Author: Press Release
Riyadh, Saudi, 2 Sept 2025: “Saudi, Welcome to Arabia” the consumer facing brand of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched its latest campaign starring Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7). Launching across key markets in Europe as well as India and China, “I Came for Football, I Stayed For More” brings to life a Saudi that offers visitors far more than the expected. Heralding the start of its extended season of high stakes sports, rousing entertainment, and breathtaking film, fashion and cultural events, the campaign harnesses TV, Social, Digital, and OTA to give audiences a taste of one of the world’s most exciting destination calendars.…
KARACHI, August 27th, 2025: A new study by the Aga Khan University has found that one in four children aged 3 to 8 attending public schools in Karachi are at risk of developmental delays. Children from low-income families and ethnic minority backgrounds are especially vulnerable. Research was conducted among children in Katchi, grade 1, and grade 2, measuring them in each of five developmental domains—social and emotional, physical, language, cognition, and communication skills. It was found that 28% of children were vulnerable in at least one of these domains, while about 10% struggled in all five. Pashtun children exhibited the…
27/08/2025, Lahore, Pakistan – In a landmark move towards employee financial empowerment, ABHI, a neobank of the future, has partnered with FAST Cables, one of Pakistan’s leading manufacturers of electrical cables and LED Lights, to introduce Earned Wage Access (EWA) for its workforce. This collaboration highlights both companies’ shared commitment to employee welfare, ensuring stability and financial security for Fast Cables employees. Through ABHI’s EWA solution, FAST Cables employees can access a portion of their earned salary in real time via the ABHI mobile app or SMS, within 30 seconds, anytime, anywhere. By eliminating the need to wait for payday,…
With Zong 4 G once again staking its claim as a digital pioneer brand, the most innovative telecom company in Pakistan, has recently introduced two engaging features to its My Zong App. Such changes will enhance the digital interaction process, making it more enjoyable and convenient for millions of users nationwide. Zong has supercharged its Daily Rewards game: The upgrade shows Zong’s commitment to combining fun and value, motivating consumers to visit our platforms daily to have a chance to win incredible data prizes. Another fun-filled feature is the Bundle Streak: This is because it values consistency by ensuring that…
In an announcement on Pakistan’s Independence Day, President Asif Ali Zardari awarded Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, Aga Khan University’s (AKU) President and Vice-Chancellor, the Sitara-i-Imtiaz for his contributions to the advancement of education and quality of life in Pakistan. The Sitara-i-Imtiaz is Pakistan’s third-highest civilian honour. The president confers it to recognize individuals for their exceptional contributions in various fields, including the arts, literature, sports, science, and social services. The award aims to honor those who have made significant achievements that contribute to the progress and development of the country. Dr Shahabuddin will be conferred the award at an investiture ceremony…
Islamabad: Khushhali Microfinance Bank Limited (KMBL), Pakistan’s first specialized microfinance bank, recently partnered with Oladoc, a leading digital healthcare platform, to promote healthcare services for its customers. The partnership will empower users to connect with a vast network of over 25,000 doctors and medical specialists through the Oladoc app, website and tele-helpline. The collaboration will facilitate KMBL customers to book appointments, video OPD consultations with specialist doctors, and avail discounts on medical services such as lab tests, medicine delivery, and surgeries. The agreement was signed by Mr Aameer Karachiwalla, President & CEO KMBL, and Co-Founder & CEO of Oladoc, Mr…
Dr Salimah Walani has been named the next Dean of the Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan, effective August 1, 2024, as announced by Dr Tania Bubela, AKU provost and vice president of academics. The appointment follows a thorough and competitive recruitment process facilitated by an international search firm and overseen by a dedicated search committee. Dr Walani graduated from AKU-SONAM, Pakistan, in 1987 and subsequently served as a faculty member at the university for six years. She then pursued a Master of Science in Nursing from Simmons University, Boston, a Master of Public Health from Harvard…
KARACHI: The Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB) proudly announces its significant contribution to developing the International Standards for Educational Assessment, which the International Association for Education Assessment (IAEA) launched in May 2024. These globally accepted standards set benchmarks for best practices in examinations and assessments worldwide. These standards align with the IAEA’s vision and ensure valid, reliable, and fair assessment decisions across various contexts. They empower organisations by providing operational and technical guidance and encourage self-reflection and critical review of current practices. The creation of these standards was a seven-year journey led by the IAEA Recognition Committee, comprising members…
The Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED), in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar, honoured its Climate Action Fellows and showcased their groundbreaking action plans at an event in Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The top 10 plans will receive funding for implementation, a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and resilient future. This marks a significant milestone in the “Raise Awareness and Inspire Action on Environmental Protection” project. KP is inhabited by 30 million people and is categorized by hot summers and mild winters in the southern part and extreme cold climate in the northern part.…
Karachi – Pakistan, 24th June 2024 – In a significant move towards revolutionizing the landscape of financial transactions in Pakistan, Mastercard, a global technology company in the payments industry, has partnered with ABHI, an embedded finance platform, to introduce the Mastercard-enabled Salary Advance Cards for the first time in Pakistan. ABHI users will be able to order this card via the ABHI app, 24/7 call center, or through the HR departments of their associated companies, enabling them to access earned salaries conveniently. This collaboration will enhance the accessibility of international and domestic online payments for ABHI’s Earned Wage Access (EWA)…
A game-changing PKR billion partnership, involving U Micro Bank and Digitt+, is transforming financial collaborations in the agriculture sector. This partnership brings together Digitt+’s modern in-house payment infrastructure with the Bank’s extensive lending expertise, marking a new era of personalized financial solutions designed for Pakistani farmers. Both organizations have distributed PKR 500 million to farmers in DI Khan, Kanjwani, and Muzaffargarh, and their shared objective is to make financial transactions. By improving the efficiency of financial transactions and giving farmers faster access to resources, this program helps them become more self-sufficient and productive in their revenue and financial stability. Ahmed Saleemi, CEO…
The pioneering partnership between Zong 4G and SehatYab, the leading tele-health platform, was announced with delight. By offering the many mental health services available across the Zong 4G network, this strategic partnership shows a commitment to user wellbeing. SehatYab is a trusted provider of online mental health services in Pakistan, catering to individuals and businesses alike. Complete mental health support is ensured through the provision of confidential consultations with highly qualified psychologists, psychiatrists, and trainers. Users of Zong 4G can access a wealth of helpful resources to improve their mental wellness due to the partnership between Zong 4G and SehatYab. One such offering is…
April 30, 2024: The Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED), in collaboration with the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), Pakistan hosted a dynamic policy dialogue on ‘Overcoming Educational Policy Challenges through Better Governance’. The event served as a platform for engaging experts and stakeholders, fostering innovative strategies for governance enhancement, gaining valuable insights into improving educational outcomes, and contributing to the development of a comprehensive policy roadmap for sustainable progress. The distinguished panel featured prominent figures including Dr Riaz Ahmed Shaikh, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Education at Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science…
Karachi, 1st May 2024 – On the occasion of Labor Day, ABHI and Soorty have released a documentary reflecting on transformative change and showcasing the impact of their collaboration on the lives of workers. From blue-collar workers to C-level executives, individuals from all walks of life have benefited from Earned Wage Access, experiencing financial freedom and security. The partnership, forged in the initial years of ABHI’s inception, has brought significant change to the lives of workers across Pakistan. ABHI partnered with Soorty Enterprises, in 2022 and integrated its EWA platform into their HRMS system, ensuring industry-standard privacy and security protocols.…
Ghazanfar Azzam, the president and CEO of Mobilink Bank, has decided to step down after an impressive 12-year tenure. Mobilink Bank reached new heights and solidified its place as a leader in the Microfinance industry while he was in charge. Azzam led the Bank’s quick move to digital, which made it more financially stable, business-resistant, and ready for the future. Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Mobilink Bank, has been named Interim CEO by the Board of Directors (BoD). He will take over on April 29, 2024, as long as the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) gives his approval.…