InfraZamin Pakistan, in collaboration with the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), convened senior leaders from government, financial institutions, development finance institutions, investors, and the private sector for an exclusive roundtable discussion titled “Investing in Pakistan’s Sustainable Transformation” during London Climate Action Week 2026 at PIDG Headquarters in London, according to a press release.
The roundtable brought together senior leaders from the public and private sectors, including Her Excellency Jane Marriott, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Zafar Masud, Chairman of the Pakistan Banks’ Association and OGDCL, Atif Bajwa, President & Chief Executive Officer of Bank Alfalah, and Ayesha Khan, MD at Acumen Funds. The roundtable was chaired by Maheen Rahman, CEO, InfraZamin Pakistan and Philippe Valahu, CEO, PIDG. The forum convened over thirty prominent representatives from development finance institutions, commercial banks, institutional investors, and climate organisations from Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
The discussion reinforced that Pakistan presents significant opportunities to mobilise climate and infrastructure investment. Participants agreed that realising this potential and building to scale will require stronger collaboration between investors, blended capital providers, project owners/developers and government. A clear need for a robust pipeline of investable projects, enabling policies, and practical financing solutions was highlighted as the primary catalyst for garnering greater investor participation.
The roundtable concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen to build scale and solutions for mobilisation of greater volumes of private capital for Pakistan’s sustainable infrastructure, supporting the country’s transition towards a greener, more resilient, and inclusive economy.
ABHI’s Phoenix award
ABHI Microfinance Bank received the Phoenix Award at Mobile Commerce 2026, one of Pakistan’s leading platforms for digital commerce, payments, and financial technology, as per a press release.
The award recognises ABHI Microfinance Bank’s transformation into a stronger, more resilient, and future-ready financial institution.
The award was received by Sultan Zaidi, Chief Marketing Officer, ABHI Microfinance Bank, on behalf of the bank. Speaking on the occasion, he said the recognition reflects the hard work, commitment, and shared vision of ABHI Microfinance Bank’s teams across the country.
He added that the Bank remains focused on creating financial solutions that are accessible, relevant, and built around the evolving needs of customers in a changing digital economy. As part of Mobile Commerce 2026, Muhammad Khurram Shahzad, Head of Digital Products, ABHI Microfinance Bank, also joined industry leaders on the Digital Payments Revolution panel.
Riders’ relief
Delivery platform foodpanda Pakistan has launched a nationwide heat relief network for its delivery fleet as summer temperatures peak. The platform has set up 2,500 dedicated rest stations at partner restaurants across Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, establishing a new standard for gig-economy workers’ welfare, according to a press release.
The initiative targets both physical and mental well-being. foodpanda installed water coolers at all pandamart outlets and partnered with juice brands for weekly distribution drives. Employees will personally distribute 5,000 juice units to riders. Weekly “Ice Cream Days” and upcoming “Mango Day” events will address on-road fatigue, while recreation programs include water park trips, “Movie Days,” and an indoor snow experience for riders.
“Our delivery partners are the backbone of our ecosystem,” said Ahsan Malik, Director Logistics at foodpanda Pakistan. “We scaled to 2,500 rest stations, so help is always within reach, pairing hydration with community events so our fleet feels valued and protected. ”The rollout reflects foodpanda’s push toward sustainable gig-work practices during Pakistan’s harshest weather months.
Best airline award
Emirates has once again been honoured at the 2026 Business Traveller Middle East (BTME) Awards, securing the industry’s most coveted accolade — Best Airline Worldwide — alongside Best First Class and Best Airport Lounge in the Middle East for its First Class Lounge at Dubai International Airport, as per a press release.
The long-running Business Traveller Middle East Awards are among the region’s most respected travel industry honours, recognising excellence across the business travel sector, with winners determined through nominations and votes cast by Business Traveller Middle East readers. Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Adnan Kazim, accepted the awards on behalf of the airline.
Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, July 6th, 2026