ABHI Microfinance Bank Ltd. has entered into a strategic partnership with Dastak Logistics (Private) Limited to introduce Merchant Lending Services aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses across Pakistan with easier access to working capital and business financing.

The agreement was formalized at a signing ceremony where Muhammad Umer Rauf, Head Transaction & Employee Banking – ABHI Microfinance Bank, and Intizar Hussain, Chief Executive Officer – Dastak Logistics, signed on behalf of their respective organizations. The ceremony was also attended by senior representatives from both institutions.

Under this partnership, eligible merchants operating within Dastak Logistics’ ecosystem will gain access to tailored financing solutions from Abhi MFB. These facilities are designed to help businesses manage cash flow needs, purchase inventory, expand operations, and strengthen day-to-day working capital without lengthy traditional banking processes.

The collaboration addresses one of the biggest challenges faced by SMEs and merchants in Pakistan — limited access to timely and convenient financing. By leveraging Dastak Logistics’ merchant network and operational data, Abhi MFB aims to create a seamless lending journey with faster assessments, simplified onboarding, and quicker disbursement of funds.

For merchants, this initiative is expected to unlock growth opportunities by providing flexible capital when needed most. Better financing access can enable businesses to stock products efficiently, fulfill larger orders, improve delivery capabilities, and scale operations with greater confidence.

For the broader financial ecosystem, the partnership contributes to Pakistan’s financial inclusion agenda by extending formal credit solutions to underserved merchants and businesses. It also reflects the growing importance of embedded finance models, where lending services are integrated directly into commercial ecosystems to create more relevant and accessible solutions.

Representatives from both organizations shared that empowering merchants with financing tools is critical for supporting entrepreneurship, improving economic productivity, and accelerating digital transformation across Pakistan’s SME sector.

With this collaboration, Abhi MFB continues to strengthen its commitment to merchant-focused financial services, while Dastak Logistics expands value-added support for businesses within its growing network, creating a stronger foundation for long-term business growth nationwide.

Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA) urged the government and internet service providers to ensure uninterrupted and high-speed internet services across Pakistan to support the digitally-connected economy, including freelancers and gig economy workers nationwide.

PAFLA Chairman Ibrahim Amin stated that persistent internet slowdowns are adversely affecting the productivity of freelancers and online workers with a significant contribution to the economy such as bringing in foreign exchange and helping reduce unemployment in the country.

He highlighted that slow and interrupted internet connectivity, combined with frequent electricity outages, has significantly worsened working conditions for freelancers. As a result, many struggle to meet project deadlines, which can negatively impact their platform rankings and damage their professional credibility.

Amin also pointed out that thousands of workers as part of the gig economy, including ride-hailing drivers and food delivery personnel, are facing similar challenges due to slow internet connectivity, which directly impacts their earnings and revenue streams of their respective sectors.

It is pertinent to mention here that a major internet service provider has announced a maintenance activity of its submarine cable for a nearly a week, which affected the overall internet speed and service quality across the country.

To address these issues, he suggested that the government introduce satellite-based internet solutions as an alternative, ensuring reliable connectivity and minimizing disruptions caused by submarine cable faults.

According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Pakistan is home to over 2.37 million freelancers, ranking among the top countries globally in terms of freelance workforce size. State Bank of Pakistan’s data reported that Pakistan earned over $800 million in foreign exchange through freelancer of IT and IT-related services despite challenges of slow internet and electricity loadshedding.

Hundreds of thousands of individuals trained by public sector initiatives and non-governmental organizations are entering the freelancing market each month, boosting the country’s foreign exchange earnings. In this regard, the role of institutions is crucial in development of freelancing ecosystem in the country, including Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, Pakistan Software Export Board, and the Special Investment Facilitation Council in developing a supportive ecosystem for freelancers, he said.

The PAFLA chairman expressed optimism that the rollout of 5G technology will significantly improve internet speeds in near future, enhancing the productivity of freelancers, content creators, and other online professionals across the country.

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. 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.

In Pakistan, listeners are exploring more music than ever before—moving across genres, generations, and languages in ways that are reshaping how music is discovered and experienced. Five years since its launch in the country, Spotify is marking a milestone defined not just by growth, but by a shift in how deeply audiences are engaging with music.

Since 2021, Spotify has become an integral part of how music is experienced in Pakistan. Over this period, listenership on the platform has grown by more than 750%, while listeners have created over 15 million user-generated playlists, highlighting how actively audiences are curating and shaping their own music journeys.

