Author name: Web Desk

Karachi: InfraZamin Pakistan Limited, in partnership with Infralectric, a Brillanz Group company, DIB Pakistan Limited, Bank Alfalah Limited, and Meezan Bank Limited, announced the signing of Pakistan’s first-ever PKR 3 Billion, ‘AAA’ Rated, Green Sukuk for the telecom sector, marking a major milestone in sustainable infrastructure financing and climate-aligned capital markets development. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/pakistans-6-popular-beauty-creams-pulled-off-the-shelves-for-containing-toxic-substances/ Under the transaction, InfraZamin Pakistan is providing a 100% principal guarantee for the PKR 3 billion Green Sukuk issued by Infralectric Private Limited with DIB Pakistan Limited, as the Lead Arranger of the Green Sukuk transaction demonstrating how ethical capital markets can lead the transition toward scalable, climate-aligned infrastructure financing. The proceeds will finance one of Pakistan’s largest commercial deployments of lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and solarization solutions for telecom tower infrastructure across the country. The transaction witnessed oversubscription by investors and initial disbursement is planned after completion of all formalities. Commenting on the occasion, Maheen Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of InfraZamin Pakistan, said, “This landmark transaction demonstrates how innovative credit enhancement can unlock capital markets for transformative green infrastructure. By guaranteeing Pakistan’s first Green Sukuk for the telecom sector, InfraZamin is proud to catalyze sustainable private investment into climate-resilient infrastructure while deepening Pakistan’s debt capital markets. We are delighted to partner with Infralectric and Dubai Islamic Bank on this pioneering transaction.” Bilal Qureshi, Group CEO, Brillianz Group, stated, “This landmark transaction sets a new benchmark for business model innovation, demonstrating how private capital can accelerate energy transition, reduce diesel reliance and forex pressure, and build a more resilient, AI-enabled telecom network for Pakistan.” Muhammad Ali Gulfaraz, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan Limited, highlighted, “This agreement represents a defining moment in the Bank’s commitment to the country’s green transition. By structuring this PKR 3,000 million Green Sukuk, DIB Pakistan is demonstrating how Islamic capital markets can effectively bridge the gap between critical infrastructure needs and climate-conscious investment. The solarization of Pakistan’s telecom backbone will significantly lower dependence on conventional energy while reinforcing the resilience of the digital economy, proving that ethical finance serves as a powerful catalyst for large-scale environmental impact.” Atif Bajwa, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank Alfalah Limited, stated, “Bank Alfalah is pleased to contribute to this landmark Green Sukuk, representing a significant advancement in green finance and sustainable infrastructure development in Pakistan. This transaction underscores Bank Alfalah’s continued commitment to developing climate-aligned capital markets and facilitating the mobilization of private sector investment into environmentally responsible projects. The initiative is expected to play a meaningful role in promoting cleaner energy solutions within the telecom sector, while strengthening the resilience and sustainability of critical infrastructure across the country. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Infralectric, InfraZamin, and all partners involved for their collaboration and efforts in successfully delivering this transaction.”Syed Tanveer Hussain, Chief Operating Officer, Wholesale Banking, Meezan Bank added: “Meezan Bank’s participation in this landmark syndicated Green Sukuk transaction, reflects our continued commitment towards advancing the role of Islamic finance in supporting sustainable and infrastructure-led development in Pakistan. This initiative, focused on green energy solutions for telecom infrastructure, represents a meaningful step towards reducing carbon emissions while enhancing operational efficiency within a critical sector of the economy. The inclusion of Infrazamin’s financial guarantee further strengthens the structure by enhancing investor confidence and facilitating broader market participation. Such transactions will deepen Pakistan’s Islamic capital market while supporting a more sustainable and resilient economy.” Pakistan’s telecom sector, serving nearly 190 million mobile subscribers, is among the country’s most energy-intensive and operationally critical industries, with over 50,000 tower sites nationwide, many operating on weak-grid or off-grid power. This has historically resulted in heavy reliance on diesel generators, elevated operating costs, and significant carbon emissions. Through this transaction, Infralectric will deploy advanced battery storage, solar PV, Artificial-Intelligence enabled optimization, and remote monitoring solutions across approximately 1,955 telecom tower sites, significantly reducing diesel dependence, improving network reliability, lowering operational costs, and cutting emissions.Carbon emission reduction and fuel import bill reduction are among the key expected outcomes of the project. In addition to InfraZamin Pakistan as Guarantor, Infralectric Private Limited as Issuer, and DIB Pakistan Limited, as Lead Arranger, the transaction has been supported by Bank Alfalah Limited as Joint Lead Arranger, Meezan Bank Limited as LC (Import) Bank, BankIslami Pakistan Limited as Investment Agent, DIB PF, DIB GF, Alfalah Asset Management Limited and NBP Fund Management Limited as investors, Ahmed & Qazi as Investor’s Legal Counsel, HP | FKM as Issuer’s Legal Counsel, Al Hilal as Shariah Advisor, Pakistan Environment Trust (PET) as Green Bond Consultant, and Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA) as Rating Agency. The transaction is expected to support hundreds of direct and indirect jobs through installation, maintenance, local manufacturing, remote monitoring, and technical field operations. By replacing diesel generators with clean distributed energy solutions, the initiative advances environmental sustainability while strengthening the resilience of Pakistan’s telecom infrastructure. The transaction contributes to Pakistan’s progress toward Sustainable Development Goals relating to Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry Innovation and Infrastructure, Climate Action, and Partnerships for the Goals. This milestone reflects InfraZamin Pakistan’s continued commitment to enabling innovative financing solutions that mobilize private capital into sustainable, climate-aligned, and development-focused infrastructure projects across Pakistan.

