Aramco Expands Its Retail Presence in Pakistan

Gas & Oil Pakistan Limited, a joint venture with Aramco, marked a significant milestone with the inauguration of its 50th retail station on the Srinagar Highway in Islamabad. This milestone reflects the confidence of international investors in the country’s energy sector.

By expanding its retail network, the company demonstrates that Pakistan offers a promising environment for global investment. The new Aramco station not only provides advanced fueling solutions and modern convenience to motorists but also signals to other international companies that Pakistan is an attractive and stable market for long-term business ventures.

From its initial launch in Lahore in October 2024 to its current 50 operational sites, the network continues to expand its footprint while contributing to economic growth and enhancing the quality of services in Pakistan’s retail fuel sector.

The ceremony was attended by senior leadership from both companies, along with key industry figures, highlighting the strong partnership driving growth in Pakistan.

10kg of gold seized from Hasina’s bank lockers

Anti-corruption authorities in Bangladesh have seized approximately 10 kilogrammes of gold, worth around $1.3 million, from bank lockers belonging to ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

Officials from the Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) of the National Board of Revenue said the discovery was made after opening lockers that had been seized in September.

“Following a court order, we opened the lockers and found about 9.7 kilogrammes of gold belonging to the former prime minister,” according to a senior CIC official, requesting anonymity. The haul included gold coins, bars and jewellery.

Investigators said Hasina had failed to deposit some of the gifts she received while in office at the state treasury, known as the Toshakhana, as required by law.

The National Board of Revenue is also probing alleged tax evasion and examining whether Hasina declared the recovered gold in her tax filings.

Bangladesh has been in political turmoil since the end of Hasina’s rule, and violence has marred campaigning for elections expected in February 2026.

Earlier in November, the International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Hasina to death over a deadly crackdown against a student-led uprising. The United Nations says up to 1,400 people were killed in the crackdown as Hasina tried to cling to power.

“She’s Next” Program Returns to Pakistan

Visa, a global leader in digital payments, and HBL, Pakistan’s premier private sector bank, recently announced the return of She’s Next, a global advocacy program that spotlights women entrepreneurs who are actively financing, managing, and expanding their businesses. Recognizing their pivotal role as catalysts for economic and social development, women-led businesses are increasingly shaping Pakistan’s economy with a distinct blend of resilience, social consciousness, and technological adoption.

In 2024, the program received over 2,500 applications, culminating in the selection of five women entrepreneurs, including Ziana Sakhia (Bechlo), Sadaf Rehman (CodeSchool), Rida Zainab (Porter Pakistan), Ayesha Awan (SocialBlu), and Hira Javaid (Foster Learning), who secured funding collectively worth USD 50,000, training, and networking opportunities. To cater to the impressive demand, ‘She’s Next’ will once again invite women entrepreneurs from all industries and sectors in Pakistan to apply on the official website for a chance to receive grants worth a total of USD 50,000 (USD 10,000 each). Winners will also receive a range of benefits, including a tailored training program, mentoring opportunities, and access to She’s Next Club resources, including a workshop library and a community of entrepreneurs. Applications are open from today until December 24, 2025.

Aamir Kureshi, Head Products Transactional Services & Solution Delivery – HBL, said: “We are proud to renew our support for the She’s Next global advocacy program again this year. At HBL, we celebrate the strength and spirit of women entrepreneurs and are committed to increasing their participation in the Pakistan economy. The Visa & HBL Women SMB Digitization Index revealed that women entrepreneurs actively seek guidance and support from mentors and financial advisors and are keen to receive training from major financial institutions. Keeping this in mind, this year, we aim to increase our efforts at providing them with relevant programs that build skillsets for growth and success and connect them with a carefully curated list of mentors.”

Chadwick Boseman to get Hollywood Walk of Fame star

AUS actor Chadwick Boseman will be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame five years after his death. The Black Panther star died aged 43 in August 2020, four years after being diagnosed with colon cancer. He is best remembered for playing the lead role of T’Challa, king of the technologically advanced African nation Wakanda, in the 2018 Marvel blockbuster. His star will be unveiled in a ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles on 20 November. Chadwick’s widow, Simone, is expected to accept the honor on his behalf, according to US media outlets.

Black Panther director Ryan Coogler and Viola Davis, the co-star of his upcoming film Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, are set to speak at the event, according to reports. Chadwick’s death came as a huge shock to fans, as the actor had never spoken about his cancer diagnosis publicly. Marvel decided not to recast or digitally recreate his role for the sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. But its storyline did reflect real-life events, with the leaders of Wakanda fighting to protect the nation in the wake of T’Challa’s death. He also played the character in several other Marvel films, including Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame.

Need for Aligning Sustainable Investments Stressed

The United Nations Development Programme, The World Bank Group, Nestlé Pakistan, the International Monetary Fund, and the Sustainability Development Policy Institute underscore the need for inclusive growth in Pakistan.

Aligning investments with climate resilience, inclusive growth, and financing sustainable development were underscored at the high-level plenary, which was attended by the United Nations Development Programme, Nestlé Pakistan, The World Bank Group, and the International Monetary Fund at the 28th Sustainable Development Conference organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute.

