Social transformation in Thar Wins National Recognition
Thar Foundation, the community investment arm of Thar Block II entities, has received three awards at the 15th Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Summit & Awards 2026, in the categories of Community Impact, Social Impact and Women Empowerment.
Addressing the gathering, Farhan Ansari, General Manager of Thar Foundation, attributed the recognition to the Foundation’s inclusive business model based on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He said that since inception, Thar Foundation and Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) have strived to ensure that the benefits of the Thar project directly uplift local communities through impactful projects in education and vocational training, health, clean water, women empowerment and biodiversity conservation.
Thar Foundation has established 33 school units, providing quality education and digital literacy to over 4500 students with around 40% girls enrolment. The schools achieved a 100% success rate in last year’s Federal Board matriculation exams. Further, more than 2000 youth have received vocational training in industry relevant skills of welding, solarization, IT, stitching and dressmaking. The Government Polytechnic Institute (GPI) in Mithi currently enrols over 300 students, including 13 women for the first time, in mining, electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering diploma programs. Additionally, around 100 students have been provided opportunity to complete specialized training in China in Operations & Maintenance (O&M) of power plants.
Thar Foundation’s seven medical facilities have provided free critical healthcare services to over 450,000 community members, including consultancy, ultrasound, lab services, maternal and child health, and medicines. To address severe maternal and child health challenges, the Islamkot facility is being expanded into a 50-bed hospital.
Access to clean drinking water has been extended through 33 Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants, delivering over 12 million litres of clean drinking water to around 34,000 community members monthly. Fifteen of these plants are operated by local women.
The Village Electrification Project (VEP) has brought uninterrupted solar power to more than 3,750 households, completing 100% solarization of Block II. The project also includes 235 solar streetlights and around 500 pit latrines, improving daily life across the region.
Thar Foundation’s flagship Women Dumper Truck Driver program has trained and employed 64 women, breaking traditional barriers and enabling economic independence. Additionally, 320 women have been trained as lady health workers and midwives, 274 serve as teachers and principals in local schools, and approximately 110 grants have supported women-led small businesses and low-income families.
GSP Plus: A Lifeline for Pakistan’s Economy
Mian Zahid Hussain urges urgent reforms to retain duty-free access
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 termed the European Union’s GSP Plus status as a critical lifeline for Pakistan’s export sector, asserting that the nation’s economic stability is intrinsically linked to this preferential trade regime. In a statement issued today, he emphasized that the GSP Plus status, which allows duty-free access on 66 percent of EU tariff lines, has been the primary driver of Pakistan’s export growth over the last decade. He noted that since the inception of the scheme in 2014, Pakistan’s exports to the EU have surged by an impressive 108 percent, reaching 9 billion dollars in the fiscal year 2024–25.
Mian Zahid Hussain pointed out that the EU is now Pakistan’s most important export destination, accounting for approximately 29 percent of total exports. He shared that in 2024 alone, total trade between the EU and Pakistan reached 12 billion dollars, with 88 percent of Pakistan’s exports to the region utilizing GSP Plus preferences. The textile and apparel sector remains the largest beneficiary, accounting for nearly 75.8 percent of these preferential imports. He highlighted that this status not only saves Pakistani exporters hundreds of millions of euros in annual tariffs but also secures the livelihoods of several million workers, including a significant number of women.
The veteran business leader warned of the dire implications should this status be withdrawn or suspended. He cautioned that losing GSP Plus would immediately make Pakistani products uncompetitive against regional rivals, potentially leading to a sharp decline in export volumes and a loss of market share that could take decades to recover. He noted that such a setback would exacerbate the current account deficit, trigger massive unemployment in the industrial hubs of Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad, and deter much-needed foreign direct investment. He referred to recent EU monitoring reports which, while acknowledging progress, have flagged 13 priority areas of concern including labor rights, freedom of expression, and the implementation of environmental conventions.
Regarding the way forward, Mian Zahid Hussain urged the government and the private sector to work in unison to ensure full compliance with the 27 international conventions tied to the GSP Plus framework. He welcomed the EU’s decision to extend the current scheme until 2027 but stressed that the upcoming 2026 monitoring report will be a decisive turning point. He called for the effective implementation of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, further legislative reforms to eliminate child and bonded labor, and a visible commitment to climate change goals under the Paris Agreement. He concluded by stating that Pakistan must transition from a strategy of “compliance for trade” to a “culture of rights and sustainability” to secure its economic future in the global market.
