PTML Acquires 5G Spectrum to Power Pakistan’s Next Generation Digital Economy
Pak Telecom Mobile Limited (PTML), operating under the brand name Ufone, alongside its digital telecom brand onic, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL), has successfully acquired 5G spectrum in the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority’s (PTA) 5G spectrum auction held in Islamabad.
This milestone marks a significant step toward unlocking the next phase of Pakistan’s digital transformation by enabling faster connectivity, ultra-low latency services, and the creation of entirely new digital experiences for consumers, businesses, and industries.
The spectrum acquired by PTML (Ufone) will also be utilized by Telenor Pakistan once its merger with PTML (Ufone) is completed, subject to the necessary regulatory approvals. Following the completion of the merger, the combined entity (MergeCo) will leverage the acquired spectrum to deliver advanced digital services to more than 70 million customers nationwide, creating one of the most powerful digital platforms in the country.
5G represents far more than faster mobile speeds. It enables a fundamentally different level of digital capability that will support the growing needs of Pakistan’s digital economy.
For consumers, 5G will deliver seamless ultra-high-definition video streaming, immersive cloud gaming, augmented and virtual reality experiences, and faster access to digital services and entertainment.
For businesses and enterprises, 5G will unlock transformative capabilities such as smart factories, connected logistics, AI-powered analytics, and highly reliable cloud connectivity that supports mission-critical operations.
In sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and public services, 5G can enable innovations including remote diagnostics, virtual classrooms, smart farming technologies, intelligent traffic systems, and next-generation financial services.
The acquisition of 5G spectrum reflects PTML’s continued commitment to strengthening the quality, reliability, and reach of digital connectivity for both individual and enterprise customers.
Following the planned merger with Telenor Pakistan, the integrated network will enable more efficient spectrum utilization, stronger nationwide coverage, and increased investment capacity to accelerate the deployment of advanced network technologies.
The company will now begin preparations for a phased yet accelerated rollout of 5G services, starting with major urban centers and gradually expanding across other regions. Significant investment will be directed toward network modernization, site densification, and digital infrastructure development to ensure consistent performance and superior customer experience as 5G scales nationwide.
Celebrating the milestone, Hatem Bamatraf, President and Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone, said,
“5G represents a transformational leap in how people, businesses, and societies connect and innovate. It is not simply about faster speeds, but about enabling entirely new digital experiences and economic opportunities.
Our priority is to build a resilient and future-ready digital infrastructure that supports Pakistan’s rapidly evolving digital economy. With 5G, customers will experience more intelligent services, businesses will gain powerful new tools for productivity and innovation, and entire industries will be able to reimagine how they operate in a digital world.”
He added, “As we integrate our networks and capabilities following the merger with Telenor Pakistan, we will be uniquely positioned to deploy 5G at scale, bringing advanced digital services to millions of customers and empowering Pakistan’s entrepreneurs, enterprises, and communities to participate fully in the digital economy.”
The deployment of 5G will play a key role in advancing the Government of Pakistan’s Digital Pakistan vision, which seeks to strengthen the country’s digital infrastructure, accelerate innovation, and expand access to modern digital services.
Through continued investment in advanced connectivity and digital technologies, PTCL aims to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s long-term economic growth, technological advancement, and digital inclusion.
Pakistan faces economic, security fallout from me crisis, warns Zahid Hussain
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, on March 2 expressed profound condolence over the Shadat of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and expressed profound concern over the rapidly escalating military conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Mian Zahid Hussain cautioned that the unfolding war threatens to inflict critical economic and security repercussions on the entire region and Pakistan.
Mian Zahid Hussain stated, “The unprecedented military strikes on Iran by US and Israel and Iran’s subsequent retaliations over the US bases in Gulf Countries and Israel have pushed the Middle East into a highly volatile state. For Pakistan, a nation actively navigating a delicate macroeconomic recovery, the stakes are incredibly high”.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that the recent conflict has resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, controlled by Iranian forces. The immediate market reaction has been severe, disrupting global supply chains and commodities. Hussain highlighted that approximately 20% of the world’s petroleum, roughly 15 to 20 million barrels per day, transits through the Strait of Hormuz.
Mian Zahid Hussain further said that Brent crude prices surged nearly 13% immediately following the outbreak of hostilities, quickly approaching the to 12-month high of $ 80 per barrel mark. Energy analysts project that a prolonged disruption could drive prices toward $100 per barrel.
