Mobilink Bank achieves ISO 27001 certification for its robust information security system
Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank, Mobilink Bank, has achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, which is a globally recognized standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) awarded to organizations that meet international standards for data security. The achievement demonstrates the strength of Mobilink Bank’s information security governance, its systematic approach to managing cyber risks, and protecting customer data through internationally recognized best practices.
Globally, the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is widely regarded as the gold standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an ISMS. The certification provides a structured, risk-based framework to safeguard information assets against evolving threats and ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data while enabling secure and resilient operations. Mobilink Bank’s certification demonstrates a robust, independently validated approach to information security across its digital banking ecosystem.
This milestone aligns with Mobilink Bank’s customer-first focus and commitment to service innovation by embedding global standards into core operations. It continues to enhance the security and reliability of its platforms to reinforce customer confidence and support wider adoption of digital banking services.
Commenting on the achievement, Mustapha Lotia, Chief Information Security Officer at Mobilink Bank said, “This certification strengthens our commitment to safeguarding customer information, strengthening cyber resilience, and embedding global best practices in information security across our operations. Our customers place immense trust in us with their data, and this certification reinforces our responsibility to protect that trust while continuing to deliver innovative, secure, and reliable digital banking services across Pakistan.”
The ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification supports Mobilink Bank’s objective to establish, implement, and continually improve a robust ISMS through effective governance, risk management, and security controls to safeguard information assets and enable secure, resilient, and trusted banking services.
UBL and Meezan Bank lead Pakistan’s largest private sector Islamic financing of Rs133bn
United Bank Limited (UBL) as one of the Mandated Lead Advisors & Arrangers, has successfully led Pakistan’s largest private sector syndicated Islamic financing to date, totaling PKR 133 billion. The financing was extended to Deodar (Private) Limited and Engro Connect (Private) Limited, with UBL also acting as Facility Agent, Security Agent and Accounts Bank. The transaction supported the acquisition of Deodar by the Engro Group from Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited (PMCL), along with post-acquisition working capital requirements.
The proceeds are being used to partially finance scheduled payments to PMCL under the Scheme of Arrangement. Through the acquisition of 10,617 cellular towers, Deodar has become Pakistan’s largest independent TowerCo.
The successful closing of the transaction was recently marked at a ceremony hosted by Engro Corporation at the TDF MagnifiScience Centre in Karachi, attended by Mr. Jameel Ahmad, Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, Mr. Hussain Dawood, Chairman, Engro Holdings, Mr. Muhammad Jawaid Iqbal, President & CEO, UBL and senior representatives from UBL, the Engro Group and participating financial institutions.
Mr. Muhammad Jawaid Iqbal, President & CEO of UBL remarked on this occasion, “This financing reflects the trust placed in UBL to lead complex, high-impact transactions. Partnering with Engro Group on this transaction underscores our commitment to delivering Shariah-compliant solutions that strengthen Pakistan’s infrastructure and long-term economic foundations.”
HBL Zarai approved as agricultural services provider under ‘Zarkhez-e’, Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza scheme
The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), through the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA), has conveyed it’s no objection to onboarding HBL Zarai Services Limited (HBL Zarai) as an approved Agricultural Services Provider (ASP) under the ‘Zarkhez-e’, Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme. The approval enables participating banks to facilitate structured in-kind agricultural financing, strengthening transparency and improving farmer economics through productive service delivery.
Under the scheme, in kind financing replaces cash disbursement with direct access to approved agricultural services. This ensures financing is utilized strictly for productive farm activities such as quality inputs, agronomic advisory, mechanization, and market linkage, reducing leakages and improving monitoring effectiveness at the farm level.
Commenting on the significance of structured in-kind financing, Saleem Ullah, Deputy Governor State Bank of Pakistan, said: “The ‘Zarkhez-e’, Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme is designed to ensure that agricultural financing is deployed productively and transparently along with Agri-advisory services to enhance farmers’ productivity. In-kind financing, supported by approved service providers strengthens oversight, improves outcomes for farmers, and enhances the effectiveness of agricultural credit.”
