Toyota Pakistan Leads Mangrove Plantation Drive in Collaboration with WWF-Pakistan
In alignment with the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050 and its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Indus Motor Company (IMC), in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan, conducted a mangrove plantation drive along the coastal belt of Karachi at the WWF Wetlands Centre.
The initiative reflects IMC’s ongoing dedication to environmental preservation, echoing its long-term focus on climate action, ecosystem restoration, and community engagement. The activity featured an interactive learning session by WWF experts, emphasizing the critical role mangroves play in coastal protection, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation. IMC employees volunteered in planting saplings, contributing to the restoration of Pakistan’s threatened mangrove forests.
“This collaboration exemplifies Toyota’s global vision of creating a sustainable society in harmony with nature,” said Ali Asghar Jamali, CEO, Indus Motor Company. “Through our environmental efforts and collective action under the GDN umbrella, we remain committed to driving positive change for future generations.”
The plantation drive forms part of IMC’s broader green efforts, including its Million Tree Plantation Program, through which over 920,000 trees have been planted across the country to promote reforestation and climate resilience. By year-end, an additional 6,000 mangrove saplings will be planted as part of this initiative.
50 years of Bestway: a tribute to Sir Anwar’s vision and legacy
In a glittering celebration befitting a visionary entrepreneur, Bestway Group welcomed 800 distinguished guests to the Royal Albert Hall on Thursday evening to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Bestway’s founding and to pay tribute to its revered founder, Sir Anwar Pervez OBE, H Pk.
Hosted by Dermot O’Leary, the night paid tribute to one of Britain’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, with a line-up of world-class performers and heartfelt speeches that reflected the remarkable journey of a man who arrived in the UK with little more than determination, going on to build a business empire that today employs over 50,000 people worldwide.
The Royal Albert Hall was transformed into a stage for celebration, including dignitaries, parliamentarians and friends of the Bestway family, gathered to honour the man behind one of the UK’s most successful and socially responsible business groups.
“His is a story of grit, vision and purpose,” said Lord Zameer Choudrey CBE SI (Pk), Chairman of Bestway Group and nephew of Sir Anwar, in his welcome speech. “From a remote village in rural Pakistan to the founding of Bestway in 1976, Sir Anwar’s journey is not just one of commercial success – but of social upliftment, community investment, and philanthropy. It is our privilege to celebrate him and the 50 years of impact he has inspired.”
The evening’s programme captured the spirit of the occasion, elegant and emotional. Highlights included a spellbinding performance from Katherine Jenkins OBE, a rousing set from Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, (who
flew in from Pakistan specially for the event). The evening also featured the dynamic string quartet Escala, accompanied by the Novello Orchestra, under the baton of David Mahoney as well as high energy finale from classical fusion artist, Okiem.
Former Prime Minister, The Rt Hon Lord David Cameron paid tribute to Sir Anwar’s lifelong values of enterprise, generosity, and service – calling him “a true British success story whose influence spans continents and generations.”
Lord Cameron highlighted Sir Anwar’s belief in the community and the values that helped rebuild this country with a sense of service that has been one of the secrets of his success. He reinforced the family values reflecting how Sir Anwar, together with his nephew Zameer, and close friend Younus Sheikh, created the paragon of the family-run firm, built on trust, respect and shared purpose.
Sir Anwar’s life is the embodiment of the immigrant dream fulfilled. Arriving in Britain in 1956, he worked a series of jobs in Bradford and London before opening his first retail store in 1963. Thirteen years later, he launched Bestway, laying the foundations for what would become a diversified multinational group spanning food, pharmaceuticals, cement, and banking. Today, the Group is one of the UK’s largest family-owned businesses and a leading voice in responsible business and philanthropy and thrives under Sir Anwar’s guiding ethos of hard work, integrity, resilience and community service.
Equally defining has been his commitment to giving back. Founded in 1987, the Bestway Foundation has donated over £50 million to causes in the UK and abroad, with a focus on Education, Health, and Social Mobility, all issues that sit close to Sir Anwar’s heart.