He further expressed that the sustained energy disruptions are forecasted to add 0.6 to 0.7 percentage points to global inflation, threatening to reverse recent disinflationary trends. Safe-haven assets have spiked, with gold surging over 24% in 2026 alone, signaling deep investor anxiety and threatening capital flight from emerging markets.
“Our heavy reliance on imported crude oil and huge inflow of remittances from GCC Countries makes Pakistan acutely vulnerable to these external shocks in addition to Pakistan stock market meltdown. The sudden spike in geopolitical risk premiums, soaring war-risk maritime insurance, and elevated freight rates will inevitably inflate our national import bill. This threatens to trigger a new wave of inflation, exponentially increasing the cost of doing business, and bank mark-up for our industrial sector and paralyzing export logistics,” Mian Zahid Hussain noted.
Mian Zahid Hussain expressed that beyond the economic dimensions, the regional destabilization poses profound security challenges for Islamabad. Pakistan shares a highly sensitive, 900-kilometer border with Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province. The outbreak of a broader Middle Eastern war coincides dangerously with heightened volatility on Pakistan’s western frontier, where recent cross-border militancy and severe military clashes with Afghanistan have intensified. The intersection of these active border security challenges with a massive regional conflict severely narrows the country’s strategic and diplomatic maneuverability, creating a three-front pressure matrix.
Mian Zahid Hussain urged the Government of Pakistan to immediately implement comprehensive contingency plans to secure energy supply chains, protect foreign exchange reserves, and explore strategic hedging for essential oil imports. Furthermore, he echoed the urgent need for the international community and the United Nations Security Council to prioritize immediate diplomatic negotiations over military posturing.
“It is imperative that all global actors exercise maximum restraint. The stability of the global economy and the internal security of South Asia depend entirely on an immediate de-escalation of this conflict,” Mian Zahid Hussain concluded.
National foodpreneur backs differently-abled chefs
Reinforcing its commitment to inclusive skill development, NFL, through its flagship program National Foodpreneur, has extended an in-kind donation to support the culinary training of differently-abled chefs at Cafe Khudee, an initiative of the Karachi Vocational Training Center (KVTC).
National Foodpreneur by National Foods is a transformative initiative that pioneers food leadership and empowers aspiring male and female chefs through structured culinary skill development, industry mentorship, and access to professional growth opportunities.
With National Foodpreneur supporting Cafe Khudee, a state-of-the-art cafe and bakery operated by differently-abled individuals under expert supervision, National Foods continues to demonstrate a deep commitment to community upliftment and inclusive empowerment.
Self-reliance key to Pakistan’s business safety: 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 the former Provincial Minister for Information Technology has commended the Prime Minister’s swift decision to create a high-level contingency committee dedicated to strategizing and ensuring Pakistan’s economic and energy security amid the unprecedented military escalation between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Expressing deep concern over the massive joint air strikes launched since February 28, which have targeted over 2,000 locations including the Iranian supreme leader, military leadership, civilian and nuclear facilities, and Iran’s severe attacks by targeting US air bases in Gulf countries. Mian Zahid Hussain warned that the resulting regional instability threatens to derail Pakistan’s fragile path toward economic recovery.
The veteran business leader noted that the geopolitical fallout has already manifested in severe market volatility, with Brent crude oil prices surging by 15% to approximately $83 per barrel within days. He cautioned that a prolonged conflict could easily push prices beyond the $100 mark, a scenario that would be devastating for Pakistan’s industrial sector and consumer inflation. With nearly 20% of the world’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the effective closure of this maritime chokepoint by Iran and the suspension of insurance coverage for vessels, including manifold fare hikes, are creating a supply chain crisis that endangers the nation’s energy imports.
Mian Zahid Hussain highlighted the particular vulnerability of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, which the State Bank of Pakistan had targeted to reach $18 billion by June. He pointed out that retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases in the UAE and Qatar—where millions of Pakistani expatriates reside—pose a direct threat to the safety of our diaspora and the vital flow of remittances. Furthermore, the domestic unrest following these events, which has tragically resulted in the loss of over 25 lives during protests in Karachi, underscores the urgent need for a balanced and proactive diplomatic stance that prioritizes internal stability and regional peace.
