Google Wallet now available for UBL customers in Pakistan
UBL has become one of Pakistan’s first banks to enable Google Wallet for its Mastercard and Visa Debit Cards. By adding their cards to Google Wallet on Android and Wear OS devices, UBL customers will now be able to enjoy a faster and more secure way to pay. This convenient facility allows cardholders to tap and pay at stores, shop online, and make in-app purchases effortlessly.
With the increasing adoption of digital payments, this new feature provides UBL customers with greater convenience and security in everyday transactions. Google Wallet ensures that card details remain protected using advanced security features, including industry-standard tokenization and biometric authentication or device passcodes for secure transactions.
Getting started is simple. Customers can download Google Wallet from the Play Store, add their UBL Debit Card, and start making contactless payments instantly. If their device is ever lost or stolen, they can use Google’s “Find My Device” feature to lock or wipe their data remotely, keeping their information secure.
To commemorate this milestone, senior representatives from Google, Visa, Mastercard, and Thales, visited UBL’s Head Office in Karachi, on March 12th, 2025 to discuss the strategic opportunities in Pakistan’s digital payment ecosystem. The visiting delegation included Mr. Chen Way Siew, Financial Institutions, Network & Transit Partnerships Lead – Google, Mr. Umar Khan, Country Manager – Visa, and Mr. Arslan Khan, Country Manager – Mastercard. UBL was represented by Mr. Ijaz Farooq, Deputy CEO, Mr. Munawar Raza Shah, Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Sohail Aziz, Chief Information Officer, Mr. Sharjeel Shahid, Group Executive Digital Banking, and other senior executives.
UBL continues to lead the way in bringing innovative digital payment solutions to its customers, making everyday banking easier and more accessible.
UBL Completes Acquisition of Silkbank – Expands Leadership in Pakistan’s Banking Sector
United Bank Limited (UBL) is pleased to announce the successful amalgamation of Silkbank Limited (SBL) with and into UBL, that has come into effect from 11th March 2025, marking a pivotal step in its journey as Pakistan’s premier financial institution.
The Scheme of Amalgamation of SBL with and into UBL has been sanctioned by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) through its Sanction Order dated 10th March 2025, under the provisions of Section 48 of the Banking Companies Ordinance 1962 (BCO).
For now, no changes will be made to the banking services of former SBL customers who will be able to conduct their banking transactions as usual from their respective branches without any interruption. However, once the full integration is complete former SBL customers will gain direct access to UBL’s extensive network of branches and ATMs alongside enhanced portfolio ofproducts and services and advanced digital banking solutions.
Bayer Foundation partners with Mezrab to launch women-focused health clinics in Karachi
Bayer Foundation, Bayer’s corporate foundation supporting social innovation, has supported Mezrab, a non-profit organisation in Pakistan, with a grant that enables the launch of three primary health clinics in the underserved urban neighborhoods of Karachi.
Formally inaugurated on March 11, the Pehli Kiran Family Health Clinics will provide sustainable primary healthcare with a focus on women’s reproductive health.
“Karachi is home to some of the largest urban slums in the world, which lack basic health infrastructure and qualified health providers to cater to the primary health needs of their inhabitants,” said Asma Balal, Director of Mezrab.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2022, Pakistan ranks 143 out of 156 countries for health and survival, which translates into severe gender inequalities in access to healthcare.
In particular, women residing in these neighborhoods are at risk of unintended pregnancy due to lack of access to safe contraception. Incidences of gender-based violence are also frequent, due to poverty and a myriad of other social challenges.
“We are very pleased that Bayer Foundation is funding this primary healthcare project with Mezrab,” said Ahmed Ali, Managing Director and CEO of Bayer Pakistan Limited, “There is a tremendous need for developing sustainably funded social business models in Pakistan.”
Khurram Mirza, Country Commercial Lead, Pharmaceutical Division, added, “This project will help address a serious gap in primary and reproductive healthcare access for the most vulnerable women in low-income urban neighborhoods. It also aligns very well with Bayer’s strong overall commitment to women’s health.”
Each of the 3 clinics will be staffed by a small team including a doctor, lady health visitor, and attendant, and will provide primary healthcare including reproductive health, contraceptive access, and identification and referral for victims of gender-based violence.
This initiative therefore addresses the dual challenges of healthcare access and gender inequality by ensuring availability of trained female health providers in under-served urban communities. Patients may also avail a tele-consultation facility at the clinic, and will be able to access prescription medicine as needed.
