Karandaaz, Walee Launch Pakistan's First Shariah-Compliant Financing Program for Women Entrepreneurs

Karandaaz Pakistan and Walee Financial Services have entered into a strategic partnership to launch Khudmukhtar Khatoon, Pakistan's first Shariah-compliant, digital, asset-financing solution exclusively designed for women entrepreneurs. The partnership was formalised at a signing ceremony at Karandaaz, attended by senior leadership from both organisations.

The Khudmukhtar Khatoon initiative addresses one of the most persistent barriers faced by women-led businesses in Pakistan: access to meaningful, growth-oriented finance. Unlike conventional loan structures, this program offers Shariah-compliant, asset-based financing, enabling women entrepreneurs to receive essential business assets rather than cash disbursements. By directly linking financing to productive inputs, the project ensures that resources translate into sustainable business growth.

The program introduces a tier-based framework, enabling inclusivity for women at different stages of their entrepreneurial journeys, whether they are aspiring home-based business owners with limited records, or established, formally structured enterprises. Each tier is matched with tailored financing support aligned with business maturity and growth potential.

Launched as a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) phase, the project will focus on sectors with high participation from women entrepreneurs: apparel and tailoring, food services, and beauty services. The MVP aims to serve as a testing ground for evaluating demand, operational processes, and product-market fit, paving the way for nationwide scale-up. The vision is to develop, test, and validate Pakistan's first Shariah-compliant digital financing model tailored for women entrepreneurs.

Representing Walee Financial Services at the ceremony were Noshad Minhas, CEO & Co-Founder; Adnan Akhtar, Head of Finance & Compliance; and Khushba Hayat, Partner Investments. From Karandaaz Pakistan, Waqas ul Hasan, Chief Executive Officer; Sharjeel Murtaza, Chief Digital Officer; and Samia Salik, Lead - Women's Economic and Digital Inclusion, participated in the signing.

Highlighting the company's commitment to women's financial inclusion, Waqas ul Hasan, Chief Executive Officer at Karandaaz Pakistan, said:
"Women's economic participation is central to Pakistan's national development agenda and one of the key priorities of the Gates Foundation. Through Khudmukhtar Khatoon, Karandaaz is proud to pioneer a model that meets the financing needs of women entrepreneurs but does so in a way that aligns with local values and economic priorities. This collaboration with Walee Financial Services is a step toward building inclusive financial systems that enable women to become active contributors to Pakistan's growth. The project has demonstration potential, and we need to join hands to close the gender gap in financial inclusion in Pakistan"Speaking at the ceremony, Noshad Minhas, CEO & Co-Founder of Walee Financial Services, stated:

"Khudmukhtar Khatoon is a step toward empowering women entrepreneurs with dignity, choice, and sustainable growth opportunities. We are proud to partner with Karandaaz to pilot this innovative, Shariah-compliant model that can redefine access to finance for women in Pakistan."
The Khudmukhtar Khatoon pilot will serve as a proof of concept for a first-of-its-kind, women-focused, Shariah-compliant asset financing product in Pakistan. The program will generate critical learnings on product design, operational performance, and women's financial needs, with the ambition to scale and mainstream such solutions across the country.

Speaking about the initiative's innovation and inclusivity, Sharjeel Murtaza, Chief Digital Officer at Karandaaz Pakistan, said:
"Financial inclusion must go beyond access. It must create pathways for women to thrive as business leaders. This initiative combines innovation, Shariah compliance, and inclusivity to test a scalable model for women's economic empowerment. Khudmukhtar Khatoon reflects our mission to bridge systemic gaps and enable women entrepreneurs to achieve their potential."

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Syngenta China and Punjab Join Hands to Power Pakistan’s Agri-Tech Revolution

In a significant stride toward modernizing Pakistan's agriculture, Syngenta Pakistan brought together the Government of Punjab delegation and the Syngenta Group China leadership during an official visit to Beijing.

The meeting, led by Mr. Fu Su (President, Syngenta Group China) and Mr. Syed Ashiq Hussain Kirmani (Minister of Agriculture, Punjab), explored new avenues to strengthen agri-tech cooperation, climate-resilient farming, and export potential.

