Author: yasir

JS Bank has received the ESG Award for its Community Health Outreach Programme at the ESG Business Awards, recognising its efforts to make quality healthcare accessible to underserved communities across Pakistan. The Community Health Outreach Programme focuses on three areas: primary and maternal healthcare in remote regions, specialised free treatment for chronic and reproductive health conditions, and grassroots health awareness. Its flagship initiative, Jahangir Siddiqui Hospital in Sehwan, is delivered in collaboration with the Indus Hospital and Health Network. In 2025, the hospital provided free medicines and medical services to over 34,000 patients, including more than 50 deliveries, and conducted…

The Aga Khan University’s (AKU) Centre for Innovation in Medical Education (CIME), Karachi, hosted SIMPACT 2026, the only health care simulation conference in Pakistan and East Africa, connecting clinicians, educators, leaders, innovators, and students from both regions in real time. This year’s theme, “Simulation Reimagined: AI & Beyond,” explored how artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, analytics, and next-generation learning systems are reshaping health training and, ultimately, patient safety. The conference included pre-conference workshops, more than 80 research presentations, keynote talks and exhibits of home-grown innovations as well as the latest industry exhibits in healthcare simulation technology. A central highlight of the…

The inauguration of the September SNIDs (Sub-National Immunization Days) for polio vaccination, took place today at the Rotary Club of Karachi Community Centre in Gulistan-e-Jauhar. The National Chair PolioPlus Committee Aziz Memon who is also a Past Trustee of The Rotary Foundation, together with EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) Focal Person, Dr. Ahmad Ali Shaikh, Shahzad Sabir, District Governor, Rotary District 3271, DGE Fahad Sikandar inaugurated the September SNIDs. Also attending the event was Humayun Qureshi, President Rotary Club of Karachi and several Rotarians. The upcoming SNIDs scheduled from Sept 21 to 27, 2026 will target 31 million children…

The Pakistan International Auto Show (PAPS) 2026 concluded at the Lahore International Expo Centre after attracting more than 300,000 visitors over three days, bringing together leading automobile manufacturers, auto-parts producers, dealers, industry experts, government representatives and automobile enthusiasts. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the three-day exhibition, which featured leading automobile manufacturers and auto-parts companies. Several manufacturers established dedicated stalls, with some using PAPS 2026 to introduce new models, while others showcased vehicles launched shortly before the event. Among the major attractions were new models unveiled by BYD, Chery, JAC and Suzuki, which received considerable attention from visitors and…

The Pak International Business Forum (PIBF) has rejected the proposed “smart lockdown” measures being considered by the government to conserve fuel and ease economic hardships, saying restrictions on business activity cannot provide a sustainable solution to the country’s economic challenges.PIBF Central President Dr Mushtaq Mangat and Secretary General Muhammad Ejaz Tanveer said the primary demand of the business community is an immediate and substantial reduction in the prices of petrol, diesel and electricity, as economic activity cannot be revived without lowering the cost of energy and transportation.They said high fuel and electricity prices had significantly increased the cost of production,…

ETS, a global education and talent solutions organisation and the creator of the TOEFL iBT test, hosted a TOEFL Experience Day at LAHORE on September 17, 2026. Marking ETS’s first official in-person TOEFL Experience Day in Pakistan, the programme brought together 140 participants, including English-language trainers, TOEFL preparation professionals, counsellors, educators and channel partners. Led by ETS experts and senior leaders from its South Asia team, the structured training introduced participants to the four strategic pillars of TOEFL: Fair, Agile, Smart and Tailored (FAST). The programme also provided focused guidance on the four skills assessed by the TOEFL iBT test: Reading, Writing, Speaking…

Mashreq, one of the leading financial institutions in the MENA region, has become Pakistan’s first newly launched digital bank to offer the full suite of Raast services, including Raast Person-to-Merchant (P2M) payments, enabling seamless digital transactions for both individual customers and merchants. Launched in August 2026, the new capability enables merchants to receive instant payments through Raast QR codes, while customers can conveniently scan and pay merchants through Mashreq’s digital banking channels. As part of the wider Raast ecosystem, the service also enables customers of any Raast-enabled bank to make payments to Raast-enabled merchants, supporting greater interoperability and convenience across…

Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited (AGTL) unveiled two new additions to its New Holland tractor portfolio, the NH 750, a 75 HP tractor, and the NH 85-56, an 85 HP 4WD tractor, at the Pakistan Auto Show. The new models reflect AGTL’s focus on expanding mechanization solutions for Pakistan’s evolving agricultural, commercial and construction needs, offering farmers and businesses greater versatility beyond conventional farm operations. Speaking on the occasion, Yasin Seker, Chief Executive Officer, Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited, said, “Farm mechanization is critical to improving productivity, efficiency and the timely execution of operations across Pakistan. Today, tractors are required not only for farming…

Pakistan’s rapidly expanding solar energy sector, investment opportunities in solar photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), evolving net-metering policies and the challenges facing the renewable energy industry will come under discussion at the 3rd International SolarPower Conclave & Solar Technology Excellence Awards 2026, scheduled to be held on September 24, 2026, in Lahore. Organised by Energy Update, the conclave will bring together policymakers, government representatives, energy experts, solar industry leaders, technology providers, investors, consultants and other stakeholders to discuss the changing dynamics of Pakistan’s energy sector and the growing role of solar power and energy storage in the…

Aspiring Futures hosted its 4th Annual Gala in Houston, bringing together community members, donors, and sponsors who expressed strong support for the organization’s educational mission. Prominent Pakistani celebrities Sanam Saeed, Mohib Mirza, and renowned singer Shiraz Uppal attended as special guests.Addressing the audience, Uzma Qureshi, Founder and President of Aspiring Futures, highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at providing quality education, mentorship, and a better future for deserving students in Pakistan. She emphasized the organization’s core focus on identifying talented yet underprivileged children and securing their educational prospects.Other key speakers included board member Abyar Ejaz, Judge Daniel Wong, Umair Tariq, Uzair Hassan,…