Ferrari’s first fully electric car has sold for a record $40 million at a charity auction in California, becoming the most expensive new car ever sold at auction. The Ferrari Luce, unveiled in May, fetched far more than its estimated $1.1 million auction value at RM Sotheby’s Monterey sale. The auction house did not identify the buyer. All proceeds will support educational initiatives through the Ferrari Foundation. The result also dwarfed the Luce’s standard starting price of €550,000. The car was developed with LoveFrom, the design collective led by former Apple design chief Sir Jony Ive and Marc Newson. Unique Ferrari Luce becomes auction record holder The auctioned vehicle, known as “Chassis 0”, is the first production chassis from the Luce programme. Ferrari created the one-off model through its Tailor Made personalisation programme. It features a special Madreperla Semi-Gloss finish that can shift from green to violet depending on the light. The car also has dedicated wheels, bespoke brake calipers and a customised interior using Perla Le Mans metallic leather. RM Sotheby’s described the charity sale as a “tangible expression of innovation, responsibility, and long-term vision for future generations.” The $40 million result surpassed the previous record for a new car. A unique Ferrari Daytona SP3 sold for $26 million at a charity auction in 2025. However, the Luce remains far below the overall auction record. A rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé sold for €135 million, about $142 million, in 2022. Ferrari Luce faced backlash after May launch The auction success follows a difficult public debut for Ferrari’s first electric model. The five-seat, four-door Luce triggered criticism from traditional Ferrari fans who questioned its styling and battery-powered identity. Ferrari shares fell 8.4% in Milan the day after the unveiling. Former Ferrari chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo became one of the most prominent critics. He warned that the company was “risking the destruction of a legend.” Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini also criticised the vehicle. Despite the reaction, Ferrari has defended its decision to push into electric vehicles. Chief design officer Flavio Manzoni said criticism forms part of the innovation process and predicted that buyers would eventually appreciate the Luce. Strong demand follows controversial debut The early commercial response appears stronger than the initial backlash suggested. Ferrari has already reached its 2026 sales target for the Luce, with reports pointing to strong demand from China and interest from technology entrepreneurs. The company had reportedly targeted close to 500 units for the year. The Luce represents Ferrari’s first major move into a fully electric market currently shaped by Tesla and increasingly powerful Chinese EV manufacturers. Its $40 million charity sale now gives Ferrari a high-profile auction record while demonstrating that collectors remain willing to pay extraordinary sums for rare models, even as the company experiments with a radically different direction.
Pakistan’s Tech Sector Gets Major Boost as Google Opens Office
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has inaugurated Google’s Pakistan office, describing the technology giant’s expanded presence as an important development for the country’s digital economy and young workforce. The prime minister met a Google delegation in Islamabad on Tuesday, led by Wilson L. White, Vice President for Government Affairs and Public Policy. US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker and Federal Minister for Information Technology Shaza Fatima Khawaja also attended the event. Shehbaz welcomed the Google team and said Pakistan’s association with the global technology company marked the beginning of an important and promising new journey. He said Google could play a major role in developing Pakistan’s technology sector and creating opportunities for young people. Google seeks long term partnership with Pakistan White said Pakistan needed to take further steps to promote digital technology and expand access to new technological opportunities. He also expressed Google’s interest in building a long term partnership with Pakistan. Google has already expanded its engagement with the country in recent years. In 2024, Google announced plans to support the local assembly of 500,000 Chromebooks by 2026 as part of its broader digital education push. براہِ راست:وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کی گوگل کے وفد سے ملاقات کے دوران کی گئی گفتگو https://t.co/IeB5rC1Jc2 — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 18, 2026 The company has also worked with Pakistan’s education authorities to increase access to digital learning tools, train teachers and support technology based education initiatives. Google had earlier established a liaison presence in Pakistan after registering as a foreign company in 2022. The company said at the time that it wanted to explore business opportunities, market its products locally and support Pakistan’s growing technology ecosystem. Pakistan pushes ahead with digital transformation The government has increasingly focused on attracting global technology companies and expanding Pakistan’s digital economy. In November 2025, Shehbaz