As an approved ASP, HBL Zarai will operationalize this model through a comprehensive end to end agriculture services platform. Farmers will be able to utilize their financing limits directly at HBL Zarai locations for high quality seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection products, supported by continuous on ground agronomic advisory. In addition, farmers will have access to mechanization services on a pay per use basis and a structured crop off take mechanism uniquely offered by HBL Zarai, providing transparent market access, objective quality grading, and prompt documented payments. Together, these services form a closed loop system linking financing with production and market outcomes, ensuring responsible utilization of agricultural credit.
Zafar Masud, Chairman Pakistan Banks Association, added: “The onboarding of integrated Agricultural Services Providers under the scheme enables banks to collaborate with credible execution partners. This model promotes responsible financing while supporting farmers with access to essential agricultural services through structured delivery mechanisms.”
HBL Zarai is the first ever non-financial subsidiary of a leading banking group in Pakistan to be approved as an Agricultural Services Provider under a national agricultural financing scheme. It is also the largest ASP in terms of service breadth and operational scale, offering all major agricultural services under one roof through its network of Zarai Deras and Zarai Dost Shops across Punjab and Sindh.
Commenting on the approval, Amer Aziz, Chief Executive Officer of HBL Zarai, said: “Approval as an Agricultural Services Provider under the ‘Zarkhez-e’, Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme reflects confidence in HBL Zarai’s integrated and execution driven model. Our role is to ensure that agricultural finance translates into real productivity, transparency, and improved farmer incomes through services delivered on ground.”
Following the approval, several participating banks have initiated engagement with HBL Zarai to operationalize in kind financing under the scheme. These discussions are focused on system enablement, onboarding processes, and coordination mechanisms to facilitate seamless in-kind transactions at HBL Zarai locations.
The onboarding of HBL Zarai as an Agricultural Services Provider strengthens collaboration between banks and service providers and supports national priorities for sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion, and farmer centric development.
Cement despatches up by 12.54%; good exports, marginal domestic growth
Cement despatches increased by 12.54% in Jan-26. Total Cement despatches during Jan-26 were 4.538 million tons against 4.032 million tons despatched during the same month of last fiscal year.
According to the data released by All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association, local cement despatches by the industry during the month of Jan-26 were 3.601 million tons compared to 3.45 million tons in Jan-25, showing an increase of 4.36%. Exports despatches also increased by massive 61.1% as the volumes jumped from 581,691 tons in Jan-25 to 937,097 tons in Jan-26.
In Jan-26, North based cement mills despatched 2.95 million tons cement showing an increase of 4.67% against 2.818 million tons despatches in Jan-25. South based mills despatched 1.59 million tons cement during Jan-26 that was also 30.82% more compared to the despatches of 1.214 million tons during Jan-25.
North based cement mills despatched 2.95 million tons cement in domestic markets in Jan-26 showing an increase of 6.93% against 2.759 million tons despatches in Jan-25. South based mills despatched 651,089 tons cement in local markets during Jan-26 that was 5.87% less compared to the despatches of 691,727 during Jan-25.
There were no exports from North based mills during Jan-26. Exports from South increased by 79.41% to 937,097 tons in Jan-26 from 522,336 tons during the same month last year.
During the first seven months of current fiscal year, total cement despatches (domestic and exports) were 30.583 million tons that is 10.58% higher than 27.656 million tons despatched during the corresponding period of last fiscal year. Domestic despatches during this period were 25.015 million tons against 22.264 million tons during same period last year showing an increase of 12.36%. Export despatches were 3.26% more as the volumes increased to 5.568 million tons during the first seven months of current fiscal year compared to 5.392 million tons exports done during same period of last fiscal year.
North based Mills despatched 20.895 million tons cement domestically during the first seven months of current fiscal year showing an increase of 13.67% than cement despatches of 18.382 million tons during July 24 to Jan 25. Exports from North declined by 23.13% percent to 808,506 tons during July 25 to Jan 26 compared with 1,051,768 tons exported during the same period last year. Total despatches by North based Mills increased by 11.68% to 21.704 million tons during first seven months of current financial year from 19.434 million tons during same period of last financial year.