Discussions centered on strengthening collaboration in areas such as food security, climate-resilient farming, and the adoption of advanced agri-tech innovations. The dialogue also emphasized the importance of joint efforts to enhance crop productivity, promote sustainable practices, and address key agricultural challenges through innovative, technology-driven solutions.

Mr. Zeeshan Hasib Baig (GM, Syngenta Pakistan) and Mr. Syed M. Ali Murtaza (Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability) reaffirmed Syngenta's commitment to advancing Pakistan's food security agenda.

"Our collaboration with the Punjab Government is rooted in a shared vision—empowering farmers through innovation and sustainability," said Mr. Zeeshan Hasib Baig.

The meeting, also attended by senior government officials and representatives from the Pakistan Embassy in Beijing, symbolizes a renewed chapter of public–private partnership between Pakistan and China for a more productive and climate-resilient agricultural future.

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CBD PUNJAB COMMENCES ASPHALTIC BASE COURSE AT PAKISTAN’S FIRST AND LARGEST IT CITY CBD NSIT CITY

Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has achieved a significant milestone in the development of Pakistan's first and largest IT city CBD NSIT City, by commencing an asphaltic base course. This development marks a major step towards realizing the vision of a world-class infrastructure framework within the project.

In the initial phase, CBD Punjab has successfully laid 250 tons of asphalt, covering an area of approximately 15,000 square feet over a stretch of approx. 300 feet. This progress reflects the steady and well-planned execution strategy adopted by the authourity to ensure top-quality infrastructure standards.

CBD Punjab is actively developing a circular road network within CBD NSIT City, which includes 250 ft, 220 ft, 150 ft, and 100 ft wide roads designed to facilitate seamless mobility and connectivity across the city. Alongside the asphalt work, drainage and ICT (Information and Communication Technology) infrastructure development is also underway and progressing according to schedule.

While expressing his thoughts on this major achievement, CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin said, "The initiation of an asphaltic base course at CBD NSIT City marks an important step toward transforming this visionary project into reality. Our focus remains on delivering sustainable and world-class infrastructure that will position CBD NSIT City as the technological nucleus of Pakistan. This achievement reflects our dedication to timely execution and excellence in urban development."

CBD Punjab continues to play a pivotal role in reshaping Punjab's urban landscape, turning vision into progress, and creating opportunities that will define the future of technology and innovation in Pakistan.

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CBD NSIT City: Paving the Way for Pakistan’s Digital Transformation

In the vibrant heart of Lahore, where heritage meets ambition, a new chapter of Pakistan's digital story is unfolding. The Central Business District (CBD) NSIT City -envisioned as the country's largest IT park stands as a symbol of Pakistan's digital aspirations. More than an infrastructure project, it represents a strategic shift toward positioning the nation as a serious player in the global technology economy. But turning that vision into reality will demand more than ambition, it will require consistent execution, inclusivity, and sustained political and economic will.

Building Pakistan's Innovation Hub
Backed by the Punjab government, CBD NSIT City is being developed as a modern, technology-driven hub equipped with office towers, incubation centers, residential spaces, and advanced digital connectivity. It seeks to attract both local innovators and foreign investors, aligning with Pakistan's broader goal of moving from a consumption-driven economy to one based on innovation, tech exports, and knowledge creation.
The timing is significant. Pakistan's digital economy is gaining momentum, with IT exports reaching $2.6 billion in 2022–2023. With 64% of the population under 30 and more than 600,000 active freelancers, the country ranks as the world's third-largest freelance market. Lahore already home to promising startups like Bykea and Finja is well placed to emerge as a regional innovation hub. CBD NSIT City could serve as the platform that helps transform that potential into long-term progress.

Bridging Infrastructure and Opportunity
For that to happen, however, the project must deliver more than physical infrastructure. It needs dependable energy, efficient regulations, and a business-friendly ecosystem the ingredients that have fueled global success stories like Bangalore and Shenzhen.
Yet, the road ahead is not without obstacles. Pakistan's major infrastructure projects have often suffered from bureaucratic inefficiencies, cost overruns, and delays. Without transparent governance and technocratic oversight, even the most visionary initiatives risk stagnation.
Talent retention is another key challenge. With over 65% of young Pakistanis expressing a desire to move abroad, the country must invest in better pay scales, digital skills training, and career growth opportunities to retain its brightest minds and strengthen the local IT industry.