This shift is also reflected in listening behavior. Today, the average Spotify listener in Pakistan streams more than 140 different artists per year, pointing to a highly discovery-driven audience where exploring new music is the norm.

A Diverse and Evolving Sound

From Pakistani hip hop, Pakistani pop, and qawwali to regional sounds, listeners in Pakistan are embracing a wide range of genres, reflecting a music culture that blends tradition with contemporary influences and continues to evolve rapidly.

As listening becomes more diverse, more listeners are discovering and engaging with Pakistani artists, with local music continuing to grow on Spotify. Since 2021, total plays of Pakistani artists on the platform have grown more than sevenfold, pointing to a deeper connection between audiences and homegrown talent.

The artists defining this moment reflect that growth. From contemporary voices like Talha Anjum, Umair, and Hasan Raheem, to enduring icons such as Atif Aslam and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, listeners are moving seamlessly between new and legacy sounds—highlighting the breadth of Pakistan’s musical identity.

Similarly, tracks like “Jhol” by Maanu and Annural Khalid, “Pal Pal” by Afusic and AliSoomroMusic, “Wishes” by Hasan Raheem, Umair, and Talwiinder, “Bikhra” by Abdul Hannan and Rovalio, and “Maand” by Bayaan, Hasan Raheem, and Rovalio have emerged as defining songs of the streaming era.

Championing Homegrown Music

This momentum is being shaped through Spotify’s continued investment in Pakistani music. Playlists like “Pakka Hit Hai” have become a home for the country’s biggest contemporary hits, while “ICON Pakistan” celebrates the legacy of Pakistan’s most influential artists.

Pakistan’s music ecosystem is expanding rapidly. Since launch, the number of Pakistani artists on Spotify has grown by nearly 75%, as more creators enter the space and reach audiences both locally and globally.

Supporting Artists Across Pakistan

Supporting this evolution remains a key focus for Spotify. Through initiatives like “RADAR Pakistan”, “EQUAL Pakistan”, and “Fresh Finds Pakistan”, the platform continues to invest in artists at every stage, helping emerging voices break through while supporting established talent in reaching new audiences.

“Music has always been at the heart of culture in Pakistan, but what we’re seeing now is a new level of connection. Listeners are exploring more, discovering faster, and showing up for homegrown artists in a way that feels truly powerful,” said Rutaba Yaqub, Spotify’s Artist & Label Partnerships Manager for Pakistan & UAE. “From emerging voices to iconic legends, there’s a real momentum behind Pakistani music today, and it’s exciting to see how that continues to grow.”

Together, these shifts point to a music culture that is becoming increasingly open, dynamic, and discovery-led, where listeners are not only shaping what’s popular, but actively driving the rise of new artists and sounds across Pakistan.

Listeners can explore the tracks that defined the past five years on Spotify’s “Made in پاکستان” playlist.

Most-Streamed Pakistani Artists in Pakistan in the Last 5 Years

1. Talha Anjum
2. Atif Aslam
3. Umair
4. Hasan Raheem
5. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan

Most-Streamed Pakistani Tracks in Pakistan in the Last 5 Years

1. “Jhol” by Maanu and Annural Khalid
2. “Pal Pal” by Afusic, AliSoomroMusic
3. “Wishes” by Hasan Raheem, Umair, Talwiinder
4. “Bikhra” by Abdul Hannan, Rovalio
5. “Maand” by Bayaan, Hasan Raheem, Rovalio

Since its launch in 2008, Spotify has revolutionized music listening. Today, more listeners than ever can discover, manage and enjoy over 100 million tracks. We are the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service with more than 751 million users, including 290 million subscribers, in 184 markets.https://newsroom.spotify.com

Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank, Mobilink Bank has signed a crucial partnership with HBL Zarai Services Limited to advance agricultural financing for underserved communities under the ‘Zarkhez-e’ Asaan Digital Zarai Qarza Scheme.

Under this partnership, Mobilink Bank will expand access to structured, in-kind agricultural financing for farmers across Pakistan. The Bank, in collaboration with HBL Zarai services, will link financing with essential agricultural inputs and services to help ensure that credit is utilized for productive purposes and contributes to improved farm-level outcomes. Moreover, it will strengthen the efficiency of the financing process through digital channels to enable more streamlined disbursements and transactions.