Domestic despatches by South based Mills during July 25-Jan 26 were 4.12 million tons showing an increase of 6.12% over 3.882 million tons cement despatched during the same period of last fiscal year. Exports from South increased by 9.66% to 4.759 million tons during July 25 to Jan 26 compared with 4.34 million tons exported during the same period last year. Total despatches by South based Mills increased by 7.99% to 8.879 million tons during first seven months of current financial year from 8.223 million tons during same period of last financial year.
Standard Chartered connects Pakistan’s SME Sector with Global Growth through Foreign Exchange Solutions
Standard Chartered Bank hosted a focused client engagement event in Lahore, bringing together leading SME businesses 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. SMEs form the backbone of the country’s economy, including over 70% of non-agri employment, and are a key contributor to national exports.
Standard Chartered is uniquely positioned to support this growth. With a presence in over 53 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. Through specialised support, the Bank offers global trade and international opportunities for SMEs who want to expand across borders.
Commenting on the event, Saadya Riaz, Head of Wealth and Retail Banking, said, “SMEs are a vital engine of Pakistan’s economy, driving growth and employment. At Standard Chartered, we are committed to supporting their ambitions by building long-term partnerships and by delivering tailored solutions, insights, and global expertise that will enable them to scale their businesses with confidence.”
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.
IMC Achieves ISO 45001 Certification, Reinforcing Commitment to Safety First
IMC is proud to announce that it has successfully adopted ISO 45001:2018, the internationally recognized standard for Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems.
The adoption of ISO 45001 underscores IMC’s continued commitment to providing a safe, healthy, and risk-controlled work environment for all employees, contractors, and business partners. The standard strengthens IMC’s systematic approach to hazard identification, risk assessment, legal compliance, and continual improvement in occupational health and safety performance.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Ali Asghar Jamali, CEO – IMC stated: “At IMC, safety is not a priority that changes—it is a core value. In line with the Toyota philosophy of ‘Safety First,’ we believe that a safe and healthy workplace is fundamental to operational excellence and long-term sustainability. The adoption of ISO 45001 reflects our responsibility to eliminate risks, protect our people, and ensure that every individual returns home safely every day.”
The CEO further emphasized that integrating safety into daily operations and decision-making is essential for building a resilient organization and fostering a strong safety culture across all levels of the company.
With the implementation of ISO 45001, IMC reinforces its position as a responsible, people-focused, and safety-driven organization, enhancing confidence among employees, customers, stakeholders, and the wider community.
ICAP hosts national finance olympiad 2025, showcasing Pakistan’s top finance talent
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) conducted the Grand Finale of the National Finance Olympiad (NFO) 2025, organised under the auspices of ICAP’s Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee, bringing together finance professionals, industry leaders, and academics from across the country.
The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Samiullah Siddiqui, Chairman PAIB Committee and Vice President ICAP, who highlighted ICAP’s National Finance Olympiad as a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making capabilities among finance professionals. He emphasized the importance of such platforms in upskilling finance leaders to navigate increasingly complex business in competitive environments.
In his address, Mr. Saif Ullah, President ICAP, highlighted the evolving role of finance professionals in corporate governance, sustainability, and national economic development, reaffirming ICAP’s commitment to promoting professional excellence and future-ready leadership.
This year Mr. Irfan Siddiqui, Founding Partner & former CEO and President, Meezan Bank Limited joined as Chief Guest. He admired the platforms like NFO where the talent is not only showcased but enabled in a competitive environment to deal with business challenges including strategic insights and deliveries via storytelling.
This was followed by an address from Mr. Abdul Rahim Abbasi, Head of Corporate Finance, Unilever Pakistan who highlighted the value of industry-led initiatives in bridging professional knowledge with real-world business challenges and fostering commercially astute finance leadership.
