PRGMEA in COP31

The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has announced that it will represent the country’s value-added apparel sector at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), scheduled for Nov 9–20, 2026, in Antalya, Türkiye, to promote textile decarbonisation, sustainable manufacturing and international cooperation on climate action. Holding Permanent Observer Organisation status under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), PRGMEA aims to highlight the challenges, priorities and sustainability initiatives of Pakistan’s apparel industry, with a focus on emissions reduction, circularity and climate resilience. Building on its participation in COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the PRGMEA continues to promote academia–industry collaboration, credible carbon-footprint assessment, applied research and technical capacity-building to accelerate sustainable production. At COP31, PRGMEA aims to expand international cooperation and promote practical pathways for textile decarbonisation. It also plans to propose a COP31-aligned project seeking financial assistance and technical support from international partners to equip apparel manufacturers, particularly SMEs, with the expertise and resources needed to advance emissions reduction, climate resilience, resource efficiency and sustainable manufacturing. n

Rising profits

Tasdeeq Information Services Ltd (TISL) reported earnings of Rs0.05/share in 3Q2026, compared with Rs0.01/share in 3Q2025, reflecting a 3.8x YoY increase, primarily driven by higher sales and gross margins coupled with notable increase in other income. The net sales of the company clocked in at Rs134.6m, up by 80pc YoY, taking 9M2026 sales to Rs354.1m up by 64pc YoY. Revenue jumped sharply both YoY and on a 9M basis amid higher volumes. Other income notably grew to Rs5.1m in 3Q2026 as compared to Rs0.44m in 3Q2025, taking 9M2026 income to Rs6.7m up by 55pc YoY. During 3Q2026, the Effective Tax Rate clocked in at around 11pc as compared to a reversal of approximately 27pc in 3Q2025, taking 9M2026 ETR to 12pc. n — PSX

Training programme

Nestlé Pakistan, the LUMS Rausing Executive Development Centre (REDC) and the Syed Babar Ali Foundation have launched a four-year executive training programme, “Regenerative Agriculture: Leading the Nestlé Way”, at a charter-signing ceremony in Lahore. It marks Syed Babar Ali’s 100 years. Two cohorts of 25 participants will run each year, covering soil health, water stewardship, crop nutrition, emissions and farm economics. Each session combines three classroom days at LUMS with one field day. Nestlé Pakistan says over 100 Punjab farmers are already benefitting from its regenerative practices. Globally, Nestlé aims to source 50pc of key ingredients through regenerative methods by 2030. n — PR

Agreement

The Wealth University, led by Chief Operating Officer Muhammad Anas Ali, has signed a strategic growth agreement with Babsol (SMC-Private) Ltd, a strategic growth, investment, and technology company. Under the agreement, Babsol will support the university’s expansion through financial resources, technology expertise, digital marketing and business development. Babsol will be eligible for a 20pc ownership stake upon achieving $5m in cumulative qualifying revenue, increasing to 40pc upon achieving $10m in cumulative qualifying revenue by December 31, 2027. The partnership is aimed at expanding educational offerings and accelerating growth. n — PR

Acquisition approval

The Citi Pharma Limited (CPHL) has received regulatory approval for its proposed acquisition of Pakheim International Pharma (Private) Limited. The authorisation follows the CCP’s review of the proposed transaction and its determination that the deal does not raise competition concerns, the notice said. The Citi Pharma had announced in May that it would acquire 100pc of Pakheim International Pharma as part of its growth strategy. Through this acquisition, Citi Pharma aims to leverage operational synergies, optimise production efficiencies and signifi-cantly expand its footprint in both local and international markets. n — PR

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, October 26th, 2026