NFL supports critical conversations at Pakistan Conference 2025 at Harvard
“Striving to become a knowledge-based economy should be a priority for Pakistan but it requires more than just investment, it demands a shift in mindset, and a commitment to innovation.” Mr. Abrar Hasan, Global CEO of NFL, stated this at the Pakistan Conference 2025 at Harvard in Cambridge, USA.
Mr. Abrar emphasized that this transformation is not easy but embracing this change will be key to driving sustainable growth and global competitiveness. He said that NFL has witnessed firsthand how strategic planning and innovation drive industry growth. “These strategic initiatives have enabled us to bring the rich culinary heritage of Pakistan to tables across the world, redefining how our cuisines are experienced globally,” he added.
NFL is one of the main sponsors and leading Pakistani companies at this landmark global forum which is a student-led initiative aimed to serve as a transformative platform for dialogue. Mr. Abrar concluded that National Foods takes pride in supporting this conference which has highlighted the opportunities and challenges for Pakistan’s economy, and how complexities can be navigated to foster economic resilience.
Mr. Muhammad Hadi, Chair of Pakistan Conference 2025 at Harvard, acknowledged NFL’s contribution, stating, “We are proud to have National Foods Limited as a key partner for the first-ever Pakistan Conference 2025 at Harvard. We hope this is the beginning of a great journey, National Foods’ presence here is more than a partnership, their commitment to bridging cultures through cuisine and fusion aligns with the essence of this conference.”
Helen Brand leads dialogue on Pakistan’s rise in global outsourcing at ACCA roundtable
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) hosted an exclusive SSO Industry Leaders Appreciation and Engagement Dinner at Movenpick Hotel, Karachi, as part of the official visit of Helen Brand, Chief Executive of ACCA, to Pakistan. The event brought together key stakeholders from the shared services and outsourcing (SSO) sector to recognize their contributions and explore Pakistan’s growing role as a global outsourcing destination.
Helen Brand’s presence reinforced ACCA’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic advancement by empowering finance and business services professionals to lead in innovation, digital transformation, and global service delivery.
The evening welcomed leading industry figures from GSK, A F Ferguson & Co, Yousaf Adil, BDO Pakistan, The BPO and other prominent organisations along with senior ACCA management team Helen Brand, Assad Hameed Khan, Taimur Beiram Khan and Ali Shan ul Haque for an engaging roundtable discussion on positioning Pakistan as a high-value, future-ready outsourcing hub.
The event commenced with a networking session, followed by a welcome address from Taimur Beiram Khan, who highlighted the potential of the SSO sector to drive economic growth and job creation. Assad H. Khan then outlined Pakistan’s strategic advantages—its skilled talent pool, competitive cost base, and growing digital infrastructure—making it an increasingly attractive destination for global outsourcing.
The roundtable served as a platform for exchanging insights on strengthening Pakistan’s competitiveness, fostering innovation, and building stronger industry partnerships. Attendees discussed emerging trends, opportunities, and key challenges that the sector must address to scale effectively.
The evening concluded with remarks from Helen Brand OBE, Chief Executive ACCA, “Pakistan’s shared services and outsourcing sector holds immense promise, powered by its skilled professionals, entrepreneurial energy, and growing digital capabilities. At ACCA, we’re committed to supporting this momentum—by equipping talent with future-ready skills, championing global standards, and building meaningful industry collaboration. It is evident that business leaders here can shape Pakistan into a high-value, globally competitive hub for business services.”
The event reflected ACCA’s ongoing efforts to foster collaboration, recognize industry leadership, and amplify Pakistan’s visibility in the global SSO space.
Mobilink Bank and Daraz partner to empower entrepreneurs digitally and financially
Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank, Mobilink Bank, has announced a strategic partnership with Daraz Pakistan, the country’s largest e-commerce platform, to accelerate financial inclusion, access to finance and digital enablement of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Pakistan. The collaboration advances the two institutions’ joint vision for economic growth at the grassroots level for long-term macroeconomic gains.
President and CEO, Mobilink Bank, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, and Ehsan Saya, Managing Director, Daraz Pakistan & Sri Lanka, formalised the collaboration in Islamabad. Under the partnership, Mobilink Bank will provide tailored financing solutions (ranging from PKR 25,000 to 3 million) to Daraz-affiliated MSMEs and women entrepreneurs.