“Tonight is not only about looking back – it’s about looking forward,” said Lord Choudrey. “Bestway’s story is still being written, and it is one built on the legacy of a man who dared to dream bigger than circumstance.”
Zindigi launches visa virtual debit card for instant global digital payments
Zindigi, powered by JS Bank Pakistan’s fastest growing digital banking platform, has introduced its Visa Virtual Debit Card. A secure, fully digital payment solution that can be created instantly via the Zindigi app, the virtual card enables seamless local and international transactions without a physical card, marking a leap in the country’s fintech sector.
The virtual card prioritizes convenience and security. Users can generate it with one click, use it immediately for online purchases or global services, and benefit from 3D Secure authorization for fraud protection. Features include options to block or unblock the card, toggle between local and international transactions, and set spending limits.
“At Zindigi, we’re focused on simplifying the lives of our customers. The Visa Virtual Debit Card is more than just a product, it’s a step toward true digital freedom, empowering users to transact globally with ease while staying in full control of their finances, securely and instantly,” said Faisal Khalid, Chief Product Officer at Zindigi.
Zindigi’s innovation aligns with its mission to transform Pakistan’s financial landscape. The platform, among the top-downloaded financial apps in Pakistan, has driven wealth management growth and introduced features like in-app stock trading, US dollar-based freelancers account and customizable banking.
Zindigi’s Visa Virtual Debit Card positions it as a leader in Pakistan’s fintech evolution, delivering accessible, secure, and user-focused financial solutions for a digital era.
Al Baraka Bank Pakistan selects PTCL for colocation primary data center
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Al Baraka Bank Pakistan Limited have signed an agreement for the provision of primary Data Center colocation services at PTCL’s Tier-III Data Center facility. PTCL will provide Al Baraka Bank Pakistan Limited with a secure and reliable Data Center environment equipped with modern infrastructure, platform solutions, and managed security services.
Asif Ahmad, Group Chief Business Solutions Officer, PTCL and Ufone 4G, and Muhammad Atif Hanif, Chief Executive Officer, Al Baraka Bank Pakistan Limited, signed the agreement during a ceremony held at the Bank’s Head Office in Karachi.
Shahid Sumar, Chief Information Officer, Al Baraka Bank Pakistan Limited, Syed Muhammad Saqib, Head of IT Infrastructure, Al Baraka Bank Pakistan Limited, Basharat Qureshi, Group VP Enterprise, PTCL & Ufone 4G, Sayyed Imran Bukhari, Group VP B2B Strategy, PTCL & Ufone 4G, Saleem Ullah Baig, Group VP DC Ops, PTCL & Ufone 4G, and Umar Farooqi, Group Director Enterprise, PTCL, were also present on the occasion, along with other officials.
During the signing ceremony, Asif Ahmad, Group Chief Business Solutions Officer, PTCL and Ufone 4G, said, “We are pleased to enter a partnership with Al Baraka Bank Pakistan Limited to support them in their information technology and digital transformation vision. As the national carrier of Pakistan, PTCL aspires to be at the forefront of assisting leading organizations in their efforts to adopt cutting-edge technology solutions to drive the national digital agenda.”
On the occasion, Muhammad Atif Hanif, Chief Executive Officer, Al Baraka Bank Pakistan Limited, stated, “We are pleased to sign this agreement with PTCL as our trusted partner for Data Center facility as part of the Bank’s technology transformation strategy. This partnership represents a major step forward in enhancing our infrastructure and strengthening our approach to data and platform management. By leveraging PTCL’s expertise, we aim to improve security, reduce time-to-market, and deliver a digitally empowered financial experience to our customers and partners.”
PTCL continues to deliver best-in-class ICT and security services to organizations across various industries in Pakistan. This agreement reflects the growing momentum in adopting digital solutions that enable a modern, customer-centric banking ecosystem.
