Pakistan

Karachi – June 05, 2026: Zong 5G, Pakistan’s leading technology service enterprise, has earned national recognition through a remarkable double victory at one of the most prestigious industry platforms of the country. The company secured a Pakistan Digital Award for the Best Social Media Campaign (Meta): My Zong App and a Made in Pakistan Tech Excellence Award for its groundbreaking Self-Intelligent RAN Optimization Platform. The dual achievement reflects Zong 5G’s commitment to its strategic pillars of delivering ultimate customer experience, expanding diversified digital products and services, and accelerating AI enablement across its operations and network ecosystem. It further reinforces the company’s goal of building a Digital Pakistan through next-generation technologies that create meaningful value for consumers, businesses, and communities. At the Pakistan Digital Awards, Zong 5G’s My Zong App campaign was recognized as a standout digital marketing initiative, demonstrating the company’s ability to connect with customers through innovative and customer-centric experiences. Designed to address the evolving connectivity needs of modern Pakistani families and social circles, the campaign strengthened customer engagement while reinforcing Zong 5G’s position as a trusted partner in Pakistan’s increasingly digital lifestyle. Commenting on the achievement, Sajid Munir, Head of Marketing, Zong 5G, said: “At Zong 5G, we are leveraging 5G, AI, and emerging technologies to create intelligent and immersive experiences that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The My Zong App embodies this vision, and the campaign reiterates how it serves as a comprehensive platform that delivers a seamless, personalized, and convenient experience through a single touchpoint. This recognition reflects our commitment to innovation and customer-centricity as we continue to shape a smarter, more connected, and technology-driven future.” Further strengthening its reputation as a technology service enterprise, Zong 5G was also honored by receiving the Made in Pakistan Tech Excellence Awards for its Self-Intelligent RAN Optimization Platform; Pakistan’s first Level 4 autonomous closed-loop network optimization system deployed on a live commercial network. Developed entirely in-house by Zong engineers within six months, this AI-powered platform represents a major milestone in localized technology, demonstrating the nation’s capacity for world-class technology innovation. The solution leverages advanced AI and automation to proactively resolve network congestion, reducing resolution times by over 90%; from days to mere minutes, while delivering up to an 18% improvement in peak-hour downlink throughput. Commenting on the recognition, Executive Director of IT at Zong, Ali Waqas said: “Winning recognition for both, a customer-focused initiative and a pioneering AI-powered network platform, demonstrates the strength of our integrated approach to digital transformation. As we continue to advance our 5G journey, we remain committed to harnessing AI, automation, and next-generation technologies to deliver exceptional experiences, strengthen Pakistan’s digital ecosystem, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s digital transformation agenda.” The recognition of both My Zong App and the Self-Intelligent RAN Optimization Platform highlights Zong 5G’s unique ability to innovate across the entire digital value chain; from enhancing customer experiences to building intelligent network infrastructure. Together, these achievements underscore the company’s ongoing role in accelerating Digital Pakistan through technology leadership, AI-driven innovation, and future-ready business solutions.