Whereas HBL Zarai, as an approved Agricultural Services Provider (ASP), will enable farmers to access high-quality agricultural inputs, ongoing agronomic advisory, mechanization services on a pay-per-use basis, and structured crop offtake solutions. This closed-loop model connects financing with input utilization and market access, enhancing transparency, minimizing inefficiencies, and strengthening farmers’ economic resilience.

Commenting on the occasion, Harris Mahmood Chaudhary, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mobilink Bank, said, “Mobilink Bank remains committed to expanding access to finance in a way that is both practical and meaningful. Through our collaboration with HBL Zarai, we are bringing a more integrated approach to agricultural financing by linking credit with inputs, advisory, and market access. This helps ensure that financing is used effectively, improves outcomes, and supports more sustainable and resilient livelihoods.”

Amer Aziz, Chief Executive Officer of HBL Zarai Services Limited, added, “This partnership with Mobilink Bank is a significant step toward strengthening the delivery of structured agricultural financing. By combining financial access with on ground agricultural services, we are ensuring that financing translates into real productivity, improved yields, and better market outcomes for farmers.”

Through this partnership, Mobilink Bank and HBL Zarai aim to enhance coordination, streamline service delivery, and scale in-kind agricultural financing across key agricultural regions. The initiative supports national priorities for sustainable agriculture, financial inclusion, and inclusive economic growth to help Pakistan’s agriculture sector reach its full potential.

Spotify brought together creators and tastemakers in Karachi for an intimate padel experience, celebrating the growing intersection of sport, music, and community in the city.

Hosted at House of Padel, the evening welcomed a curated group of guests including Ayla Adnan, Hajra Yamin, Arshanistan, alongside other notable names from across Karachi. Designed as a social, high-energy gathering, the event reflected how shared interests like sport and music are increasingly shaping how communities connect and spend time together.

Hosted by Aqsa Manzoor, the night featured a live DJ set by Disguise in Hoodie, with music playing a central role in setting the tone on and off the court. Spotify’s “Padel Fever” playlist was highlighted throughout the evening, bringing a curated soundtrack to the experience and enhancing the rhythm of the game.

The experience also featured playful on-ground elements inspired by Spotify’s Mix feature —available to Premium users in Pakistan—which allows users to shape how tracks flow together through customized transitions. Brought to life in a social setting, these moments enabled guests to engage with music in a more expressive and interactive way.

“Music is already part of how people show up to sport—before a game, during play, and in the moments in between,” said Talha Hashim, Spotify’s Marketing Manager for Pakistan. “Padel is a great example of that. It’s not only about the game, but the energy and community around it—the groups that gather, the time spent courtside, and the atmosphere people create together. That’s where music fits in naturally. Experiences like this are about showing up in those moments in a way that feels true to how our audiences in Pakistan are already using Spotify.”

Through initiatives like this, Spotify continues to strengthen its role in Pakistan’s music culture, connecting audiences through shared, real-life experiences.

Listeners can now explore the “Padel Fever” playlist on Spotify and bring the energy of the court wherever they go.

Since its launch in 2008, Spotify has revolutionized music listening. Today, more listeners than ever can discover, manage and enjoy over 100 million tracks. We are the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service with more than 751 million users, including 290 million subscribers, in 184 markets. https://newsroom.spotify.com

ABHI Microfinance Bank Limited has entered into a strategic agreement with EFU Life Assurance Ltd. to offer life insurance solutions to its customer base, aiming to expand access to financial protection and long-term security across Pakistan.

The collaboration establishes a framework under which EFU Life’s insurance products will be distributed through ABHI Microfinance Bank’s platform, enabling customers to access insurance coverage alongside their existing financial services. The initiative is designed to support greater financial inclusion by integrating protection solutions into everyday banking.

Through this partnership, customers will be able to benefit from a range of life insurance offerings, helping them manage financial risks and plan for the future. The agreement also outlines mechanisms for product distribution, customer onboarding, and service delivery, ensuring that insurance solutions are accessible, transparent, and aligned with regulatory requirements.

Both organizations will work closely to ensure effective implementation, including staff training, customer awareness initiatives, and ongoing operational coordination. The collaboration also emphasizes adherence to regulatory standards, data protection protocols, and responsible sales practices to safeguard customer interests.

The agreement defines ABHI Microfinance Bank’s role as a distribution partner, while EFU Life will remain responsible for underwriting, policy servicing, and claims management. This structure allows each organization to contribute its respective expertise to deliver seamless customer experience.