welcomed Google’s plans to increase investment and establish a stronger local presence. He also highlighted the company’s product assembly initiative in Haripur as an important step for local technology production. “The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Google for IT training of Pakistani youth is an important step in this direction,” the prime minister said at the time. Read More: Google Outbids AI Rival for Spirit Airlines Data in $10 Million Deal The government has also introduced technology programmes aimed at training young Pakistanis, including women, for employment in the global digital services industry. Shehbaz has repeatedly said his government wants to transform Pakistan into a regional information technology hub. Google office seen as positive signal for tech sector The inauguration of Google’s Pakistan office gives the company a stronger local presence at a time when Islamabad is trying to attract foreign investment into technology, artificial intelligence and digital services. Pakistan has also accelerated its own technology adoption. In July, the government launched an artificial intelligence based system at the Prime Minister’s Office to digitally track official directives and improve decision making. Read More: Google Slashes YouTube Premium Price by 50% for Eligible Users The new Google office could open further opportunities in areas such as digital skills, education, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and technology investment. For Pakistan, the development also sends a positive signal to other international technology companies assessing opportunities in the country’s growing digital market.
Google Outbids AI Rival for Spirit Airlines Data in $10 Million Deal
Google has agreed to pay $10 million for a large collection of internal business data from bankrupt Spirit Airlines, as the technology giant looks for new material to develop products and train artificial intelligence models. The proposed purchase covers employee emails, Microsoft Teams messages, spreadsheets, calendars, marketing information and operational data. Spirit will remove personally identifiable information before completing the sale. The dataset will not include customer information or credit card records. A US bankruptcy judge will consider approving the transaction at a court hearing on Wednesday, August 19. Spirit is selling its remaining assets after shutting down operations in May. Google sees value in Spirit’s internal data Google won the bankruptcy auction after competing with AI data company Mercor. It initially offered $5 million. Mercor later increased the bidding and ultimately submitted a $7.5 million rival offer. Google then raised its bid to $10 million. A Google spokesperson said Spirit’s corporate data “can be helpful in improving our products and AI models.” Read More: Why Google’s Chief Scientist Jeff Dean Left After 27 Years “We are buying the company’s internal data and custom software, but we are not buying their customer or credit card information,” the spokesperson said. The collection reportedly includes a huge volume of workplace communications and other records showing how a major airline operated internally. Such corporate datasets have become increasingly valuable to AI developers because they contain examples of real workplace tasks, decisions and communication patterns. Mercor says corporate records can help train AI Mercor also wanted the Spirit dataset and argued that internal company records could become important training material for the next generation of AI systems. “Companies are sitting on decades of records that show how real work gets done, and that data is now some of the most valuable material for training and evaluating AI,” a Mercor spokesperson said. The company said it works with businesses to license operational data to developers building AI models. The Spirit auction highlights a wider race among technology companies to secure high-quality data as developers seek sources beyond publicly available internet content. For Google, Spirit’s records could provide examples involving scheduling, workplace communication, marketing, productivity and complex operational processes. Spirit sells assets after airline collapse Spirit stopped flying in May after its financial problems worsened during its second bankruptcy restructuring in less than two years. The low-cost carrier had struggled with heavy debt, weak finances and sharply higher jet fuel prices. Spirit’s lawyers said fuel costs increased by roughly $100 million during March and April alone, draining liquidity and undermining its restructuring plans. US Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane approved a rapid wind-down of the airline in May, allowing Spirit to sell aircraft, engines, airport assets and other property to raise money for creditors. Read More: Google Gemini Now Creates Word, Excel and LaTeX Files Instantly Spirit employed about 17,000 people and carried around 50,000 passengers on its final day of operations. Its fleet included 114 Airbus A320-family aircraft. The $10 million Google transaction shows that Spirit’s digital records have also become a valuable bankruptcy asset. If the court approves the sale, Google will receive the de-identified business dataset for use in product development and AI training.