UBL expands Teradata partnership to drive AI-powered digital transformation
United Bank Limited (UBL), one of Pakistan’s leading financial institutions, has announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with Teradata. The collaboration includes an upgrade of UBL’s data environment, leveraging Teradata’s enterprise analytics and data platform for Trusted AI at scale, with the flexibility to deploy cloud infrastructure where applicable. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in UBL’s digital transformation journey, as the bank transitions to a cutting-edge, open, and connected Data Lakehouse platform.
The partnership will enable UBL to scale its data infrastructure into a high-performing, intelligent, single source of truth — capable of supporting real-time insights, smarter decision-making, and enhanced customer experiences. This initiative is a key component of UBL’s broader data and AI roadmap, designed to create greater operational agility and long-term service excellence.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, UBL’s Chief Information Officer, Mr. Sohail Aziz, emphasized that this partnership is a major milestone in the bank’s digital evolution, unlocking powerful analytics and AI capabilities to drive innovation and enhance customer experiences. He highlighted that the upgraded platform will enable faster, data-driven decision-making and more personalized banking services. Teradata’s Area Vice President for Pakistan, Mr. Waqas Hashmi, reinforced the long-standing collaboration, stating that Teradata’s AI-powered data platform will allow UBL to harness the full potential of its data, accelerate strategic initiatives, and strengthen its leadership in Pakistan’s competitive banking sector.
With this strategic step, UBL remains at the forefront of building a modern AI ecosystem—where data is not just stored, but actively leveraged to enable smarter services, actionable insights, responsive operations, and future-ready capabilities.
Hepatitis in Children: A Public Health Challenge That Demands Action
As Pakistan grapples with one of the world’s highest hepatitis burdens, ChildLife Foundation is reinforcing its commitment to protecting the country’s most vulnerable, its children. On this year’s World Hepatitis Day, themed “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down,” ChildLife calls for urgent collective action to tackle the growing epidemic of viral hepatitis through treatment, awareness, and prevention.
Hepatitis poses a serious threat to Pakistan’s future. The country bears the second-highest global burden of Hepatitis C, with an estimated 9.7 million people infected. The national prevalence rate of hepatitis C stands at 4.3%, nearly ten times the global average, with even higher rates in rural and underserved areas. Unsafe medical practices, reuse of syringes, unregulated blood transfusions, and poor sanitation are major contributors to the spread.
Children are at particular risk. Hepatitis A (HAV) spread through contaminated food and water affects 90% of children before the age of 10, with nearly all testing positive for HAV antibodies by adolescence. Hepatitis E (HEV) also remains common, particularly among older children and young adults.
Since 2010, ChildLife Foundation has been on the frontlines of pediatric healthcare in Pakistan, offering free, 24/7 emergency treatment in over 300 government hospitals across the country. In the last 12 months alone, more than 5,000 children with hepatitis-related illnesses were treated in ChildLife’s Emergency Rooms (ERs).
“Every hepatitis case in a child is a call to strengthen our public health systems and preventive efforts,” said Dr. Ahson Rabbani, CEO of ChildLife Foundation. “At ChildLife, we are not only saving lives through emergency care but also building awareness to prevent future infections.”
ChildLife’s model integrates treatment and prevention. Its ERs follow strict infection control protocols, ensuring safe injection practices, sterilization, and proper waste management to minimize transmission risks. Beyond treatment, trained counselors educate parents on hand hygiene, breastfeeding, clean drinking water, and the importance of timely vaccinations. Parents continue to receive follow-up health messages after discharge, reinforcing crucial preventive practices at home.
To reach children in remote and underserved regions, ChildLife has also expanded its Telemedicine network, connecting government hospitals in small towns and rural areas to qualified pediatricians in major cities. Through this platform, thousands of children receive expert care and counseling for hepatitis and other life-threatening conditions without the burden of travel.
These efforts directly target the root causes of hepatitis spread among children—unsafe environments, lack of information, and inadequate healthcare access. Special care is also provided to newborns of Hepatitis B-positive mothers, who receive immunoglobulin to ensure early protection.