The National Finance Olympiad has, since its inception, served as a premier platform for finance professionals to demonstrate technical competence and strategic judgment through real-world business challenges. This year, the competition attracted 40 teams, including 31 teams from Karachi, 5 from Lahore, 3 from Islamabad, and 1 overseas team from KSA. After two rigorous rounds, six teams qualified for the Grand Finale.
The finalist teams—HUBCO Green (Private) Limited, Careem, K-Electric, Systems Limited (∞) BAT, Alpha Analysts, and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited. rightfully earned their place in the concluding stage through strong analytical performance and strategic insight.
A central feature of the Grand Finale was the Board Room Challenge, where finalist teams presented strategic solutions to complex business scenarios in a simulated environment. The competition was evaluated by a distinguished jury comprising Mr. Muhammad Faisal, Chief Executive Officer, Lucky Motors; Mr. Bilal Khan, General Manager, Pakistan Oil Fields; and Dr. Huma Baqai, Rector, Millennium Institute of Technology and Entrepreneurship (MITE).
The Grand Finale comprised multiple competitive segments designed to test participants’ story-telling & presentation skills along with financial acumen and strategic thinking. These included Boardroom – unwind the mind, a rapid-fire 100-second challenge, and the interactive Spin the Wheel, which required teams to make decisions across different categories while managing an element of risk for scoring.
ICAP also acknowledged the contributions of its technical partners, BDO Ebrahim & Co. and EY Ford Rhodes, for their support along with knowledge partner Karachi School of Business & Leadership (KSBL) in the successful conduct of the Olympiad.
After a rigorous competition, Alpha Analysts emerged triumphant as the National Finance Olympiad Champion 2025, securing the coveted trophy. K-Electric and Careem Team were declared 1st and 2nd Runners-up, respectively.
The event concluded with the presentation of mementos followed by a group photograph, and dinner.
The National Finance Olympiad has consistently inspired finance professionals for more than a decade to lead with confidence, adapt to evolving challenges, and excel on both national and global stages. The event was attended by a diverse audience including; students, seasoned finance leaders, ICAP members, Past Presidents, Southern Regional Committee members and finance leaders from prominent companies across Pakistan.
Frontier consumers are value seekers, not bargain hunters, says Dr. Zeelaf Munir at Gulfood 2026
Frontier market consumers are far more discerning than they are often perceived to be, said Dr Zeelaf Munir, MD and CEO of English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM) and Chairperson of the Pakistan Business Council, while speaking at the Gulfood World Economy Summit 2026 in Dubai.
Participating in a global panel on the next wave of consumer growth, she highlighted how value-driven consumption, disciplined affordability and trust-based manufacturing are enabling companies in markets such as Pakistan to build export-ready businesses and compete domestic boundaries.
The Gulfood World Economy Summit brings together international policymakers, manufacturers and industry leaders to examine how frontier markets will drive future demand in food and consumer categories. Representing Pakistan’s FMCG sector, EBM’s participation focused on how large domestic markets can serve as a launchpad for value-added exports rather than remaining consumption-led economies.
Dr Munir noted that frontier markets are increasingly being recognized for their manufacturing scale, compliance with international standards and ability to supply trusted products to regional and global markets.
She added that the long-standing perception of frontier markets as low-cost, high-risk destinations is steadily giving way to a new reality, where resilience and standard-compliance define competitiveness. In Pakistan’s case, sustained consumption despite repeated economic pressures is increasingly being seen as a demand signal, highlighting the opportunity to convert local scale into export-oriented manufacturing rather than relying on imports.
Drawing on its experience of operating at scale in one of South Asia’s most competitive consumer landscapes, Dr Zeelaf Munir emphasized that affordability in frontier markets is not driven by price alone, but about disciplined portfolio design, operational efficiency, and trust. These fundamentals, when executed consistently, allow brands to compete sustainably both at home and abroad.
