The Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA) is pleased to announce the election of Mr. Zafar Masud, President & CEO of The Bank of Punjab (BOP), as the new Chairman of the Association. This change follows the appointment of Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb, the previous Chairman, as the Federal Minister of Finance and Revenue for Pakistan earlier this month. The PBA Executive Committee (EC) convened to unanimously elect the new leadership, which includes Mr. Masud as Chairman, Mr. Yousaf Hussain, President & CEO of Faysal Bank, as Senior Vice Chairman, and Mr. Ahmed Khan Bozai, Managing Director & Citi Country Officer of Citibank N.A., Pakistan, as Vice Chairman. The Association is confident that under this new leadership, it will continue to effectively represent the banking sector by strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, including the State Bank of Pakistan. The focus will be on enhancing technological and digital infrastructure, maintaining compliance standards, and promoting financial inclusion. Moreover, the PBA will collaborate with banks to support the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), middle markets, and financing critical infrastructure and industrial projects. The PBA extends its appreciation to Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb for his contributions and expresses confidence in the new Chairman and Executive Committee to lead the organization towards further achievements and milestones.

Pakistan Railways has recently announced the much-anticipated schedule for its ‘4 Special Eid Trains,’ a move aimed at providing enhanced travel options for passengers during the upcoming festive season. With Eid being a time of increased mobility as families and friends reunite to celebrate, these special trains are strategically introduced to cater to the surge in demand for travel across the country. The unveiling of this schedule underscores Pakistan Railways’ commitment to ensuring the convenience and comfort of passengers during this busy period. By offering additional train services specifically tailored for Eid, Pakistan Railways demonstrates its proactive approach to meeting the travel needs of the public while maintaining its reputation for reliability and efficiency. This announcement comes as welcome news for many travelers who rely on railways as a preferred mode of transportation, providing them with ample opportunities to plan their journeys in advance and secure their seats on these special trains. As the country gears up for the festivities, Pakistan Railways’ initiative not only facilitates smooth and hassle-free travel but also contributes to fostering a sense of connectivity and unity among communities nationwide.

In an unprecedented shift, the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal’s recent match against Sweden brought forth a momentous change in the team’s dynamics, marking the first instance in 17 years where another player adorned the revered No 7 jersey. This significant departure from the norm presented an opportunity for Bruma to step into the spotlight, and he did so admirably, showcasing his prowess by notching two goals merely 11 minutes after being subbed in for Leao. Bruma’s stellar performance not only bolstered Portugal’s offensive prowess but also underlined the depth of talent within the squad. The 29-year-old’s decisive contributions led Portugal to a resounding 4-0 victory over Sweden, effectively breaking Ronaldo’s four-month international scoring drought that extended back to October 2018. Despite Ronaldo’s absence, Portugal’s dominant display against Sweden was a testament to their resilience and adaptability in transitioning away from their longstanding star player. The 5-2 triumph in their first match of the year not only showcased Portugal’s strength but also signaled a promising start to a new era for the national team. With senior players, including Ronaldo, being rested for the initial fixture, it demonstrated the team’s ability to thrive even in the absence of key figures. Ronaldo’s decision to spend time with his family in Saudi Arabia during the break underscores his dedication not only to his personal life but also to preserving his energy for future endeavors on the field. As Portugal moves forward, Ronaldo’s temporary absence serves as a symbolic transition for the national team. While the iconic striker remains steadfast in his commitment to the squad until the next European Championship in 2024, Bruma’s standout performance hints at a promising future for Portuguese football, characterized by a new generation of talent ready to carry the torch forward.

The announcement of the Jumbo Safari’s arrival at KMC’s Safari Park in Karachi has undoubtedly sparked excitement and anticipation among residents. Mayor Karachi’s official confirmation of this transformation signals a significant enhancement to the city’s leisure and recreational offerings. The rebranding from Jumbo Jump to Jumbo Safari suggests an immersive experience that transcends mere amusement, hinting at an adventure that promises to captivate visitors of all ages. This initiative not only adds to the diversity of attractions within Karachi but also underscores the city’s commitment to providing its residents with world-class entertainment options. As details continue to unfold, residents are sure to eagerly await further information, eagerly preparing to embark on a thrilling journey through the Safari Park’s transformed landscape. The Jumbo Safari holds the promise of being more than just an amusement ride; it’s poised to become a beloved destination where families and friends can create lasting memories amidst the wonders of wildlife and adventure. With its announcement, Karachiites can look forward to a new chapter of excitement and exploration within their city, reinforcing Karachi’s status as a vibrant metropolis with something exceptional to offer at every turn.

Cricket Australia has unveiled the schedule for the upcoming white-ball series against Pakistan, slated for 2024. The series will feature three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and one T20 International (T20I), providing an exciting platform for both teams to showcase their talent and competitiveness. The matches will be spread across multiple venues in Australia, offering fans the opportunity to witness top-class cricketing action live. This series holds significance not only in terms of sporting competition but also in strengthening the cricketing relations between Australia and Pakistan. With both teams boasting formidable lineups and skilled players, the series promises to deliver thrilling encounters and captivating performances. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly anticipate this series, which is expected to be a highlight on the international cricket calendar for the year 2024.