ChildLife Foundation believes that addressing hepatitis requires a united national effort. The organization urges policymakers, healthcare providers, civil society, and the public to play their part by promoting awareness, improving sanitation, ensuring vaccine access, and encouraging testing.
“As we observe World Hepatitis Day, let us renew our commitment to ending this silent epidemic,” added Dr. Rabbani. “Together, we can reduce the hepatitis burden and protect every child’s right to a healthy future.”
Pak-Qatar Asset Management achieves strong fy2025 performance with 117% aum growth
Pak-Qatar Asset Management Company Limited (PQAMC)-rated AM2 with a Stable Outlook by PACRA and part of Pak-Qatar Group, Pakistan’s premier and pioneer Islamic financial services group, has achieved another remarkable milestone in its growth journey with an impressive 117% YoY growth in its Assets Under Management (AUM) for FY2025.
This milestone reinforces PQAMC’s standing as one of the fastest-growing dedicated Islamic asset management companies in the country. The robust growth trajectory reflects the company’s continued emphasis on delivering Shariah-compliant investment solutions, underpinned by strong governance practices, a disciplined investment philosophy, and a commitment to ethical wealth creation.
PQAMC’s expansion has been fueled by the consistent performance of its diversified fund offerings, growing investor confidence, and a steadily expanding client base comprising both individual and institutional investors. Over the past couple of years, the company has significantly strengthened its market presence by offering value-driven financial products aligned with Islamic investment principles.
Commenting on the achievement, Chief Executive Officer of Pak-Qatar Asset Management Company – Mr. Farhan Shaukat, said: “We are humbled by the trust placed in us by our investors, which has enabled us to achieve this tremendous growth. This success is a testament to our unwavering focus on delivering sustainable and Shariah-compliant investment avenues that meet the evolving financial aspirations of our clients. At PQAMC, we are dedicated to being a trusted partner in Islamic asset management.”
The achievement reflects PQAMC’s strategic vision to become a market leader in Pakistan’s Islamic financial landscape. The company remains committed to expanding its reach, enhancing investor experience, and offering innovative products that align with the financial and ethical values of its participants.
Nasir highlights need to shift toward renewable energy
Provincial Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has said that without a shift toward renewable energy our industries cannot remain competitive in the global export market.
He was speaking at the soft launch of the 14th IEEEP Fair 2025 at a local hotel here the other day.
Minister Shah reaffirmed the Government of Sindh’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability, especially within the energy sector.
He shared updates on several strategic initiatives, including the development of solar parks, the expansion of renewable energy through the Sindh Energy Department and SEDC, and the provision of low-tariff, locally-generated energy to strengthen industrial competitiveness.
Talking about the IEEEP Fair, he said that the event has become a powerful symbol of innovation, collaboration, and national progress in Pakistan’s electrical and electronics industry.
What began as a modest initiative has grown into an international hub where technology is not only showcased but also where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and progress is made.
“I appreciate the sponsors, organizers, and exhibitors whose contributions continue to advance the country’s technological and industrial ambitions,” said Nasir.
He emphasized the vital role of civil society, academia, and industry in advancing technology, assuring ongoing collaboration with key departments for active participation in the IEEEP Fair.
He urged stakeholders to use the platform to drive innovation, build partnerships, and support a more prosperous, energy-secure Pakistan.
Engr. Navid Akram Ansari, Chairman IEEEP Karachi Centre, welcomed attendees at the official launch and expressed sincere gratitude to the Honourable Minister for gracing the occasion.
He emphasized the need to support and promote high-quality, export-oriented products developed within Pakistan and encouraged the government, particularly at the local level, to prioritize domestic manufacturers in procurement policies.
He also called upon the Ministry of Energy and the Planning & Development Department to engage the industry in identifying local project and product development opportunities.
Stressing the importance of linking academia and research institutions with industrial needs, Engr. Ansari reiterated the IEEEP’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation through strategic partnerships.
He concluded with thanks to the sponsors and exhibitors for their critical role in shaping the success of the upcoming IEEEP Fair.
