SC’s efforts for female empowerment

Standard Chartered, in partnership with INNOVentures Global, announced the launch of the 5th cohort of its Women in Tech (WiT) programme in Pakistan, as per a press release.

A flagship programme of Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, the bank’s global initiative to tackle inequality and promote economic inclusion, WiT is designed to help address gender disparity in entrepreneurship. Through this programme, the bank supports female-led enterprises via capacity building through business management training and mentoring, provided by its award-winning accelerator programme.

In Pakistan, this initiative was launched in 2019 and has appealed to over 1,200 female-led enterprises, with 88 female founders participating in the bank’s accelerator programme. Once graduating from the accelerator programme and on final pitches, 26 of these enterprises have also received seed funding.

IBA’s State of Pakistan Economy report

The Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, launched its report ‘The State of Pakistan’s Economy 2023-24 | Trials and Turmoil: Navigating the Interconnected Challenges of Politics, Economy, and Climate Change’.

The report is authored by the faculty members of the Department of Economics, School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS). The report launch was held at the IBA Main Campus. This comprehensive report provides a critical analysis of the persistent issues faced by Pakistan and offers valuable recommendations for sustainable economic growth and societal well-being.

The report sheds light on three key challenges that have significantly impacted the nation: the political situation, economic challenges, floods, and climate change. Through extensive research and econometric projections, the report offered insightful policy recommendations to address these interconnected challenges.

Free eye clinic at TKC

Tahir Hussain Sangi, on behalf of Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Secretary of Health, Government of Sindh, inaugurated the Free Eye Clinic at The Kidney Centre (TKC), according to a press release. This is a public service initiative by Layton Rahmatullah Benevolent Trust (LRBT) and TKC.

The Free Eye Clinic will provide comprehensive eye examination services to patients suffering from eye diseases. Those who require further investigations or surgical intervention will be referred to the LRBT Hospital in Korangi.

Diabetes is the most common cause of both kidney and eye diseases. Hence this is a vital healthcare collaboration by both these reputable institutions.

Boosting exploration activities

The government approved the assignment of 44pc working interest in Kalchas South Block to Mari Petroleum Company Limited along with the assignment of 46pc working interest to United Energy Pakistan Ltd (UEPL); the operatorship has been transferred to UEPL, as per a press release. The previous operator i.e. Dewan Petroleum Private Limited, will retain 10pc working interest in the block.

This assignment is a part of the government’s endeavours to boost exploration activities in the country through the revival of revoked petroleum exploration licenses. The block is located in districts Rajanpur (Punjab) and Dera Bugti (Balochistan).

*Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, July 24th,