The disappearance of 47,000 wheat sacks valued at Rs800 million from a government warehouse in Sindh’s Khairpur district has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about accountability and governance in the province. This incident not only highlights the vulnerabilities in the management of essential commodities but also underscores the broader issue of corruption and mismanagement within government institutions. The missing wheat sacks represent a significant loss of public funds and resources, with potential implications for food security and economic stability in the region. The suspension of three food officers implicated in the case is a necessary step toward accountability, but it also underscores the need for a comprehensive investigation to uncover the root causes of such lapses and hold all responsible parties accountable. Moreover, this incident calls for urgent reforms in the governance and oversight mechanisms governing the procurement, storage, and distribution of essential commodities to prevent similar occurrences in the future. It also underscores the importance of transparency, integrity, and efficiency in the management of public resources to ensure the well-being and prosperity of the citizens.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is poised to reinstate Babar Azam as captain ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, signaling a shift in leadership dynamics. Initially, Mohammad Rizwan was considered a frontrunner for the captaincy role, but recent developments have positioned Babar Azam as the primary candidate once again. PCB officials are nearing a decision to appoint him to the role, recognizing his experience and leadership capabilities. Babar Azam had previously stepped down from white-ball captaincy after the 2023 World Cup, with Shaheen Afridi taking over the T20I leadership. However, Pakistan’s performance suffered under the new leadership, prompting speculation about a potential change. With the appointment of Mohsin Naqvi as the new PCB chairman, there is anticipation of a shift in captaincy, as hinted by Naqvi during a recent press conference in Lahore.

“Pakistan’s plan to formally request a waiver from US sanctions for the Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline project reflects the nation’s strategic approach to balancing its energy needs with international obligations. The project, aimed at enhancing Pakistan’s energy security by importing natural gas from Iran, has faced challenges due to US sanctions targeting Iran’s energy sector. Petroleum Minister Musadik Malik emphasized the project’s importance for meeting Pakistan’s growing energy demands but acknowledged the difficulty of proceeding amidst sanctions. The delay in submitting the waiver request was attributed to evolving geopolitical dynamics. However, with a finalized draft prepared, Pakistan is poised to make its case for exemptions based on both political and technical considerations. The project’s approval for an 80-kilometer pipeline segment underscores the government’s commitment to addressing energy shortages through strategic initiatives.”

“Pakistan’s tea imports have witnessed a significant surge, reaching over $436 million in expenditure during the initial eight months of the current fiscal year. This marks a notable increase of 10.13% compared to the previous year, reflecting a growing demand for tea in the country. According to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), a total of 180,509 metric tonnes of tea were imported during this period, indicating not only a rise in the overall value but also in the quantity of tea brought into the country. This uptick in tea imports suggests a shift in consumer preferences or increased consumption, possibly driven by factors such as changing lifestyles, cultural practices, or marketing efforts by tea companies. On the other hand, while tea imports soared, the country experienced a decline in the imports of edible oils, including soyabean and palm oil. Soyabean oil imports witnessed a substantial decrease of 48.10%, while palm oil imports declined by 32.47%. This contrasting trend between tea and edible oil imports highlights the dynamic nature of Pakistan’s trade dynamics and the diverse factors influencing its import patterns. Additionally, amidst these changes, Pakistan’s food exports saw a robust growth of 54.05%, reaching $4.969 billion, while food imports decreased by 18.33% compared to the same period last year. These trade dynamics underscore the evolving landscape of Pakistan’s economy and its engagement in global trade, influenced by both domestic and international factors.”

“Systems Limited, one of Pakistan’s largest software developers, has reported a significant increase in profit after tax for the fiscal year 2023. The company announced a profit after tax of Rs8.69 billion, reflecting a notable surge of over 31% compared to the previous year. This impressive growth underscores Systems Limited’s robust performance and strong position in the software development industry. The company’s consolidated earnings for the same period of the previous year stood at Rs6.63 billion, highlighting the substantial improvement in profitability. Additionally, the earnings per share (EPS) for the fiscal year 2023 increased to Rs29.86, compared to Rs23.61 in the corresponding period last year, indicating enhanced shareholder value. Furthermore, the board of directors approved a final cash dividend of Rs6 per share, equivalent to 60%, for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, demonstrating the company’s commitment to rewarding its shareholders. Systems Limited’s revenue from customer contracts also experienced remarkable growth, surging by 68% to Rs53.44 billion during the year ending December 31, 2023, compared to Rs31.76 billion in the preceding year. This substantial increase in revenue further solidifies Systems Limited’s position as a leading player in the software development sector, reflecting its ability to capitalize on market opportunities and deliver value to its clients.”

Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has recently declared a special Holi package for the Hindu community in the province. According to a press release issued by the Chief Minister House, this initiative aims to provide financial assistance to 700 families within the Hindu community, with each individual receiving Rs. 10,000 as part of the package. The funds have already been allocated and distributed to the respective Deputy Commissioners for further dissemination to the eligible recipients. This announcement underscores the government’s commitment to promoting religious harmony and inclusivity by recognizing and supporting cultural and religious festivities celebrated by minority communities. Additionally, it reflects a broader effort to ensure the welfare and well-being of all citizens, regardless of their religious affiliation. Holi, known as the festival of colors, holds significant cultural and religious importance for Hindus, marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil.

The Toyota Corolla, a flagship sedan offered by N Charlotte Toyota, has undeniably left an indelible mark on the automotive industry since its debut in 1966. Over its illustrious history, spanning nearly six decades, the Corolla has evolved into an icon of reliability, safety, and practicality. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its reputation for longevity, fuel efficiency, and affordability. The Corolla has consistently received accolades and awards, underscoring its exceptional value proposition for consumers. From its early days as a modest compact car to its current iteration as a technologically advanced and feature-rich sedan, the Corolla has continuously adapted to meet the evolving needs and preferences of drivers worldwide. With a legacy spanning generations and a global sales record exceeding 50 million units, the Toyota Corolla remains a benchmark of excellence in the automotive landscape, embodying Toyota’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.