Author: yasir

The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) concluded a mission to Karachi, reaffirming b with Pakistan as a strategic Asian palm oil market and underscoring Asia’s growing influence on global demand, market stability, and food security. The delegation met government, industry, and diplomatic stakeholders to discuss market dynamics, supply-chain resilience, and global edible oil trends, highlighting Pakistan’s role as a leading importer shaping regional trade flows. A key highlight was CPOPC Secretary General Madam Izzana Salleh’s address at the 8th Pakistan Edible Oils Conference (PEOC 2026). She emphasized that Pakistan—consuming about 4.3% of global palm oil and importing ~3.3…

WhatsApp allows its users to have a private conversation, just like one would in-person. It will always defend the right to privacy for its users, starting with default end-to-end encryption. But the organization knows that a few of the users – like journalists or public-facing figures – may need extreme safeguards against rare and highly-sophisticated cyber-attacks. That’s why a new, lockdown-style feature called Strict Account Settings has been introduced. If this feature is on, certain account settings will lock to the most restrictive settings, and it will limit how WhatsApp works in some ways, like blocking attachments and media from…

Renowned digital creator Syed Muhammad Talha has now shifted his full focus toward filmmaking and has already completed the storyboard for his upcoming project. According to details, digital media and artificial intelligence (AI) technology have introduced a new way of thinking in the fields of filmmaking and entertainment. In this evolving landscape, young director Syed Muhammad Talha is not only producing AI-based, message-driven films but is also making significant contributions in the areas of digital business and digital marketing. While speaking to the media, he said that from the very beginning, his aim has been to deliver a positive message…

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…