Dr. Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, MNA, expressed his pleasure in attending the IEEEP Fair 2025, a premier platform showcasing Pakistan’s engineering and technological capabilities.
He praised the IEEEP and Badar Expo Solutions for bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to foster collaboration and drive industrial growth.
He reaffirmed government support for local industry, clean energy, and investment, while urging the Prime Minister to review NEPRA’s proposed net metering cuts, citing concerns for small investors.
The CEO of Badar Expo Solutions Zohair Naseer welcomed dignitaries, exhibitors, and media partners while highlighting the fair’s expansion into sectors such as construction, IT, and textiles.
He acknowledged the ongoing support of the IEEEP Karachi Centre, sponsors, and partners, and reaffirmed the team’s commitment to making the 14th IEEEP Fair a national success.
Standard Chartered backs Pakistan’s tech expansion with cross-border fx solutions
Standard Chartered Bank hosted a focused client engagement event in Karachi, bringing together leading technology and IT-enabled service providers to explore strategic approaches to managing cross-border growth.
The discussion focused on how tailored foreign exchange (FX) solutions can support businesses in navigating international markets with greater confidence and efficiency.
Pakistan’s tech exports are one of our most promising economic stories and we’re only scratching the surface. The IT sector has emerged as a key contributor to national exports, with global demand for software development, back-office support, and digital services continuing to grow.
Standard Chartered is uniquely positioned to support this growth. With a presence in over 50 markets, the Bank offers deep market insight, end-to-end FX execution capabilities, and competitive pricing—enabling clients to optimise their global operations and reduce transaction friction.
Commenting on the event, Saadya Riaz, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking said “Technology companies in Pakistan are reaching new international frontiers, and we’re proud to support them with the tools and insights they need to manage global complexity. By combining our global network strength with local understanding, we enable clients to access markets, manage risk, and streamline their currency transactions. Our FX solutions are designed to meet the needs of fast-growing, globally connected businesses.”
The event reflects the Bank’s broader commitment to support high-impact sectors and help clients capture growth opportunities across borders. By bringing together market experts and clients, Standard Chartered continues to foster meaningful dialogue around innovation, resilience, and global expansion.
Pak-Qatar becomes Pakistan’s first Takaful Pension Fund Manager under KPK CPF scheme
In a historic development for Pakistan’s Takaful sector, Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Limited (PQFTL) has been officially appointed by the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) as a licensed Pension Fund Manager under its Contributory Pension Fund (CPF) Scheme. PQFTL is now the first and only Takaful company in Pakistan to hold this prestigious position — a distinction that sets a new precedent for innovation, trust, and excellence.
This achievement was formalized during a high-level agreement signing ceremony, led by KPK Finance Minister Mr. Muzammil Aslam, and attended by senior government officials including Mr. Amer Sultan Tareen, Secretary Finance; Mr. Abdul Qayyum, Team Lead DMU; and Mr. Naveed Alam, Deputy Director, Pension Department.
Representing Pak-Qatar’s leadership were Mr. Said Gul and Mr. Kamran Saleem, Founders and Board Members; Mr. Waqas Ahmed, CEO; and Mr. Mehmood Arshad, Group Executive Director.
“The Contributory Pension Fund (CPF) Scheme, introduced by the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2022, is a pioneering initiative aimed at ensuring a secure financial future for government employees through a contribution-based model. Under this scheme, employees contribute 10% of their salaries, while the government contributes an additional 12% on a monthly basis, collectively building a sustainable retirement plan. To date, over 59,000 employees have already been registered”, quoted KPK Finance Minister Mr. Muzammil Aslam.
The CPF Scheme is a visionary, contribution-based pension model designed to provide a financially secure retirement for public sector employees. The program entrusts only those institutions that meet the highest regulatory and creditworthiness standards: A Pension Fund Manager license and a minimum AM2 credit rating, both overseen by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).
Pak-Qatar Family Takaful not only met these strict criteria — it stood out, as the only Takaful operator in Pakistan with a Pension fund manager license with a AM2 rating from PACRA with stable outlook. After a rigorous evaluation process, PQFTL earned the KPK government’s confidence to manage contributions in compliance with Shariah principles.