Tesco to Next: Why UK Retailers Are Choosing Chinese Robots
Chinese-made warehouse robots are rapidly becoming part of Britain’s retail infrastructure, helping major companies process online orders faster while raising fresh questions about productivity, labour and the future of work. Geek+, a Chinese warehouse robotics company, now supplies technology used by major UK retailers including Tesco, Asda and Next. More than 2,000 of its robots operate across 10 British warehouse sites through UK partner MotionTech. The squat autonomous machines can travel underneath storage racks, lift entire shelves and carry them directly to workers. Geek+ says this reduces walking, speeds up picking and allows warehouses to use storage space more efficiently. Its systems can also integrate into existing warehouses with relatively limited structural changes. UK retailers turn to flexible warehouse automation Unlike fixed conveyor belts, autonomous mobile robots can work with QR floor markers, software and designated safety areas. This makes deployment faster and allows retailers to change warehouse layouts more easily. “Customers want fast deployable solutions,” MotionTech account director Barry Pemberton said. “They want high volume, high storage, fast picking… ultimately on a smaller footprint with a reduced headcount.” He also pointed to Britain’s labour shortages. Read More: AI Startup Records Every Corner of Homes to Train Future Robots “We seem to have a very big shortage of labour in the UK at the moment. These technologies are really important to keep businesses thriving and meet demand.” Geek+ listed in Hong Kong in July 2025. Industry data cited during its listing ranked it as the world’s largest warehouse fulfilment AMR solutions provider by 2024 revenue. Britain offers significant room for further expansion. An OECD report published in April found that UK companies perform relatively well in mature technologies such as cloud computing. However, adoption drops sharply for advanced technologies including robotics and automation. Workers and unions raise concerns over jobs The Trades Union Congress argues that automation should improve jobs and productivity rather than simply reduce headcount. “Working with technologists, workers and unions can help steer the UK’s research and innovation towards workers’ priorities for automation… avoiding job-cutting, low-productivity automation,” the TUC said. The union movement has also called for greater worker involvement and stronger retraining programmes as companies introduce AI and automation. China, meanwhile, has made robotics a strategic industrial priority. Analysts say its strength in electric vehicles has created overlapping supply chains for batteries, motors, cameras, sensors and semiconductors that robotics companies can also use. XPeng is among the Chinese EV companies expanding into humanoid robots. Founder He Xiaopeng said: “We want XPeng to be a high-tech company. In the future, any car company will transform into a car and robotics company.” Humanoid robots could be the next step Geek+ already wants to move beyond transporting shelves and pallets. “We are working on… end-to-end unmanned warehouse solutions,” Geek+ communications head Yanyu Liu said. That ambition includes automating picking, handling and eventually packing. Chinese companies such as Unitree and AgiBot are also pushing humanoid robots, although current machines still struggle with tasks requiring greater dexterity. China already has a dominant position in global humanoid deployments, while the US recently restricted imports of new foreign-made advanced robots on national security grounds. Read More: Is This the Beginning of the Age of Robot Soldiers? Pemberton expects humanoids to support existing systems rather than replace them. “I don’t think [humanoids] will change the landscape of the types of technology or the automation that’s going to be put into place,” he said. “They’re definitely going to be complementary.” For Britain, pressure to improve productivity and overcome labour shortages is making its warehouses an early testing ground for China’s expanding robotics industry.
