Nation’s largest NEV charging network
BYD Pakistan – Mega Motor Company has partnered with HUBCO Green Pvt Limited (HGL), a sustainability-driven subsidiary of The Hub Power Company, to launch the country’s largest DC fast-charging network for new energy vehicles (NEVs), as per a press release.
As part of this strategic roadmap, HGL will install approximately 128 DC fast chargers across the country over the next three years, with 50 installations planned by December 2025.
The network will be strategically developed across three key areas: Urban centres will be powered through partnerships with major oil marketing companies such as PSO, PARCO Gunvor, and Attock Petroleum Limited; intercity highways and motorways with chargers placed every 150-200 kilometres to support long-distance travel; and destination charging points at commercial hubs, malls, hotels, and hospitals to enhance customer convenience.
This initiative plays a pivotal role and directly supports Pakistan’s transition toward sustainable mobility by making NEVs a viable and convenient choice for the masses. The move not only aligns with the government’s climate action goals but also represents a significant step toward reducing Pakistan’s carbon footprint.
Winners at Effie Awards 2025
The Effie Awards 2025 held in Karachi recognised many companies for their marketing efforts this year, as per a press release.
Of note, K-Electric secured the Grand Prix for Campaign of the Year along with a Gold Effie in the Small Budget category for its energy conservation campaign “Farq Parta Hai”, which enabled more than 510,000 customers to pay their bills on time.
English Biscuit Manufacturers also clinched three Golds and a Bronze at the event for its ‘Anthem for Education’, ‘Peek Freans Heart Beats’, and ‘Peek Freans Click’ campaigns.
Furthermore, Adcom Leo Burnett picked up the highest number of awards — three Gold, seven Silver and two Bronze Effies — before being crowned the Agency Network of the Year, while Bond Advertising was honoured with an award in the non-profit/social good category for its ‘Dadi Knows Best’for Population Services International, Pakistan, campaign.
Karandaaz and Vizpro partner up
Karandaaz, an impact investment platform, has partnered with Vizpro, a technology-driven “Middle Mile” fintech platform transforming the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) retail ecosystem, as per a press release.
This collaboration seeks to minimise dependency on cash-based transactions and enable access to formal financial services for small merchants — most of whom are currently unbanked and operate within the informal economy — in the FMCG retail landscape. By building digital financial identities and integrating payment and credit services, the initiative aims to unlock greater resilience, transparency, and growth across Pakistan’s retail value chain.
A key component of the project includes the enablement of Raast QR, allowing retailers to accept instant digital payments from customers. This move is expected to accelerate the shift toward a cash-lite economy, reduce the friction associated with informal cash handling, and deepen financial inclusion at the last mile.n
CASS holds seminar on the global order
The Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies Lahore held a seminar titled “Is the US-led West Partnership Unravelling? Consequences for Global Order and Impact on Pakistan”, on 30 April 2025, as per a press release. The seminar provided a platform to deliberate on the major implications for the fractured West-led global order and the impact on Pakistan.
Retired ambassador Muhammad Haroon Shaukat made the opening remarks, while retired ambassador Javid Husain delivered a keynote address, noting the far-reaching shift in the global strategic order.
Mövenpick’s Green Key Certification
Mövenpick Hotel Karachi has been awarded the Green Key certification, a leading eco-label for environmental excellence in the hospitality industry, as per a press release.
Awarded after a comprehensive audit process, the Green Key certification recognises Mövenpick Hotel Karachi’s efforts in reducing its environmental footprint through energy-efficient systems, waste reduction practices, water conservation, and eco-conscious guest engagement.
Mövenpick Hotel Karachi also actively collaborates with local partners to promote environmental awareness.
Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, May 5th, 2025