To mitigate these systemic risks, Mian Zahid Hussain proposed that Pakistan lead a diplomatic de-escalation effort through the United Nations and the OIC to prevent a total regional conflagration. He urged the Ministry of Energy to immediately assess and expand strategic fuel reserves while accelerating the implementation of the Green Pakistan Energy Policy 2026 to reduce reliance on imported fuels. Additionally, he emphasized that the government must work closely with Gulf partners to ensure the security of Pakistani workers and maintain the continuity of trade and financial channels. He concluded that in an era where global energy security is being used as a weapon, Pakistan must prioritize self-reliance and strategic foresight to protect its businesses and citizens from external shocks.
Mobilink Bank, SEDF offer inclusive msme financing for Sindh’s growth sectors
Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank, Mobilink Bank, has entered into a five-year partnership with Sindh Enterprise Development Fund (SEDF), Government of Sindh, to expand access to structured financing for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across priority economic sectors in the province. The collaboration will unlock up to PKR 1 billion in financing by combining Mobilink Bank’s lending capabilities with SEDF’s markup subsidy support to reduce the cost of capital for entrepreneurs and stimulate sustainable economic activity province-wide.
The collaboration strengthens financing ecosystems for underserved and high-impact sectors, including agri value chains, livestock and dairy, poultry, fisheries, cold storage and logistics, renewable and alternative energy solutions, women-led enterprises, mining and mineral processing, and innovation-driven IT projects. Under the partnership, Mobilink Bank will extend short, medium, and long-term MSME financing, while SEDF will provide markup subsidy support of up to one-year KIBOR or 10 percent – whichever is lower – for an initial three-year period, extendable based on performance. Individual projects will be eligible for financing of up to PKR 5 million, with flexibility for expansion in innovative cases.
Commenting on the partnership, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, President & CEO, Mobilink Bank, said, “Small businesses are the backbone of Pakistan’s real economy. They drive employment, power local communities, and sustain regional value chains, yet many entrepreneurs continue to face structural barriers in accessing affordable finance. Through our partnership with SEDF, we are aligning financial innovation with policy support to expand access where it is needed most. We want to channel affordable capital directly to local entrepreneurs, enable bottom-up economic growth, and unlock sustainable livelihoods across the province. This collaboration is about strengthening small businesses today to build a more resilient and inclusive economy for tomorrow.”
Zubair Ahmed Channa, Secretary, Investment Department, Government of Sindh, underscored the Government’s commitment to strengthening institutional financing ecosystems that support productive sectors across the province. He stated that structured collaborations such as this agreement reinforce policy alignment between the public and private sectors while creating scalable financial pathways for SMEs operating in Sindh’s value-added industries.
The partnership reflects Mobilink Bank’s commitment to combine public policy support with private sector efficiency to drive inclusive growth, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in Pakistan’s emerging economic regions. The collaboration will enable MSMEs, particularly those in rural areas and women-led businesses, to invest in productivity, adopt green technologies, and scale their operations at lower borrowing costs and improved access to formal credit.
The Mobilink Bank-SEDF partnership will integrate concessional support with commercial financing to spur long-term economic resilience in Sindh, a viable model that can be well replicated in other provinces.
Cement dispatches up 12.53% in Feb
Cement despatches increased by 12.53% in February 2026. Total Cement despatches during Feb-26 were 4.199 million tons against 3.732 million Tons despatched during the same month of last fiscal year.
According to the data released by All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA), local cement despatches by the industry during the month of Feb-26 were 3.467 million tons compared to 3.2 million tons in Feb-25, showing an increase of 8.35%. Exports despatches also increased by 37.72% as the volumes jumped from 531,736 tons in Feb-25 to 732,333 tons in Feb-26.
In Feb-26, North based cement mills despatched 2.856 million tons cement showing an increase of 7.66% against 2.653 million tons despatches in Feb-25. South based mills despatched 1.34 million tons cement during Feb-26 that was 24.50% more compared to the despatches of 1.079 million tons during Feb-25.
North based cement mills despatched 2.856 million tons cement in domestic markets in Feb-26 showing an increase of 9.72% against 2.603 million tons despatches in Feb-25. South based mills despatched 611,239 tons cement in local markets during Feb-26 that was just 2.35% more compared to the despatches of 597,177 tons during Feb-25.
There were no exports from North based mills during Feb-26. Exports from South increased by 51.95% to 732,333 tons in Feb-26 from 481,956 tons during the same month last year.