Supported by Bayer Foundation, the initiative is estimated to achieve sustainability within 18 months of the clinics’ operation, via a sustainable business model realized through blended finance. The model uses a combination of user fee, grant, and CSR funding for diversified revenue streams.
Operating globally, Bayer Foundation focuses on two strategic pillars: advancing science for societal progress, and driving social entrepreneurship as an enabler for long-lasting change. The grant to Mezrab originates from Bayer Foundation’s Social Innovation Ecosystem Fund which aims to support social business models impacting low-income communities.
Thunder Energy and Nokia partner to drive AI-powered energy efficiency in telecom
Thunder Energy Ltd, a leading AI-powered, energy intelligence platform provider and a Brillanz Group company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nokia at MWC Barcelona 2025. This collaboration marks a major step towards optimizing energy management solutions for passive telecom infrastructure through cutting-edge AI and data analytics, with a focus on the Middle East and Africa (MEA) markets.
aWith a shared commitment to sustainability and technological innovation, the partnership will harness Thunder Energy’s AI-driven platform to provide real-time monitoring, control, predictive analytics, and autonomous energy optimization for telecom operators. Nokia, leveraging its extensive industry footprint and deep expertise, will support the deployment and promotion of Thunder Energy solutions across key markets, helping operators improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and enhance network reliability.
The MOU establishes a collaborative framework between the two companies to explore business opportunities in energy monitoring, control, and management. Nokia will utilize its market presence to promote and expand the reach of Thunder Energy’s platform, identifying opportunities and facilitating engagement with key stakeholders, including telecom operators, tower companies, industry partners, and regulatory bodies. Thunder Energy will provide its technical expertise, training, and resources to support the adoption and seamless integration of its AI-powered energy management solutions within telecom operations. Both companies will work closely to evaluate market needs and continuously innovate to enhance the platform’s capabilities, ensuring a robust and future-ready energy intelligence ecosystem for telecom networks.
Speaking at the signing ceremony held on the sidelines of Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Bilal Qureshi, CEO of Brillanz Group, highlighted the transformative nature of the partnership, stating “The collaboration with Nokia reinforces our mission to drive AI-powered efficiency in telecom infrastructure. With energy consumption being a critical challenge for telecom operators globally, Thunder Energy’s intelligent platform is designed to deliver actionable insights and automation that significantly reduce operational costs and carbon emissions. By joining forces with Nokia, we are paving the way for a smarter and greener future for telecom industry.”
Danial Mausoof, Mobile Networks Vice President of Technology, Solutions and Services at Nokia in MEA, underscored the strategic importance of the partnership, stating “Energy efficiency is at the core of Nokia’s strategy to enable sustainable networks. By partnering with Thunder Energy, we are bringing AI-driven energy intelligence to telecom operators in high-growth markets, ensuring they can achieve greater network efficiency while meeting their sustainability targets.”
This partnership represents a significant milestone in advancing the energy transformation of telecom networks. As the industry navigates increasing energy demands and sustainability challenges, AI-powered platforms such as Thunder Energy offer a scalable and intelligent approach to optimizing power consumption and reducing environmental impact. By leveraging their combined expertise, Thunder Energy and Nokia are poised to redefine the future of energy management in the telecom sector, setting a new standard for efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.
PBIF welcomes 32pc growth in remittances; says Mian Zahid Hussain
he Chairman of National Business Group Pakistan, the President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, the President of All Karachi Industrial Alliance, the Chairman of the FPCCI Advisory Board, and the President and former provincial minister, Mian Zahid Hussain, said on Friday that the need and importance of remittances increases during difficult economic conditions.
He said it is encouraging that remittances have increased to a record level, significantly supporting the country’s economy.
Mian Zahid Hussain said more facilities should be given to Pakistanis living abroad to increase remittances. These facilities could include easier and more affordable ways to send money back home and support for skill development programs.
While interacting with the business community, the veteran business leader said that in February 2025, the volume of remittances reached $3.1 billion, 32 percent more than February 2024 and a record.
He confidently predicted that the total volume of remittances will reach $35 to $36 billion by the end of the current fiscal year, a significant increase from the previous year’s $30.3 billion.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that remittances account for seven to eight percent of Pakistan’s GDP and that Pakistan ranks fifth in the world in foreign remittances.5e said that remittances not only support the Pakistani economy but also help about five crore people and one crore families improve their standard of living despite the current inflation.
