ABL Launches K2 Expedition

Allied Bank Limited (ABL) announced the launch of its K2 Expedition 2024, as per a press release. A team of 14 members will conquer the peaks of K2 and hold a cleanliness drive at the base camp. The ABL flag will be hoisted at K2 Base Camp alongside the national flag. This expedition exemplifies ABL’s dedication to environmental stewardship and shows how corporate responsibility can drive positive change.

“We are committed to leaving K2’s base camp cleaner than we found it”, said Aizid Razzaq Gill, CEO of ABL, “underscoring the importance of conservation and our role in combating climate change.”

DIBPL, ZLK Partnership

Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited (DIBPL) has partnered with ZLK Islamic Financial Services, as per a press release. This collaboration will enhance access to Shariah-compliant financial products for DIBPL’s customer base. Customers will gain access to brokerage services by investing in riba-free financial products such as shares, GoP Ijaras Sukuk, ETFs, and Murabaha Share Financing. DIBPL and ZLK Islamic Financial Services aim to foster a financial ecosystem that is conducive to Sharia-compliant finance.

Junaid Ahmed, CEO of DIBPL, commented: “DIBPL remains committed to initiating and promoting innovative Islamic banking solutions. This highlights our dedication to expanding access to creative financial products, promoting financial inclusion and prosperity.”

16th Solar Pakistan Exhibition

Fakt Exhibitions, a Pakistan exhibitions organising company, opened “Solar Pakistan”, a solar energy exhibition at The Arena DHA, Multan, last week as per a press release. The event’s primary objective was to serve as a dynamic platform for networking and collaboration. More than 50 companies are presenting, many with versatile new technologies.

Saleem Khan Tanoli, CEO of Fakt Exhibitions, stated, “Solar Pakistan serves as a beacon of hope for our nation’s energy landscape. The flagship exhibition has played a pivotal role in advancing the solar energy industry by introducing efficient technologies and solutions. This event embodies our collective efforts to usher in a sustainable tomorrow.”

FFC’s New Sona Centres

Fauji Fertiliser Company Limited (FFC) has started a programme to set up Sona Centres to provide quality fertilisers to farmers at control rates, as per a press release. The first two Sona Centres were inaugurated at Sharaqpur and Muridke on July 21, 2024.

Jahangir Piracha, Managing Director and CEO of FFC explained that Sona Centres would make quality fertilisers available at control rates to increase farm production. He said FFC plans to set up several Sona Centres nationwide to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fertilisers at critical stages of crop growth. These centres will also provide technical training to farmers and access to new technologies.

Meezan Bank, Haball Agreement

Meezan Bank announced its referral arrangement with Haball Pvt Ltd, a premier digital payments platform, according to a press release. The collaboration is expected to drive growth, enhance service delivery, and expand the reach of both organisations in the digital payments landscape. Buyers will receive collections directly into their Meezan accounts, regardless of the initiating bank.

Omer Bin Ahsan, CEO of Haball, said, “This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to innovation in the digital payments space. We are confident that this partnership will bring immense value to our clients.”

DIGIBAP Summit 2024

Leaders from the banking and fintech sectors, along with state regulators gathered to discuss ways and suggest implementable solutions to digital-based financing for supply chains for small and medium enterprises and the agriculture sectors at the 5th DigiBAP Summit 2024 held recently at a local hotel, according to a press release.

The summit featured panel discussions and presentations by leading bank presidents and CEOs as well as senior executives on issues such as financing the future, digital SME lending, strategies for digital supply chain financing, and the future of digital lending.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, July 29th, 2024