During the first eight months of current fiscal year, total cement despatches (domestic and exports) were 34.798 million tons that is 10.86% higher than 31.388 million tons despatched during the corresponding period of last fiscal year. Domestic despatches during this period were 28.503 million tons against 25.465 million tons during same period last year showing an increase of 11.93%. Export despatches were 6.27% more as the volumes increased to 6.295 million tons during the first eight months of current fiscal year compared to 5.924 million tons exports done during same period of last fiscal year.
North based Mills despatched 23.745 million tons cement domestically during the first eight months of current fiscal year showing an increase of 13.15% than cement despatches of 20.985 million tons during July-24 to Feb-25. Exports from North dropped by 27.07% percent to 803,306 tons during July 25-Feb-26 compared with 1.101 million tons exported during the same period last year. Total despatches by North based Mills increased by 11.15% to 24.548 million tons during first eight months of current financial year from 22.086 million tons during same period of last financial year.
Domestic despatches by South based Mills during July-25 to Feb-26 were 4.758 million tons showing an increase of 6.21% over 4.480 million tons cement despatched during the same period of last fiscal year. Exports from South increased by 13.89% to 5.491 million tons during July-25 to Feb-26 compared with 4.822 million tons exported during the same period last year. Total despatches by South based Mills increased by 10.19% to 10.250 million tons during first eight months of current financial year from 9.302 million tons during same period of last financial year.
A spokesman of All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association emphasized that coming budget should include concessions for the cement industry to increase the off-take and provide the commodity at affordable price to the masses. It will enable the sector to utilize its idle capacity and achieve economies of scale, he added.
PTCL, Ufone hail Pakistan hockey’s world cup berth
Backing the team before the victories, PTCL and Ufone celebrate Pakistan’s return to the FIH Hockey World Cup after eight years
Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) and Ufone congratulate the Pakistan national hockey team on securing qualification for the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 after a thrilling victory over Japan in the semifinals of the qualifiers. The landmark achievement marks Pakistan’s strong return to the prestigious global tournament after eight years and represents a significant step forward in the revival of the country’s national sport.
Over the past one and a half years, PTCL and Ufone have proudly supported Pakistan hockey as the main partners of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). Importantly, PTCL and Ufone extended their support well before major victories came, demonstrating strong belief in the potential of the team and the enduring legacy of Pakistan hockey. This partnership reflects a long-term commitment to revitalizing the sport and strengthening Pakistan’s presence on the international stage.
With the support of PTCL and Ufone, Pakistan hockey has achieved several notable milestones, including winning the Bronze Medal at the Asian Champions Trophy, finishing as Runners Up at the FIH Nations Cup, and now qualifying for the FIH Hockey World Cup. These achievements highlight the team’s determination, resilience, and steady progress in international competition.
The national carrier of Pakistan reaffirms its continued support for both the PHF and the team. Having stood by the them during its rebuilding phase, the organizations remain committed to supporting athletes, promoting the sport nationwide, and contributing to long-term efforts aimed at restoring Pakistan’s historic legacy in global hockey.
PTCL and Ufone extend their best wishes to the national team for continued success as they progress in the tournament and prepare to represent Pakistan at the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026.
Fatima fertilizer celebrates women in agriculture with ‘seeds of change’
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited has launched its “Sarsabz Tabeer: Seeds of Change” DVC, paying tribute to the extraordinary women who are shaping the future of agriculture in Pakistan.
The campaign recognizes the resilience, strength, and unwavering dedication of women working across the agricultural value chain; women whose contributions have long nourished communities and sustained the land despite social and economic challenges. Through powerful storytelling, “Seeds of Change” highlights the often-unseen role of rural women as farmers, entrepreneurs, caregivers, and agents of change driving agricultural progress.
At the heart of this initiative is Fatima Fertilizer’s flagship women empowerment programme, Sarsabz Tabeer, launched in 2022 to integrate rural women’s voices into Pakistan’s agricultural narrative. Built on four foundational pillars—education, financial aid, skill development, and health—the programme equips women with practical tools for financial independence and long-term resilience.
Through structured training sessions conducted by USAID-certified experts, more than 3,500 women across Pakistan have received food processing training to transform surplus farm produce into value-added, marketable products, reducing post-harvest losses and creating new income streams. The programme also provides interest-free loans to rural women entrepreneurs in collaborations with Akhuwat, enabling many to launch small scale businesses that supply products to hotels and restaurants or operate their own small retail outlets.