Mian Zahid Hussain underscored the importance of equipping the youth with skills and legally sending these skilled individuals abroad. He believes this will not only improve their standard of living but also benefit the country’s economy.
He noted that currently, a large number of Pakistanis going abroad are unskilled, so they receive low wages and send less money back to Pakistan. Still, increasing their income is not a difficult task.
A process should also be started to encourage wealthy Pakistanis living abroad to invest in their country’s stock exchange. The government should provide guarantees to protect their capital, positively impacting the country’s economy.
If Pakistanis living in other countries invest in their country’s industrial sector, it will reduce unemployment and increase government revenue. However, he opined that the investment environment must be improved, the tax system should be made balanced, and energy prices must be reduced.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that the current volume of international remittances is more than 900 billion dollars, a large part of which goes to poor and developing countries.
He informed that in 2023, poor and developing countries received remittances worth $656 billion, while billions of dollars are also being transferred through illegal channels, of which there is no record. If this trend can be stopped, the economies can improve significantly.
Mian Zahid Hussain further said that according to the available data, India is currently receiving the highest remittances in the world, $129 billion. Mexico is second, with $68 billion in remittances, and China is third, with $50 billion.
Security Papers signs agreement with Giesecke+Devrient for paper machine pm-2 upgrade
Security Papers Limited (SPL) has officially signed an agreement with Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), a global leader in security technology, for the upgradation of its paper machine PM-2. This project aims to enhance SPL’s production capabilities – to meet the latest international trends and incorporate advanced security features for banknote paper to accommodate the evolving requirements of State Bank of Pakistan which recently announced the launch of a new banknote series.
The agreement for the upgradation was officially formalized during a signing ceremony at SPL’s head office in Karachi. Imran Qureshi, CEO of Security Papers Limited, signed the agreement on behalf of the company, while
Claudio Sgarlata, Managing Director Middle East and Africa, for the Currency Management Solutions business of global SecurityTech company Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), represented G+D.The ceremony was also attended by Peter Schroffenegger, VP Key Account MEA – Currency Management Solutions, Giesecke+Devrient (G+D); Aftab Manzoor, Chairman, Security Papers Limited; Arshad Mehmood Bhatti, Managing Director, Pakistan Security Printing Corporation; and Rizwan Butt, Managing Director, SICPA, along with members of the senior management team from Security Papers Limited.
The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 3.4 billion, which includes an international tender worth Euro 8.297 million awarded to Giesecke+Devrient (G+D), Germany. The upgradation is expected to be completed within 18 months, during which SPL’s Paper Machine PM-2 will be enhanced to produce banknote paper with the latest security features.
Imran Qureshi, CEO of SPL, emphasized, “This upgradation is vital to fulfilling the SBP’s requirements for the new banknote series. By strengthening our manufacturing capabilities, we will not only ensure that Pakistan’s currency remains secure and resistant to counterfeiting but also establish SPL as a leader in the global currency security paper market, capable of meeting the highest international standards.”
Claudio Sgarlata, Managing Director Middle East and Africa, for the Currency Management Solutions business of global Security Tech company Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) comments on the partnership, “We are excited to work with SPL on this very important project. I assure that with G+D´s long-standing expertise and modern technology in the banknote industry, we are confident that SPL will be fully equipped to produce banknote paper in line with future requirements as well as meet the international standards followed in this field.”
To ensure transparency, the decision was also approved in the Extraordinary General Meeting (EOGM) dated March 1, 2025 where all shareholders supported the project as endorsed by the Board of Directors.
Tobacco Taxes Inadvertently Fuel Illicit Tobacco Trade
A growing debate in Pakistan questions whether raising tobacco taxes is the right approach to reducing smoking rates. While higher taxes are intended to deter consumption, Fawad Khan, spokesperson for Mustehkam Pakistan, warns that this strategy may do more harm than good by driving consumers toward cheaper, illegal cigarettes.
According to reports, the legal tobacco sector currently contributes approximately 98% of the taxes collected from the tobacco industry, while the illicit sector contributes a mere 2%. Since the last tax hike in 2023, illicit tobacco now accounts for over 50% of the total market. As taxes rise, many smokers shift to illegal cigarettes, leading to an estimated annual tax revenue loss of over Rs 300 billion for the government.