Tetra Pak® Factory OS™ wins MIMA 2026 Scale! Award for enabling cost-efficient growth in food and beverage manufacturing
Tetra Pak has won the Microsoft Intelligent Manufacturing Award (MIMA) 2026 in the Scale! category for its next-generation automation and digital portfolio, Tetra Pak® Factory OS™. The Scale! award recognises intelligent industrial solutions leading the way in the breadth of value chains, clients or internal processes they impact, across different levels of maturity.
The judges recognised Tetra Pak® Factory OS™ for its ability to help food and beverage producers expand output, introduce new products more quickly and reduce production costs in an increasingly challenging geopolitical and economic environment. As rising food prices and input costs place pressure on food producers, the platform enables food and beverage producers to improve efficiency and strengthen operational resilience while safeguarding product quality.
Awais Bin Nasim, Managing Director of Tetra Pak Pakistan said, “Pakistan’s food and beverage industry holds significant growth potential, but challenges such as energy inefficiencies, supply disruptions, and fragmented data continue to constrain progress. As producers face growing pressure to do more with fewer resources, this award recognises the real-world impact of advanced automation in making factory data truly usable at scale. With Tetra Pak® Factory OS™, manufacturers can turn complexity into clarity—enabling real-time, data-driven decisions that boost efficiency, reduce waste, and build a strong foundation for AI-driven manufacturing.”
Deployable across sites with varying levels of digital maturity, Tetra Pak® Factory OS™ strengthens operational performance, accelerates digital transformation at scale and opens new growth opportunities by bringing coherence, repeatability and intelligence to end-to-end factory operations. Built with security-by-design and layered defences to protect operations and data amid today’s heightened geopolitical cyber risk, it provides an AI-ready foundation that turns real-time data into contextualised insights for faster, smarter decisions.
The Microsoft Intelligent Manufacturing Award (MIMA) recognises innovative industrial solutions that drive measurable impact through intelligent manufacturing technologies. Granted by Microsoft and Roland Berger, the award followed a competitive evaluation process. Tetra Pak was shortlisted and presented its solution to an independent jury before being named winner in the Scale! category. Tetra Pak® Factory OS™ will be formally recognised at Hannover Messe on 22 April 2026.
Fatima Fertilizer Joins the Multan Sultans Family
Company Signs as Title Sponsor of Multan Sultans in a Historic Partnership
Fatima Fertilizer Company Limited, Pakistan’s leading fertilizer manufacturers, announced it’s partnership with the Multan Sultans as Title Sponsor for the Pakistan Super League (HBL-PSL). The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at a ceremony held at Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore.
As Title Sponsor, Fatima Fertilizer’s logo will feature prominently on the back of the Multan Sultans jersey, a visible and powerful symbol of the company’s commitment to Pakistan’s most celebrated cricket league. The MoU was signed by Ms. Rabel Sadozai, Director Marketing & Sales at Fatima Fertilizer, and Mr. Gohar Shah, CEO of the Multan Sultans.
This sponsorship marks a meaningful homecoming for Fatima Fertilizer, rooted in the heart of South Punjab—the very region represented by the Multan Sultans. More than branding, it reflects a shared identity and great regional pride. As a longstanding supporter of the agricultural community, Fatima Fertilizer sees this partnership as a natural extension of it’s commitment to the people of the region. It also recognizes cricket as a powerful symbol of unity and passion in Pakistan, embodied strongly by the Multan Sultans.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Rabel Sadozai, Director Marketing & Sales at Fatima Fertilizer, said, “Cricket reflects the spirit of hard work and growth that we value deeply. We are proud to continue our partnership with Multan Sultans as Title Sponsor, marking our eighth year together and reinforcing a relationship built on trust and shared vision. With one of our plants located in Multan, this partnership holds special significance for us and further strengthens our connection with Multan Sultans. This long-standing association reflects strong trust and shared vision. More than sponsorship, it is our commitment to millions of cricket fans across Pakistan, standing with them in every moment of the game.”
Commenting at the signing ceremony, Mr. Gohar Shah, Chief Executive Officer, Multan Sultans, said, “Fatima Fertilizer is woven into the very fabric of the Multan Sultans. They have been with us through thick and thin, and to have them ‘back on the back’ of our kits feels like a true homecoming. You cannot build a sporting dynasty without loyal, visionary partners, and Fatima Fertilizer understands the high-performance, ‘total cricket’ culture we are building here because they operate with that exact same standard of excellence. We are thrilled to continue this journey together.”
