PTCL Group (Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited & Ufone 4G), Pakistan’s largest integrated ICT and telecom services provider, in collaboration with Mercantile, Apple’s authorized distributor in Pakistan, is offering the highly anticipated iPhone 17 nationwide. The rollout brings customers an unparalleled blend of the most famous gadget with cutting-edge technology and unmatched value.

Every iPhone 17 purchased through this collaboration comes with an industry-leading two-year warranty, comprising one year from Apple and an additional year from Mercantile, along with instant theft and damage insurance worth up to PKR 400,000. All warranty related claims will be facilitated seamlessly through Apple’s authorized service centers & Mercantile service centers across Pakistan.

PTCL Group has further enhanced the offer with exclusive perks for its Ufone and PTCL broadband users. New and existing Ufone 4G subscribers will receive a free eSIM plus a premium connectivity bundle featuring with over 1 TB mobile data for six months, along with 1,000 off-net and 10,000 on-net minutes monthly for six months. PTCL broadband customers can enjoy 50 Mbps speeds at the price of 30 Mbps for a full year, ensuring both savings and superior connectivity.

To celebrate the launch, UPaisa and UPTCL customers will have the chance to win a free iPhone 17. The first 100 buyers will also receive a complimentary Apple charger, while all customers can enter a lucky draw to win Apple AirPods. Pre-booking comes with special cash discounts, making the offer even more rewarding. These exclusive benefits are available for both new and existing customers across PTCL, Ufone 4G, and UPaisa.

Alongside Apple’s innovation, PTCL Group is empowering users with high-speed broadband and 4G services that deliver seamless performance every day. By combining world-class devices with reliable connectivity, we are making the digital experience more powerful, secure, and rewarding for our customers. Ends

Viper, a local PC brand, has been ranked Pakistan’s No. 1 PC brand by unit shipments in Q2 2025, according to the IDC Pakistan PC Market Executive Summary. Building on this momentum, Viper has commenced local manufacturing. A significant step in the national “Made in Pakistan” drive.

“Becoming Pakistan’s top PC brand while beginning local manufacturing is more than a business milestone, it’s a signal that Pakistani technology can lead at home and compete abroad,” said Khushnood Aftab, CEO, Viper Technology. “We’re scaling responsibly, strengthening supply chains, and creating value where it matters: in jobs, skills, and innovation.”

Local manufacturing reduces reliance on fully built imports, easing pressure on FX reserves through import substitution and enabling future export receipts.

The factory operations, QA, after-sales, and channel enablement create jobs while upskilling youth in electronics assembly, testing, and service.

Local build and parts availability improve lead times, customization, and after-sales reliability, key for schools, enterprises, and government projects.

Viper’s portfolio (AI PCs, laptops, desktops, tablets, interactive displays) helps seed local R&D and integration expertise, supporting government, education, and enterprise digitization. It achieved a significant milestone that signals stronger domestic value chain—promising foreign-exchange savings, skilled jobs, and AI-era technology leadership.

Viper Technology (Pvt.) Ltd. is a 30-year-old Pakistani IT hardware company focused on PCs, laptops, tablets, AI PCs, and interactive display solutions with nationwide sales and service. The Viper Group also includes VIION Technology (software, digital, services) and Viper Academy (tech skills training). Viper partners with leading global suppliers and serves enterprise, education, and government customers across Pakistan.

Ali Qasim recording in his new home studio Photo Credit: Ali Qasim

Ali Qasim, 37, is an entrepreneur who runs a marketing agency in Karachi. But beyond his day-to-day work, he is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his thoughts and conversations as a side project. His channel has steadily grown and now attracts nearly 2,000 followers on YouTube, a milestone that motivates him to keep creating.

In the past, Qasim relied on rented studios far from his home to record his episodes. Each session cost between PKR 10,000 and 15,000 per hour, while the editing charges are separate and producing a single episode often required three to four hours of studio time. Yet the biggest drain wasn’t just money, it was time. The round trip to the studio took at least three hours, and when traffic jammed, the delays stretched even longer.

Eventually, Qasim began to question whether it was worth the effort. Instead of spending hours commuting and paying steep rental fees, Qasim realized he could record his solo episodes from home with his own setup, while still using professional studios when he hosted interview-style sessions. After comparing both online and offline options, he found that Temu, the global e-commerce platform, offered everything he needed in one place.

“The variety on Temu really stood out,” Qasim says. “From professional equipment to small accessories, I didn’t have to waste time searching everywhere. It was all just a few clicks away.”