Fawad Khan has urged policymakers to reconsider their approach. He stated that increasing tobacco taxes places an excessive burden on companies already heavily taxed while also harming the economy by fueling illegal trade.
“We need to create a fair environment for tax-compliant businesses, including those in the tobacco industry,” he said.
He added, “Instead of overburdening the legal market with higher taxes, it is crucial to focus on tackling the illegal trade. This will help protect public health and strengthen our economy.”
The rise of the illicit tobacco market poses not just an economic threat but also a significant risk to public health. Even the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concerns over tax evasion in Pakistan’s cigarette sector during its recent review visit for the loan program.
The spokesperson stated that ATOs, allegedly backed by illicit tobacco manufacturers, continue to push for higher taxes on legal cigarettes without proposing effective strategies to curb the sale of illegal ones. This approach not only fails to address the root cause of the problem but also exacerbates the challenges faced by the regulated industry.
These organizations aim to influence policymakers by leveraging the World Health Organization (WHO), whose integrity has been questioned by the U.S. government, leading to the suspension of its funding.
As Pakistan grapples with the challenges surrounding tobacco, experts urge the government to implement comprehensive strategies that address both the legal and illegal tobacco markets rather than solely focusing on tax hikes for the legal tobacco sector.
GALAXEFI & PIFFA join forces to digitize Pakistan’s freight industry
In a landmark move to modernise Pakistan’s logistics and freight forwarding sector, Galaxefi Solutions Private Limited (GALAXEFI) and the Pakistan International Freight Forwarders Association (PIFFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to drive digital transformation in the industry.
Under this strategic alliance, GALAXEFI — Pakistan’s only real-time digital logistics and supply chain platform — will work closely with PIFFA to enhance the digital capabilities of freight service providers. The collaboration aims to streamline operations, reduce paperwork, and bring Pakistani freight forwarding businesses up to global industry standards.
Currently, Pakistan’s shipping and logistics industry generates approximately 10 million paper documents annually. GALAXEFI’s digital solutions will facilitate the transition towards a ‘less-paper’ environment, ensuring greater efficiency, security, and compliance.
Asif Pervez, Founder and CEO of GALAXEFI, emphasised the significance of this partnership: “This collaboration marks a turning point for Pakistan’s logistics sector. We are not just introducing digital tools—we are empowering businesses to scale, compete, and thrive in the global marketplace.”
Muhammad Jamil Ahmed, Chairman of PIFFA, highlighted the broader impact of digital transformation: “Freight forwarding is the backbone of Pakistan’s trade economy. By joining hands with GALAXEFI, we aim to equip our members with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring seamless operations and compliance with international standards.”
This MoU signifies a major step toward modernising Pakistan’s supply chain ecosystem, making it more efficient, transparent, and globally competitive.
BankIslami Unveils ‘aik’: Pakistan’s First Fully Digital Islamic Banking Solution
In a significant move toward the future of Islamic finance, BankIslami has launched ‘aik’, Pakistan’s first fully digital Islamic banking solution. Designed to deliver seamless, Shariah-compliant financial services nationwide, aik marks a major step in the digital evolution of ethical banking.
As one of Pakistan’s leading Islamic financial institutions, BankIslami currently operates over 540 branches and offers a comprehensive suite of Shariah-compliant products. With the launch of aik, the bank is leading the way in the digital transformation of Islamic finance by establishing a dedicated, fully digital division offering Riba-free financial products for a modern, tech-savvy clientele.
“Aik translates to ‘one’—a symbol of simplicity, unity, and our shared vision for an ethical, Riba-free financial future,” said Ashfaque Ahmad, Chief Officer of aik. “This platform fulfills a critical need in Pakistan’s banking landscape for a fully digital solution that aligns with Islamic principles without compromising convenience and accessibility.”
The platform seamlessly integrates essential banking features—including digital account opening with biometric authentication, instant money transfers, secure bill payments, mobile top-ups, and an internationally accessible debit card—with lifestyle-enhancing functionalities such as a Qibla direction tool.
Now available for download on Google Play and the Apple App Store, aik enables users to register using their CNIC and instantly access a secure, fully digital Islamic banking experience.
With aik, BankIslami is redefining Islamic banking in Pakistan by merging modern technology with time-honored ethical principles.