“We are honored to be entrusted by the KPK Government. This partnership aligns with our mission to provide ethical and Shariah-compliant financial solutions. It is a privilege to contribute to the long-term financial well-being of public servants through our Voluntary Pension Scheme and other tailored pension offerings.” said Mr. Waqas Ahmed, CEO of Pak-Qatar Family Takaful.
This groundbreaking appointment underscores Pak-Qatar’s exclusive status as the only Takaful company in Pakistan licensed as a Pension Fund Manager with a AM2 credit rating by PACRA, with a Stable Outlook and the sole Takaful entity chosen by any provincial government for pension fund management
Pak-Qatar’s inclusion in the CPF Scheme reinforces its reputation as a trailblazer in the Islamic financial ecosystem, committed to financial inclusion through ethical financial solutions.
PTCL-TPL alliance to power data, M2M, and managed connectivity nationwide
Pakistan’s largest telecommunication and digital services provider, PTCL Group (PTCL & Ufone 4G), has entered a landmark partnership with TPL Corp, a tech conglomerate with investments across diversified industries. This collaboration covers the deployment of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices, secure Data Center hosting, and managed network connectivity across TPL Corp and its operating companies.
The agreement was signed by Asif Ahmed, Group Chief Business Solutions Officer (GCBSO), PTCL & Ufone 4G, and Ali Jameel, CEO, TPL Corp, during a ceremony held at TPL Corp’s headquarters in Karachi. Senior leadership from both sides attended the event.
Through this alliance, PTCL Group will deliver integrated technology solutions that support TPL Corp’s operational scalability, strengthen its digital infrastructure, and enable smarter business operations nationwide.
Speaking at the signing, Asif Ahmed, Group Chief Business Solutions Officer, PTCL & Ufone 4G, said, “PTCL Group is committed to empowering Pakistani enterprises with future-ready ICT services. By leveraging our extensive network, enterprise-grade Data Centers, and managed services, we aim to accelerate TPL Corp’s journey toward greater efficiency and innovation. We are proud to serve as their trusted technology partner.”
Ali Jameel, CEO, TPL Corp, shared, “At TPL, we continuously seek innovation and efficiency in everything we do. Partnering with PTCL Group allows us to unlock new levels of operational capability through reliable, secure, and smart digital infrastructure. This alliance aligns with our strategic objective to lead the market with technology-first solutions, and we look forward to a long and impactful journey together.”
The partnership reflects both organizations shared ambition to advance Pakistan’s digital future by delivering smart, secure, and scalable solutions that help transform industries and elevate national competitiveness.
Pak-Qatar Group achieves successful go-live of new CRM system
Pak-Qatar Group is proud to announce the successful go-live of its newly implemented Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. The milestone was celebrated in collaboration with Pak Qatar’s technology partner, Maison Consulting.
This strategic digital initiative marks a significant step forward in Pak-Qatar Group’s mission to elevate customer experience through innovation and operational efficiency. The new CRM system is designed to streamline internal workflows, deliver personalized engagement, and enhance responsiveness across all group companies.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Waqas Ahmed, CEO of Pak-Qatar Family Takaful Limited, stated: “This go-live represents more than just a technological upgrade, it reflects our unwavering commitment to serving our members better, faster, and in a more personalized manner. The CRM system is a vital enabler in our journey to digitize customer interactions while staying firmly rooted in our values of Shariah-compliant excellence.”
The successful deployment of this CRM solution reinforces Pak-Qatar Group’s vision to lead with innovation while maintaining its ethical and faith-based foundations. By integrating smarter tools and more intuitive processes, the Group aims to foster stronger relationships with its participants, ensuring that their needs are met with greater care, clarity, and convenience.
Pak-Qatar Group remains committed to staying ahead of the curve, investing in technology, people, and partnerships that support its goal to lead as the most trusted name in Shariah-compliant Takaful solutions across Pakistan and beyond.