       Podcast gear bought from Temu. Photo Credit: Ali Qasim

His decision also aligned with a broader trend. In 2025, there are about 584.1 million listeners globally, up around 6.8% from 2024, according to eMarketer. Pakistan is experiencing a similar surge, with its podcasting industry expected to reach USD 80 million by the end of 2025, reflecting the same rapid growth that is reshaping how people consume content across the globe.

To build his home studio, Qasim ordered a complete set of essentials from Temu: a microphone kit with stand and audio mixer for professional sound, high-quality headphones for clear playback, LED video lighting for future video podcasts, and decorative items to create the right aesthetic. With all the costs added up, the total was still lower than what he would normally pay for a single recording session at a rented studio.

The equipment arrived neatly packed and high quality, and soon Qasim’s room transformed into a sleek creative space. For the first time, he had complete control over his schedule and content, recording whenever inspiration struck. The home setup allowed him to focus more on conversations with his listeners, while also scaling his brand and expanding his creative output.

High Quality Podcast Mic bought from Temu. Photo Credit: Ali Qasim

Recently, Qasim’s show has begun to pay off and generate revenue. What started as a costly hobby is now evolving into a side business, giving him the encouragement and resources to keep investing in his passion.

“My goal now is to raise the quality even higher,” Qasim says. “With the right setup at home, I can focus on creating more meaningful content, reach a larger audience, and continue growing this passion into something bigger.”

Leading economists, policy-makers, and development practitioners from around the world convened at LUMS this week for the three-day G²LM|LIC/Path2Dev/BREAD Academic & Policy Conference on Development Economics, which highlighted cutting-edge research on the world’s most pressing development issues, with a focus on South Asia.

Climate and energy challenges were the main discussion points, with studies showing that high temperatures and prepaid electricity meters can reduce access for the poor. Employment and human capital discussions emphasized that better information sharing boosts female participation, while education and health remain transformative for inclusive societies. Flexible public sector incentives were flagged as key to improving service delivery outcomes. Research discussed the determinants of citizen support for progressive tax reform and the impact of frontier rule on sovereignty-contesting violence.

Organized jointly by the Gender, Growth and Labour Markets in Low-Income Countries (G²LM|LIC) programme, the Bureau for Research and Economic Analysis of Development (BREAD), IZA Institute of Labor Economics, together with the Chaudhry Nazar Muhammad Department of Economics at the Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Mahbub ul Haq Research Centre at LUMS, the Institute of Development Studies at the University of Sussex (IDS), the Institute of Development and Economic Alternatives (IDEAS), the International Growth Centre (IGC), the Consortium for Development Policy Research (CDPR), and the Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP), the conference set out to bridge rigorous research and practical policy solutions.

The conference also featured a mentorship program, which brought junior researchers, particularly from South Asia, into dialogue with senior scholars. Panel discussions brought academics in conversation with policymakers, including Hamed Ateeq Sarwar (Member, IRS), Umme Laila Azhar (Chairperson, NCSW), Ahmed Khan (CEO, PSDF), among others, to find actionable pathways toward development.

Reflecting on the significance of these conversations, Maroof A. Syed, President and CEO of CERP, said, “By bringing together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers, the conference affirms each year that policy debates must respond to realities on the ground in Pakistan and beyond. There is a high level of intersectionality between inequality, governance, gender, health and education especially in the context of climate change. Unless we address them together and align budgets with these priorities, inclusive development will remain out of reach.”

The Keynote Speaker, Dr. Imran Rasul, Professor, University College London, commenting on social insurance said that “It’s better to target firms rather than workers. Although workers are more exposed, their skills allow them to remain more resilient.” A Chaudhry Nazar Muhammad Distinguished Lecture was given by Dr. Sheheryar Banuri, Associate Professor, University of East Anglia, who brought a behavioural economics lens to understanding corruption and cited the importance of moving away from “intrinsic corruption” and instead factoring in the institutions, incentives, and communities that people work in.

The conference concluded with a shared commitment to evidence-based reforms in taxation, public service delivery, gender inclusion, and climate resilience, to ensure growth that is inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to those left behind.

Pakistan’s distinguished naat khwan, Al-Haaj Siddique Ismail, graced the ceremony with his special presence. The event was conducted by senior journalist A.H. Khanzada and commenced with a soulful recitation of the Holy Qur’an by Qari Ghulam Hussain.

