EBM partners with SOS Children’s Village

English Biscuit Manufacturers has partnered with SOS Children’s Village Pakistan, a private non-profit organisation, to establish a Family Strengthening Programme for single mothers as per a press release.

Since 1977, SOS Children’s Village Pakistan has been working towards the welfare, upbringing and education of orphaned and abandoned children. The SOS Family Strengthening Programme aims to empower single working mothers by providing a nurturing environment for their children while they are pursuing their livelihoods.

The ceremony was held in September 2024 at the SOS facility, Karachi, where EBM presented a cheque valued at Rs50 million to the chairman of SOS Children’s Village; the project is geared towards completion by June 2025. In addition to the Family Strengthening Programme, EBM has consistently championed inclusivity through its women-centric initiatives.

OICCI’s community upliftment initiatives

The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry has unveiled its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report for 2024, spotlighting the extensive socio-economic contributions of its member companies across the nation as per a press release.

During 2024, OICCI members collectively contributed approximately Rs14 billion to CSR initiatives, achieving a significant 13 per cent increase over the previous year. These contributions positively impacted the lives of more than 45 million people through diverse projects aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on quality education, good health and well-being, affordable and clean energy, and no poverty.

Similarly, members invested Rs2.6bn in renewable energy solutions, including off-grid solar projects and energy efficiency initiatives, contributing to Pakistan’s sustainable energy transition. Members also dedicated Rs1.7bn to uplift marginalised communities through income generation, food security, and social protection programmes.

Karandaaz’s agri finance challenge

To improve financial access for Pakistan’s smallholder farmers, Karan­daaz Pakistan has launched the Digital Financing for Agriculture Challenge Round 2, as per a press release. This initiative aims to support innovative digital solutions that are meant to create an affordable, accessible and sustainable formal financing ecosystem for farmers.

With only 22.1 per cent of farmers currently having access to institutional loans, a vast majority rely on informal sources of credit that often come with unfavourable terms and interest rates. Therefore, this round focuses on digital financing solutions that offer collateral-free financing, electronic warehouse receipt financing, digitalisation of the aarthi model, and input financing, enabling farmers to overcome capital constraints and achieve financial stability. Submission details can be explored at the Karandaaz Pakistan website.

AI for deaf community

ConnectHear officially launched its ‘AI for Inclusive Disaster Response’ project at its Access.Ability.Tech. event, held in Karachi, as per a press release. The initiative, supported by the GSMA Innovation Fund for Humanitarian Challenges and in partnership with HANDS and Ufone 4G, leverages ConnectHear’s AI technology and virtual interpretation platform to ensure Pakistan’s deaf community has access to life-saving information and communication during emergencies.

Pakistan, amongst the 10 countries most affected by climate-related disasters, faces significant challenges in ensuring timely communication during emergencies, particularly for its over 10 million citizens with hearing impairment.

Zindigi launches QR SoundBox

Zindigi, powered by JS Bank, takes another significant step toward smarter payments with the launch of the QR SoundBox, offering real-time audio alerts to simplify and secure transactions for merchants as per a press release.

Designed to meet the evolving needs of merchants, the Zindigi QR SoundBox eliminates the need for manual verification, allowing instant payment confirmation without delays or confusion. At the touch of a button, merchants can instantly check their latest payment status, simplifying transaction management while enhancing transparency and security.

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