Pakistan

Running from 5 June (8 PM onwards) to 10 June, the campaign brings customers up to 80% off across leading brands, everyday essentials, electronics, fashion, beauty, health and home categories Karachi, June 06, 2026: From wishlist upgrades to everyday top-ups, Daraz Pakistan is turning mid-year shopping into a five-day celebration of savings with the launch of its 6.6 Mid Year Shopping Fest. Running from 5 June at 8 PM to 10 June, the campaign brings customers big deals, exclusive vouchers, free delivery, digital payment discounts and exciting rewards across the products they need, love and have been waiting to buy. Whether customers are planning a phone upgrade, restocking groceries, refreshing their wardrobe, shopping for beauty and personal care, or looking for home and lifestyle essentials, the 6.6 sale brings everything together in one shopping festival. With up to 80% off across major categories, the campaign brings together value, choice and convenience in one place, helping customers across Pakistan shop smarter for both everyday essentials and bigger planned purchases. This year’s 6.6 sale brings a power-packed brand line-up, covering everything from electronics and appliances to fashion, beauty, grocery, health and household essentials, including Samsung, Haier, Dawlance, Dettol, Ensure, TCL, Pepsi, L’Oréal, Surf Excel, Junaid Jamshed, Ezviz Pakistan, Meclay, Lipton, Jenpharm, Saya and Zero Healthcare Pakistan. The sale will begin with a high-energy Brand Rush Hour on 5 June at 8 PM, giving customers a limited-time window to access some of the strongest opening deals of the campaign. Featured brands include Junaid Jamshed, FITTED, Jenpharm, Herbiotics, Sana Safinaz, TUX and Levi’s, with additional savings available through bank vouchers during the launch window. Customers can also look forward to a full calendar of savings throughout the campaign, including Prime Rush Hour vouchers, Daily Flash vouchers from 7 PM to 11 PM between 6 June and 8 June, and additional campaign-wide vouchers on high-value purchases. Category-specific vouchers will also be available across Fashion, Health & Beauty, Lifestyle and Large Appliances, making it easier for customers to save across both everyday essentials and bigger planned purchases. For customers paying digitally, 6.6 comes with even more value through offers from leading banks and payment partners, including Meezan Bank, MCB, Soneri Bank, Allied Bank, UnionPay, JS Bank, JazzCash, AlBaraka, HBL, Easypaisa, Askari Bank and SCB. Customers will be able to unlock additional discounts through digital payments across selected sale moments, categories and exclusive store offers, including the Apple Official Store on DarazMall. Beyond discounts, the 6.6 Mid Year Shopping Fest will also give customers more reasons to shop, play and win. Through Shop & Win, customers can get a chance to win 70 gifts worth over PKR 1 million, including exciting prizes such as a bike, refrigerator, sofa and more. Featured Shop & Win brands include HiClean, Dabur, Veet, Zero Healthcare, Tapal and A.H.Q Interior. Customers can also play Coins Treasure Chest daily for a chance to win additional rewards across home, lifestyle and fitness. Speaking about the campaign, a Daraz Pakistan spokesperson said “6.6 is one of the moments where we bring the full Daraz shopping experience together for customers, from trusted brands and everyday essentials to bigger purchases customers may have been planning for. This year, our focus is on helping customers get more value at every step, whether through strong brand deals, platform vouchers, free delivery, bank partner offers or rewards. We want 6.6 to feel exciting, useful and accessible for households across Pakistan.” Customers can access the 6.6 Mid Year Shopping Fest exclusively on the Daraz app and website from 5 June (8 PM onwards) to 10 June. About Daraz Group Daraz is the leading e-commerce platform in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. It empowers sellers and consumers with cutting-edge marketplace technology, targeting a rapidly growing region of 500 million people. By building an integrated infrastructure covering e-commerce, logistics, payment and financial services, the company aims to deliver an immersive, personalized shopping experience and uplift South Asian communities through the power of commerce.For more information, please visit www.daraz.com or follow Daraz on LinkedIn for regular corporate updates. Media Contactambar.ahmed@daraz.pk