Prominent Naat khwans including Faisal Hasan Naqshbandi, Muhammad Asad Ayoob, Muhammad Zubair, Sameer Ahmed, Hafiz Salman Tariq, Ayaz Siddiqui, Wajid Hussain Ansari, Sibt-e-Hasan, and others paid heartfelt tribute to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) with their recitations. On this occasion, three Umrah tickets were also distributed among members of the Karachi Press Club through a lucky draw. One of the umrah was sponsored by Anosh Ahmed.

Speaking at the gathering, Karachi Press Club Secretary Muhammad Sohail Afzal emphasized that love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is an integral part of every Muslim’s faith, and the Milad was organized as a collective expression of that love. He extended gratitude to Anosh Ahmed for his support and expressed hope for continued collaboration in the future.

Anosh Ahmed, a Pakistani-American entrepreneur and philanthropist, runs several welfare initiatives in Pakistan. In his message, he said that celebrating Eid Milad-un-Nabi signifies a pledge to implement the blessed teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) in daily life. He added that such gatherings not only rejuvenate faith but also remind believers that the Prophet’s life remains a guiding light for humanity.

On behalf of Anosh Ahmed, his representative Shamir was presented with the Karachi Press Club emblem and traditional Ajrak by Secretary Sohail Afzal. Commemorative shields were also distributed jointly by the Press Club and Anosh Ahmed to office bearers including Secretary Sohail Afzal Khan, Joint Secretary Muhammad Munsif, Treasurer Imran Ayoob, Governing Body Members Kafeel Ahmed, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Rizwan Bhatti, Nasrullah Chaudhry, Raja Kamran, as well as to participating naat khwans and organizers.

The event witnessed an impressive turnout, with former KPC Secretary Maqsood Yousufi, senior journalists Aamir Latif, KUJ President Nasrullah Chaudhry, Shamir Ahmed, PAPP President Muhammad Jameel, Moinullah Khan, Ahmad Hassan, Muzaffar Ejaz, Kamran Kashari, and many other media professionals and their families in attendance.

Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited (AGTL) marked its role as Platinum Sponsor of the 2nd Pakistan Agro Show 2025, underscoring its commitment to championing mechanization and supporting platforms that strengthen Pakistan’s agriculture agenda.

The exhibition took place from September 8 to 10 at the International Expo Center, Lahore. The Pakistan Agro Show has quickly become one of the country’s most important agricultural exhibitions, bringing together industry leaders, experts, and farming communities to explore the latest innovations in agriculture, fertilizers, seeds, farm machinery, animal farming equipment, grain milling, and agri-processing technologies.

Speaking about Al-Ghazi’s commitment to mechanization, Sakib Eltaff, CEO of Al-Ghazi Tractors Limited, said, “Being the Platinum Sponsor isn’t just about visibility for Al-Ghazi — it’s about making sure platforms like the Agro Show exist and thrive. Pakistan’s farmers and agri stakeholders need spaces where ideas, technologies, and solutions come together. By championing mechanization here, we’re not only showcasing our tractors but also investing in the future of agriculture itself.”

This year’s show serves as a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and the forging of new partnerships, enabling businesses to explore opportunities, analyze markets, and adopt sustainable practices to meet the evolving demands of the agriculture sector.

Al-Ghazi Tractors’ participation highlights its longstanding dedication to advancing Pakistan’s farming community by promoting mechanization and supporting farmers in enhancing productivity and efficiency.

The three-day event drew a diverse audience, including industry professionals, potential customers, suppliers, and policymakers, reaffirming its role as a vital gathering in shaping the future of agriculture in Pakistan.

Karachi– September 09, 2025: Reinforcing its commitment to addressing evolving customer needs, Pakistani telecom operator, Ufone 4G has joined hands with oladoc, the country’s largest digital healthcare platform, to bring affordable and accessible healthcare to millions of Ufone 4G users across the country through oladoc’s extensive services.

Pakistan continues to face a stark healthcare imbalance, with most doctors concentrated in urban centers while 62% of the population resides in rural areas. Primary health facilities in remote regions are often under-resourced, forcing families to travel long distances for even basic medical needs. By combining Ufone 4G’s nationwide reach with oladoc’s network of over 25,000 doctors and specialists, the partnership seeks to bridge this gap , enabling underserved communities to access timely consultations, preventive care, and essential medical services without leaving their hometowns.

Atta Ur Rahman Mir, VP Marketing, PTCL Group and Abid Zubairi, CEO oladoc signed the partnership agreement, enabling millions of Ufone 4G subscribers to avail a wide range of healthcare benefits, including free video consultations with top doctors in Pakistan, discounts of up to 20% on in-clinic appointments, up to 40% off on lab tests with both home sampling and lab visits, up to 10% off on medicine delivery, and up to 30% off on surgery bookings. These services are accessible through the oladoc app, which offers unparalleled ease, convenience, and affordability for customers seeking reliable healthcare solutions.

