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Express Tribune
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
CM calls all-party huddle on terror
A high-level meeting chaired by Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur was held at the Chief Minister's House to review the law and order situation in the merged districts, with a special focus on the restive North and South Waziristan. During the meeting, it was decided to develop a joint, consensus-based strategy involving all segments of society and religious schools of thought to eliminate terrorism from the region. As part of this initiative, the provincial government will convene an All Parties Conference (APC), inviting parliamentary leaders of all political parties represented in the provincial assembly, as well as other prominent political figures. The session also resolved to form a government delegation that will visit various areas to accelerate public consultation and gather broader input for the proposed strategy. The meeting was attended by provincial cabinet members and senior government officials. Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Gandapur stressed the urgent need for unity among all political stakeholders, urging them to set aside differences and work collectively to restore peace and stability. "These critical times demand that we speak with one voice," he said. "A unified political front and a people-centric approach are essential to effectively counter terrorism. Lasting peace can only be achieved through meaningful actions, mutual consultation, and collective decision-making." Meanwhile, in a major push to address Peshawar's traffic congestion, Chief Minister on Wednesday performed the groundbreaking of the long-awaited Northern Section of the Ring Road. The 8.5-kilometer dual carriageway, stretching from Warsak Road to Nasir Bagh, will feature three lanes on each side. Constructed at a cost of Rs9.5 billion, the project will include three bridges, three underpasses, and link to University Road at two points — providing a vital alternate route to ease urban traffic flow. The project will be executed in four phases and is expected to be completed within a year. Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Minister said the project will reduce pressure on University Road by 50 per cent, improving daily commutes for thousands. He criticized previous governments for delaying this crucial infrastructure but vowed timely delivery now that construction is underway. Gandapur emphasized that Peshawar had long been neglected and announced a special development package in the current budget to restore its identity as the "City of Flowers." He revealed that 411 development projects were completed in the last fiscal year and Rs130 billion has been allocated to complete ongoing schemes, with an additional Rs50 billion under the ADP Plus initiative. He also announced major upgrades in health and education. Every tehsil will get a Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, and two new cardiac centers will be launched this year. In higher education, 30 new colleges will be established across the province.
Business Recorder
28-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Amaan Piracha for privatization of loss-making GENCOs
KARACHI: Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Amaan Piracha has emphasized the urgent need to accelerate the privatization process of electricity distribution companies. He said, loss-making power generation companies (GENCOs), are burden on the national economy and must be auctioned off immediately. The first phase of the privatization of outdated and loss-incurring GENCOs has already generated Rs9.5 billion in revenue for the national treasury. Amaan Piracha stated that to boost industrial production, exports, and foreign exchange earnings, uninterrupted power supply should be ensured to industries by connecting them directly to the transmission lines. He further urged the government to consult the FPCCI leadership for the countrywide development of electric vehicles. He added that the installation of smart meters should be completed as soon as possible, and the establishment of EV charging stations across the country should be accelerated. Companies—both local and foreign—that invest in this sector should be given full facilities and incentives. Highlighting the importance of energy efficiency, he said that commitments made by banks to provide easy loans for the promotion of energy-efficient fans must be fulfilled promptly. This would enable middle-class consumers to save electricity and benefit from reduced electricity bills. He welcomed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's directive to expedite the establishment of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, calling it a positive and much-needed move. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Jazz posts 20.3pc revenue growth YoY in Q1
ISLAMABAD: Jazz, country's leading digital operator and a part of the VEON Group, reported a 20.3 per cent year-on-year revenue growth in Q1 2025, driven by continued digital diversification and disciplined cost management. During the quarter, Jazz invested Rs9.5 billion—marking a 78.4 percent year-on-year increase—to expand 4G capacity and scale its digital platforms. This performance was delivered despite persistent macroeconomic and policy headwinds impacting the telecom sector. Direct digital revenues grew 49.5 per cent YoY, contributing 27.7 per cent to total revenue, driven by strong fintech and digital services performance and Jazz's strategic shift to platform-based models. With over 20.6 million monthly active users, Pakistan's leading fintech JazzCash processed a gross transaction value of Rs 10.7 trillion during the last twelve months as of March 2025. Its extensive network, comprising 121,000 active agents and over 340,000 active merchants, has facilitated considerable digitalization of society, with approximately 142,000 digital loans issued daily. Mobilink Bank also delivered a strong performance, recording 25.5 per cent revenue growth. Among digital verticals, Tamasha—Pakistan's largest home-grown streaming platform—grew 37.6 per cent year-on-year to 16.5 million MAUs, driven by exclusive cricket content, including over 57 live match days across the ICC Champions Trophy, PSL, and major bilateral series. SIMOSA, Jazz's Sim-Care, Lifestyle & Social app, grew to 20.9 