.98), Sapphire Fibres (Rs72.69), and Reliance Cotton (Rs49.13). Conversely, the companies with notable price decreases in absolute terms were Rafhan Maize (Rs99.27), Pakistan Tobacco (Rs50.45), Data Agro Ltd (Rs38.57), Ismail Industries (Rs32.60), and Mehmood Textile (Rs28.92). Foreign investors were active in value-hunting, purchasing shares worth $2.76 million.
World Bank Giving 150 Million Dollars to Improve Primary Schools in Punjab
The World Bank is giving Pakistan $150 million to help more kids go to school in Punjab. This will help boys and girls learn to read better and stay in school longer. This project will help 5 million children, many teachers and principals, and even build new classrooms! There are a lot of kids who don’t go to school in Punjab, and this project will try to change that. It will also fix schools that got damaged in the floods and make sure schools are accessible for children with disabilities. The World Bank is like a giant piggy bank for good ideas around the world. They’re giving Pakistan a big gift of $150 million to help more kids in Punjab get a head start in life by going to school! This project, with a long name like “Getting Results: Access and Delivery of Quality Education Services in Punjab” (we can call it GRADES for short), has a super important mission: to get more boys and girls in pre-school and primary school, and to help them learn to read really well. Think about it like this: school is like a big jungle gym for your brain. The more you climb and play on it, the stronger and smarter you get. But if you don’t get to go on the jungle gym at all, you miss out on all that fun and learning. GRADES is here to make sure all the kids in Punjab get a chance to climb on the school jungle gym! Here’s the coolest part: this project will help a whopping 5 million children! That’s like all the kids in a giant city! It will also help teachers and principals learn new ways to make learning fun and exciting. And to top it all off, GRADES will even build brand new classrooms – imagine shiny new schools with comfy chairs and bright pictures on the walls! But wait, there’s more! There are lots of kids in Punjab who don’t go to school because they might live far away or because their family might not have enough money. GRADES is going to try and change that too. They’ll also fix schools that got broken in the floods, and make sure schools have special features to help children with disabilities so everyone can learn together. So, this GRADES project is a super cool way to give all the kids in Punjab a fair shot at a great education. It’s like giving them a key to unlock a whole world of learning and possibilities!
Salary Boost and Minimum Wage Hike: Sindh Unveils Mega-Budget Today!
The Sindh government is gearing up for a momentous day as they prepare to unveil their annual budget for the 2024-25 financial year. Today, Friday, June 14th, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who also carries the finance portfolio, will present the highly anticipated budget to the Sindh Assembly at 3:00 PM. Adding to the intrigue, sources reveal an early morning cabinet meeting scheduled for 9:00 AM at the CM House. This pre-budget huddle is expected to be a critical decision-making forum where the proposed budget will be meticulously reviewed and approved before its official presentation. Speculation is rife about the budget’s contents, with whispers of a potential 15% to 20% salary increase for government employees and a significant boost to the minimum wage, possibly reaching Rs. 35,000. Will these rumors materialize? Tune in today at 3:00 PM to witness the unveiling of the Sindh budget and its potential impact on the province’s economy and citizens’ lives!
The Sharif Brothers: A Tale of Political Resilience
Nawaz Sharif is hoping to end his unfortunate streak of not being prime minister for a full term on four occasions, having already held the position more times than any other leader in Pakistan. Born in 1949 and 1950, respectively, Nawaz and Shehbaz have been well-known figures in politics since the 1980s. After completing his education, Nawaz joined the family firm, the House of Ittefaq (Ittefaq Group), an industrial conglomerate with interests in steel, textiles, and sugar. During General Ziaul Haq’s administration, Nawaz started his political career as Punjab’s finance minister. He was originally chosen in 1985 to serve as the province’s chief minister, and he was again chosen in 1988 following the lifting of martial law. Following Haq’s passing in August of that year, Nawaz’s Pakistan Muslim League of, divided into two groups. He assumed leadership of the PML, which subsequently evolved into the PML-N. Shehbaz, meantime, was chosen in 1988 to serve as a member of the Punjab Assembly. Shehbaz was again pushed to the sidelines as Nawaz led the PML-N’s election campaign upon his return to Pakistan on October 21. Shehbaz was found not guilty in every case in which he was tried in recent months, and Nawaz was also successful in his appeals of the decisions in the Avenfield and Al-Azizia references. In light of Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution, the SC overturned parliamentarians’ lifetime ban on January 8, providing Nawaz with the necessary clearance. Other parties dubbed Nawaz the “ladla” (blue-eyed kid) of the establishment as a result of the quick acquittals; PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari claimed Nawaz was attempting to “get selected” as prime minister for a fourth time.