KSE-100 Index Decline extended into Friday’s trading session as investors rushed to secure profits from heavyweight banking and energy stocks, dragging the benchmark lower despite impressive gains in several sectors. The Pakistan Stock Exchange witnessed a highly volatile session that reflected growing caution among investors. While selected stocks delivered double-digit gains, selling pressure in major index-heavy companies outweighed positive momentum elsewhere. Out of the 100 companies in the index, 45 posted gains, 54 recorded losses, and one remained unchanged, indicating a slightly negative market breadth. Banking and Energy Giants Trigger Market Sell-Off The primary reason behind the latest KSE-100 Index Decline was heavy profit-taking in banking and oil exploration stocks. Among the biggest contributors to the market’s fall were: Banking sector pressure: United Bank Limited (UBL), MCB Bank, and Meezan Bank significantly weighed on the benchmark as investors booked profits following recent rallies. Oil and gas exploration weakness: Oil & Gas Development Company (OGDC) and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) emerged among the largest drags on the index. UBL MCB Bank Meezan Bank OGDC PPL PSX and Textile Stocks Offer Relief While large-cap stocks struggled, several companies delivered impressive performances. Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) emerged as one of the strongest gainers, rising 10 percent. Other notable performers included PGLC, KTML, NPL, and GAL. PSX +10% PGLC KTML NPL GAL Sector-wise support came from investment banks and securities companies, automobile assemblers, the property sector, textile composite companies, and auto parts manufacturers. Broader Market Remains Active Despite KSE-100 Index Decline Although the benchmark index closed in negative territory, broader market activity remained robust. The All-Share Index declined by 297.61 points to close at 102,885.53 points. Interestingly, 248 companies closed higher compared to 205 that declined, showing that investor interest remained active beyond the benchmark stocks. Most Active Stocks Capture Investor Attention TPL Properties (TPLP), TPL Corp (TPL), and PACE attracted the highest trading volumes, each recording more than 41 million shares traded. Other heavily traded stocks included BECO, HASCOLNC, PASLNC, WorldCall Telecom (WTL), WAVESAPP, Bank of Punjab (BOP), and UNITY Foods. Middle East Developments Keep Investors on Edge Market participants remained closely focused on developments in the Middle East, particularly their potential impact on global oil prices and investor risk appetite. Analysts believe concerns surrounding energy markets and geopolitical risks may continue influencing sentiment in the near term, especially for oil-related companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange. KSE-100 Index Still Shows Strong Fiscal-Year Performance FY gain (points) +44,852 FY gain (%) +35.70% Calendar-year change −3,575 (−2.05%) Is the KSE-100 Index Decline Temporary? The latest KSE-100 Index Decline appears largely driven by profit-taking rather than a fundamental deterioration in market conditions. Investors continue to show interest in selective sectors, while trading volumes remain healthy. The market’s next direction will likely depend on earnings expectations, interest rate outlook, foreign investor activity, and geopolitical developments affecting global energy markets. For now, investors remain cautious, but the strong fiscal-year performance suggests the broader bullish trend remains intact despite short-term volatility.

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Saudi-Pak Business Council, Prince Mansour Bin Muhammad Al Saud, on Friday expressed keen interest in exploring investment opportunities in Pakistan’s motorway infrastructure during a high-level meeting with Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan. Saudi-Pak Business Council show interest in motorway infrastructure investment. The meeting discussed matters of mutual interest and the strategic promotion of bilateral relations including investment in Motorways of Pakistan, said a press release. During the meeting, Abdul Aleem Khan extended invitation to the Saudi Pak Business Council to invest in Pakistan’s rapidly growing infrastructure, specifically highlighting the construction of new Motorways and key transport networks currently underway across the country. Focusing on specific ventures ripe for foreign capital, Federal Minister for Communications offered strategic partnerships in the M-6 Sukkur-Hyderabad, M-10 Karachi Port and M-13 Kharian-Rawalpindi Motorway Projects. He emphasized that these particular routes are highly viable, commercially lucrative and represent prime investment opportunities for the Saudi Business Community due to their significant commercial importance. Chairman Saudi Pakistan Business Council Prince Mansour bin Muhammad Al Saud expressed strong interest on behalf of the Saudi Business Council to explore partnership and investment opportunities in these specific Motorway Projects, affirming that the Council is well-positioned to collaborate extensively in Pakistan’s Communications and infrastructure sectors. During the dialogue, Abdul Aleem Khan assured the delegation that Saudi Investors would be provided with highly viable and profitable investment models, noting that the country’s expanding road network plays a pivotal role in boosting regional trade activities. He reiterated that Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share long-standing, time-tested and deep-rooted fraternal ties, adding that every Pakistani shares a profound spiritual and emotional bond with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which has consistently demonstrated goodwill towards Pakistan. Concluding the meeting, Chairman Saudi Pakistan Business Council Prince Mansour bin Muhammad Al Saud assured the Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan of full cooperation through his Forum and expressed great optimism regarding the outcomes of his visit to Pakistan. Abdul Aleem Khan reiterated that he highly valued Saudi Arabia’s collaboration in major national projects, emphasizing that the platform of the Saudi Pakistan Business Council will continue to strengthen and solidify the bilateral and economic ties between the two brotherly nations. The Federal Secretary for Communications and high raking officers from both sides where also present in the meeting.