Oladoc empowers users to book in-person and online appointments with leading medical professionals while also offering lab test bookings, medicine delivery, surgery scheduling, and corporate wellness programs.

The subscription plan is available exclusively for Ufone 4G prepaid customers in three affordable options, including daily at just Rs. 5 plus tax, weekly at Rs. 25 plus tax, and monthly at Rs. 60 plus tax. Customers can subscribe through the dedicated link https://oladoc.app/ufone and enjoy uninterrupted access to high-quality digital healthcare services anytime, anywhere.

The Ufone 4G and oladoc collaboration represents a significant step towards digital inclusion and improved healthcare accessibility in Pakistan, reaffirming both organizations’ commitment to enhancing the quality of life through innovation and customer-centric solutions. Ends

The Pakistan eCommerce Association (PEA) has called on the government to urgently review its taxation policies on local e-commerce companies and digital payment transactions, warning that the rising fiscal burden is disproportionately impacting women-led startups and small businesses.

PEA General Secretary Sehrish Ali said that the new levies introduced in the 2025–26 federal budget—including an 18% GST and an additional 0.25% to 2% tax on cash-on-delivery and digital payments—are stifling growth and pushing many women entrepreneurs and SMEs toward closure.

“These taxes are not only limiting the expansion of local players but also creating an uneven playing field against foreign platforms that operate in Pakistan without facing equivalent obligations,” Sehrish Ali said.

She emphasized that women entrepreneurs, who already struggle with limited access to financing and resources, are among the hardest hit. “Women-led startups and SMEs are bearing the brunt of these measures, and their survival is at risk,” she added.

The association noted that many domestic e-commerce companies are already contributing significantly through existing income and sales taxes, but the new measures further undermine their competitiveness in the digital economy.

Ali, who has been actively raising the issue at press conferences, media forums, and policy discussions, said PEA has established a special committee to address taxation issues and advocate for the protection of women-led businesses.

Recently, she led a public demonstration highlighting women’s empowerment and urging the government to extend both financial and regulatory support. “Supporting women in e-commerce is not just about gender equality—it’s about unlocking the economic potential of half the nation,” she said.

Ali has also represented Pakistan at international forums in Singapore, Malaysia, Qatar, and the UK, where she highlighted the importance of nurturing women-led businesses in healthcare, technology, and digital commerce. Through her work with Deployers and DeLogics, she continues to provide training and career opportunities, enabling hundreds of women to join the digital workforce, launch startups, and generate sustainable livelihoods.

Reiterating its stance, the PEA warned that without immediate policy reforms and tax relief, Pakistan risks losing its digital competitiveness, with thousands of women-led enterprises facing potential shutdown.

Yango Pakistan, part of the global technology company Yango Group, is setting a new standard for how businesses connect with their communities and improve services in the country. For the first time in Pakistan, Yango introduced its global “Go to the Fields” initiative, placing executives on the frontlines of urban mobility to better understand the experiences of partner drivers and passengers. The program began in Karachi and Islamabad, where senior leadership spent a full day riding with partners and observing operations firsthand.

“Go to the Fields” is the first program of its kind in Pakistan, designed to capture direct feedback from drivers and passengers and transform it into practical improvements. The insights gathered will help elevate service quality, strengthen safety measures, and ensure a closer alignment with local mobility needs. 

Miral Sharif, Country Head at Yango Pakistan, commented: “This initiative is about transparency and accountability — seeing the journey through the eyes of those who live it daily. It supports our commitment to a customer-first philosophy as well as understanding the pain points of our partner drivers. It also reflects Yango’s vision of playing its part in Pakistan’s evolving urban mobility goals.”

As a global program embedded in Yango’s culture, “Go to the Fields” encourages executives and employees worldwide to step into roles such as drivers, couriers, and customer support agents. This hands-on approach breaks down barriers between strategy and reality, ensuring that feedback from the ground continuously shapes better, more reliable services.

With Pakistan’s population surpassing 251 million and nearly 100 million people living in major cities like Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, demand for safe and efficient ride-hailing continues to rise. 

Following the first program in Karachi and Islamabad, Yango plans to extend “Go to the Fields” to Lahore, Multan, and other key urban centers, reinforcing the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s digital mobility ecosystem with smarter, safer, and more user-centric services.