Through this alliance, Daraz will offer a digital marketplace for MSMEs by allowing them to showcase and sell their products online. The partnership creates a full-circle empowerment ecosystem by coupling access to finance with digital sales enablement, thereby expanding reach and increasing business sustainability for small-scale entrepreneurs. Mobilink Bank will also expand its green financing initiatives to all Daraz employees and suppliers, offering home solar and e-bike financing along with free banking services to drive sustainability and financial inclusion across the value chain.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mobilink Bank’s President & CEO, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, said, “Our collaboration with Daraz offers two valuable growth pathways for MSMEs, especially women-led businesses: customized financial access and digital empowerment to help them achieve scale, resilience, and access to an opportunity-rich countrywide e-commerce market. This reflects our commitment to financial inclusion and development of marginalized economic segments through access to finance and futuristic fintech solutions.”
Also sharing his thoughts, Ehsan Saya, Managing Director Daraz Pakistan & Sri Lanka said, “At Daraz, we are deeply committed to empowering small businesses by bridging digital divides and creating new avenues for growth. This partnership with Mobilink Bank significantly strengthens our ability to support MSMEs, especially women entrepreneurs, by seamlessly integrating financial accessibility with the expansive reach of our digital marketplace. Together, we are cultivating an ecosystem where entrepreneurs of all sizes can thrive sustainably and contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s evolving digital economy.”
The partnering institutions plan to further enhance their collaboration by launching innovative digital financial solutions, including QR code-based payment options for Daraz deliveries, to enhance convenience and security for end customers. Moreover, Mobilink Bank is exploring the rollout of cash deposit facilities at local branches to provide Daraz sellers with greater flexibility in managing their cash flows. These are reassuring steps toward strengthening Pakistan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, digital integration, and inclusive economic opportunities.
SHRC to provide technical support to GTR Tyres for new tyre designs
A senior technical team of Shandong Hueshang Rubber Company (SHRC) recently visited Pakistan to discuss their plans of technical support to GTR Tyres.
According to details, the senior technical team of SHRC, which is a leading service provider in the global tyre industry and also a technology partner of GTR Tyres, had explored future collaboration with GTR in this visit.
The SHRC officials also discussed the current prevailing situation in detail and future prospects in meetings with different senior officials of GTR.
“The SHRC team decided to provide technical support to GTR for developing new tyre designs aligned with present and future needs both in passenger car radial and light truck radial categories,” said Hussain Kuli Khan, Chief Executive GTR Tyres.
UBL and Shahzad Trade Link to promote Mechanization of Agriculture Farms in Pakistan
UBL and Shahzad Trade Link (STL) have signed an agreement to promote the mechanization of agriculture farms in Pakistan. Both entities have agreed to ensure the availability of Belarus Tractors to the farmers through subsidized financing rate and quick delivery. The agreement focuses on joint sales promotion to encourage small and medium sized land holders to adopt farm mechanization solutions.
Under the Farm Mechanization scheme, UBL and STL will collaborate to provide direct agricultural loans at flat markup rate of 9.5%, with repayment spread over five years’ tenure. The partnership between the two entities will help promote the financial inclusion and boost farmer-economics in the country.
The signing ceremony, attended by Mr. Abdul Aleem Qureshi, Group Executive, Branch Banking and Mr. Shahzad Riaz – Proprietor, STL along with other senior executives from both organizations, was held at the UBL Head Office, Karachi.
FFC announces results of First Quarter for the Year 2025
Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFC) has announced its financial result for the first quarter of 2025 ended March 31, 2025 in its Board of Directors meeting held on April 28, 2025.
FFC undertook scheduled maintenance of the manufacturing facilities at Goth Machhi and Port Qasim during the period, while no shut down was carried out last year. Aggregate Urea production stood at 629 thousand tonnes while DAP output was recorded at 168 thousand tonnes. The fertilizer market remained oversupplied in first quarter, driven by weak farm economics and drought, resulting in lower fertilizer sales. FFC recorded Urea offtake of 538 thousand tonnes, down 26% year on year, compared to the industry’s decline of 40%. The Company held only 16% of the sector’s closing Urea inventory of ~825 thousand tonnes, reflecting strong marketing efforts, consequently Urea market share improved to 49% from 45% of last year. In the DAP segment, sales of manufactured and imported products stood at 88 thousand tonnes, dominating the DAP market leadership with a share of 63%.
Profitability of the merged entity stood at PKR 13.3 billion, compared to PKR 10.5 billion last year, reflecting a 27% increase. The Company also earned other income of PKR 7.4 billion which includes dividend of PKR 2.8 billion received from Askari Bank Limited. Earnings per share (EPS) of PKR 9.3 was recorded, up from PKR 8.3 per share from last year.