Basant 2027 Will Look Different in Lahore Under These New Rules
Lahore will celebrate Basant for three days from March 12 to March 14, 2027, as authorities prepare for the second consecutive year of the revived kite-flying festival. The Lahore district administration announced the dates on Tuesday. Officials said they would make special arrangements to keep celebrations safe and disciplined while allowing residents to enjoy the traditional spring festival. The announcement follows the successful return of an officially sanctioned Basant in February 2026. Punjab’s official festival portal promoted that comeback as the first official celebration after more than 25 years of waiting. Basant 2027 brings strict rooftop safety rules The Punjab government has already announced a new safety framework for Basant 2027. Authorities have set December 30, 2026, as the deadline for implementing the measures. The rules require kite flying to take place only on structurally safe rooftops. Each rooftop must have boundary walls at least 3.5 feet high. Parents and guardians must constantly supervise children. Minors cannot approach rooftop edges without an adult. Read More: Lahore Braces for Basant 2026 With Free Transport and Festival Vibes Running, jumping, hanging from roof edges and aggressive kite snatching are prohibited. Authorities have also banned overcrowding beyond a rooftop’s safe capacity. Loud music, DJ systems and other noise-producing equipment will also be prohibited. Organisers must avoid activities that disturb neighbours. Every venue must keep a first aid kit available. Organisers should immediately contact Rescue 1122 if an emergency occurs. Building owners and event organisers will carry responsibility for accidents or violations at their premises. Dangerous kite strings remain completely banned Punjab continues to prohibit metal wire, nylon string and glass-coated or chemically treated string under the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Act 2025. Authorities have also banned kites displaying flags, political symbols and certain religious or personality images. Illegal kite flying can lead to imprisonment of up to five years and fines reaching Rs2 million. People involved in manufacturing, transporting or selling banned kite-flying material can face tougher punishment. Penalties can reach seven years in prison and fines of up to Rs5 million. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed district administrations and police to ensure full enforcement of the safety regulations. She has made clear that “Playing with human lives” will not be permitted during Basant celebrations. Basant returned to Lahore in 2026 Lahore hosted the revived festival from February 6 to 8, 2026. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari formally launched the celebrations by flying a kite from Delhi Gate. Thousands of residents later joined festivities across Lahore, particularly in the historic Walled City. The government introduced extensive safety measures during the revival. These included controls on dangerous strings, rooftop monitoring and protective equipment for motorcyclists. Read More: Sky Poised to Fill With Kites: Basant Festival Returns to Lahore After 20 Years Basant had disappeared from Lahore’s official cultural calendar after repeated deaths and injuries linked to sharp kite strings and other unsafe practices. The March 2027 festival will therefore become another major test of Punjab’s attempt to preserve the cultural tradition while imposing tighter safety controls.c
Why Trump’s Approval Rating Has Dropped to Just 33%
US President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 33%, the lowest level of his presidency, as concerns grow over the Iran war and rising gasoline prices. The four-day Reuters/Ipsos survey found that 64% of Americans disapprove of Trump’s performance in the White House. His approval rating fell from 35% earlier in August and now matches the lowest point of his first presidential term in December 2017. Trump returned to the White House in 2025 with approval from just under half of Americans. His ratings have since weakened as the Iran conflict has dragged on and disrupted global energy markets. Americans expect prolonged Iran conflict The poll found widespread doubts that US involvement in Iran will end soon. Around 80% of Americans believe US involvement “will go on for an extended period of time.” That includes 87% of Democrats and 71% of Republicans. Only 16% expect the conflict to end within a few weeks. Trump initially suggested the conflict could last only weeks. However, Iran has continued to restrict oil traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Read More: Birth Tourism Banned as Trump Signs Fresh Citizenship Orders The disruption has affected roughly one-fifth of global oil trade and pushed fuel prices higher. It has also increased financial pressure on American households ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. Only about one in five Americans believe the Iran war has been