SIALKOT
SIALKOT
SIALKOT
Ambassador. Malaysian High Commissioner to Pakistan Dato Muhammad Azhar Mazlan addressing a delegation of ASEAN ambassadors during the SCCI ASEAN-Sialkot Economic Dialogue and Industrial Exposure Meeting at SCCI
SIALKOT
SIALKOT
SIALKOT
President SCCI, Syed Ehtsham Gilani, presents commemorative shields to members of the ASEAN Ambassador Delegation at SCCI
SIALKOT
SIALKOT
Special students performing in a tableau during Annual Sports Gala of Government Degree College for Special Education Sargodha at Sports Stadium
SARGODHA
SARGODHA
SARGODHA
SARGODHA
SARGODHA
Parliamentary Secretary for Information & Broadcasting, Barrister Danyal Chaudhry at the inaugural ceremony of the new swimming pool and athletes’ hostel at Liaquat Bagh Sports Complex in Rawalpindi. The ceremony was attended by Provincial
RAWALPINDI
RAWALPINDI
A woman rides a scooty without a helmet, breaching traffic laws, on her way to the office in the city
KARACHI
Players in action during final match playing between Crescent and Leopard cricket team at stadium Bahawalpur
BAHAWALPUR
As the cold weather sets in, people are seen purchasing jackets and coats from roadside stalls to keep themselves warm
BAHAWALPUR
14th edition of Bank of Future Forum held
KARACHI, Nov 12 (APP):Systems Limited, in collaboration with Microsoft, IBM, AWS, Temenos, Formpipe and Dell Technologies – Awan distribution, hosted the 14th edition of the Bank of the Future Forum (BOFF) — most influential and anticipated event of Pakistan’s banking industry.
This year’s forum, themed “Re-imagining the Future of Banking with AI,” focused on how artificial intelligence is transforming the financial landscape.
The day commenced with opening remarks by Ammara Masood, GM Global BFS at Systems Limited, setting the tone for an insightful day of discussions around the role of AI in shaping next-generation banking.
The inaugural keynote was delivered by the Governor, State Bank of Pakistan Jameel Ahmed who outlined SBP’s vision for guiding the financial sector’s transition towards an AI-driven future.
Jameel Ahmad has said that the Bank’s focus is on increasing and stabilizing remittances, emphasizing that the recent rise in remittances is not solely due to the incentive scheme.
“If the increase were only because of the incentive scheme, the growth trend would have reversed by now,” He added that Pakistan is working to integrate with global payment systems.
Speaking further, the SBP Governor said that as the world moves toward digital currencies, Pakistan must also adapt. “The State Bank is working internally on developing a digital currency, though creating a central bank digital currency is not an easy task,” he remarked.
On the topic of digitization and artificial intelligence (AI), Governor stated that the Bank’s focus remains on the digitalization of financial services. “Workplaces have become digital, and financial services are evolving rapidly. Consumers now demand secure and convenient banking. Cloud computing and artificial intelligence have revolutionized financial services,” he said.
Highlighting the Bank’s progress, the Governor revealed that in fiscal year 2025, Pakistan recorded 9.5 billion digital transactions, of which 68% were conducted through mobile apps and 5% via cards and internet banking. He said the Know Your Customer (KYC) system is running successfully, and 15 more banks are set to adopt it soon.
However, he stressed that alongside these technological advancements, banks need to invest in these emerging technologies. The SBP, he added, is strengthening its cybersecurity framework to ensure data protection. “With AI, our responsibilities have increased — customer privacy has become even more important. Any cyber fraud can damage public trust,” he warned.
Concluding his remarks, Ahmad said Pakistan’s digital financial services are moving toward innovation, where banks and fin-tech companies play a vital role. The State Bank will continue its efforts to build and strengthen the digital financial ecosystem, he affirmed.
In a powerful keynote, Asif Peer, CEO & Managing Director, Systems Limited, shared how AI is redefining every aspect of banking, from customer engagement and operational efficiency to risk management and innovation.
Ambassador Tirmizi participates in international festival in Russia
ISLAMABAD, Nov 12 (APP):Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador of Pakistan to Russia, took part in the opening ceremony of the International Festival of National Cultures “Russia-East” (Oriental Bazaar in Kazan), which kicks off on Wednesday in Kazan.
In his address, Ambassador Tirmizi noted that the cultural understanding reached today would serve as a foundation for deeper economic ties in the future, according to a press release issued here.
“Pakistan stands eager for further deepening collaboration with Tatarstan, offering a dynamic, youthful workforce and a huge consumer market,” the ambassador said, adding that there is promising potential for joint ventures and knowledge exchange.
The Oriental Bazaar in Kazan is attended by musical performers, creative artists, and scientists, as well as representatives of government agencies and national cultural associations from 40 countries, including 30 Islamic countries.
Bahria university organizes 7th Int’l Iqbal conference
ISLAMABAD, Nov 12 (APP):Bahria University organized the 7th Iqbal Conference (International), simultaneously in all campuses across the country including Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi campuses, aiming to promote the global significance of Dr Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s vision among youth.
The conference was organized under the theme of “Iqbal’s Vision of Resilience, Renewal, and Global Transformation,” specially designed for this year.
While the Islamabad Chapter conference attracted number of academics dignitaries, leading intellectuals, and prominent thought leaders from around the world. More than 125 research papers were presented during the conference.
Prof Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, Director General of the National Language Promotion Department (NLPD) was the Chief Guest of the Opening held at Bahria University Islamabad Campus (BUIC).
Conference Chairperson, Pro-Rector Academics, Muhammad Arshad Javed acknowledged the invaluable contributions of faculty, students, Bahria Colleges, national and international partner organizations, and sponsors in making the event a success.
Highlighting Iqbal’s philosophy of resilience, selfhood, and creative struggle, he urged participants to embrace this vision through knowledge, compassion, and perseverance for personal and societal renewal.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, as chief guest mentioned that Iqbal was a devoted follower of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasizing affection, reverence, and adherence to his teachings.
“His poetry inspires action over words, motivating young people to strive for personal and communal development,” he said.
He further noted that Iqbal’s concepts of Khudi (selfhood) and Bekhudi (selflessness) urged individuals to realize their potential, become self-reliant, and strengthen the collective progress of the Ummah.
Others speakers also spoked to the conference,
underscoring Iqbal’s Vision of Resilience, Renewal, and Global Transformation that reflected his belief in transcending East and West, promoting human creativity, spiritual insight, and resilience as drivers of national and global development.
They also emphasized Iqbal’s vision of bridging East and West—combining spiritual wisdom with modern knowledge—and encouraged the youth to think critically, act courageously, and turn challenges into opportunities for progress.