Speaking at the summit, Dr Zeelaf Munir said, “The biggest misconception about frontier markets is that consumers are driven purely by price. In reality, they make considered choices based on value. It was important to bring Pakistan’s perspective to one of the world’s leading food economy platforms, because our region will drive the next chapter of global consumer growth.”
She added, “At EBM, this has meant building products that combine affordability with global standards of quality and safety, principles that are essential not only for domestic leadership, but also for export competitiveness.”
Alongside its participation at the summit, EBM also unveiled Piper’s Gold, its luxurious biscuit line in Dubai, reflecting the company’s focus on expanding its portfolio of export-ready, value-added products for international markets.
EBM has been a regular participant at Gulfood over 12 years, using the platform to strengthen international partnerships, showcase Pakistani manufacturing capability and expand its global footprint.
As global food systems face pressure from climate volatility and shifting consumer expectations, EBM’s export-oriented approach highlights how Pakistani manufacturers can compete through scale, resilience and trust, strengthening both corporate growth and the country’s export presence.
Bank Al Falah Nigaah Art Awards 2026: Celebrating Excellence, Vision, and Creative Legacy
The Bank Al Falah Nigaah Art Awards 2026 marked a distinguished evening dedicated to artistic excellence, bringing together leading voices and visionaries from Pakistan’s art and cultural landscape. Hosted at the historic Mohatta Palace, the ceremony honored outstanding artists whose work continues to shape contemporary artistic discourse and cultural narratives.
The awards recognized exceptional achievement across a diverse range of artistic disciplines, reflecting both innovation and mastery. The Winners for the Nigaah Art Awards 2026 are:
Abstract — Rabeya Jalil
Portraiture — Ishtiaq Sandhu
Printmaking — Musawir Shabbir
Miniature — Ahsan Jamal
3D Sculpture — Ali Baba
Photography — Zaheer Chaudhry
Drawing — Jamil Baloch
Emerging Artist — Kiran Waseem
Curator — Saulat Ajmal
Art Critic — Sadia Pasha Kamran
Still Life — Babar Moghal
Landscape — Masood A. Khan
Calligraphy — Faizan Riedinger
Figurative — Mobina Zuberi
The Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred upon Ms. Nasreen Askari, in recognition of her invaluable contributions to promoting art and her enduring impact on the preservation and understanding of Pakistan’s artistic heritage.
The evening unfolded as a celebration of creativity and culture, featuring evocative folk music performances, and a curated auction of artworks to support student scholarships, all of which enriched the atmosphere with artistic dialogue and cultural resonance.
The awards were adjudicated by an esteemed jury comprising RM Naeem, Dr. Arjumand Faisel, Dr. Rahat Naveed Masud, Noorjehan Bilgrami, and Tauqeer Muhajir.
The Nigaah Art Awards continue to serve as a vital platform for recognizing artistic excellence, fostering cultural appreciation, and encouraging emerging and established artists alike.The awards were presented by Javed Jabbar, Ahmad Shah,Jahangir Siddiqui,Shahab Zuberi, Deepak Parwani,Uzra Dawood,and Asma Ibrahim. The 2026 awardees embody the diversity, depth, and vitality of Pakistani art,offering inspiration for future generations to challenge conventions and articulate their stories through creative expression.
The awards were supported by Bank Al Falah, Getz Pharma, Rotary Pakistan, UBL Funds, Zulfiqar and Fatima Foundation, and Web Octane. Business Recorder and Aaj TV group were the media partners.
PQAMC’s shariah income fund posts strong returns with Rs1.20 payout
Pak-Qatar Asset Management Company Limited (PQAMC), a leading dedicated Islamic asset management company in Pakistan, has announced a monthly dividend of PKR 1.200 per unit for its Pak-Qatar Monthly Income Plan (PQMIP) for January 2026.
PQMIP, one of the highest-return plans in its category, continues to deliver strong performance for investors seeking Shariah-compliant income solutions. The dividend was earned as of January 28, 2026.
PQAMC recently received an Asset Manager rating of ‘AM2+’ with a Stable Outlook from VIS Credit Rating Company Limited, reflecting the company’s solid market position and operational strength.
