EBM expands global reach at Gulfood 2025

English Biscuit Manufacturers participated in Gulfood 2025 in Dubai, UAE, with an aim to strengthen its global reach, as per a press release.Gulfood brings together industry professionals to explore the latest products, analyse global market trends, and connect with suppliers. The 30th edition of Gulfood featured over 5,500 exhibitors from 129+ countries.At the event, EBM unveiled new product innovations tailored for global markets while reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and responsible manufacturing. By investing in production technology, expanding global distribution, and refining its export strategy, EBM continues to contribute to Pakistan’s economic resilience.

Wafi Energy’s financial results

Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited, formerly Shell Pakistan Limited, reported a profit after tax of Rs3.3bn for 2024 compared to a profit of Rs5.8bn in 2023, as per a press release. It is important to note that the 2023 results included a one-time income of Rs10.7bn related to the waiver of Shell Group liabilities.

The Lubricants business expanded its market share with Helix and Advance, while in the mining sector, the company achieved a premium win in the Saindak Gold and Copper mining project and established an exclusive partnership in the Thar Coal Project. The mobility business also made significant strides, expanding its network by introducing 16 new sites and rebuilding nine existing ones. The convenience retail business demonstrated strong growth, with a 28 per cent year-on-year increase. n

Al Baraka hosts grand roadshow

Al Baraka Bank (Pakistan) Limited hosted a grand roadshow, ‘Shaheen Paharon Par’, and launched NexGen Banking at a ceremony held on Feb 17 at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Karachi, as per a press release. Some of the invitees included Yaseen Anwar, former governor of the State Bank of Pakistan; H. E. Cemal Sangu, consul general of Türkiye; and H. E. Engineer Sami Abdullah Salim Al Khanjari, consul general of the Sultanate of Oman, among others.

The event started with a grand road show for “Shaheen Paharon Par”, where nine students from 7 leading universities of Karachi, each with a diverse skill set, showcased documentaries, artwork & photos from a study tour to Gilgit, Hunza & Skardu, sponsored by Al Baraka Pakistan and organised by Tara Uzra Dawood, CEO of the Dawood Global Foundation.

This was followed by the launch of Pakistan’s first academia co-brand debit card powered by 1Link’s domestic card scheme, PayPak. With four unique card variations that personify the digital native, tech-savvy youth of Pakistan, the NexGen programme creates incredible value via digital financial literacy programmes.

Solar Pakistan 2025 in Lahore

Solar Pakistan 2025, a three-day event organised by Fakt Exhibitions, commenced at Expo Centre, Lahore, as per a press release.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Shah Jahan Mirza, Managing Director of the Private Power & Infrastructure Board Ministry of Energy, who emphasised the critical role of alternative energy in Pakistan’s future.

Featuring over 350 national and international exhibitors from 10 countries, the event serves as a powerful platform for businesses, investors, and industry experts to explore groundbreaking innovations, forge strategic partnerships, and shape the future of clean energy.

Attendees will witness live demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies and solutions designed to accelerate Pakistan’s alternative energy transformation.

BoK’s transition to Shariah compliance

Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur announced Bank of Khyber’s transition to Islamic banking at an event attended by several dignitaries, as per a press release.

Hassan Raza, Managing Director & CEO of BoK, thanked the respected guests and showcased the bank’s journey from 1991 to 2025, followed by his strategy for the way forward focused on a diversified product portfolio & strengthening of the existing branch network.

Mr Gandpur acknowledged BoK’s role in providing services all across the province and helping in creating opportunities and supporting individuals & businesses, paving the way for prosperity and socioeconomic development & uplift of the region.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, February 24th, 2025