The agreement was signed by Umer Rauf, Head of Transaction & Employee Banking at ABHI Microfinance Bank, and Muhammad Ali Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer at EFU Life Assurance Ltd., along with senior representatives from both organizations.

Through this partnership, ABHI Microfinance Bank and EFU Life aim to strengthen access to insurance solutions and promote financial resilience among individuals and families. By combining banking access with insurance offerings, the collaboration seeks to support customers in managing both their financial needs and long-term security.

Pakistan State Oil Company Limited (PSO) has formally notified the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) that its Board of Management has appointed Mr. Jawwad Ahmed Cheema as Chief Executive Officer for a three-year term, effective 18 May 2026. Mr. Cheema succeeds Mr. Abdus Sami, who serves as interim CEO.

A distinguished C-suite executive, Mr. Cheema brings over 28 years of experience in the downstream energy sector, including nearly two decades in corporate leadership roles spanning five countries across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and South Asia. His career covers the full downstream value chain retail fuels, lubricants, storage infrastructure, supply chain management, strategy, and international portfolio management with a consistent thread of strategic transformation, business turnaround, and large-scale organisational change running through every assignment.

The centerpiece of his career is a 26-year tenure with Royal Dutch Shell, one of the world’s largest energy majors, during which he rose from frontline retail operations in Pakistan to the most senior levels of Shell’s global leadership, progressing through Indonesia, Singapore, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom each assignment representing a substantive expansion of scope, complexity, and accountability.

As Managing Director and CEO of Shell Pakistan Limited, he successfully steered one of the country’s most prominent publicly listed energy companies through a period of significant strategic and operational transformation in one of the region’s most complex and fast-evolving energy markets.

In subsequent international roles, Mr. Cheema served as Vice President of Strategy & Portfolio at Shell International B.V. in The Hague, where he directed global downstream infrastructure portfolio strategy across multiple continents, delivering significant enterprise value through network optimisation, asset rationalisation, and supply chain reconfiguration. As Vice President of Shell Business Operations in Singapore, he transformed Shell’s global business process outsourcing function, driving large-scale workforce expansion and operational consolidation across a global network. Earlier, as Strategy & Management Consultancy Manager, he led business turnarounds, divestments, new market entries, and integrated downstream reviews across Asia-Pacific.

Mr. Cheema’s expertise also extends to high-growth market entries, most notably as General Manager leading Shell’s end-to-end retail fuels entry into Indonesia a complex, fast-growing emerging market. Most recently, he served as CEO of Karachi Hydrocarbon Terminal (KHT), a strategic joint venture under the VTTI B.V. portfolio, managing Pakistan’s primary petroleum import and distribution terminal at Port Qasim.

Beyond executive leadership, Mr. Cheema has exercised significant governance authority as Chairman of the Board of Shell Pakistan Limited and as a Director on the boards of Pakistan Refinery Limited (PRL) and Pakistan Arab Pipeline Company (PAPCO) the most strategically significant nodes of Pakistan’s downstream infrastructure.

With a rare combination of commercial sharpness, strategic clarity, and the operational discipline to execute at scale in complex, regulated, and politically sensitive energy environments, Mr. Cheema stands as a leader shaped by the most rigorous global standards and deeply rooted in the realities of Pakistan’s energy landscape.

Mobilink Bank, Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank in collaboration with JazzCash, Pakistan’s leading digital financial services platform, has inaugurated the Chaklala Scheme-III Cashless Bazaar in Rawalpindi, covering 900 shops & carts, accelerating the push towards realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of a cashless economy led by State Bank of Pakistan. This step extends digital financial infrastructure into everyday marketplaces, making transactions simpler while empowering communities.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Brigadier Syed Ali Anjum, Station Commander Rawalpindi, as the Chief Guest. The event was also attended by Rizwan Khaleel Shamsi, Joint Director at the State Bank of Pakistan, Atta ur Rehman, Chief Business Officer at Mobilink Bank, as well as senior leadership from JazzCash and Mobilink Bank, along with local merchants and community members.

A core component of this transformation is the deployment of Raast-enabled QR codes across the bazaar. This allows merchants to accept instant, secure payments directly from mobile wallets, significantly reducing the hassle of handling physical cash. For the customers, it offers a seamless checkout experience with real-time fund transfers, making everyday shopping faster and more secure. Mobilink Bank will open Business Plus accounts for participating retailers and offer a suite of solutions, including health and fire insurance, SME loans, and solar and EV financing.