Sustaining Investor Confidence
Attracting sustained foreign investment will be equally critical in Pakistan's volatile economic environment. Policy consistency, investor protection, and regulatory clarity will be essential to building and maintaining global confidence.
What makes CBD NSIT City particularly promising is its location and timing. Integrated into Lahore's urban core, it is designed to foster collaboration between startups, academia, and investors, a dynamic ecosystem model that has driven innovation across global tech capitals.

A Defining Moment for the Future
Beyond technology and infrastructure, the project's true potential lies in its ability to inspire trust in governance, in local talent, and in Pakistan's ability to deliver on its promises. If approached with transparency, inclusivity, and sustained focus, CBD NSIT City could become more than a development milestone; it could serve as the cornerstone of Pakistan's digital transformation. Lahore has always been a city of ideas, energy, and reinvention. With the right leadership and policy continuity, CBD NSIT City can channel that spirit into something lasting a thriving, connected, and forward-looking digital Pakistan.

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Awareness Session Highlights Crucial Need for Breast Cancer Early Detection and Self-Check

KARACHI– A crucial community session was recently held to educate young students about the vital importance of early detection, self-examination, and awareness regarding breast cancer—a serious condition that affects thousands of women across Pakistan every year.The session was part of a dedicated effort to promote preventive healthcare and health literacy among the youth.

The awareness drive was organized by Dr. Salim Ahmed & Co., in collaboration with Dr. Reckeweg Germany, and was hosted at the Taleemgah Dukhtaran-e-Awam Trust Girls High School, DHA Karachi.

This event falls under the company's ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to empower communities with essential health knowledge.*Expert Insight Focuses on Life-Saving Habits*The interactive session featured Dr. Saima, Senior Medical Officer at the Atomic Energy Medical Centre (Radiation Oncology Department), as the guest speaker.

Dr. Saima provided valuable, practical insights on breast cancer prevention, recognizing initial signs and symptoms, and the life-saving benefits of early diagnosis. She strongly encouraged the students to adopt proactive health awareness habits that will protect their future and the health of their families.Ms. Nargis Salim, Partner at Dr. Salim Ahmed & Co., underscored the vital significance of community-based health education.

"Initiatives like this reflect our profound commitment to contributing positively to society and ensuring health literacy transcends business operations," Ms. Salim stated, while appreciating the school's cooperation in hosting the session.

*Commitment to Community Health*Through focused and educational initiatives like this, Dr. Salim Ahmed & Co. and Dr. Reckeweg Germany are continuing their mission to promote sustainable preventive healthcare and actively contribute to community well-being throughout Pakistan.

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Dawlance Exports First Batch of Single Tub Washing Machines from Pakistan to Bangladesh

Dawlance, a leading home appliance brand and a subsidiary of global giant Beko, has officially exported its first batch of Single Tub Washing Machines from Pakistan to Bangladesh. This achievement marks a significant step in bringing Pakistani innovation to the global market.

A total of 180 units have been shipped in the first phase, with further exports planned in the coming months. This move stems from Dawlance's deep understanding of the Pakistani market, particularly in growing household penetration in the laundry category through locally-relevant solutions. Dawlance's ability to develop products that cater to practical, everyday needs has been key to this expansion.

The product insights were shared with Singer Bangladesh, a Beko subsidiary, where it was tested and validated for the local market. Following positive feedback, the export was initiated, marking a key milestone in cross-market collaboration within the Beko family. The success of the initial export has set the stage for more products to be introduced in Bangladesh.

"This is not just about exporting a product; it's about exporting insight-driven innovation. We're proud to see a Made-in-Pakistan solution find relevance in another market. This is only the beginning of our journey to take local expertise to a global scale," said Umar Ahsan Khan, CEO of Dawlance.

From concept to shipment, this initiative reflects Dawlance's broader vision to transform local expertise into globally relevant solutions. By strengthening regional collaboration and investing in innovation, Dawlance is scaling its export capabilities and contributing to Pakistan's economic growth through value-added trade. The company is also focused on enhancing its production capacity to meet growing international demand.