Mr. Farhan Shaukat, Chief Executive Officer of PQAMC, approved the dividend distribution under authority delegated by the Board of Directors.
“We are pleased to announce this distribution to PQMIP unit-holders,” said Mr. Farhan Shaukat. “This reflects our robust investment strategy and ongoing commitment to delivering value to our participants. The recent rating upgrade further validates the confidence our stakeholders place in PQAMC.”
As part of Pak-Qatar Group, Pakistan’s pioneer in Islamic financial services, PQAMC remains dedicated to supporting the nation’s economy through innovative, Shariah-compliant investment solutions.
Investors can view PQMIP’s performance on the Mutual Funds Association of Pakistan (MUFAP) website.
IMF endorsement, us diplomatic signals point to economic revival: Mian Zahid
Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum & All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman Policy Advisory Board FPCCI, and Former Provincial Minister Information Technology, said today that Pakistan’s diplomatic resurgence is now translating into tangible economic confidence, validated by two historic developments in Davos: the country’s entry into President Trump’s “Board of Peace” and the IMF Managing Director’s exceptional praise for Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif.
Speaking to the business community, Mian Zahid Hussain highlighted the significance of the meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. He noted that for an IMF chief to publicly state that when the Prime Minister gives his word, “it gets done”, is a rare and powerful endorsement of the country’s fiscal discipline. He stated that Ms. Georgieva’s acknowledgment—that Pakistan is finally seeing “budget discipline translating into resources”—is a clear signal to global credit rating agencies that the country has successfully exited the danger zone of default and is now on a trajectory of sustainable growth. This vote of confidence, he argued, will directly lower the risk premium on Pakistani sovereign bonds and encourage foreign direct investment.
The veteran business leader also drew special attention to the “optics of power” displayed at the Board of Peace launch ceremony in Davos. He termed the specific interaction between US President Donald Trump and Field Marshal Asim Munir as a diplomatic coup. Mian Zahid Hussain pointed out that when President Trump publicly asked the Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, “Where is my favorite Field Marshal?” and acknowledged the Army Chief with such personal warmth, it demonstrated a restoration of the strategic trust between the two nations’ security establishments.
Mian Zahid Hussain emphasized that in the world of geopolitics, such personal rapport between leaderships is often the precursor to major economic concessions. He analyzed that President Trump’s visible regard for Field Marshal Asim Munir serves as a “security guarantee” for international investors, signaling that Pakistan’s stability is backed by a renewed partnership with Washington. He urged the government to leverage this unique civil-military alignment with the US to secure favorable terms for the upcoming reconstruction projects in Gaza and to fast-track the negotiation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States.
Mian Zahid Hussain concluded that the combination of the IMF’s fiscal validation and the US President’s political backing has provided Pakistan with a “golden hour” of opportunity. He called on the business community to prepare for a surge in joint ventures, as the “trust deficit” that previously hampered Pakistan’s economy has been effectively bridged by the leadership in Davos.
PIBT, Reko Diq mining company formally sign agreement for mineral exports
The agreement for the handling and export of copper-gold concentrates from the Reko Diq project has been formally signed on Wednesday here in Karachi between Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited (PIBT) and Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC).
Under this landmark agreement, PIBT has been designated as the primary export facility for Reko Diq’s minerals which will strengthen the country’s position in global commodity markets.
“This partnership reflects a long-term collaboration between PIBT and Reko Diq to enable the efficient and reliable handling and export of Pakistan’s mineral resources.
“Our port infrastructure and operational expertise are aligned with the project’s requirements, and we are committed to delivering excellence throughout this partnership,” said Sharique Azim Siddiqui, CEO of PIBT, on the occasion.
He added that they appreciate the role their partners and supporting stakeholders in making this collaboration possible since Reko Diq is a strategic project for Pakistan’s economy, with the potential to generate multi-billion-dollar exports over its life.