The partnership aligns Fatima Fertilizer’s broader vision of supporting platforms that foster unity, passion, and excellence nationwide.
Yango Pakistan Launches Transport Service to Simplify Public Transport Journey
- New ‘Transport’ option in the Yango Superapp helps users plan trips by public transport more easily in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad and Rawalpindi
- The service covers several types of public transport, including regular buses, Metrobus (BRT), and Metro, making trip planning more convenient, especially for daily commutes.
- The service includes up-to-date schedules for more than 60 public transport routes, covering over 1,000 kilometers across the four cities, and expands Yango’s growing ecosystem in Pakistan.
Yango Pakistan, part of a global technology company Yango Group, today announced the launch of its Transport service in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. Integrated into the Yango Superapp, the new service gives users access to public transport routes and schedules in one place, empowering residents and visitors to navigate the cities efficiently. The service already includes up-to-date schedules for more than 60 public transport routes, covering over 1,000 kilometers across the four cities, and expands Yango’s growing ecosystem in Pakistan.
With the new Transport service, users can build routes by public transport directly in the app and compare available options based on travel time, route details, and transfer points. The service covers several types of public transport, including regular buses, Metrobus (BRT), and Metro, making trip planning more convenient, especially for daily commutes. By bringing this information together in a single interface, Yango Superapp helps reduce the need to switch between different sources when planning a trip.
Miral Sharif, Country Manager of Yango Pakistan: “Public transport is an essential part of urban mobility for millions of people in Pakistan, and with the launch of Transport service, we want to make trip planning clearer and more accessible. By integrating route and schedule information into the Yango Superapp, we are giving users a practical tool to move around major urban centers across the country with greater ease and confidence.”
Looking ahead, Yango Pakistan sees further potential to expand Transport in the country through partnerships with local mobility and infrastructure players, as well as public sector organizations. As the service evolves, this may include broader route coverage, closer integration with transport operators and ticketing platforms, and the development of additional features that support more connected and convenient public transport journeys.
The launch of Transport service expands Yango’s growing ecosystem in Pakistan and reflects the company’s broader commitment to developing urban digital services that respond to everyday needs. By bringing together useful mobility tools in one app, Yango Pakistan continues to support more connected and convenient city living.
Standard Chartered Foundation and Village Capital advance Women in Tech Accelerator into eighth cohort
The eighth cohort of this programme in Pakistan will empower female entrepreneurs with skills, funding, and global networks
Standard Chartered, in partnership with Village Capital and InnoVentures Global, announced today the launch of the eighth cohort of the Women in Tech Pakistan Accelerator, marking eight years of empowering women-led, tech-enabled businesses across the country.
Since its launch in Pakistan, the programme has supported more than 1,300 enterprises, with over 150 women founders graduating and more than 50 ventures securing seed funding.
The 2026 cohort will equip founders with investment readiness training, catalytic funding, and access to world-class networks, helping them strengthen their businesses and position for growth. In Pakistan, the accelerator will be delivered by InnoVentures Global, leveraging its proven expertise in entrepreneur support and ecosystem development.
Rehan Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer & Head of Coverage, Pakistan, Standard Chartered, said: “Our eighth cohort underscores our consistent commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs in Pakistan and reflects the steady growth of the ecosystem over time. While access to funding and networks remains a challenge, expanding opportunities for women-led businesses is essential to building a stronger entrepreneurial landscape.”
He added: “Our focus is to equip founders with the tools, capital access, and structured support they need to scale sustainably. By strengthening the pipeline of women-led businesses, we aim to foster innovation, create jobs, and drive meaningful economic impact.”
Nakami Walunywa, Regional Director, Africa and Middle East at Village Capital said: “In 2025, 71 women-led startups in the programme grew their businesses and collectively generated over USD 2 million in additional revenue. This demonstrates that when founders have access to structured, locally embedded support and catalytic funding, they can strengthen their strategies, engage investors confidently, and unlock sustainable impact. In 2026, we’re continuing to create the conditions for even more women-led startups to thrive and positively impact their communities.”
The three-year initiative continues to address key barriers facing women entrepreneurs, particularly in accessing finance, networks, and business development resources. Through the accelerator, 400 women founders across the region are expected to benefit from structured support to help them develop and grow their ventures.