On a consolidated basis, FFC recorded a PAT of Rs. 17.6 billion, reflecting a 39% increase over the same period last year, primarily driven by strong performance from FFC’s standalone operations, supplemented by contributions from subsidiaries and associated companies.
Earnings per share (EPS) of PKR 9.3 was recorded, up from PKR 8.3 per share from last year. Board of Directors is pleased to announce the first interim dividend of 70% (Rs 7.00 per share) for the period.
Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited (formerly Shell Pakistan Limited) announces financial results for Q1 2025
The Board of Directors of Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited (WEPL) announced the first quarter results for the company. For the period ending March 31, 2025, the company reported a profit after tax of PKR 873 million compared to a profit after tax of PKR 314 million in the same period last year.
WEPL maintained its market share despite ongoing challenges in the oil industry — including rising operational costs from changes to the sales tax regime and persistent illicit petroleum trade — demonstrating operational resilience and strong network controls.
The company continues to collaborate with industry stakeholders and engage with regulatory authorities to ensure industry margins accurately reflect cost pressures.
In the Lubricants business, WEPL achieved growth in both the consumer (B2C) and industrial (B2B) segments. The company secured key strategic partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Hyundai and Suzuki. Additionally, the B2B segment maintained its leadership in the mining sector.
In the Mobility segment, WEPL expanded its Shell-branded retail network, adding four new sites and upgrading three existing stations. Shell V-Power, the company’s premium fuel, achieved its highest-ever quarterly volume, with an industry-leading penetration rate.
WEPL reaffirmed its commitment to social impact through its Tameer platform, which trained 52 entrepreneurs via workshops in Lahore and Rawalpindi. In celebration of International Women’s Day, WEPL organized a vehicle maintenance and safety session for women in Karachi, equipping participants with essential automotive knowledge and road safety tips.
WEPL remains dedicated to operational excellence, safety, strengthening its financial position, and fulfilling its responsible role in society.
Indus Motor Company welcomes the next generation of squash champions
Indus Motor Company (IMC) proudly celebrated the achievements of three young squash champions, sponsored by Toyota, who recently triumphed at the WSF Australian Junior Open. The young athletes — Mahnoor Ali (Gold Medalist, U-13 category), Sehrish Ali (Silver Medalist, U-15 category), and Mehwish Ali (Gold Medalist, U-17 category) — were warmly welcomed by IMC’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ali Asghar Jamali, at the company’s head office in Karachi.
Recognizing their outstanding performances, Mr. Jamali announced that the three athletes would now officially compete under the Toyota Pakistan banner. Furthering its commitment to nurturing talent, IMC has also pledged to sponsor the education of Mahnoor, Sehrish, and Mehwish for one year.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ali Asghar Jamali shared his excitement, stating, “We are thrilled to meet these talented young athletes, who symbolize the revival of squash in Pakistan. Their dedication and success make us confident that Pakistan’s legacy in squash will soon be restored. At IMC, we are committed to creating equal opportunities for all sporting professionals and will continue to support these bright champions in all their future endeavors.”
This initiative reflects IMC’s long-standing commitment to its corporate social responsibility program, Concern Beyond Cars, which emphasizes building an inclusive and thriving society. Over the years, IMC has proudly supported numerous athletes and changemakers, including Arshad Nadeem Olympic Gold Medalist in Javelin throw, karate champion Saadi Abbas, para table tennis champion Zainab Barkat, mountaineer Asad Memon, and boxing champion Shahir Afridi, among others.
Through this continued support, IMC remains dedicated to empowering Pakistan’s youth and inspiring future generations to achieve excellence on and off the field.
Gerry’s Group Participates in Arabian Travel Market 2025, Showcasing Global Collaboration and Technological Excellence
Gerry’s Group proudly participated in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai, with its key business arms — Gerry’s International, the leading passenger and cargo General Sales Agent (GSA) in Pakistan, and GTech, the newly formed cutting-edge travel technology division enabling all-in-one NDC, LCC, and GDS airline content — to highlight the group’s diverse capabilities in shaping the future of global travel.
Representing both entities at the prestigious event were Mr. Arshad Wali Muhammad (Group Director of Gerry’s Group and Chief Executive Officer at GTech), Mr. Hanif Zakaria (Chief Operating Officer at Gerry’s International), Mr. Muddasir Hasan (Senior Vice President at GTech), and Mr. Shahbaz Muhammad Khan (Head of Marketing at GTech & Gerry’s International). Their engagement throughout ATM 2025 highlighted a united commitment to innovation, growth, and collaborative expansion.