Dubai Islamic Bank partners with Salaam Family Takaful to offer innovative Shariah-compliant financial solutions
Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited (DIBPL) has entered into a strategic partnership with Salaam Family Takaful Limited, first-ever digital family takaful provider, by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the DIBPL Head Office in Karachi. This collaboration aims to transform Shariah-compliant financial solutions by integrating innovative savings and investment opportunities with life Takaful coverage, to be launched soon.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior executives from both organizations, highlighting their shared commitment to promoting financial inclusion and stability through tailored Islamic financial products.
Through this partnership, DIBPL customers will gain access to Salaam Family Takaful’s comprehensive savings and investment plans designed to secure their financial future while providing life protection. The upcoming offerings will address diverse financial goals and protection needs, ensuring peace of mind for families across Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Junaid Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of DIBPL, said: “This partnership represents a significant milestone in our journey to provide value-driven, Shariah-compliant financial solutions. By collaborating with Salaam Family Takaful, we are expanding our range of offerings to better serve the needs of our diverse clientele, helping them achieve financial stability while adhering to Islamic principles. This aligns perfectly with our vision of encouraging financial well-being through innovative and Shariah compliant banking solutions.”
Commenting on the partnership, Rizwan Hussain, MD and Chief Executive Officer of Salaam Family Takaful, stated: “This partnership with Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan is a significant step in expanding access to Shariah-compliant financial and protection solutions. By combining Salaam Family Takaful’s expertise in innovative digital takaful products with DIBPL’s extensive reach and commitment to excellence, we aim to provide customers with holistic financial security. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for Islamic financial solutions that cater to the evolving needs of individuals and families across Pakistan.”
The partnership is a testament to DIBPL’s continued focus on driving innovation in Islamic finance, delivering impactful solutions, and supporting customers in achieving their financial goals while staying true to their values.
EBM Partners with SOS Children’s Village Pakistan to Launch Family Strengthening Program
English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM), Pakistan’s leading food FMCG company, has partnered with SOS Children’s Villages Pakistan to establish Family Strengthening Program for single mothers.
Since 1977, SOS Children’s Village Pakistan, a private non-profit organization, has been working towards the welfare, upbringing and education of orphaned and abandoned children. The SOS Family Strengthening Program aims to empower single working mothers by providing a nurturing environment for their children while they are pursuing their livelihoods.
EBM and SOS Children’s Village held the groundbreaking ceremony in September 2024 at the SOS facility, Karachi. The project is geared towards completion by June 2025.
EBM presented a cheque valued at Rs. 50 million to the Chairman of SOS Children’s Village, reinforcing its dedication to nourishing the welfare and education of orphaned and abandoned children in Pakistan.
In a speech on the occasion, Dr. Zeelaf Munir, Managing Director and CEO of EBM, stated, “At EBM, we firmly believe that our responsibility doesn’t end at business; it extends to nourishing lives, hearts and communities. Our partnership with SOS reflects a lifelong commitment to meaningful social impact through women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and youth development. This is an extension of EBM’s vision for a Pakistan where women thrive within the home and outside it with the right support system.”
In addition to the Family Strengthening Program, EBM has consistently championed inclusivity through its women-centric initiatives. The company has taken significant steps to assist women workers by facilitating their rehiring after career breaks, providing flexible work arrangements, and supporting their overall growth and development. These efforts align with EBM’s broader vision of instating an inclusive work environment where all employees, particularly women, can thrive, furthering the company’s goal of nourishing lives, hearts, and communities.
ConnectHear Launches AI-Powered Disaster Preparedness Initiative for Pakistan’s Deaf Community at Access.Ability.Tech. Event
ConnectHear, South Asia’s leading assistive technology startup, renowned for its innovative use of AI and optimization in accessibility solutions, officially launched its groundbreaking ‘AI for Inclusive Disaster Response’ project today at its Access.Ability.Tech. event, held in Karachi. The initiative, supported by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges and in partnership with HANDS and Ufone 4G, leverages ConnectHear’s cutting-edge AI technology and virtual interpretation platform to ensure Pakistan’s Deaf community has access to life-saving information and communication during emergencies.
Pakistan, amongst the ten countries most affected by climate-related disasters, faces significant challenges in ensuring timely communication during emergencies, particularly for its over 10 million citizens with hearing impairment. The event featured keynote speeches emphasizing the collective responsibility of the public and private sectors in creating an accessible disaster response framework.