Speaking on the occasion, the Country Manager of Reko Diq Mining Company, Zarrar Jamali, said, “With the signing of the Port Access Agreement, we are not only formalizing an operational partnership, we are reaffirming our shared commitment to developing a modern, resilient, and future‑ready copper concentrate export facility for Pakistan and for Reko Diq’s long‑term success. This milestone reflects the collective dedication of PITB, RDMC, and our partners.”
PIBT, located at Port Qasim, is Pakistan’s dedicated, fully mechanized multipurpose bulk handling terminal. With established bulk handling capabilities and planned upgrades to its export systems, PIBT is well-positioned to support the efficient handling and export of minerals, metals, and other natural earth commodities, while operating in line with international environmental, health, and safety guidelines and best practices.
This partnership underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to unlocking Pakistan’s mineral potential and supporting sustainable economic growth through state-of-the-art infrastructure.
PMI recognised as top employer for 10th consecutive year
Philip Morris International (“PMI”) has been recognized as a Top Employer for the 10th consecutive year by the Top Employers Institute. Additionally, PMI affiliates were recognized as leading employers in 32 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia/Pacific.
The certification is further proof of PMI’s unwavering commitment to its people, culture, and progress, firmly establishing the company as an employer of choice focused on meeting the evolving needs of a multigenerational global workforce.
“PMI is honored to be recognized as a Top Employer for ten consecutive years—an achievement that underscores the quality and consistency of our people practices on a global stage,” stated Fred Patitucci, Group Chief People & Culture Officer at PMI. “We strive to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to grow, contribute, and thrive. This milestone reflects the passion and dedication of our teams worldwide. Looking ahead, we’ll continue setting the benchmark for modern employment—investing in growth, inclusion, and well‑being to attract and develop exceptional talent.”
The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organizations based on the participation and results of their HR Best Practices Survey. This survey covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Learning, Diversity & Inclusion, Purpose & Values, Wellbeing, and more.
Top Employers Institute CEO Adrian Seligman commented: “Achieving Top Employer Certification for 2026 reflects PMI’s dedication to building an outstanding workplace that enables sustained business performance. Their strong alignment between people strategy and organisational goals, combined with a commitment to continuous improvement, demonstrates the impact of their transformative practices. We are proud to recognise PMI for their meaningful contribution to a better world of work.”
Jay Ramos – Director P&C, Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited, an affiliate of PMI, said “PMI being recognized as a Top Employer is a testament to our belief that a world-class employee experience is the foundation of business success. This certification isn’t just an award; it’s a validation of our strategic commitment to fostering a forward-thinking workplace where every individual has the resources and thrives in a culture that supports and recognizes excellence”.
Nixor college wins best small delegation honour at Harvard Mun Dubai
Nixor College has achieved a landmark international success as its 13-member student delegation won the prestigious “Best Small Delegation” award at the Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) Dubai conference. This accomplishment represents a significant moment for both the institution and Pakistan, highlighting the country’s rising presence in global academic and diplomatic forums.
HMUN Dubai, organized under the auspices of Harvard University, is widely regarded as one of the most competitive Model United Nations conferences in the world, bringing together top-performing students from across the globe. The Best Small Delegation award is reserved for teams that demonstrate consistent excellence across all committees, requiring every delegate to perform at an elite level throughout the conference.
In addition to the overall delegation award, Nixor College students earned multiple individual distinctions, including Best Delegate (BD), Outstanding Delegate (OD), Honorable Mention (HM), and Diplomatic Commendations. These honors reflect the delegation’s rigorous preparation, strategic diplomacy, and strong command of international relations and public speaking.
The delegation was coached by Rohaan Arshad, whose mentorship and strategic guidance were instrumental in shaping the team’s performance. Student leadership was provided by delegation captains Armaan Narsi, Basim Salman, and Maryam Ali, whose coordination and dedication played a crucial role in maintaining excellence across committees.
