Islamabad, Feb 13: The development of Pakistan’s National Computer Emergency Response Team (NCERT) is progressing steadily, with its full operational capabilities expected to be in place by June 2025. The Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, informed the National Assembly that although NCERT began its soft operations in July 2023, it is still in the process of being fully equipped and functional. NCERT is a key initiative under the Cyber Security for Digital Pakistan program, and it is being developed as part of the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP). The project is being executed by…
Author: Iqra Khan
Islamabad, Feb 13: Pakistan’s largest fintech services provider, JazzCash, and its leading digital microfinance bank, Mobilink Bank, have been nominated for prestigious accolades at the Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards 2025, to be held during the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025. This recognition highlights the innovative strides both companies have made in the digital financial services space. JazzCash has secured a nomination in the ‘Best Fintech Innovation’ category for its Tap Pay for Business offering, an advanced solution that enables over 360,000 merchants to accept payments via contactless cards or smartphones. Using NFC technology, this feature, developed in collaboration with Mastercard,…
Islamabad, Feb 13: The Punjab Sports Endowment Fund (SEF) has made a significant move to further support the province’s athletic talent by announcing that scholarships will be awarded to top performers from the Khelta Punjab Games. This decision was finalized during a recent meeting held at the Punjab Stadium, which was chaired by the Sports Secretary, Shahid Zaman. Key figures from the Youth Affairs and Sports Punjab department, including Director General Khizar Afzaal, Additional Secretary Sports Mian Usman Ali, and Director Admin Dr. M Kaleem, were in attendance, along with representatives from the finance and pension departments. Khizar Afzaal took…
Islamabad, Feb 13: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has introduced several initiatives to empower women and enhance consumer protection within the non-banking microfinance sector. These measures are designed to ensure transparency, inclusivity, and improved support for female borrowers. All Non-Banking Microfinance Companies (NBMFCs) are now required to report gender-disaggregated data and complaints through the ESG Sustain Portal. This initiative will allow SECP to gain valuable insights into the experiences of female borrowers, helping to identify trends, address disparities, and implement targeted interventions based on data.
Islamabad, Feb 13: HBL Microfinance Bank (HBL MfB) has signed an $80 million Risk Sharing Agreement (RSA) with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. This facility, supported by the Private Sector Window of the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP), will allow HBL MfB to share 50% of the risk on its microfinance loan portfolio of up to $80 million (in PKR equivalent) with IFC, on an unfunded basis. The partnership aims to enhance financial access for smallholder farmers and microenterprises in Pakistan, with a particular focus on women entrepreneurs. This agreement strengthens…
Islamabad, Feb 13: The Pakistani trio of pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam have been penalized by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for breaching the Code of Conduct during their Tri-Nation Series match against South Africa in Karachi. Despite Pakistan’s memorable victory, the match was marred by on-field tensions and drama between the two teams. The incidents began during South Africa’s batting innings, where Shaheen got involved in a verbal altercation with Matthew Breetzke. This escalated when Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam celebrated Temba Bavuma’s dismissal in an animated manner, further fueling the tensions. The fireworks continued…
Islamabad, Feb 13: The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has officially announced the date sheet for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Part I & II 1st Annual Examination 2025. The exams are set to begin on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Students are instructed to arrive at their designated examination centers by 8:30 AM, as the entry will close promptly at 8:55 AM. The exams will commence at 9:00 AM without delay.
Islamabad, Feb 13: The Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a revered spiritual event, is expected to attract thousands of devotees to Sehwan, leading the district administration to declare February 17 a public holiday in Jamshoro. This will ensure smooth access and accommodation for the large number of pilgrims attending the annual gathering. During the Urs, the shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar will come alive with dhamal, qawwali performances, and religious ceremonies, celebrating the saint’s legacy. Devotees from across the country converge at the shrine to participate in the festivities.
Islamabad, Feb 13: Apple has launched a new health study aimed at exploring the connections between physical and mental health, as well as overall well-being, leveraging data from its devices. The study, available through the Apple Research app for eligible U.S. participants, will examine how various health factors, including heart rate, sleep patterns, and mental health, interact with each other. This initiative, conducted in partnership with Brigham and Women’s Hospital an affiliate of Harvard Medical School will monitor long-term health trends through the data collected from Apple devices. The new study builds on Apple’s previous research initiatives, such as the…
Islamabad, Feb 13: Asia Pak Investment Company Limited and Montage Oil DMCC have formally submitted an offer to acquire a controlling stake in Lotte Chemical Pakistan Limited, signaling their intent to acquire at least 75.01% of the company’s shares. This announcement was made by Arif Habib Limited (AHL) on behalf of the acquirers, in a statement to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Thursday. The acquirers, Asia Pak Investments and Montage Oil, plan to secure control of Lotte Chemical Pakistan by purchasing a majority shareholding. In line with the requirements of the Listed Companies Regulations, 2017, they will also make…