Commenting on the initiative, President & CEO of Mobilink Bank, Haaris M. Chaudhary emphasised, “With our digital-first approach at Mobilink Bank, we believe a cashless economy must start where everyday commerce happens – in our local bazaars. This initiative will bring small merchants into a more secure, inclusive financial system. With on-ground enablement through fintech platforms like JazzCash, we are making transactions simpler and advancing digital financial inclusion at scale,”

Murtaza Ali, CEO of JazzCash, said, “The realization of the Prime Minister’s vision for a cashless economy depends on the effective digitization of high-frequency commerce. Bazaars represent the highest concentration of daily transactions in Pakistan, and JazzCash is at the center of this shift, supported by a nationwide network of over 1 million Raast-enabled QR merchants. By bringing seamless digital payments into these spaces, we are helping merchants transition into a formal, connected financial system. This evolution improves everyday lives by making financial services more accessible, reliable, and inclusive for millions of citizens.”

The Chaklala Scheme-III Cashless Bazaar serves as a scalable blueprint for how localized interventions can drive national transformation. By combining government vision with robust digital infrastructure and effective on-ground execution, JazzCash and Mobilink Bank are accelerating Pakistan’s journey toward a truly Cashless economy.

Global NEV leader BYD, through its official partner in Pakistan, Mega Motor Company, has delivered BYD Atto 2 and BYD Sealion 7 electric vehicles to Islamabad Police, marking the first operational adoption of a new energy vehicle (NEV) fleet by a federal department in Pakistan. The induction of these vehicles was formally celebrated through an official ceremony inaugurated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Inspector General of Islamabad Police, Ali Nasir Rizvi, and Chief Traffic Officer of Islamabad, Muhammad Sarfraz Virk, were also present, along with other senior officials from the department.

The fleet has been designated for specific operational roles within the police department, supporting traffic patrol and official mobility. Its introduction will enable Islamabad Police to significantly reduce fuel dependency, lower operating costs, and introduce emission-free mobility into daily policing operations across the capital.

The initiative comes at a time when Pakistan is experiencing unprecedented volatility in fuel prices, reinforcing the need for more stable and cost-efficient mobility solutions for institutional use. By transitioning to electric vehicles, Islamabad Police is taking a forward-looking step toward reducing exposure to fuel price fluctuations while improving long-term operational efficiency.

Commenting on the initiative, an official from Islamabad Police said: “We are committed to adopting modern, sustainable solutions that enhance operational efficiency while serving the public responsibly. The integration of electric vehicles into our fleet marks a significant step toward reducing fuel dependency and enabling environmentally responsible policing. It also serves as a practical manifestation of the Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Pakistan’s vision for a greener, more sustainable future, with Islamabad Police playing a leading role in advancing this agenda.

This initiative lays the foundation for the gradual expansion of our NEV fleet as we continue to modernise our operations in collaboration with BYD.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Danish Khaliq, Vice President Sales and Strategy at BYD Pakistan-Mega Motor Company, said the initiative demonstrates how electric mobility solutions can support real-world institutional use cases.

“Islamabad Police’s decision to integrate BYD’s electric vehicles into its operational fleet reflects growing confidence in our new energy mobility solutions for real-world institutional use. As the first federal government department to take this step, it sets an important precedent for public sector organisations across Pakistan.

Beyond sustainability, this transition highlights a broader shift toward smarter fleet economics, where reduced reliance on fuel and lower maintenance requirements can significantly improve long-term operational efficiency. At Mega Motor Company, we remain focused on enabling this shift through reliable, high-performance electric mobility solutions designed for real-world demands.”

BYD’s new energy vehicles bring advanced electric mobility technology to the police fleet, offering zero tailpipe emissions, superior blade battery technology, enhanced safety systems, and lower maintenance requirements compared with conventional vehicles. In addition to environmental benefits, electric mobility presents a significantly lower running cost compared to traditional fuel-powered vehicles, particularly in high-utilisation environments such as public service fleets. The vehicles also enable silent patrolling, an operational advantage particularly suited to urban law enforcement environments. As public institutions navigate rising fuel costs and explore more sustainable transportation solutions, initiatives such as this highlight the growing role of electric mobility in delivering both financial and environmental value while reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.