The export to Bangladesh is part of Dawlance's long-term strategy to strengthen Pakistan's manufacturing footprint in the region and to explore further export opportunities. Dawlance aims to continue providing high-quality, energy-efficient products that meet the needs of diverse markets.

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CBD Walk: A New Premium Retail & Dining Destination Unveiled in CBD Quaid District in the Heart of Gulberg

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as CBD Punjab, proudly announces the launch of CBD Walk, a distinguished retail and dining destination located in the Quaid District of CBD Punjab, adjacent to a scenic two-acre lake in the heart of Gulberg, Lahore.

 

Spanning across a prime location, CBD Walk offers 16 premium 4-Marla commercial units constructed on a Shell & Core model, providing businesses complete flexibility to customize their interiors according to their unique requirements. Investors can choose between 8 park-facing and 8 lake-facing units, each offering breathtaking views and unmatched visibility in one of Lahore's most prestigious locations.

 

"This project exemplifies our vision of redefining urban commercial development in Punjab," said Imran Amin, CEO of CBD Punjab. "CBD Walk transcends traditional commercial ventures, it's a carefully curated lifestyle destination designed to attract premium retail and dining brands that align with Lahore's evolving urban sophistication. The seamless integration of scenic lakefront views, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and strategic positioning creates an iconic addition to the city's commercial landscape."

 

Strategically positioned in the CBD Quaid District, CBD Walk ensures high footfall, seamless connectivity, and a thriving commercial environment, making it an exceptional investment opportunity for visionary entrepreneurs and established brands seeking to establish their presence in Lahore's most dynamic business district.

 

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Bank Makramah Limited Accelerates Recapitalization with Major Capital Injections and Strategic Asset Sale, Signaling Robust Future Growth

Bank Makramah Limited (BML) is making significant strides in its recapitalization efforts, reinforcing its commitment to long-term financial stability and growth. This progress is supported by a recent PKR 5 billion deposit from His Excellency Nasser Abdulla Hussain Lootah, BML's esteemed Sponsor.

 This amount, to be recorded as an advance against share subscription pending regulatory approvals, follows his earlier PKR 10 billion capital injection in 2023. In addition, the proposed merger of Global Haly Development Limited, a company owned by the Sponsor, into BML reflects his substantial commitment, which will total PKR 41 billion. The Bank extends its deepest gratitude to the Sponsor for his unwavering support and vision for BML and Pakistan's banking sector. 

In a concurrent strategic move, BML's Board of Directors has approved the sale of Cullinan Tower in Clifton, Karachi, for a confirmed offer of PKR 12 billion. This landmark transaction represents a major step, which will result in significant liquidity and capital gains for the Bank. 

Further bolstering its financial position, the Bank is in the final stage of recovering over PKR 13 billion of its legacy non-performing loans in the near future resulting in a strong impact on its profitability and capital base. 

All of the above initiatives are projected to increase BML's net assets by around PKR 50 billion. This shall further strengthen the Bank's commitment to better serve its customers and play a significant role in the financial sector of Pakistan.

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Payoneer Hosted “Game Leaders Connect 2025” to Power Global Growth for Pakistan’s Gaming Industry

Payoneer (NASDAQ: PAYO), the global financial technology company powering business growth across borders, hosted Payoneer's Game Leaders Connect 2025 in Lahore on June 21, 2025, an exclusive event focused on empowering 75 founders, decision makers and leaders of gaming studios and game app developers to build borderless brands and export-ready global businesses with industry insights and global market strategies and resources.

The event, held under the theme "Scaling Pakistani Game & App Exports: Growth, Monetization & Global Paydays," brought together ambitious founders, product heads, and ecosystem enablers from companies like InvoZone, Euphoria XR, TF Business Solutions, Solvefy, Fishry/Bramerz, and BDigital. Attendees engaged in sessions focused on overcoming real-world challenges of international billing, streamlining cross-border transactions, and building sustainable revenue streams. Payoneer hosted a workshop for developers and digital entrepreneurs to better understand how to leverage the Payoneer platform to accelerate global growth, including through virtual multi-currency accounts in multiple  global currencies, seamless global billing with multiple payments option for payers, and checkout services that remove global payment barriers and enable businesses in Pakistan to thrive in international markets.