worth its costs. Even among Republicans, support stands at only around half. Trump defends higher gasoline prices Trump defended the economic impact of the conflict during a political rally in Garden City, New York, on Friday. He said paying “a tiny little bit more for your gasoline” was worth preventing what he called “a very evil country” from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Higher energy costs have become a political challenge because Trump campaigned on controlling inflation and avoiding prolonged foreign wars. Public opinion on the economy has also shifted. The latest poll found that 38% of voters believe Democrats have the better approach to the economy. Republicans received 35%. Reuters/Ipsos polling earlier this month showed Democrats leading Republicans on the economy for the first time in about a decade. Democrats also hold an advantage when voters consider which party can better manage the cost of living. Republican immigration advantage narrows Immigration remains a relatively stronger issue for Republicans, but their lead has fallen sharply. Around 40% of registered voters said Republicans have the better approach to immigration. Democrats received 38%, leaving only a two-point gap. That represents a dramatic shift from January 2025, when Republicans held a 26-point advantage on immigration. Read More: Iran-Backed Group Offers Millions for Trump’s Killing The narrowing gap follows months of aggressive immigration enforcement under Trump. Border crossings have fallen, but deadly confrontations and growing numbers of detainees have increased scrutiny of the administration’s policies. The political numbers could worry Republicans as they prepare to defend their narrow House majority in November. Democrats also increasingly view the Senate as competitive. The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 1,166 US adults online nationwide. It has a margin of error of three percentage points in either direction.
David Warner Fined A$1,500 in Sydney Drink-Driving Case
A Sydney court has convicted former Australia batter David Warner of drink-driving and fined him A$1,500, about $1,065. Warner, 39, pleaded guilty after failing a breath test during the Easter weekend in April. He had been driving his family home from a social event in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Police recorded a blood-alcohol reading of 0.104, more than twice Australia’s legal limit of 0.05. The case went before Waverley Local Court on Tuesday. Warner tried to switch seats before breath test The court heard that Warner stopped his vehicle before reaching a random breath-testing site in Maroubra. Police said he then tried to switch seats with a female passenger. Officers approached the vehicle, identified Warner as the driver and tested him. He cooperated once police began the process. Judge Clare Farnan said children were inside the vehicle at the time, which aggravated the offence. Read More: David Warner Ready to Accept Responsibility in Drink-Driving Case “I accept Mr Warner is unlikely to re-offend,” Farnan told the court. She added: “(But) regrettably, drink-driving is still a significant factor in many crashes in New South Wales.” The judge fined Warner A$1,500. He must also use an alcohol interlock device for 12 months. The system prevents a vehicle from starting when it detects alcohol in the driver’s breath. Warner left court without speaking to reporters. Lawyer says media coverage hurt commercial opportunities Warner’s lawyer, Awais Ahmad, asked the court to spare his client a conviction. He argued that Warner had already suffered additional consequences because of widespread media coverage and criticism. “Commercial opportunities (are) being affected,” Ahmad told the court. Warner retired from international cricket in 2024 after a career that included 112 Tests and more than 250 limited-overs internationals for Australia. He remains active in franchise cricket and broadcasting. At the time of the April incident, Warner had returned home while captaining Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League. He later resumed his PSL campaign. Warner also works as a Fox Sports Australia commentator. He recently covered Australia’s Test series against Bangladesh in Darwin. Sydney Thunder captaincy under spotlight Warner currently captains Sydney Thunder in Australia’s Big Bash League. The situation carries added significance because Cricket NSW has a long-running road safety partnership with Transport for NSW. Sydney Thunder also participates in campaigns aimed at discouraging drink-driving. Cricket NSW did not confirm whether the conviction would affect Warner’s position as Thunder captain. Read More: Australian Star David Warner Charged with Drink Driving in Sydney “Our organisation is a strong advocate of safe driving, including avoiding drink driving,” the organisation said. Cricket NSW said it would continue educating players about safe driving and would treat the incident seriously. Warner remains one of Australia’s most successful modern batters. He scored 8,786 Test runs and helped Australia win the ODI World Cups in 2015 and 2023, as well as the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Becca Bloom’s Plane Shopping Viral Video Sparks Huge Reaction