Lahore: President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Atif Ikram Sheikh, and Vice President, Qurrat-ul-Ain, while addressing a press conference at the launch of the Pakistan Women Economic Charter 2035, emphasized that Pakistan’s nearly 130 million women constitute 52 percent of the country’s population and represent one of its most valuable sources of human capital. They asserted that such a significant segment of the population cannot be excluded from the national economic decision-making process. They stated that women in Pakistan are not a minority group; rather, they are the nation’s largest economic force and an indispensable pillar of its human resource base. However, despite their critical contribution to the economy, meaningful consultation with women business leaders, women chambers of commerce, women industrialists, exporters, and representative organizations of businesswomen was largely absent during the formulation of the national budget. “We are not seeking special privileges or concessions; we are demanding rightful representation,” they remarked. Speaking on the occasion, Qurrat-ul-Ain highlighted the absence of an effective institutional mechanism to systematically incorporate women’s economic priorities into the budget-making process and broader economic policymaking framework. She urged the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the Federal Minister for Finance to ensure the formal inclusion of women’s representative leadership in all future budget consultations, economic policy formulation, development planning, and economic reform initiatives. Qurat-ul-Ain stressed that the principle of “No decision about women without the participation of women” must be adopted as a cornerstone of national policy. She maintained that economic decisions affecting women cannot be made effectively or equitably without their direct involvement and representation. She further stated that the Pakistan Women Economic Charter 2035 is not merely a policy document but a comprehensive roadmap for Pakistan’s economic growth, competitiveness, export expansion, investment promotion, and long-term prosperity. The FPCCI Vice President also proposed the establishment of a National Women Economic Council under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The proposed council would comprise representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Planning Commission, State Bank of Pakistan, FPCCI, Women Chambers, the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders. Its primary objective would be to institutionalize women’s participation and ensure that their voices are consistently reflected in national economic policymaking and decision-making processes. The FPCCI leadership reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment and promoting inclusive growth by ensuring that women play a central role in shaping Pakistan’s economic future.

Karachi: The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) says the success of the upcoming budget will depend on whether the government can raise revenue from under-taxed sectors instead of placing most of the burden on the already documented business community. Talking to ET on thursday PBF Chief Organiser Ahmad Jawad said that Pakistan’s economic growth has remained stuck at 3 percent average for the past four years, highlighting the urgent need for policies that stimulate investment, production, and employment. “The decision to enter the IMF programme was the government’s own choice. However, the IMF does not require governments to place an additional burden on the business community and the public every year. If the economy is to move forward, meaningful relief measures must be introduced,” he stated. Jawad emphasized that Pakistan’s cost of doing business is currently around 34 percent higher than many countries in the region, making local industries less competitive. He warned that the imposition of new taxes in the upcoming budget could further slow economic activity and push the economy towards stagnation. He also stated that the Ministry of Commerce, in a written submission to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce, acknowledged that Pakistan’s high cost of doing business stems from several structural challenges, including an anti-export bias in the tax regime, limited access to finance, elevated energy costs that undermine industrial competitiveness, and inadequate trade facilitation measures that increase compliance burdens and transaction costs. PBF official stated that these official findings validate the concerns repeatedly raised by the business community and underscore the need for meaningful reforms in the upcoming budget to enhance competitiveness, boost exports, attract investment, and accelerate economic growth. The forum also proposed the abolition of the petroleum levy and its replacement with an 18 percent General Sales Tax (GST) on petroleum products to create a more transparent taxation framework in the new finance bill scheduled on June 10th. Highlighting the importance of the agricultural sector, Jawad described cotton as Pakistan’s “white gold” and called for targeted incentives and relief measures to revive cotton production and strengthen the textile value chain. He further stressed the need for concrete budgetary initiatives to promote the Blue Economy and modernise the agriculture sector, both of which have significant potential to drive sustainable growth and increase exports. “The government must decide whether investment capital should flow towards industry and exports or continue to be diverted into real estate and speculative activities,” the PBF stated. The forum also recommended the introduction of a simplified one-page tax return system instead of the existing lengthy and complex tax filing process. According to PBF, a simplified tax return would encourage greater compliance and help broaden the national tax base. Addressing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, CO PBF Jawad said, “The business community still has high expectations from your leadership. We hope the upcoming budget will provide a clear direction and restore confidence by delivering policies that support growth, investment, and economic stability.” PBF reiterated that a growth-oriented budget, focused on reducing business costs, encouraging productive investment, supporting agriculture, and simplifying taxation, is essential for achieving sustainable economic recovery and long-term prosperity.