Author: yasir

IBA hosted a Seminar on the Federal Budget 2026–27, bringing together leading economists, policymakers, and public finance experts to discuss the budget’s implications for Pakistan’s economy, fiscal reforms, taxation, trade, and investment. The session commenced with a welcome note by Dr. Lubna Naz, Director, Center for Business & Economic Research (CBER) at IBA, who emphasized the importance of sustained policy dialogue and collaboration between academia and policymakers. Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director, IBA Karachi, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the institution’s role in fostering informed discussions on critical national economic issues and encouraging greater student engagement in public policy…

Running out of smartphone storage has become a common frustration, often forcing users to delete cherished photos, videos, or important files just to make room for new ones. Recognising this growing challenge, TECNO is helping users leave storage worries behind through its partnership with Google AI Plus, offering eligible smartphone users three months of Google AI Plus at no additional cost, including 2TB of cloud storage and a suite of intelligent AI-powered experiences. The offer also enables users to save up to PKR 2,000 per month for three months, making premium AI services more accessible than ever. The experience is…

Rotary International District 3271 formally commenced its 2026–27 Rotary year on Saturday with the installation of **Shahzad Sabir** as District Governor during a ceremony held at the Marquee, PC Hotel Karachi. The event brought together more than a thousand Rotarians, diplomats, business leaders, development professionals and community representatives from across Pakistan and overseas. A major focus of the ceremony was the unveiling of Rotary District 3271’s flagship service initiatives for 2026–27. These included the **Million Trees Project** to promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience, the **District Medical Outreach Programme** to expand healthcare services, intensified **Polio Immunization** campaigns in support of…

Lucky Investments Limited (“Lucky Investments”) today announced the recent launch of the Lucky Islamic Dividend Yield Fund (LIDYF), an open-end Shariah-compliant equity fund designed to provide investors with competitive Halal returns through investments in dividend-yielding Shariah-compliant listed equities, while offering the potential for long-term capital appreciation. The Fund has been designed to meet the growing demand for Shariah-compliant equity investments that generate sustainable dividend income under the guidance of professional portfolio managers and using prudent risk oversight. It primarily invests in high dividend-paying Shariah-compliant listed companies, aiming to deliver consistent income alongside long-term wealth creation. The launch further strengthens Lucky…

Pakistan FMCG Importers Association (PFIA), has expressed serious concerns over the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) new directives requiring the retail price, sales tax, and total price of imported goods covered under the Third Schedule to be permanently printed on product packaging, stating that compliance with the requirement is practically impossible for imported products. The Association claimed under Sales Tax General Order (STGO) No. 8 of 2026, issued by the FBR, importers have been directed to ensure that all imported products falling under the Third Schedule carry the retail price, sales tax, and total price in a clear, prominent, permanent,…

In the changing social and political landscape of Punjab, a new generation of young figures is beginning to redefine how leadership, public service, and influence are understood. Among these emerging personalities is Ali Chaudhary, a youth figure from Pakpattan, whose growing visibility spans community engagement, political involvement, and digital media platforms. His journey reflects the evolving nature of leadership in Pakistan, where traditional public roles increasingly intersect with modern digital expression. Early Public Exposure and Political Association Ali Chaudhary has been associated with public service through his role as a Personal Assistant to former Prime Minister Imran Khan. This position…

TECNO, the AI-driven technology brand, today announced that customers in Pakistan can now enjoy three months of Google AI Plus at no additional cost with the purchase of eligible TECNO smartphones. The offer provides access to Google’s advanced AI capabilities and 2TB of cloud storage, empowering users to work smarter, create effortlessly and manage their digital lives with greater confidence. As demand for AI-powered mobile experiences continues to grow in Pakistan, TECNO is making premium AI more accessible through its collaboration with Google. Eligible users can experience powerful AI tools and cloud services without paying for a subscription during the…

New platform brings together cyber and payments intelligence to help institutions detect threats earlier and reduce downstream fraud risk. Visa (NYSE: V) today announced the launch of the Visa Threat Intelligence Platform (VTIP), a new solution that helps financial institutions detect and respond to cyber threats that can lead to fraud and financial loss, leveraging the same cybersecurity capabilities Visa uses to protect its own global network. Fraud is widely recognized as a downstream outcome of earlier cyber incidents, often beginning with data compromise, credential theft, or system exploitation well before a transaction is initiated. Cyberattacks that expose payment credentials…

ABHI Microfinance Bank is proud to announce that it has received the Phoenix Award at Mobile Commerce 2026, one of Pakistan’s leading platforms for digital commerce, payments, and financial technology. The award recognizes ABHI Microfinance Bank’s transformation into a stronger, more resilient, and future-ready financial institution. It marks an important milestone in the Bank’s journey and reflects its continued focus on strengthening the business, expanding digital capabilities, and building a more inclusive financial ecosystem for individuals, entrepreneurs, SMEs, and communities across Pakistan. The award was received by Sultan Zaidi, Chief Marketing Officer, ABHI Microfinance Bank, on behalf of the Bank.…

inDrive, the global mobility and urban services platform, has announced an initiative to deliver high-impact STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, coding, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) training to school-age children and youth across Pakistan. The student intake for the upcoming program is strategically designed to uplift the gig economy ecosystem, with 80% of the seats reserved exclusively for drivers’ children, and the remaining 20% dedicated to children from marginalised local communities, split across three distinct age groups. The program model arrives in Pakistan following a highly successful pilot framework in Egypt. In an innovative twist that connects everyday commuting…