Karachi: Sindh Minister for Local Government, Housing and Town Planning Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has said that development projects worth more than Rs 2 trillion are currently underway in Karachi, with many nearing completion while others are at the initial stages. He noted that the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) is assisting in the execution of several projects, while development work is in progress on nearly 140 roads across the city. Speaking at a meeting with industrialists at the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Shah said that Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah had allocated Rs9 billion in development funds for Karachi’s business community, including Rs2 billion specifically for the Korangi Industrial Area. The event was attended by KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput, Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya, Standing Committee Chairman Masood Naqi, Senior Vice President Zahid Hameed, Vice President Muhammad Talha Ali, KITE Limited CEO Saleem uz Zaman, former chairmen and presidents including Junaid Naqi, Johar Qandhari, Danish Khan, Sheikh Umer Rehan and Ehteshamuddin, CPLC Chief Zubair Habib, Secretary Local Government Dr Waseem Shamshad Ali, KDA Director General Asif Jan Siddiqui, SBCA Additional Director Sindh Region Shakeel Ahmed, Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation COO Asadullah Khan, MD Sindh Solid Waste Management Board Tariq Nizamani, Kanwar Qutubuddin senior government officials and a large number of industrialists and KATI members. Nasir Hussain Shah said that water supply to KATI would be improved on a priority basis. He noted that Karachi receives water from a source located nearly 200 km away, making supply management a significant challenge. He added that the Sindh government is acting on KATI’s proposals regarding Pumping Station-II (PS-2) for the Korangi Industrial Area. He also stated that a Garbage Transfer Station (GTS) is being developed on the causeway in line with international standards and includes Pakistan’s first mechanised landfill facility. The Sindh government, he said, is working with international organisations to mitigate the effects of climate change through various initiatives. Discussing the Yellow Line Bus Rapid Transit project, Shah revealed that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Transport Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon had proposed increasing the number of buses and improving urban infrastructure through the allocated project funds instead of constructing a dedicated corridor that could worsen traffic congestion. He acknowledged that the Sindh government has reservations regarding the current design of the Yellow Line project. The minister further announced that a committee comprising officials from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) had been formed to resolve issues relating to Mehran Town. The committee, in consultation with KATI, will prepare recommendations for granting industrial status to the area. Highlighting Karachi’s economic importance, Shah described the city as the “economic lifeline” of Pakistan. He said that despite perceptions that provinces gained extensive authority after the 18th Constitutional Amendment and the NFC Award, Karachi and Sindh received only limited allocations under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) between 2013 and 2018, and only 3 to 4 percent promised projects only 1 to 2 percent were executed. He alleged that the federal government largely neglected Sindh, particularly Karachi, during this period. He added that while some projects were approved during the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government in 2022, Sindh was simultaneously hit by two major natural disasters that damaged nearly 70 percent of the province’s infrastructure, forcing the provincial government to redirect resources towards reconstruction and development. Shah also expressed confidence that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which received increased public support in the last general elections, would achieve a sweeping victory in Sindh in the 2029 elections. Earlier, KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput praised the Sindh government, particularly the Local Government and Urban Development Department, for completing Shahrah-e-Bhutto and several other development projects in Korangi. He said these initiatives represent a major step forward in improving Karachi’s infrastructure, urban development and economic activity. Rajput said that major infrastructure projects such as Shahrah-e-Bhutto would help reduce traffic congestion, improve connectivity and create new opportunities for industrial areas, businesses and residents. He identified water scarcity as one of the most pressing challenges facing industries in Korangi. Due to insufficient water supply from the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation, industrial units are forced to rely on costly water tankers, significantly increasing production costs and undermining the competitiveness and sustainability of local industries. He urged the authorities to ensure a reliable and uninterrupted water supply to industrial areas on a priority basis in order to support investment, industrial growth and exports. Rajput also welcomed the Sindh government’s decision to allocate Rs2.1 billion for development projects in the Korangi Industrial Area, describing it as a positive initiative. However, he noted that the area’s infrastructure challenges are so extensive that additional funding will still be required. Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya said that Rs 600 million from the provincial grant would be spent on resolving sewage and drainage issues in the Korangi Industrial Area. He called on the Sindh government to support the long-term maintenance of the infrastructure. Chhaya also raised concerns over the construction of a modern dumping site near the Korangi Causeway and Shahrah-e-Bhutto, warning that it could create environmental and operational problems for the area. He suggested identifying an alternative location and also called for improved planning of connectivity between the Malir Expressway and Karachi Airport. He further proposed constructing a flyover in Shah Faisal Colony instead of Azeempura. Standing Committee Chairman Masood Naqi urged the government to grant industrial status to Mehran Town, noting that legal obstacles had previously prevented progress but that the courts had now delivered a verdict, paving the way for action. He said granting industrial status to the area would also generate significant additional revenue for the Sindh government. Naqi reiterated KATI’s concerns regarding the Yellow Line project, arguing that the current design could severely affect infrastructure in the industrial zone and disrupt industrial operations. He called on the Sindh government to revise the project’s design in consultation with stakeholders.

Karachi, June 06, 2026 – aik by BankIslami has been awarded the Best Shariah Compliant Digital Financial Solution at the Pakistan Digital Awards 2026. The award recognizes aik’s role in delivering a seamless, fully Shariah-compliant digital banking experience to an ever-growing base of Islamic banking users across Pakistan. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/sbp-go-cashless-campaign-records-pkr-34-billion-digital-transactions-during-eid-ul-azha-2026/ In 2025, aik was launched with a mission to bring Riba-free, Shariah-compliant banking within reach of every Pakistani. Equipped with technology-driven and digital-first features, aik makes Islamic banking easy and seamless for users across Pakistan. Ashfaque Ahmed, Chief Officer of aik, commented on the achievement: “This recognition reflects the trust our users have placed in us and the dedication of the team behind aik. We built this platform on the belief that digital finance does not have to come at the cost of one’s values. We remain committed to continuing our journey of innovation and expanding access to Riba-free banking.” The recognition reinforces the shared mission of aik and BankIslami to expand access to Shariah-compliant digital banking in Pakistan. As aik continues to grow and expand its footprint, this recognition celebrates the ground covered while keeping sight of the road ahead.

Islamabad: Ignite, National Technology Fund, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Muhammad Bilal Abbasi as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mr. Abbasi brings extensive experience in technology, innovation, digital transformation, entrepreneurship development, and strategic leadership. His appointment reflects Ignite’s continued commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s innovation ecosystem, accelerating technology driven economic growth, and fostering entrepreneurship across the country. Read More: https://theboardroompk.com/sbp-go-cashless-campaign-records-pkr-34-billion-digital-transactions-during-eid-ul-azha-2026/ As CEO, Mr. Abbasi will lead Ignite’s efforts to promote innovation, support startups, enhance digital skills development, strengthen research and commercialization initiatives, and advance emerging technology programs in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud computing, robotics, and digital entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, Ignite will continue to play a pivotal role in implementing the Ministry of IT & Telecom’s vision of building a vibrant knowledge economy, empowering Pakistani youth, and positioning Pakistan as a leading innovation and technology hub in the region.

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.