Nida Athar, Founder of InnoVentures Global Private Limited, said: “Our continued work through the Women in Tech Accelerator reflects a long-term commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs across Pakistan. In a time of ongoing uncertainty, these founders are not only demonstrating resilience but are building credible, growth-oriented businesses that contribute meaningfully to the economy. Their journeys are helping shape a pipeline of strong role models for future generations of women in entrepreneurship. As we begin the next cycle, we look forward to continuing this work and supporting a new wave of women entrepreneurs stepping forward to build.”
Applications for the Pakistan cohort are open until 1 May 2026, with selected participants joining the programme between June and October.
The Standard Chartered Women in Tech Accelerator builds on the successful global track record, which has supported over 4,000 women across 17 markets since inception. This year, the program has allocated more than USD 600,000 in grant funding to entrepreneurs across 12 markets, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, South Africa, and Nigeria.
KICT completes biometric registration of more than 15,000 truck drivers
Hutchison Ports KICT has completed the biometric registration of more than 15,000 truck drivers, becoming the first container terminal in Pakistan to introduce a comprehensive digital verification system designed to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and transparency across container handling operations.
The initiative was soft launched on 1 January 2026, and following the successful onboarding of the trucking community, the system will officially go live on 1 April 2026.
The biometric verification platform enables quick and reliable identification of truck drivers entering the terminal, allowing for smoother access management and more efficient coordination of container movements. By integrating technology into gate operations, the system supports faster verification processes, reduces manual checks, and contributes to a more streamlined flow of vehicles within the terminal.
With more than 15,000 drivers registered, the system establishes a verified driver network that supports better operational planning and improved communication with terminal users. The initiative also helps create a structured and professional operating environment for the trucking community that plays a vital role in the port’s logistics ecosystem.
The introduction of the biometric verification system has also contributed to improved safety management within the terminal. As a result, pedestrian movement within operational areas has been reduced by approximately 90%, supporting a safer working environment for drivers, terminal staff, and equipment operators.
The digital platform further enables improved monitoring of driver activity within the terminal, allowing KICT to promote safe driving practices, provide targeted awareness programs, and maintain high safety standards across operations. To encourage participation and recognize the trucking community’s cooperation in adopting the system, KICT has also introduced a reward and recognition program for registered drivers visiting the terminal. More than 12,000 entries have already been received, with three motorbikes to be awarded through a lucky draw.
Navaid Qureshi, Chief Executive Officer of KICT, said: “Technology plays a key role in improving the efficiency, safety, and reliability of modern port operations. The biometric verification system is an important step towards building a more transparent and well-coordinated logistics environment at KICT. By digitizing driver verification, we are enabling faster processes, improving operational visibility, and supporting a safer working environment for the trucking community and terminal staff.”
This initiative reflects KICT’s continued investment in innovation, responsible operations, and sustainable port development, while strengthening collaboration with the trucking community that supports Pakistan’s trade and supply chains.
Mian Zahid Hussain Warns of Severe Competitiveness Emergency in Textile Sector Amidst Soaring Energy Costs
Appreciates Large-Scale Manufacturing Growth and EDF Act but Demands Immediate Intervention on US Tariffs
Calls for Urgent Energy Support Package to Protect the National Export Base from Geopolitical Shocks and Regional Rivals.
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 expressed deep concern over the ongoing competitiveness emergency facing the country’s export-oriented textile sector. While acknowledging the positive trajectory of the domestic manufacturing base and the modernization of financial markets, the former provincial minister warned that the backbone of Pakistan’s economy is under severe threat from exorbitant input costs, shifting regional trade alliances, and mounting geopolitical tensions.
Addressing the business community today, Mian Zahid Hussain noted that the national economy is currently navigating a highly volatile stabilization-to-growth phase. He appreciated the robust performance of the Large-Scale Manufacturing sector, which recorded a remarkable 10.54 percent year-on-year growth in January 2026, largely driven by a 67.3 percent surge in automobile production and an 11.5 percent increase in cement dispatches. He also commended the government for the historic job creation witnessed in February in manufacturing sector and the successful transition of the Pakistan Stock Exchange to a T+1 settlement cycle, even as the KSE-100 index faces a corrective phase down to 148,743 points due to the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz crisis. Furthermore, he welcomed the operationalization of the Export Development Fund (Amendment) Act 2026, transferring control to a private-sector-led board, and the recent relaxation of land-route trade rules with Iran for essential food items and pharmaceuticals.
