Data centre
The Transworld Associates (TWA) has partnered with the United Bank Limited (UBL) to provide data centre services at its KR1 facility in Karachi, strengthening digital infrastructure supporting Pakistan’s banking sector.
The facility, certified by the Uptime Institute for Tier III Design and Constructed Facility, is described by TWA as the only commercial data centre in Pakistan to hold both certifications.
Located at the TWA’s privately-owned submarine cable landing station, KR1 offers direct access to international connectivity and infrastructure designed to support business-critical operations.
The partnership aims to support the banking sector’s growing digital requirements through reliable data storage, connectivity and data centre services.
NBP profits
The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) reported a profit after tax of Rs48.9 billion for the nine months ended Sept 30, 2026, down amid lower interest rates and weaker capital-market gains compared with an exceptionally strong performance in the corresponding period last year.
The bank’s total income stood at Rs193.6bn, while earnings per share amounted to Rs22.98. Net interest income was Rs156.1bn, reflecting a 6.4 per cent year-on-year decline in gross interest income to Rs562.6bn.
Non-interest income totalled Rs37.5bn while operating expenses increased 8.8pc to Rs96.8bn. Total assets grew 9.7pc to Rs7.75 trillion. Deposits stood at Rs4.01tr, while net advances rose 1.7pc to Rs1.36tr. The bank maintained a capital adequacy ratio of 21.12pc. n — PR
Tyre exports target
Pakistan’s tyre industry is targeting exports of $150m in FY2026, with the Service Long March (SLM) aiming to contribute $100m.
The sector’s overseas earnings have more than tripled from $35m in FY2022, highlighting its growing contribution to industrial exports and foreign exchange earnings. The SLM, which began commercial production in 2022, has set a $100m export target, representing around two-thirds of projected sector exports.
In September 2026, the SLM’s exports rose approximately 38pc to $6.9m from $5m a year earlier, accounting for around 63pc of the sector’s reported exports of $11m.
The industry ships most of its tyres to markets, including the United States and Brazil, where manufacturers must meet international quality standards while maintaining competitive costs.
Chinese technology and manufacturing partnerships have strengthened local production capabilities and expanded product ranges. The SLM plans to begin exporting passenger-car radial tyres in 2028. n — PR
Farmers’ income
The Mari Energies Limited and Engro Fertilizers Limited have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to help farmers improve crop yields and incomes through better access to quality agricultural inputs and balanced fertiliser use.
The partnership will combine Mari Energies’ experience in community development with Engro Fertilizers’ agricultural expertise to plan and implement programmes for farmers and communities in their areas of operation.
The agricultural initiatives will focus on improving access to quality inputs and promoting informed nutrient management practices to enhance farm productivity and livelihoods.
The collaboration will also cover education, science and technology learning, vocational training, youth employability, healthcare and environmental sustainability. Sports, cultural and leadership programmes are also part of the agreement. n —PR
Systems’ profits
The Systems Limited (SYS) reported a 9pc year-on-year increase in consolidated profit after tax to Rs3 billion for the third quarter of 2026, with earnings per share of Rs1.98. Profit remained flat compared with the preceding quarter.
Net sales rose 29pc year-on-year to Rs27bn, driven by growth in the Middle East and North American markets, which expanded 26pc and 41pc, respectively. North American growth was partly supported by the acquisition of Confiz, while the Middle East continued to expand despite geopolitical tensions.
Gross margins declined to 25pc from around 30pc in the corresponding quarter last year, reflecting pressure across most regional markets. North American margins stood at 25pc, European at 39pc, Middle Eastern at 23pc and Asia-Pacific at 38pc. Domestic margins, however, improved to 21pc from 16pc. n — PSX
Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, November 2nd, 2026