Additionally, the programme organizes healthcare camps in collaboration with Mukhtar A. Sheikh Hospital and the Punjab Government, offering free medical consultations and medicines to female farmers, their children, and their families. Such initiatives highlight how private-sector participation, when aligned with community needs, can contribute meaningfully to a more inclusive agricultural ecosystem.
Rabel Sadozai, Director Marketing & Sales at Fatima Fertilizer, said, “Women have always been the backbone of Pakistan’s agricultural economy, yet their contributions often remain unrecognized. Through the ‘Seeds of Change’ campaign and our Sarsabz Tabeer initiative, we aim to celebrate their resilience while creating meaningful opportunities that enable rural women to achieve financial independence and play a stronger role in shaping the future of agriculture. Empowering women is not only a social responsibility, but it is essential for sustainable agricultural growth and national prosperity.”
By highlighting real stories of empowerment, the “Seeds of Change” campaign reinforces Fatima Fertilizer’s commitment to inclusive agricultural development and female empowerment. The company continues to set a strong example for corporate Pakistan by fostering a culture that recognizes, values, and amplifies the indispensable role of women in strengthening the country’s agricultural ecosystem.
Women key to Pakistan’s economic growth, says Mian Zahid
In observance of International Women’s Day 2026, 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, has issued a comprehensive framework calling for the accelerated integration of Pakistani women into the nation’s core economic and political sectors. Mian Zahid Hussain emphasized that sustainable macroeconomic stability is inextricably linked to female empowerment, noting that women are not merely participants in Pakistan’s growth, but its primary driving force.
Pakistan possesses a rich, enduring history of formidable female leadership that continues to inspire current generations and shape the national discourse. Mr. Hussain highlighted that the foundation of women’s political and civic participation was laid by the Mother of the Nation, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, whose pioneering vision set the stage for democratic engagement in the country. This profound legacy was elevated on the global stage by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, who shattered glass ceilings as the first female Prime Minister of a democratic Muslim-majority nation. Today, that upward trajectory of leadership continues with figures like Maryam Nawaz Sharif, marking historic milestones in provincial governance. Mian Zahid Hussain stated that these extraordinary figures demonstrate that when Pakistani women are given a platform, they do not just participate in governance—they fundamentally redefine it.
While political representation continues to grow, the rural economy remains the most significant and vital employer of Pakistani women. 68% of Pakistan’s female labor force is employed in agriculture, managing the vast majority of post-harvest activities, livestock care, and crop cultivation. Despite dedicating upwards of 50 hours a week to rigorous farming activities, their immense economic contributions often go unrecognized. Most female agricultural workers operate without formal land ownership, equitable wages, or adequate financial credit. Mr. Hussain urged policymakers to formalize women’s agricultural labor, noting that closing the gender gap in farming resources and providing equal access to agricultural tools could boost crop yields by up to 30 percent, thereby securing national food security and elevating rural livelihoods across the country. Furthermore, transitioning women from informal agricultural labor into formal enterprise is critical, currently, women own fewer than 10 percent of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. Moreover, the female financial inclusion remains low, with less than 20 percent holding formal bank accounts. Thus, enhancing access to SME financing is essential for moving female-led micro-businesses into the export pipeline.
Transitioning to the modern digital economy, the IT and IT-enabled services (ITeS) sectors offer a unique, vital solution to traditional socio-cultural barriers. Drawing upon his insights as the Former Provincial Minister of Sindh for Information Technology, Mr. Hussain highlighted the transformative power of the digital sector, where women currently represent roughly 14 percent of Pakistan’s IT workforce. He pointed out that remote work, freelancing, and digital entrepreneurship allow women to bypass mobility constraints and participate directly in the global economy. Expanding digital literacy, investing in STEM education for girls, and fostering women-led tech startups are critical, immediate steps toward making Pakistan a dominant regional player in software and digital exports. Pakistan is already ranked among the top freelance markets globally, and empowering female digital entrepreneurs can exponentially increase our IT export remittances.
Mian Zahid Hussain concluded by calling for actionable, systemic change. “Whether tending to our foundational crops or engineering software for the global market, women are indispensable to our national survival and prosperity,” he remarked. “True economic sovereignty will only be achieved when we dismantle the barriers holding them back and fully recognize their role as equal architects of Pakistan’s future.”