However, the seasoned business leader strongly cautioned that these domestic victories will be eclipsed if the government does not urgently address the red alert in the textile industry, which accounts for around sixty percent of National exports. He pointed out that textile exports witnessed a sharp 7.22 percent decline in February 2026, plummeting to 1.31 billion dollars and reversing earlier nominal gains. Value-added products, particularly knitwear, have suffered steep declines across traditional markets in the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States. He attributed this collapse directly to a fatal cost trap, identifying exorbitant industrial energy tariffs hovering between 11 and 13 cents per kilowatt-hour, which are nearly double the rates enjoyed by regional competitors like Vietnam and India.
Mian Zahid Hussain highlighted the impending catastrophe posed by the recent trade agreement between EU and India, on Pakistan’s textile exports, projecting a devastating potential export loss of up to 3-4 billion dollars if the government fails to negotiate effectively or offset the burden. Additionally, he appreciated the amendments in EFS through SRO 1435(I)/2025 dated August 5, 2025, which have excluded cotton, yarn, and grey cloth from zero-rating, making local market players competitive.
In his concluding remarks, Mian Zahid Hussain urged federal policymakers to immediately decouple the export sector from domestic energy inefficiencies. He demanded the swift introduction of a comprehensive Energy Support Package to rationalize electricity tariffs at a globally competitive 7 to 8 cents for export-oriented units. He emphasized that without immediate diplomatic and fiscal intervention to counter the global fuel crisis and tariff pressures, Pakistan risks a significant loss of its industrial base and international market share.
Indus Motor Company Celebrates Women’s Entrepreneurship with Third Annual Women’s Day Bazaar
Reinforcing its commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusive community development, Indus Motor Company Limited (IMC) successfully hosted its third annual Women’s Day Bazaar, bringing together a vibrant community of female entrepreneurs, social enterprises, and small businesses.
Now in its third year, the initiative has grown into a meaningful platform dedicated to celebrating diversity, supporting entrepreneurship, and enabling women to achieve greater economic independence. This year’s bazaar featured 38 vendors who set up stalls within IMC’s premises, creating a lively and engaging marketplace that reflected creativity, resilience, and innovation.
As part of its commitment to social responsibility, IMC also invited vendors affected by the Gul Plaza fire incident, offering them an opportunity to rebuild their businesses and reconnect with customers. The event further highlighted social enterprises that support women from interior Sindh, particularly artisans working with traditional crafts such as handmade jewelry and ajrak, helping preserve cultural heritage while promoting sustainable livelihoods.
The company also partnered with organizations including NOWPDP and Karachi Down Syndrome Program. Children and young participants from these organizations showcased their handcrafted items, adding a heartfelt and inspiring element to the event.
The bazaar featured a wide range of products including apparel, fashion accessories, food, arts and crafts, and jewelry, reflecting the passion and talent of the participating entrepreneurs.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ali Asghar Jamali, CEO of Indus Motor Company, said, “At Indus Motor Company, we believe that empowering women is essential for building strong and inclusive communities. The Women’s Day Bazaar is more than an event. It is a platform that enables women to grow, gain confidence, and achieve financial independence. We are proud to support initiatives that create meaningful opportunities and drive positive change.”
Through initiatives like the Women’s Day Bazaar, IMC continues to strengthen its role as a responsible corporate citizen, supporting local businesses, uplifting communities, and promoting gender inclusivity. The event reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to create opportunities and celebrate the strength, creativity, and contributions of women across society.
EFU Life Wins CSR Award 2026
EFU Life Assurance Ltd., a leading Life and Health insurer, Family Takaful operator and Retirement Solutions provider in the private sector of Pakistan, has been honoured with the ‘CSR Award’ in the category of ‘Social Impact’ at the 15th Annual Corporate Social Responsibility Summit & Awards. The event was organized by The Professionals Network and Ethical Business Update (EBU). This is the first and only CSR award in Pakistan registered with the IPO Government of Pakistan.
Ms. Fatima Ahmed, Deputy Manager Sustainability and Social Impact at EFU Life Assurance Ltd., received the award on behalf of the Company. The award was presented by Syed Mustafa Kamal Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination. The award recognizes Company’s efforts towards social development and sustainability initiatives in the country.
EFU Life’s collective impact is anchored in key thematic areas, including health and well-being, education, economic empowerment, community welfare and climate action. Through its sustainability initiatives, the Company has established 19 strategic partnerships across five key impact areas, supporting 14 UN SDGs and reaching over 17,000 plus individuals nationwide. EFU Life has collaborated with numerous renowned non-governmental organizations to contribute to a better and more prosperous Pakistan.