Dialogue on climate action

Speaking at the Pakistan Business Council Dialogue on Economy, the Vice Chairperson of PBC and CEO of English Biscuit Manufacturer Dr Zeelaf Munir stressed the urgency of mitigating the pressing climate crisis and warned of the impact climate change would have on stressing supply chains across the agricultural sector in Pakistan, as per a press release.

Speaking at the panel ‘Climate Change: Challenges & Opportunities for the Private Sector’, Dr Munir underscored the imperative for climate action, stating, “The climate crisis is knocking at our door with devastating floods and persistent droughts. With 90pc of our core ingredients sourced from nature, climate disruptions impact supply chains, product pricing, employee and consumer well-being.”

NBP collaborates with BenchMatrix

National Bank of Pakistan collaborates with BenchMatrix’s RiskNucleus Governance, Risk, and Compliance System to digitally transform the bank’s operations, drive process efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain adherence to compliance risk management and industry standards, as per a press release.

BenchMatrix’s solution is an integrated system designed to help compliance and risk managers efficiently assess, monitor, and identify risks and controls across the organisation in line with regulatory requirements. It features a comprehensive suite of modules, including the regulatory library, risk control and self-assessment, regulatory correspondence, observations, key risk indicators, control testing, incident management, and action plan.

KE, ADB’s potential cooperation

K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi met with the Asian Development Bank’s private sector operations team, led by Deputy Director General Cathy Marsh, to explore areas of mutual cooperation and investment in Karachi’s power sector, as per a press release.

Discussions focused on KE’s ambitious $2bn investment plan aimed at strengthening the city’s power infrastructure, with ADB’s potential role as a financer being a key area of interest. The engagement reinforced KE’s commitment to sustainable growth and ensuring a reliable power supply for Karachi.

The meeting also covered the ongoing multi-year tariff process, with KE expecting a decision soon.

Allied Bank partners with Bookme

Allied Bank has announced a strategic partnership with Bookme, an e-ticketing platform, as per a press release. By combining Allied Bank’s financial network and Bookme’s experience in digital ticketing, the partnership aims to revolutionise how customers access and purchase tickets, whether for travel, events, or entertainment.

The formalisation of this partnership took place at Allied Bank’s Head Office, attended by Faizan Aslam, CEO of Bookme; Mohsin Mithani, Chief Digital Banking Group; and Muhammad Zaman, Group Head Digital Banking Group, alongside other senior executives from both organisations.

MAP elects new executive council

The Marketing Association of Pakistan (MAP) has announced its newly elected office bearers and council members, as per a press release. Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Founder & Chairman, Nutshell Group, has been re-elected as President, bringing a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the role.

Mr Ahsan is joined by Umar Ahsan Khan, CEO, Dawlance Pvt Limited, as Vice President. Erum Shakir Rahim, Vice President & General Manager, GlaxoSmithKline Pakistan, has been appointed as Honorary Secretary, while Khawaja Shahzain Munir, Executive Director, English Biscuit Manufacturers Pvt Ltd, will be Honorary Treasurer.

Lipton Pakistan at women’s summit

Farheen Salman Amir, CEO of Lipton Teas and Infusions Pakistan, spoke at the International Women Leaders Summit 2025, urging women to challenge societal norms, reject limitations, and claim their space in leadership. Sharing her journey, she emphasised that women must recognise and own the power they have while reflecting on how she balanced a high-profile corporate role while ensuring her family’s well-being.

Lipton Teas and Infusions Pakistan has implemented initiatives such as enhanced maternity and paternity leave, and structured career re-entry programs to support women at every stage of their professional journey.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, February 3rd, 2025