million MAUs, with its new social community attracting 1 million users within 23 days of launch in Q1 2025. FikrFree, Jazz's AI-powered insurance and healthcare marketplace, has surpassed 1 million MAUs and 1.8 million policies sold since its October 2024 launch, with new features underway to expand access to quality healthcare nationwide. ROX—Jazz's youth-centric digital lifestyle platform—also grew to 700,000 monthly active users. The company's mobile customer base reached 73.4 million, with 4G users increasing 16 per cent year-on-year to 53.3 million. Mobile ARPU rose 14.0 per cent to PKR 328, supported by higher data usage and uptake of digital bundles. Multiplay customers—who use more than one Jazz service—grew 33.1 per cent and now account for 37 per cent of the user base. EBITDA grew 13.2 per cent year-on-year, while EBITDA margins slightly declined to 42 per cent, reflecting a shifting revenue mix. As Jazz scales new digital platforms, which have comparatively lower margins than traditional telecom services, investments in innovation and service diversification are expected to drive long-term growth. Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz, said: 'This growth reflects our successful transformation into a ServiceCo—powered by innovation, financial discipline, and a deep commitment to digital inclusion. We're building platforms that empower individuals, enable small businesses, and help create a more connected, resilient Pakistan. To sustain this momentum, we urgently need tax and policy reforms that recognise the strategic value of digital infrastructure and foster long-term investment.' As Pakistan's top taxpayer, Jazz has contributed over Rs502 billion to the national exchequer in the past decade. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
04-05-2025
- Express Tribune
Robbers in police uniforms loot Rs9.5m from butchers
Armed robbers impersonating policemen looted Rs9.5 million and other valuables from more than a dozen butchers travelling from Orangi Town to Mirpurkhas near the Toll Plaza on Superhighway in the early hours of April 30. The robbery took place near the shrine of Saint Jalal Shah Bukhari in Gadap Town, within the jurisdiction of Gadap City police station. As per police report, the butcher were intercepted at around 2.45am by suspects travelling in a white Vigo SUV which didn't have a licence plate. Four of the eight robbers were dressed in police uniforms. They were heavily armed and forcibly stopped the butchers' Hiace van, which was en route to the Mirpurkhas livestock market. The butchers, hailing from Urdu Chowk, Orangi Town No 10, were on a weekly trip to purchase cattle in Mirpurkhas. Police registered the FIR on the complaint of Farhan, son of Muhammad Aslam Qureshi, a resident of Orangi Town. Farhan recounted that the robbers held the butchers at gunpoint and looted cash, mobile phones, and other valuables from them. According to the FIR, the robbers looted amounts ranging from Rs17,000 to over Rs1 million, alongside valuable smartphones, documents, and personal belongings. Victims expressed concern over the police conduct, saying that an ASI in a black Vigo appeared on the scene immediately after the robbers fled and inquired about the incident. The ASI gave the robbers chase but never returned or spoke again to the victims. The butchers alleged that although they informed Duty Officer ASI Liaquat Ali about the suspects being dressed in police uniforms, this crucial detail was omitted from the initial police report. Although, victims had no phones to contact police, a Madadgar 15 mobile van reached shortly after the robbery, raising suspicions about how police were alerted. The victims have appealed to senior police officials to take notice of the incident, investigate the apparent impersonation of police, and recover the stolen money and valuables. Fake cops arrested The Surjani Town police conducted a raid in Sector 5D, New Karachi and arrested two fake police officials, identified as Shoaib and Saeed Jalal. According to SSP West Tariq Elahi Mastoi, the suspects were wearing police uniforms and harassing innocent people. Upon receiving information, the police took action and arrested them, recovering police uniforms, cash, and other documents from them. A case has been registered against them, and an investigation has been initiated.
Express Tribune
07-02-2025
- Express Tribune
Alarming rise in robberies in Gulshan-e-Hadeed
KARACHI: Alarming rise in the incidents of robberies in Steel Town, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, District Malir, has caused strong resentment among the residents and shopkeepers of the area. A group of robbers riding motorcycles snatched cash, mobile phones and the weapon of security guard during of a private superstore in Gulshan-e-Hadeed and fled. They escaped while firing shots in the air. A large number of residents and traders gathered outside the supermart after the incident and expressed anger and grief over the incident. They said robbing citizens in Gulshan-e-Hadeed has become a routine. Last month, robbed a car showroom owner's house and looted cash, gold jewellery and other items worth more than Rs9.5 million in Gulshan-e-Hadeed and fled. Meanwhile, the CCTV footage of a grocery store robbery in Steel Town, Gulshan-e-Hadeed Phase-1, District Malir, has gone viral on social media. In the video, muggers can be seen brandishing both heavy and light weapons. The incident took place on February 5 at approximately 8:15pm as customers were shopping in the store. During the robbery, the armed assailants took the security guard hostage at gunpoint and forced him inside the grocery store. A group of bandits, including one wearing a shalwar kameez, a mask, and a handkerchief on his shoulder, along with a large weapon and a helmet, stormed into a grocery store in Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Phase-1. They took shoppers, including women, hostage at gunpoint. One bandit, with the handkerchief on his shoulder, handed his large weapon to his accomplice wearing helmet and went to another room near the counter. He climbed onto stacked goods, reached the cash counter, and quickly filled his handkerchief with cash. In a matter of seconds, and fled the scene with his accomplices. It also can be seen that customers inside the store sit on the ground in fear. The footage also shows the store owner running outside with a weapon, but to no avail.