Gerry’s International, with decades of aviation and travel expertise, capitalized on ATM 2025 to strengthen relationships with airline partners, explore new commercial synergies, and align with the evolving needs of global travel markets. The company showcased its enduring commitment to service excellence, operational reliability, and expansion into emerging markets.
GTech, Pakistan’s leading travel technology company, used the platform to spotlight its robust B2B airline content distribution solutions—seamlessly integrating NDC, GDS, and LCC content. By connecting with global airlines, industry leaders, and technology providers, GTech reinforced its position as a key driver of digital transformation in travel. The team’s active participation in strategic meetings emphasized their focus on empowering travel sellers through efficient, scalable, and future-ready solutions.
The leadership team engaged in high-impact dialogues, identified future collaboration opportunities, and participated in discussions around global aviation trends and travel innovation. Their valuable presence underscored a holistic approach—leveraging legacy relationships and modern technology to elevate Pakistan’s influence in the international travel ecosystem.
As the industry moves forward, Gerry’s International and GTech remain aligned in their mission: to deliver transformative travel solutions, nurture international partnerships, and shape the future of global connectivity through trust, technology, and vision.
Childlife Foundation calls for mandatory screening and national action as thalassemia crisis deepen
Thalassemia has become a silent epidemic in Pakistan, with an estimated 100,000 children suffering from thalassemia major — a preventable but life-threatening blood disorder. Each year, 5,000 to 9,000 children are born with the condition, primarily due to low public awareness, cultural practices such as cousin marriages, and the lack of universal premarital screening. Despite over 10 million Pakistanis carrying the thalassemia gene, premarital screening remains non-mandatory, and widespread stigma continues to hinder progress.
On World Thalassemia Day 2025, themed “Together for Thalassemia: Uniting Communities, Prioritizing Patients,” ChildLife Foundation is calling for urgent nationwide reforms, including mandatory premarital screening, safe transfusion infrastructure, and public education campaigns to raise awareness and reduce the disease burden.
ChildLife Foundation remains unwavering in its commitment to emergency pediatric care and equitable access to life-saving services, ensuring that no child is left behind—regardless of geography or socioeconomic status. With 14 state-of-the-art Pediatric Emergency Rooms and a network of over 300 Telemedicine Satellite Centers in partnership with the government, ChildLife Foundation is on the frontlines of emergency pediatric care in Pakistan, especially in underserved and remote regions. In 2024 alone, more than 8,400 children with known or newly diagnosed thalassemia were treated in ChildLife ERs, often arriving in critical condition with severe infections, dangerously low hemoglobin levels, or iron overload complications—all consequences of late diagnosis and lack of routine care.
“Our ERs are often the first and only point of care for children with thalassemia,” said Dr. Ahson Rabbani, CEO of ChildLife Foundation. “It is a tragedy that we are treating the preventable consequences of a system in need of urgent reform. We must shift from reactive care to preventive action.”
ChildLife not only provides emergency stabilization and safe transfusions but also offers counseling through its network for long-term disease management. Yet, most families are left to bear the emotional and financial toll of lifelong care with minimal support.
As part of the global #PatientsFirst campaign, ChildLife urges policymakers, healthcare professionals, and communities to come together under the banner of #WeAre1—to create a future where no child suffers from a preventable condition, and every child with thalassemia can survive and thrive.
IBA Karachi and PNSC partner to fuel futures with Pkr 10 million scholarship endowment
In a significant step toward strengthening access to quality higher education, IBA Karachi has joined hands with Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) to support future leaders through scholarship endowment. PNSC has contributed PKR 10 million to IBA for the establishment of a perpetual scholarship endowment.
The cheque handover ceremony was held at Main Campus, IBA Karachi, in which Mr. Sultan A. Chawla, Chairman, PNSC, presented the contribution to Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director, IBA Karachi. This partnership marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration between two institutions committed to building capacity and creating pathways for underserved communities.
Dr. Zaidi expressed deep appreciation for PNSC’s generous gesture, noting that the scholarship endowment directly supports IBA’s mission of providing need-sensitive opportunities to students from all corners of Pakistan. Other prominent attendees included Mr. Syed Jarar Haider Kazmi, Executive Director (Finance), PNSC; Capt. Mustafa Kizilbash, Executive Director (Commercial), PNSC, and Mr. Mustafa Bilal Kazi, Covenor CSR, PNSC. IBA Karachi was represented by Ms. Malahat Awan, Director ARC; Mr. Moeid Sultan, Director Finance, and Mr. Irfan Qamar, Director HR.
This endowment will generate sustainable impact by enabling deserving students to pursue quality education at IBA for years to come.