The full delegation included Armaan Narsi, Basim Salman, Maryam Ali, Asal Khan, Maah Bibi Baloch, Umair Mahesar, Laksh Kumar, Xeyna Khan, Aveen Haroon, Zaraan Shah, Daaim Imad Riaz, Shaheer Junejo, and Shaheer Asghar.
The students and coaching staff expressed deep appreciation for the unwavering support of Sir Nadeem Ghani, Dean of Nixor College, and Areej, ECA Head Coach, whose leadership and administrative backing created an environment where such achievement was possible.
This victory at HMUN Dubai underscores Nixor College’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, and global engagement. More importantly, it stands as a proud moment for Pakistan, showcasing the capability of its youth to compete with—and excel alongside—the best students from around the world in diplomacy, debate, and intellectual discourse.
PM’s export relief offers breathing space, yet high energy costs remain challenge
Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum & All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman Policy Advisory Board FPCCI, and Former Provincial Minister Information Technology, today termed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s industrial relief package a “bold and necessary intervention” that has saved the export sector from immediate collapse.
Speaking to the business community, he welcomed the government’s decision to slash the Export Refinance Scheme (ERS) rate from 7.5% to 4.5% and the reduction of industrial electricity tariffs by Rs 4.04 per unit. He stated that these measures will inject much-needed liquidity into the SME sector and allow exporters to book orders that were previously unviable.
However, the veteran business leader warned that while this package acts as effective first-aid, the “cancer” eating away at Pakistan’s industrial competitiveness remains the Rs 7 per unit cross-subsidy embedded in electricity bills. Mian Zahid Hussain defined this cross-subsidy as a “hidden tax” on exports, where efficient manufacturing units are forced to pay significantly higher rates to subsidize the theft, line losses, and under-recoveries of other sectors. He argued that forcing the export industry to fund the government’s social welfare obligations is an economic anomaly that does not exist in rival economies like Vietnam, Bangladesh, or India.
Mian Zahid Hussain pointed out that even after the Rs 4.04 relief, the effective industrial tariff hovers around 11.5 cents per unit, whereas regional competitors are operating between 7 and 9 cents. He highlighted that with India recently concluding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union, the “margin for error” for Pakistani exporters has vanished. If Pakistan’s energy costs remain 20-30% higher than its neighbors due to this cross-subsidy, no amount of concessional financing can bridge the gap in the long run.
He urged the Power Division to restructure the tariff regime by separating “industrial cost of service” from “social subsidies.”
He proposed that the burden of subsidizing lifeline consumers should be borne by the Federal Budget or the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), rather than being loaded onto the energy bills of the productive sector. He emphasized that the “Blue Passports” announced for top exporters are a badge of honor, but the true reward for the sector would be a “Fair Energy Tariff” that reflects the actual cost of generation and transmission, devoid of inefficiencies.
Mian Zahid Hussain concluded that the business community stands with the Prime Minister in his efforts to pivot from stabilization to growth. He expressed hope that this relief package is the first step toward a comprehensive “Industrial Energy Policy” that permanently outlaws the practice of cross-subsidizing other sectors at the expense of national exports.
Wafi Energy Pakistan conducts free eye camp for Retailers in collaboration with LRBT
Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited (WEPL) organized an eye camp for its retailers in partnership with Layton Rahmatulla Benevolent Trust (LRBT), providing free eye screening to help ensure healthy eyesight among the retailer community.
As part of its ongoing community outreach initiatives, WEPL continues to collaborate with trusted healthcare partners like LRBT to deliver accessible medical services to communities where it operates.
Commenting on the initiative, Zubair Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer of Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited, said: “Wafi is committed to being a responsible neighbour, contributing to the well-being of communities wherever we operate. Our social performance programmes are designed to ensure that economic development creates shared value while supporting a sustainable business ecosystem.”
A dedicated team of ophthalmologists and support staff from LRBT conducted comprehensive eye examinations and provided free medicines for common eye ailments. Retailers requiring further medical attention were referred to the nearest LRBT hospital.
Wafi invests in the communities where we live and operate. Investment in local communities is both tailored to the needs of the community and aligned with Wafi’s business objectives.