Author: yasir

The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) celebrated the achievements of its graduating Class of 2026 through four Convocation ceremonies held over two days. Graduates crossed the stage to receive their degrees, marking the completion of years of academic endeavour, personal growth, and perseverance. More than 1,500 graduates from LUMS’ five schools, spanning business, humanities and social sciences, law, science and engineering, and education, were awarded degrees in the presence of their families, friends, faculty members, and the University’s senior leadership. Those in attendance included Pro-Chancellor Abdul Razak Dawood, Rector Shahid Hussain, Vice Chancellor Dr. Ali Cheema, members of the…

With young people facing growing challenges ranging from unemployment and climate vulnerability to limited opportunities to participate in public decision-making, a new EUR 1.2 million initiative co-funded by the European Union aims to equip the next generation with the skills, opportunities and leadership needed to drive inclusive economic growth and sustainable development across Pakistan. Launched in Lahore and Karachi, the project MANZIL (Youth Leadership Transforming Communities for Inclusive Economic Growth, Climate Action and Good Governance) will directly support approximately 4,000 vulnerable young women and men and strengthen 40 youth-led organizations across Rawalpindi, Lahore, Mirpurkhas and Sanghar. The initiative is designed…

On June 30th the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP) orders for 20 ZYN nicotine pouch products following extensive scientific review, allowing Philip Morris International U.S.(PMI U.S) to market these products in the United States of America (USA) with a specific modified risk claim. A U.S FDA’s MRTP order authorizes the marketing of specific tobacco or nicotine products in the United States with FDA-authorized modified-risk and/or modified exposure, claims, subject to the terms of the order and applicable post market surveillance and reporting requirements. Such authorization, for the 20 ZYN nicotine pouches, is limited…

Euromoney, a leading global benchmark for excellence in financial services, has recognized BankIslami as Pakistan’s Best Islamic Digital Bank. The recognition highlights BankIslami’s continued focus on innovation, technology-led growth, and expanding access to Shariah-compliant banking across the country. This accolade marks the second consecutive year that the Bank has received recognition from Euromoney, having previously been named Best Islamic Bank in Pakistan. The achievement reflects the Bank’s steady progress in strengthening its platforms, improving customer experience and expanding access to Shariah-compliant financial services nationwide. In early 2025, the Bank successfully upgraded its core banking infrastructure to iMAL R-14, migrating to…

Bank Alfalah, a leading commercial Bank, has successfully raised PKR 20 billion through the issuance of a AAA-rated Tier 2 Term Finance Certificate (TFC), marking the largest TFC issuance in Pakistan’s banking industry and the Bank’s first AAA-rated TFC. The successful issuance follows approval from the State Bank of Pakistan and received strong participation from institutional investors, reflecting the market’s confidence in Bank Alfalah’s financial strength, sound governance and long-term growth strategy. Issued under the Basel III regulatory framework, this Tier 2 Issue is a key element of the Bank’s growth strategy and will further complement our Growth Capital allowing…

Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank and one of the country’s largest banks, has established the IU Centre for Excellence in Islamic FinTech (IU CEIF) at Iqra University in strategic collaboration with the University. The Centre was inaugurated at a ceremony held at the University Auditorium, EDC Defence Campus, Karachi. The inauguration ceremony was graced by Mr. Saleem Ullah, Deputy Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, as the Chief Guest. Addressing the ceremony, Chief Guest Mr. Saleem Ullah commended the collaboration between Iqra University and Meezan Bank and reaffirmed the State Bank of Pakistan’s support for initiatives that strengthen Islamic finance,…

Pakistan is rapidly embracing renewable energy as rising electricity costs and growing demand drive the need for reliable, efficient, and sustainable power solutions. At the forefront of this transition is LIVOLTEK, a global renewable energy brand of Hexing Group, delivering complete smart energy ecosystems that empower households, businesses, and industries while supporting Pakistan’s vision for a greener future. LIVOLTEK offers one of the industry’s most comprehensive product portfolios, designed to serve applications ranging from residential homes to large-scale industrial facilities. Its solutions include Hybrid Inverters from 1.5kW to 60kW, IP66 Outdoor Hybrid Inverters from 6kW to 12kW, On-Grid Inverters from…

BYD celebrated the production of its 17 millionth new energy vehicle (NEV) at its Xi’an plant, with the all-new large flagship family sedan, the Seal 08, marking the milestone vehicle. With this achievement, BYD officially becomes the world’s first automaker to reach 17 million NEV units produced, setting a new acceleration benchmark for the global NEV industry and reaching new heights in the new energy sector. As competition in the global NEV market intensifies and industry consolidation accelerates, BYD has maintained its leading position, underpinned by deep technological expertise, a comprehensive product portfolio, and a mature global footprint. In the…

Federal and provincial health leaders joined global experts in Karachi this week to press for a shift toward evidence-informed and technology-driven health policymaking in Pakistan, with policymakers, researchers, development partners, academia and global health experts calling for artificial intelligence and stronger delivery systems to improve care. The call came at a two-day symposium organised and hosted by the Aga Khan University (AKU), in collaboration with Exemplars in Global Health and Results for Development (R4D), which examined how policy lessons from countries including Kenya, Malawi, Bolivia and Senegal could be adapted to Pakistan. The cross-country evidence highlighted that progress is achieved…

The Dutch Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E Robert-Jan Seigert visited FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Limited (FCEPL) Head Office and met with the company’s leadership team to discuss the organization’s progress, the broader outlook of Pakistan’s dairy sector, and opportunities for future growth and investments in the dairy sector. During the meeting, the FCEPL leadership provided an overview of the company’s performance, ongoing initiatives, and future potential for business growth. The discussion explored the evolving landscape of Pakistan’s dairy sector, including its capacity for expansion and modernization. While exchanging views on the role of local talent in supporting industry development, the importance of…