Mr. Kamran Akbar, Senior Social Development Specialist at the World Bank, was the Chief Guest at the event. Emphasizing the importance of accessibility in crisis management, Mr. Akbar stated, “Inclusive disaster response is not just a necessity but a responsibility. Leveraging AI to bridge communication gaps for Persons with Disabilities is a transformative step toward equitable crisis management. ConnectHear’s initiative sets a new standard for accessible emergency preparedness in Pakistan.”
Brigadier Tarique Quadir Lakhair, CEO, SIEHS-1122, joined as the Guest of Honour, highlighting the critical role of emergency response services. Brigadier Tarique said, “AI-driven innovation is transforming emergency response, making it more inclusive for Persons with Disabilities. The ‘Access.Ability.Tech’ initiative is a significant step toward ensuring that Deaf individuals receive timely and critical support during emergencies. As a data-driven organization, SIEHS is committed to leveraging AI and digital solutions to enhance the efficiency and inclusiveness of our humanitarian efforts. This project reflects our broader mission to create a more responsive and comprehensive pre-hospital care ecosystem.”
The event also included a panel discussion titled “Collaboration for Inclusion – Technology & Public-Private Partnerships in Disaster Management,” moderated by Ms. Azima Dhanjee, CEO of ConnectHear. Panelists included Dr. Mazhar Iqbal, Health Specialist at UNICEF; Dr. Shaikh Tanveer Ahmed, CEO of HANDS; Mr. Mubashir Fida, Senior Manager, Public Relations and Social Impact at Ufone 4G; and a PWD representative.
Arhum Ishtiaq, Co-Founder and CTO of ConnectHear, added his perspective on the technology driving the project: “At ConnectHear, we’ve always believed in the power of AI to break down communication barriers. We’re not just translating; we’re creating a system that can proactively deliver life-saving information in a format that is immediately understandable to the Deaf community. This project is a perfect example of how focused technological development, combined with strong partnerships, can create meaningful social impact.”
ConnectHear is introducing two key technologies to support the Deaf community during disasters. First, the Early Warning AI (EWAI) will build on ConnectHear’s sign language recognition system to automatically create life-saving video alerts. Second, ConnectHear’s virtual sign language interpretation platform will be improved to work reliably even in areas with poor connectivity. To expand its impact, Ufone 4G will share EWAI alerts through its network and remove data costs for the ConnectHear app. Meanwhile, HANDS will lead community outreach and training to ensure Deaf individuals and their families can fully use these tools. Starting with 1,000 beneficiaries, ConnectHear aims to scale this project further by partnering with more organizations. By combining AI innovation with a reliable platform, this initiative strengthens disaster preparedness for Pakistan’s Deaf community.
DP World Karachi welcomes second cohort of “Grow Program”
- High-Potential Graduates Embark on an 18-Month Journey of Professional Development
DP World Karachi recently welcomed the second cohort of its ‘Grow Program’ for young, high-potential Pakistani graduates. Starting in March, the group includes 11 graduates (8 males and 3 females), who will begin a comprehensive 18-month training and development journey.
DP World’s ‘Grow Program’ is designed to offer skills-training and mentorship opportunities for graduates, enabling them to grow within the logistics industry and become future leaders. Building on the success of the first cohort, 19 graduates have been offered permanent roles, and DP World Karachi continues to recognise the importance of nurturing talent from the local community.
Junaid Zamir, CEO of DP World Karachi, shared his excitement about the program: “We welcome the second intake of graduates for our ‘Grow Program’, as we remain committed to developing local talent and contributing to Pakistan’s logistics and trade growth. These graduates represent the future of our business, and through this learning experience, we aim to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to drive innovation and excellence within our operations. This initiative also reflects our ongoing investment in Pakistan, ensuring that we build a sustainable and skilled workforce for the future”.
Trainees will engage in cross-functional rotation, working across various departments to develop a broad skill set and gain diverse perspectives on the business. The cohort will then be assigned to their respective departments for on-the-job training to deepen their expertise in key areas such as engineering, HR, procurement, IT, operations, health and safety, and marketing and communications.
In addition to the practical experience, trainees will benefit from regular mentorship sessions with senior leaders, providing valuable insights into leadership, strategy, and career development. This holistic approach ensures that the graduates gain the technical and management skills needed to excel in the logistics and maritime sectors.
“Through our ‘Grow Program’, we hope to inspire a new generation of young logistics professionals to join DP World and contribute to the growth of not only our company but also the local and regional economy,” Zamir concluded.