Expanding insurance access

State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan (SLIC) has entered into a strategic partnership with JS Bank to offer a range of insurance products, as per a press release.

The move brings together the scale of Pakistan’s public institutions with the agility of its private banking sector, enabling wider access to insurance solutions for individuals and families through JS Bank’s branch network.

Through this collaboration, JS Bank customers will gain access to SLIC’s insurance offerings directly through the Bank’s network, enabling them to plan and protect their futures with greater convenience. State Life leverages its legacy and market expertise to bring valuable strength to this partnership. By partnering with JS Bank, it actively expands its customer reach through a modern banking platform.

Agricultural financial empowerment

Mobilink Bank and Fatima Fertiliser have entered into a strategic partnership to digitally empower Pakistan’s underserved farming communities through enhanced access to finance and financial technology, as per a press release. The collaboration aims to uplift the country’s agri-community by digitising the agricultural supply chain and providing targeted financial solutions through the integration of Mobilink Bank’s ‘Dost App’ and Fatima Fertiliser’s ‘Sarsabz Pakistan’ platform.

As part of this collaboration, farmers will be able to access a wide range of Mobilink Bank’s financial products and services, including agri-tubewell financing, input lending, and passbook financing, as well as digital banking through the seamless integration of the Dost App with the Sarsabz Pakistan platform.

In addition, the partnership will also focus on equipping farmers with essential financial literacy skills to help them make informed financial decisions. These offerings will be delivered not only through digital channels but also via on-ground engagements, including joint farmer community gatherings with Mobilink Bank and Fatima Fertiliser designed to raise awareness, generate leads, and encourage the adoption of financial tools.

ABHI partners with UAE Group

ABHI partnered with LuLu Financial Holdings, a leading global financial services conglomerate, to enhance financial inclusion and improve access to timely remittance solutions, as per a press release. As part of the partnership, workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be able to access their earned wages instantly and remit funds to their families back home through LuLu Exchange — without having to wait for payday.

Through this initiative, workers in the UAE will benefit from Earned Wage Access and Send Now, Pay Later services, giving them greater financial flexibility and control over their income. By offering instant access to earned wages and enabling timely remittances, the partnership addresses a key financial need among expatriate workers, empowering them to support their families with greater ease and security.

TDAP hosts maize exports seminar

The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) organised a seminar in Vehari titled “Improving Maize Export Quality through Khapra Beetle and Aflatoxin Control Measures”, as per a press release. Moderated by Hina Tahir, Deputy Director of TDAP’s Agri and Food Division, the event united maize growers, exporters, experts, and international trade representatives to tackle challenges impacting Pakistan’s maize exports, particularly in major markets like Vietnam and Malaysia.

Athar Hussain Khokhar, Director General of TDAP’s Agri and Food Division, opened the seminar by highlighting the need to address Khapra beetle infestations and aflatoxin contamination, which have caused export rejections. He emphasised collaborative efforts to protect Pakistan’s $324 million maize export market, driven by 1.42m tonnes in 2023-24, and its role in contributing three per cent to agricultural value-added products.

Technical sessions offered practical solutions, and discussions occurred regarding aflatoxin risks from moulds, recommending timely harvesting, drying, and storage in cool, ventilated spaces to meet global safety standards, like the EU’s 4 ppb limit for aflatoxins in food. International perspectives underscored compliance with export regulations as Malaysian trade representatives stressed aligning with international standards to access high-value markets.

Furthermore, Muhammad Usman, former senior vice president of the Vehari Chamber of Commerce and Industry, closed the event by praising TDAP’s initiatives and calling for continued partnerships to meet global demand.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, May 19th, 2025