Pakistan’s Green Sukuk Framework: Investing in a Sustainable Future 

Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved the Sustainable Investment (SI) Sukuk Framework, marking a significant step toward financing climate-resilient and socially impactful projects through Islamic bonds. The framework, introduced by the Ministry of Finance, enables the issuance of Green Sukuk, Social Sukuk, and Sustainability Sukuk, collectively known as SI Sukuk, to mobilize domestic capital for environmentally and socially beneficial…

Honda plans to launch hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in Pakistan 

KARACHI: Honda Atlas Cars has announced its intention to introduce Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) models in Pakistan in the near future. The company formally disclosed this development in a notification submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday.  According to company officials, this initiative aligns with Honda’s global commitment to innovation, environmental sustainability, and providing advanced…

Pakistan moves to resolve power sector circular debt, aims to reduce electricity bills

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government is taking steps to resolve the power sector’s circular debt, which has reached 2.4 trillion Pakistani rupees (PKR), and is working to reduce electricity tariffs for consumers, according to recent reports and analysis. The government plans to address the circular debt, which includes PKR 1.7 trillion owed to power generation companies and…

Payoneer partners with Meezan Bank to enhance cross-border payments for Pakistani businesses

Payoneer (NASDAQ: PAYO), the financial technology company empowering the world’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to transact, do business, and grow globally, has partnered with Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank, to enhance cross-border payments for Pakistani SMBs, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. The signing ceremony took place at Meezan Bank’s Head Office, attended by Syed Amir Ali,…

Pakistan’s banking sector contributes heavily to national development, faces challenges

Pakistan’s banking sector remains a cornerstone of the nation’s economic development, contributing significantly to tax revenues, employment, and financial inclusion, according to a recent address by Zafar Masud, Chairman of the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA). However, the sector faces challenges as it navigates a rapidly changing global economic landscape and addresses domestic criticisms. Tax Contributions and…

IFC commits $20 billion investment in Pakistan over next decade

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), an arm of the World Bank, announced plans to invest $2 billion annually in Pakistan over the next ten years. This $20 billion investment will focus on water-related projects, infrastructure development, energy, and ports. IFC Chief Makhtar Diop met with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss the expansion of investments…

Over the past decade, net FDI in Pakistan averaged $2 billion annually

While Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) has been seen as a key driver of economic growth, infrastructure development, and job creation, the Pakistan Business Council (PBC) has criticized Pakistan’s approach as unfocused and overly reliant on FDI aimed at exploiting local markets rather than enhancing exports. Historically, Pakistan has attracted market-seeking FDI, primarily serving its domestic…

Pakistan lifts minimum export price on rice amid global market shifts

Pakistan has removed the minimum export price (MEP) on all rice varieties. This decision follows India’s recent move to lift its MEP on rice, signaling a potential shift in the global rice market dynamics. The removal of the MEP is expected to sustain the volumetric growth of Pakistan’s rice exports into FY25, although earnings from…

GNEXT appoints Air Link as premium partner to expand Apple products availability in Pakistan

KARACHI: GNEXT, the Apple Authorized Distributor for Pakistan, has announced the appointment of Air Link Communication Limited as its Premium Partner. This strategic collaboration aims to significantly enhance the availability of Apple products across the country, providing customers with greater access to the latest innovations through a structured retail channel. Shahid Khan, CEO of GNEXT…

Symmetry Group launches Vidfy, a new Al-powered platform for video messages

KARACHI, PAKISTAN: Symmetry Group Limited has announced the launch of Vidfy, a new Al-powered platform, developed in-house, that specializes in creating tailored video messages that empower businesses, brands, content creators and influencers to engage diverse audiences effectively. This launch marks a significant step in leveraging Al-driven solutions to shape the future of personalized digital communication.…

Insurance companies, CDC to establish Pakistan’s first Auto Insurance Repository

KARACHI, PAKISTAN: Leading insurance companies have signed an MoU with the Central Depository Company of Pakistan (CDC) for the establishment of Pakistan’s first centralized auto insurance repository. The CDC will provide the technological support for the creation of an automated repository under the regulatory guidance of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). The…