Standard Chartered and Emaar
Standard Chartered Pakistan participated in Emaar Pakistan’s Broker Night, engaging with leading real estate brokers to showcase the bank’s home financing solutions and highlight how financing can help clients make faster, more informed property decisions, as per a press release.
The engagement builds on Standard Chartered’s relationship with Emaar and a shared commitment to expanding access to premium real estate opportunities for resident and non-resident Pakistanis.
During the session, brokers were introduced to Standard Chartered’s mortgage offering and dedicated support model, enabling them to better guide clients. Recently recognised by Euromoney as Pakistan’s Best Bank for Mortgages, Standard Chartered continues to strengthen its position as a trusted partner for homebuyers and investors.
MG launches new models
MG Pakistan has officially launched the all-new MG ZS in Pakistan, introducing a modern B-SUV line-up designed to bring world-class mobility standards to the category, as per a press release. Built for customers who want more from everyday driving, the All-New MG ZS brings together SUV practicality, advanced safety, modern technology, efficient performance, and a more premium ownership experience.
The All-New MG ZS will be available in three variants: Vibe Petrol, Hybrid+ Excite, and Hybrid+ Essence – priced at Rs6.6m, Rs7.1m, and Rs7.5m respectively. Bookings are now open nationwide across all MG dealerships and official booking channels, starting from Rs1.2m.
Bank Alfalah’s results
Bank Alfalah Limited reported a 39.6pc increase in profit after tax to Rs21.32bn for the half-year ended June 30, 2026. Earnings Per Share stood at Rs6.76 compared to Rs4.84 in HY 2025, as per a press release.
The board declared a second interim cash dividend of Rs1.5 per share (30pc), bringing the total dividend for six months to Rs3 per share (60pc) vs Rs2.5 in the same period last year.
Total deposits grew to Rs2.66tr, with current deposits at Rs1.15tr. Gross advances reached Rs1.16tr. Net interest income rose 5pc and non-fund income jumped 46pc. The capital adequacy ratio remained strong at 17.4pc.
KE’s coal initiative
A high-level stakeholder meeting was held at the Thar Block-1 mine site to advance discussions on the supply of indigenous Thar coal for the 660 MW Jamshoro Power Project, as per a press release.
The meeting was attended by Chairman of K-Electric Limited (KE) Shaheryar Arshad Chishty, Managing Director of the Thar Coal Energy Board, Tariq Ali Shah, CEO of Sino Sindh Resources Limited Li Jigen and CEO of Jamshoro Power Company Limited Muhammad Abdul Vakil, as well as representatives of the Private Power and Infrastructure Board and other relevant stakeholders.
Discussions focused on coal-supply arrangements for the Jamshoro project during its interim blended-coal operations and following its proposed conversion to full utilisation of Thar coal. The initiative was also considered in the context of KE’s wider generation transformation programme, including opportunities to align suitable assets within its own portfolio with indigenous fuel sources.
Recognising the wider importance of the conversion of the Jamshoro project to Thar coal for Pakistan’s power sector, KE funded and commissioned an independent, bankable feasibility study by the German engineering consultant Dornier Power and Heat GmbH. The study established the technical and economic viability of the proposed conversion and estimated that it could generate economic benefits of approximately $3.2bn over the project’s remaining life, based on the study’s underlying assumptions. The conversion could also significantly reduce imported-coal requirements and conserve valuable foreign exchange.
IPAK’s expansion
International Packaging Films Limited, a manufacturer of flexible packaging films, has announced plans to expand into Europe by establishing a wholly owned subsidiary in Portugal, according to a press release.
The proposed subsidiary will be incorporated by IPAK Connect Packaging Materials Trading FZCO, the group’s wholly owned subsidiary based in Dubai. Following incorporation, the Portuguese entity will become part of the IPAK Group and will serve as its commercial platform within the European Union.
This expansion marks a key milestone in IPAK Group’s international growth strategy. By establishing a subsidiary in Portugal, the group strengthens its position within the European Union and brings operations closer to existing and prospective customers across the region.
Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, August 3rd, 2026