Social media influencer Rebecca Ma, better known as Becca Bloom, has gone viral after taking followers along on an unusual family shopping trip for a private plane. Bloom joined her parents as her father searched for an anniversary gift for her mother. The video, titled “Come plane shopping with me”, has attracted more than 8 million views. “Let’s go shopping for a new plane. My dad’s been searching for an anniversary present for my mom, so this side quest was actually his idea. When we arrived, our sales associate had a few options parked out front for us,” Bloom says in the video. Family checks out private planes Bloom takes viewers inside the first aircraft and describes it as “quite cosy.” While her parents discussed paperwork with the sales team, Bloom said she became bored and started dozing off. A pilot then invited her into the cockpit and showed her some of the aircraft’s controls. The family later inspected another plane, which quickly became her mother’s preferred option. “This was my mom’s favorite because it needed the least customization. She actually recently had hip surgery, so my dad wanted to make sure she could get in and out of the plane easily,” Bloom said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rebecca (@beccaxbloom) Her mother, however, also had a lighter reason for visiting the cockpit. “My mom on the other hand was asking the pilot to take a picture of her in the cockpit so she could flex on her Asian mom’s group chat,” Bloom added. The video did not confirm whether the family eventually bought an aircraft or reveal which specific plane they were considering. Social media reacts to luxury shopping trip The unusual anniversary shopping trip quickly sparked humorous reactions online. One user wrote, “‘Let’s go plane shopping.’ Things I can’t wait to say.” Another commented, “We are all just living vicariously through you, girl.” One person joked, “I just got one yesterday. My son made me a paper plane.” Another viewer wrote, “I really love how she shows me my future life.” The reactions reflect the appeal of Bloom’s luxury lifestyle content, which often gives followers a glimpse into experiences far beyond everyday shopping. Who is Becca Bloom? Bloom has become one of the most recognisable creators associated with “RichTok”, a social media trend built around wealth, luxury purchases and extravagant lifestyles. The Wall Street Journal described her as one of RichTok’s biggest stars after she began posting on TikTok in January 2025. Her content has included expensive jewellery, designer shopping trips and elaborate meals. Bloom is the daughter of technology entrepreneurs Simon Ma and Heidi Chou, who previously worked at IBM and later co-founded Camelot Information Systems. She also studied business and economics at the University of Southern California. Her personal life has also attracted attention. Bloom married software engineer David Pownall at Villa Balbiano on Lake Como in August 2025. Vogue reported that the intimate celebration included about 60 close friends and relatives. Her latest viral video adds another eye-catching chapter to the luxury lifestyle content that helped build her online following.
Cambridge Announces O Level, IGCSE Results 2026 in Pakistan
Cambridge International Education announced the results of its June 2026 Cambridge O Level and IGCSE examinations on Tuesday, August 18, ending the wait for thousands of students across Pakistan. Cambridge released the results at 05:00 GMT/UTC, equivalent to 10:00am Pakistan Standard Time. Schools could access the results immediately through Cambridge International Direct and distribute them according to their own arrangements. The results cover students who appeared in Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level examinations during the June 2026 series. Cambridge International Certificate of Education results were also released on the same day. Read More: Government, Cambridge and British Officials Hold Emergency Meeting Over Paper Leak More than 315,000 students from 4,949 schools worldwide were due to receive Cambridge IGCSE and O Level results on August 18. Nearly 705,000 students across 148 countries took Cambridge examinations at different levels during the June series. Pakistan remains one of Cambridge International’s major markets. More than 100,000 candidates from over 850 Pakistani schools took Cambridge AS and A Level, O Level and IGCSE examinations during the June 2026 series. How Students Can Check Cambridge Results Students whose schools have registered them for Cambridge’s Candidate Results service can check their grades online. They need the username and password supplied by their school or examination centre. Cambridge advises candidates who have trouble signing in to contact their centre directly. The British Council