BYD and HUBCO launch Pakistan’s largest EV fast-charging network
In a pioneering move into making sustainable mobility more accessible, BYD Pakistan – Mega Motor Company (BYD|MMC) has partnered with HUBCO Green (Private) Limited (HGL), a sustainability-driven subsidiary of The Hub Power Company, to launch the country’s largest DC fast-charging network for new energy vehicles (NEVs). This nation-wide rollout of infrastructure marks one of the most significant developments in the country’s shift towards electric mobility by addressing a critical gap in Pakistan’s EV ecosystem, and establishing the most extensive NEV charging network, making clean, reliable, and sustainable transportation a reality for the people of Pakistan.
As part of this strategic and groundbreaking roadmap, HGL will install approximately 128 DC fast chargers across the country over the next three years, with 50 installations planned by December 2025. The network will be strategically developed across three key areas: Urban centers will be powered through partnerships with major Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) such as PSO, PARCO Gunvor, and Attock Petroleum Limited; intercity highways and motorways with chargers placed every 150-200 kilometers to support long distance travel; and destination charging points at commercial hubs, malls, hotels, and hospitals to enhance customer convenience. Several key installations are already operational in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, including at PSO stations and BYD Pakistan dealerships.
This initiative plays a pivotal role and directly supports Pakistan’s transition toward sustainable mobility by making NEVs a viable and convenient choice for the masses. The move positions BYD Pakistan as one of the first auto manufacturers to invest in infrastructural development at an extensive level, cementing a commitment toward sustainable investment and development of Pakistan.
“Range anxiety remains one of the most significant barriers to NEV adoption across Pakistan,” said Danish Khaliq, Vice President Sales and Strategy, BYD Pakistan. “Through this groundbreaking partnership with HUBCO Green, we are not just addressing a logistical issue but shaping the entire mobility landscape of the country. Our commitment goes beyond building the infrastructure; it’s about giving confidence and assurance to our consumers that electric mobility is not only possible, but practical. As pioneers in this space, BYD is proud to lead the charge in making clean transportation a reality for the entire nation,” he added.
Adding his comments about the partnership and its holistic impact, Masood Zafar, Vice President Projects, HUBCO, stated: “We believe that the foundation of a green transportation revolution lies in vast, readily-available infrastructure. Through our partnership with BYD Pakistan, we are laying the foundation for a cleaner and greener future. More than a technological milestone, this initiative is our commitment to the national development and a part of our larger mission to lead Pakistan’s sustainable transformation, empowering individuals, enabling industries, and redefining the green future of mobility in Pakistan”
This initiative not only aligns with the government’s climate action goals but also represents a significant step toward reducing Pakistan’s carbon footprint. In the future, BYD Pakistan will continue to endeavor to provide the people of Pakistan with green and sustainable means of mobility and help Pakistan transition to a low-carbon economy.
Slash the rate, spark the economy: Mian Zahid Hussain
The 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 May 2 that the national economy is currently at a critical juncture.
He said immediate and effective measures are needed for rapid development; therefore, the State Bank of Pakistan should significantly reduce the interest rate.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that reducing the interest rate would boost business activity, increase the growth rate, create employment opportunities for the public, and benefit the government while reducing the burden of public debt.
Talking to the business community, the veteran business leader said that high interest rates adversely affect the economy. They make access to loans difficult for businesses and limit investment opportunities. The industrial sector suffers when interest rates are high and consumers’ purchasing power declines.
Pakistan’s GDP growth has remained below expectations in recent years, mainly due to high interest rates that increase business costs. He said that if the State Bank reduces the interest rate, the private sector will gain access to cheaper loans, and new investment opportunities will open up, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and are in dire need of affordable financing.
The business leader said the current interest rate is unbearable for SMEs, preventing them from enhancing their production capacity or investing in new projects.
Mian Zahid Hussain suggested that the central bank cut the interest rate by at least three percent to stimulate economic activity, support businesses, create new employment opportunities, and increase the public’s purchasing power, thereby reducing inflationary pressure.
He acknowledged that some experts fear a reduction in interest rates could fuel inflation. However, if the rate cut is carried out balanced alongside other policies, the situation can be controlled. Targeted subsidies and tax incentives could support the productive sectors in this regard.
He emphasized that reducing interest rates would be a bold decision, but caution is also necessary to ensure that financial stability is not jeopardized. Strict policies are also a major obstacle to economic recovery.
Mian Zahid Hussain concluded that the economy requires new resolve and policy reforms. The State Bank should consider the demands of the business boost while business people want a cut in the policy rates, enabling the beginning of a new era of economic growth. He said this step would stabilize the national economy and help Pakistan advance in the global economic race.