SC Sahar Women’s Account

Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan Limited (SCBPL) has launched a special bank account for Women named ‘SC Sahar Women’s Account’, according to a press release. This innovative facility will cater to the evolving needs of the bank’s female customers and reflects SCBPL’s focus on financial inclusion and empowerment of women. The SC Sahar Women’s Account will enable women to avail services that include but are not limited to, no initial deposit or minimum balance requirement, free debit card and cheque book issuance, with free account statements and bank certificates. SC Sahar Women’s Account, is also available in Islamic Banking.

Best ever business results of SLIC

On February 4th, 2023, State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC) held its Annual Marketing Convention in Pearl Continental Bhurban to congratulate its vigorous workforce and determined management team as well as to celebrate the strongest annual results since its inception, according to a press release. Despite challenges posed by macro-economic and market volatility, SLIC delivered the strongest business numbers in its history and grew its premium revenue to Rs279bn, increasing by 64pc from last year.

Enhancing female financial inclusivity

Bank Alfalah, one of the largest commercial banks in Pakistan, has collaborated with Indus Earth Trust (IET), a not-for-profit organisation, to host several financial educational sessions with Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) beneficiaries aimed at elevating financial literacy and promoting easy access to services, with the goal of simplifying and enhancing the lives of women in rural areas. n

Askari bank joins hands with SCO

Askari Bank Limited (AKBL) and Special Communications Organisation (SCO) have signed an agreement for collaborative effort towards attainment of State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) vision to promote financial inclusion and broadening access to financial services, according to a press release. The prime purpose of this strategic alliance with SCO, an ICT services provider, is to complement SBP’s vision for financial Inclusion and expanding the outreach of financial services in Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

Tim Hortons comes to Pakistan

Tim Hortons, Canada’s iconic coffee and baked good brand established in 1964, opened its first and flagship outlet in Phase 6, DHA Lahore, on February 11, 2023, part of an exclusive agreement with Blue Foods (Private) Limited (“Blue Foods”), according to a press release. The second and third stores will open in Gulberg, Lahore, on the 18th and 25th of February, respectively.

BoK and Mastercard partnership

Mastercard, a technology leader in the global payments industry, has entered an exclusive new partnership with Bank of Khyber (BoK), a bank majority owned by the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Pak­istan, with the aim of increasing financial inclusion and digital financial services adoption in the province, as per a press release. Representing a major milestone for both parties, the collaboration will enable the bank to facilitate access to financial services, innovative payment options, and the entire Mastercard suite of benefits for its customers.

Stopover visa from flynas

Saui air carrier flynas and the leading low-cost airline in the Middle East, announced that its passengers can apply for an electronic Stopover Visa through its website, as per a press release. The “Stopover Visa” is issued after purchasing the airline ticket, and the validity of the visa extends to three months and the stay in the Kingdom up to four days.

NBP support lauded

The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) participated in the Pakistan International Maritime Exhibition and Conference at Expo Centre, Karachi. The NBP team gave a briefing on their message of diversity and financial prospects for the public and private sectors to support the blue economy in the area. The dignitaries and representatives from international organisations praised NBP for its continued participation and efforts at the occasion.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, February 13th, 2023