"Pakistan is a priority market for Payoneer, and we are a trusted cross-border payments partner to leading game developers, tech companies, and service exporters in the country who leverage our business-grade features and secure platform for cross-border trade," said Nagesh Devata, SVP, Asia-Pacific at Payoneer. "As the gaming industry in the country rapidly expands, projected to reach nearly $1 billion in revenue in 2025 with over 45 million gamers and $158 million in exports, Payoneer is committed to continuing to support the ecosystem by seamlessly connecting Pakistan's SMBs  to the global, digital economy."

The event featured a dynamic lineup of sessions designed to inspire, inform, and engage attendees across topics including:

• Pakistan's $1B Gaming Exports Playbook: Hilal Khan, Chair of IGDA Pakistan, emphasized, "Building a robust ecosystem with streamlined monetization and global collaboration is key to realizing Pakistan's true potential in the international gaming market." He outlined a clear strategic roadmap to help attendees learn how to navigate ecosystem challenges, optimize monetization, and expand cross-border opportunities to scale their gaming businesses in the billion-dollar export sector.

• Scaling Fast, Getting Paid Faster: Talha Fakhar, Founder TF Business Solutions; Furqan Aziz, Founder and CEO of InvoZone; and Ahmad Malik, Co-Founder and CTO of Euphoria XR, had a panel discussion about the realities of dollar-based pricing, investor confidence in global earnings, and the impact of monetization strategies on scalability.

• Additional sessions on Building Borderless Brands and Building Export-Ready Game Dev Teams, led by Badar Khushnood of Fishry/Bramerz and Furqan Aziz of InvoZone respectively, explored how brands can leverage Pakistan's rapidly growing digital audience and social media platforms to reach global markets. Khushnood noted, "Building borderless brands means enabling game creators to scale beyond borders, turning local passion into global engagement. With Payoneer's seamless cross-border payouts, this vision becomes actionable, fueling Pakistan's game development industry to play on
the world stage."

Payoneer serves customers in 190+ countries and regions, leveraging relationships with nearly 100 banking and payment service providers. With approximately two million active customers, Payoneer processed $80 billion in volume in 2024. Payoneer also has approximately 100 customer success managers in 35 countries, speaking over 20 languages, building strong, localized relationships with SMBs to support their global businesses.

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CBD PUNJAB STRENGTHENS ACADEMIA-INDUSTRY LINKAGES WITH BAHRIA UNIVERSITY STUDENT VISIT

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as the Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), welcomed a delegation of MS Project Management students from Bahria University for an immersive academic visit to its flagship development, NSIT City. The initiative aimed to provide future project managers with first-hand exposure to cutting-edge project execution and management practices in the heart of Punjab's premier business hub.

 

During the visit, the students received comprehensive briefings on CBD Punjab's operational framework and ongoing development initiatives. Detailed sessions were led by Mr. Asif Iqbal, Director of Project Management at CBD Punjab, and Mr. Yasir Saifullah, Project Manager at NSIT City, who shared insights into the strategic planning, execution, and challenges of large-scale urban development projects.

 

A highlight of the visit was a guided tour of the Celestia IT Office Tower, a hallmark of innovation within NSIT City. Here, students observed real-time infrastructure planning and on-ground project execution, gaining valuable practical knowledge that bridges the gap between academic theory and industry realities.

 

This academic-industry collaboration reflects CBD Punjab's commitment to nurturing the next generation of project management professionals. The visit provided an ideal platform for students to engage directly with industry experts, enhancing their understanding of modern project management methodologies and the complexities of urban development.

 

Imran Amin, CEO of CBD Punjab, commented on the occasion: "At CBD Punjab, we believe in empowering the leaders of tomorrow by fostering strong connections between academia and industry. We are proud to open our doors to students and young professionals eager to learn from the transformational projects shaping the future of our country. By providing real-world learning opportunities, we not only enhance academic growth but also inspire and equip the next generation of nation-builders to drive meaningful change."

 

CBD Punjab remains dedicated to supporting educational initiatives and building a skilled workforce capable of delivering innovative solutions for Pakistan's urban future.

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