Author: yasir
Under the special directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a high-profile workshop titled “Google AI for Public Sector: Strategic Governance & Enterprise Impact” was held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. The session, conducted by Tech Valley Pakistan, brought together international experts to equip the Provincial Cabinet and the CM Office with advanced AI tools for enhanced public service delivery. During the technical sessions, the ministers observed how AI can be leveraged to analyze various policy and impact reports instantly. Participants engaged in live simulations where Google Gemini was used to convert complex governmental reports into concise cabinet summaries, localized…
In a move aimed at widening access to small-ticket digital financing in Pakistan, ABHI Microfinance Bank has entered into a strategic partnership with Zanda Financial Services (Pvt.) Ltd., a technology-enabled non-banking finance company, to deliver digital lending solutions through integrated digital platforms. The collaboration combines ABHI Microfinance Bank’s regulated banking infrastructure with Zanda’s digital customer interface, creating a model that allows eligible users to apply for and access loans through a seamless mobile experience. Loan disbursement, wallet operations, and repayment channels will be supported through ABHI’s banking systems, ensuring the process operates within a secure and compliant financial framework. Industry…
TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and the world’s No. 1 Mini LED and ultra-large TV brand, proudly announces Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka as its Brand Ambassador. It marks a significant milestone in strengthening the brand’s global partnership with Arsenal Football Club, where TCL serves as the Official Global Consumer Electronics Partner. TCL has recently teamed up with Arsenal and Bukayo Saka with the launch of ‘Inspire Greatness, together’, a new campaign that celebrates how football brings people together through moments on and off the pitch. It reflects the belief that greatness is not defined only by the game itself,…
The general public will be able to subscribe to the initial public offering (IPO) of Pak Qatar General Takaful Limited (PQGTL) starting January 28th, following a strong response from institutional investors during the book-building phase. A total of 7.5 million shares, representing 25 percent of the total IPO size, will be available to retail investors at a strike price of Rs14 per share. The subscription window for the general public will remain open for 24 hours on January 28 and 29. The IPO’s book-building phase, which concluded last week, was oversubscribed 21 times, signalling strong demand from institutional investors and…
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.…
Daraz Pakistan, under its Daraz Cares arm, has announced a dedicated support initiative for sellers impacted by the recent fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi, aimed at helping affected businesses regain stability and continue serving customers across Pakistan. Through this initiative, Daraz Pakistan will launch a dedicated segment and page on its platform (app and desktop) for sellers impacted by the incident, helping customers discover and support their businesses as they rebuild. Daraz Pakistan will also facilitate onboarding for impacted sellers and provide targeted training to enable them to restart operations online with ease. To help address immediate operational challenges,…
Spotify has announced rising dance-pop artist Neha Karim Ullah as the EQUAL Pakistan Ambassador for the first quarter of 2026, celebrating her as a fresh and compelling voice in Pakistan’s evolving music scene. On January 22, Neha was featured on Spotify’s Times Square billboard in New York City and has been showcased across multiple curated playlists on the platform, marking a significant milestone in her artistic journey. Known for blending infectious electronic beats with emotionally driven storytelling, Neha’s music resonates with a new generation of listeners seeking both movement and meaning. Her featured track, “Aao Toh Zara,” has struck a…
As a joint initiative of the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Pakistan’s banking sector concluded its first-ever Industry-wide Cyber Drill, a week-long exercise held from 12 to 19 January 2026 in Karachi and Lahore, with a closing ceremony in Karachi. Governor SBP, Mr Jameel Ahmad, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest, and Chairman PBA, Mr Zafar Masud, who served as Host on behalf of the industry, attended the closing ceremony. Their participation, together with senior leadership from the banking industry, SBP, and partner organisations, underscored the collective commitment to strengthening the financial sector.…
Smartphones have become more than just tools, they are our companions on every journey, capturing moments, connecting us to the world, and helping us create. One of the most awaited smartphone of 2026, the OPPO Reno15 Series is almost here and is set to mark a new era of Reno, redefining how we see, feel, and capture the world around us. Aurora Design: Where Art Meets Innovation The journey begins with design. The Reno15 Series introduces an Aurora-inspired trendy exterior design delivering a unique visual experience that feels alive in the hand. Inspired by nature’s most mesmerising phenomenon, the Reno15 Series…
Khushhali Microfinance Bank (KMBL) was among one of the few stalls at the SME Made in Pakistan Cluster Expo 2026 that stood out with its exhibit on small business solutions. Organized by the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority of Pakistan (SMEDA), the Made in Pakistan Cluster Showcase Expo 2026 brought together the country’s most appreciated platforms working in and with the SME sector. With a proven history and a vastly successful portfolio of SME clients, Khushhali Microfinance Bank garnered widespread recognition for its Khushhali Karobari Loans, a loan program with several categories catering to the bank’s diverse clientele and…