KARACHI: Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani has reiterated the government’s firm commitment to achieving sustainable economic stability and accelerating export-led growth through strong public–private sector collaboration. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/strait-of-hormuz-reopens-amid-uncertainty-in-us-iran-peace-talks/ Speaking during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Saturday, the State Minister emphasized that the government is pursuing a policy framework aimed at ensuring inclusive and durable economic growth, with the private sector playing a central and leading role. He assured that exporters, in particular, would continue to receive full policy support to enhance Pakistan’s export performance and global competitiveness. The meeting was attended by Chairman Businessmen Group Zubair Motiwala, Vice Chairmen BMG Jawed Bilwani and Tariq Yousuf, President KCCI Muhammad Rehan Hanif, Senior Vice President Muhammad Raza, Vice President Arif Lakhani, members of the Executive Committee, and prominent exporters. Bilal Azhar Kayani underscored that his continued visits to Karachi reflect the government’s commitment to sustained engagement with the business community. He noted that such interactions are vital for understanding ground realities and ensuring that policy measures remain aligned with the needs of trade and industry. He described Karachi as the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, highlighting its critical contribution to industrial output, trade volumes, and national revenue. He further stated that the purpose of his visit was to identify and address key impediments to economic activity, while facilitating a more enabling and business-friendly environment. Highlighting recent economic progress, the Minister noted that since February 2024, the government has remained focused on macroeconomic stabilization. He pointed out that inflationary pressures have eased and foreign exchange reserves have improved as a result of timely, prudent, and coordinated policy interventions. Providing broader context, he observed that Pakistan’s economy has historically faced cycles of growth accompanied by external imbalances, where increases in GDP were often offset by pressure on foreign exchange reserves. He stressed that the government is now committed to breaking this cycle by promoting sustainable growth anchored in exports and private sector investment. He also outlined key reforms introduced under the Prime Minister’s leadership, including the transfer of management of the Export Development Fund to exporters, aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and industry ownership. Bilal Azhar Kayani further shared that structured engagement with the business community has been institutionalized through regular meetings with presidents of chambers of commerce. He added that even during challenging periods, including times of regional uncertainty, the government’s economic team has taken balanced and prudent decisions to safeguard economic stability. Reiterating the government’s consultative approach, he assured participants that stakeholder feedback would continue to play a central role in shaping economic policies. Referring to financial sector initiatives, he described Roshan Digital Accounts as a flagship success, which has garnered strong confidence from overseas Pakistanis and facilitated significant inflows of foreign investment. He emphasized that the government remains committed to further strengthening such channels to attract and sustain foreign exchange inflows. He also noted that private sector representation has been enhanced in key institutions such as SMEDA to ensure that policymaking is informed by practical business insights. On the energy front, the Minister stated that petroleum prices are being reviewed on a regular basis, with any adjustments being aligned with global market trends. He noted that petroleum levies are being rationalized, with the levy on diesel currently at zero while petrol carries a levy of Rs. 80, adding that any further decline in international oil prices would be passed on to consumers. He further highlighted that Pakistan has regained access to the international Eurobond market after a hiatus of four years, reflecting renewed investor confidence in the country’s economic direction. Addressing regulatory reforms, he pointed out that amendments introduced in the previous budget to Section 37A of FBR laws have curtailed certain discretionary powers. He added that the authority of FBR officials to arrest traders has also been significantly reduced, providing much-needed relief and improving the ease of doing business. Concluding his remarks, the Minister stated that he would refrain from commenting on the upcoming federal budget at this stage, noting that detailed announcements would be made at the appropriate time. The meeting concluded with an interactive session, during which exporters highlighted key challenges and offered practical suggestions for further improving the business climate and export ecosystem.

Indus Motor Company has appreciated the sincere efforts of Haroon Akhtar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production, Saif Anjum, Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production, and Hamad Ali Mansoor, CEO of the Engineering Development Board, for the stability of local auto industry. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/strait-of-hormuz-reopens-amid-uncertainty-in-us-iran-peace-talks/ “I really appreciate their concerted efforts for the growth of local auto industry, especially abolishing the baggage scheme for used car imports,” said Chief Executive IMC Ali Asghar Jamali. He added that this landmark policy decision marks a significant step towards strengthening Pakistan’s local automotive manufacturing sector as by discouraging the influx of used vehicles the initiative is expected to enhance demand for locally assembled cars, support industrial growth, generate employment and effectively reduce idle production capacity within the country’s automotive industry. It is worth adding here that a 50% shift is expected from Baggage Scheme to CKD market while others may shift to remaining schemes, thus the Used Car market will shift by 21,050 units. In the financial year 2025 total 35,806 units of used cars were imported under Personal Baggage category and since this category has been abolished in January 2026 the imports under this category are not expected to happen now. Similarly, under Gift Scheme total 4634 units were imported and under Transfer of Residence category total 1685 units were imported in the FY 2025, leading to total imported used cars units of 42,125 in the said year. “Used car imports are negligible in India, Thailand, and Vietnam due to various tariff and administrative measures as the market share of used cars in these countries are 0%, 1.2%, and 0.3%, respectively, while the market share of used cars in Pakistan is 20%. The CEO IMC said that the sincere efforts of the government will help Pakistan’s automotive sector to become a driver of sustainable economic growth and position itself as a potential investment destination for original equipment manufacturers.