Author: yasir

The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has signed two separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to introduce advanced robotic surgery systems, advancing access to state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical care for patients across Pakistan. One agreement, signed with MicroPort, will bring the globally utilised Toumai Surgical Robotic System to AKUH’s Department of Surgery. Designed to assist surgeons in performing a wide range of minimally invasive procedures, spanning urology, general surgery, gynaecology, paediatrics, and thoracic surgery, the Toumai system offers enhanced precision and improved recovery outcomes for patients. It also features cutting-edge 5G remote surgery capabilities. [SA1] “When we talk about the future…

Select Technologies Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Link Communication Limited plans to raise PKR 2.489 billion at the floor price through its Initial Public Offering (IPO), marking an important step in the Company’s growth strategy to expand local manufacturing of smart devices and consumer appliances in Pakistan. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited (PSX) have approved the issuance, circulation and publication of the Prospectus for the IPO of 88,888,889 ordinary shares, representing 10% of the post-IPO paid-up capital of the Company. The issue will be offered through the book building method.…

Chery has officially announced world-renowned football icon Robert Lewandowski as its Chery Brand Global Ambassador, reinforcing the global expression of the brand’s “For Family” philosophy and marking an important milestone in Chery’s international brand journey. The announcement was made at Chery’s European Operations Centre in Barcelona, where Lewandowski formally joined the Chery family. The ceremony was attended by Zhu Shaodong, Executive Vice President of Chery International and CEO of the EU Region. During the event, both parties signed the partnership agreement, exchanged commemorative gifts, and held a key handover ceremony for the Tiggo 9 CSH, officially marking the beginning of…

Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) and Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) Pakistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a coordinated framework for promoting safe, legal, and informed international migration among beneficiaries of PSDF – Parwaaz Card, Chief Minister Punjab’s initiative under Maryam Nawaz Hunarmand Naujawan. According to the MoU, the MRC will deliver pre-departure counselling sessions, awareness workshops, and individual guidance on migration rights, documentation requirements, visa processes, and the risks of irregular migration. The PSDF will identify and mobilize trained candidates for international employment opportunities while facilitating access to pre-departure training and certifications where required. The collaboration…

Pak International Business Forum (PIBF) has warmly welcomed the emerging peace agreement between Iran and the United States and praised the constructive role played by Pakistan and other facilitators in bringing the two sides to the negotiating table. The agreement is expected to reduce regional tensions, reopen vital trade routes, and pave the way for the gradual easing of sanctions on Iran, creating significant economic opportunities for neighboring countries, including Pakistan. In a joint statement, PIBF President Dr. Mushtaq Mangat and Secretary General Ejaz Tanveer said that the diplomatic breakthrough demonstrates the importance of dialogue in resolving international disputes and…

CBD Potohar redefines development by integrating smart infrastructure, future-focused industries, vibrant communities and sustainable urban growth creating a destination designed for what’s next. The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has officially announced the launch of CBD Potohar, a landmark initiative marking a new chapter in Punjab’s journey toward future-ready and investment-driven urban development. Strategically located on the rich land of Potohar, CBD Potohar is envisioned as a new economic and lifestyle hub where people can live, work, grow, and play in a modern, connected, and sustainable environment designed for…

IBA hosted a delegation of senior academics from Bangladesh today as part of an academic engagement hosted at the Main Campus. The visiting delegation comprised Deans, Vice Chancellors, Heads of Departments, Directors, Faculty Members, and senior representatives from leading Bangladeshi higher education institutions, including the University of Rajshahi, University of Dhaka, Chittagong University, Shahjalal University of Science & Technology, Jahangirnagar University, North South University, BRAC University, Asian University of Bangladesh, and Southeast University. The session commenced with a welcome note by Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director, IBA Karachi, followed by the introduction of the delegation. The visit provided an…

Lucky Investments Limited (Lucky Investments), one of Pakistan’s fastest-growing Islamic Asset Management Companies, and DIB Pakistan a subsidiary of Dubai Islamic Bank UAE, have entered into a strategic collaboration to broaden access to Shariah-compliant investment solutions across Pakistan. As per the signed MOU in place, DIB Pakistan will distribute Lucky Investments’ Islamic mutual funds and pension funds through its nationwide branch network, enabling customers to conveniently access professionally managed Shariah-compliant investment products through one of Pakistan’s leading Islamic banking franchises. This initiative will enhance investment solutions across DIB Pakistan’s customer touchpoints – further strengthening ’ commitment to promoting Islamic savings,…

Kabeer Naqvi Entrepreneur in Residence, Abhi Some stories are about growth. Others are about survival. But once in a generation, a story emerges about resurrection. When TPL and Abhi came together to enter the banking space, we were not searching for an easy acquisition. We were stepping into one of the most difficult institutional recovery challenges in Pakistan’s financial sector. FINCA International, the outgoing shareholder, had built an institution that had served thousands with commitment over the years, but the devastating aftermath of COVID created losses that could no longer be sustained. Yet even in transition, there was one principle…

• 82% of consumers in Pakistan have used AI to assist with shopping, while 93% feel AI-powered tools make online shopping faster and easier. • 87% believe AI will play a critical role in protecting consumers from fraud in the future, but only 42% today trust AI agents to complete checkout. • 82% have purchased directly through social commerce, while 44% of consumers who experienced scams report it happened on social media. • 77% are concerned children struggle to recognize scams, and 33% have seen a child fall victim while gaming or shopping online. Visa, a world leader in digital…