Pakistan also directs Cambridge candidates to the official Cambridge Candidate Results service. Students who registered through the British Council or a school should use the login credentials provided by that organisation. Read More: Cambridge Postpones Major A-Level Exam in Pakistan After Paper Leak Students without digital access should contact their school or examination centre. Schools can provide statements of results directly and explain when and how candidates can collect them. Importantly, the Cambridge English Results Service is separate from the portal used for Cambridge O Level and IGCSE qualifications. O Level and IGCSE candidates should use Cambridge International’s Candidate Results service when their centre has provided access. What Students Can Do After Results Students who have questions about their grades should first contact their school’s exams officer. Cambridge recommends that candidates use their school as the first point of contact for result-related queries. For private candidates in Pakistan, the British Council also offers post-result services. These include Enquiries About Results for candidates who want a review of their marking. The deadline for June 2026 Cambridge enquiries through the British Council Pakistan is September 10. Read More: UK’s Youngest Dementia Patient Dies at 24 — Leaves Brain to Science Candidates considering another attempt can also register for the October-November 2026 examination series. The British Council lists September 3 as the late-stage and retake registration deadline in Pakistan. Final certificates follow the provisional results. The British Council says certificates in Pakistan are generally provided within two to three weeks after online results become available.
Punjab Diners Told to Demand Digital Receipts With QR Codes
The Punjab Revenue Authority has issued new guidelines for customers visiting restaurants, hotels, coffee shops and food chains across the province. The measures aim to improve tax transparency and ensure customers receive proper digital receipts after making payments. Food businesses must also display the new instructions prominently at their premises. The PRA has already prohibited restaurants and hotels from giving customers kitchen orders, unpaid bills, pre-bills or temporary bills as final receipts. Customers told to demand digital receipts The authority has urged diners to obtain a digital receipt every time they pay for restaurant, hotel or other food services. Customers should receive the receipt only after making payment. They should then check the business name, address and Punjab Taxpayer Registration Number, or PNTN. The receipt must clearly show order details and the applicable sales tax rate. It should also list the amount before tax and the final amount charged. Most importantly, every valid digital receipt must carry a PRA invoice number and a PRA QR code. Read More: Punjab Launches Interest-Free E-Bike Scheme for Teachers Customers can scan the QR code to verify transaction details and check whether the restaurant has properly recorded the sale with the authority. Punjab has used electronic monitoring of restaurant invoices for years. The Punjab Information Technology Board developed the Restaurant Invoice Monitoring System for the PRA. Authorities first rolled out the system in Lahore and Faisalabad divisions in September 2015. It helps monitor registered food businesses and provincial sales tax collection. PRA asks diners to report payment refusals The PRA has also advised customers to report restaurants that refuse to accept card or other digital payments. People can lodge complaints through PRA social media accounts, the PRA Sahulat application or WhatsApp at 0343-0000772. The authority said digital receipts play an important role in protecting taxes collected from customers and improving transparency. Read More: Punjab Offers Major Traffic Challan Relief After Massive Fine Hikes Punjab has also maintained a tax incentive for electronic restaurant payments. Since July 1, 2026, customers paying through debit cards, credit cards, mobile wallets or QR codes pay 8% sales tax. Cash and other non-digital payments remain subject to a 16% rate. The previous digital payment rate stood at 5%, but the Punjab Finance Act 2026 increased it to 8%. Despite the increase, digital transactions still attract half the rate charged on cash payments. What diners should check before leaving The latest instructions place more responsibility on customers to check their receipts before leaving a restaurant. A printed slip without the required PRA details may not meet the authority’s digital invoicing requirements. Customers should specifically look for the invoice number, QR code, tax amount and business information. The PRA says the system helps ensure that taxes paid by diners reach the provincial exchequer instead of remaining undocumented. For restaurants and food chains, the guidelines also increase pressure to record transactions through approved systems rather than informal billing methods.