Talking on the occasion, Jason Avanceña, Chief Executive Officer, Nestlé Pakistan, said, “Financing sustainable development demands innovative mechanisms that blend public, private, and multilateral resources together. The challenge lies in ensuring equitable access to capital while aligning investments with climate resilience and inclusive growth,” he said, while acknowledging Nestlé’s recognition at the conference’s sustainability awards for championing the cause of renewable energy and low-carbon transitions, in line with UN SDGs 13 and 15.

“Nestlé is leading the sustainability agenda and finding solutions for climate change and a more sustainable future, through our investments in renewable energy, circularity for a waste free future, and regenerative agriculture to help protect, renew, and restore the environment,” said Jason Avanceña, CEO Nestlé Pakistan, adding that Nestlé is committed to reduce its emissions and reach Net Zero by 2050.

Nestlé Pakistan won multiple recognitions at the 28th Sustainable Development Conference & Sustainability Investment Expo, including the Best Stall Award, which showcased its sustainability initiatives, as well as one for championing the cause of renewable energy and low-carbon transitions.

Bank of Punjab Holds Analyst Briefing for Investors

The Bank of Punjab (BOP) reported sustained gains in profitability, margins, and balance sheet strength at its Analyst briefing held on November 14, 2025, for Institutional investors & Research Analysts, underscoring the continued progress of its multi-year turnaround. Zafar Masud, President and CEO, led the session.

Management reported another strong quarter, reflecting the continuation of BOP’s multi-year transformation. Profit After Tax for 9MCY25 increased by 37% compared to the same period last year, supported by sustained growth in core income, improvement in deposit quality, and disciplined cost management. Operating profit rose by 156% year-on-year, while Net Interest Income grew by 91% amid margin expansion and a favorable shift toward low-cost deposits. A key area of discussion during the briefing was the impact of this year’s floods on the Bank’s lending portfolios.

Commenting on the Bank’s performance, President & CEO Zafar Masud stated: “Our direction is clear: a stronger balance sheet, a more efficient digital-first operating model, and a sharper focus on priority sectors that directly support Pakistan’s economic agenda. We will continue to strengthen our deposit mix, enhance customer experience, and support sustainable growth across agriculture, SMEs, and the broader economy.”

Blind 27-Year-Old Passes CSS Exam

A 27-year-old visually impaired individual, Airal Hussain, has successfully passed the highly competitive CSS 2024 examination. In an extraordinary feat that has captured the hearts of millions across Pakistan, his journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of persistence, proving that no challenge is insurmountable when coupled with hard work and unwavering faith.

Out of 15,602 candidates who sat for the CSS 2024 exam, only 229 emerged successful, with Airal proudly among them. His triumph is even more remarkable considering the setback he faced in 2021, when he missed passing by a mere one mark. Rather than succumbing to disappointment, Airal chose to persevere, dedicating himself to his goal of serving his country.

Thanks to his relentless efforts, Airal has earned a spot in Pakistan’s prestigious Foreign Service. This field demands not only intelligence and communication skills but also a strong commitment to national service.

In addition to his personal accomplishments, Airal is making a profound impact by advocating for individuals with disabilities. He is actively involved with NOWPDP (Network of Organizations Working for People with Disabilities, Pakistan), where he works to empower and raise awareness for people living with disabilities.

Maldives bans smoking for younger generations

The Maldives has banned young people born on or after 1 January 2007 from smoking tobacco, becoming the only country in the world to enforce a nationwide generational tobacco prohibition.

The archipelago’s health ministry announced that it would be illegal for younger generations to use, buy, or sell tobacco within the country.
The ban “reflects the government’s strong commitment to protecting young people from the harms of tobacco”, the ministry said.

The new ban “applies to all forms of tobacco, and retailers are required to verify age prior to sale”, the health ministry said, adding that it aligned with the Maldives’ obligations under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

House restoration demands could throw country into chaos: Nepal PM

Nepal Prime Minister Sushila Karki has said that demands for the restoration of the dissolved House of Representatives and questioning the legitimacy of the government could push the country back into a cycle of instability. She also stated that any party choosing to boycott the March 5 elections will be seen as opting for anarchy.

A meeting of the CPN-UML, the second largest party in the dissolved lower house, decided to file a petition in the Supreme Court against the dissolution.

After the former government, led by CPN-UML chief KP Sharma Oli, was ousted by the Gen Z uprising on September 9, Karki, a former Chief Justice, was appointed Prime Minister on September 12. On the same day, President Ramchandra Paudel, acting on her recommendation, dissolved the House of Representatives. Karki’s interim government is preparing to hold parliamentary elections on March 5. At least 76 people were killed in the protests when the Oli government used brutal force against unarmed youths protesting corruption.

The CPN-UML plans to file a writ petition, although the Supreme Court has already begun hearing several other petitions filed by advocates against the dissolution.

Addressing a meeting of political parties registered with the Election Commission, the Prime Minister said that such actions—demanding the restoration of the House—would undermine the democratic process and contribute to instability, according to a statement released by her private secretariat.

By making this statement, she reinforced the government’s commitment to holding elections and urged political parties to engage constructively in the electoral process.

Trump Hosts Rare Dinner at White House

Cristiano Ronaldo has made his first visit to the United States since 2016, attending a black-tie dinner at the White House alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other notable figures, including tech billionaire Elon Musk. The Portuguese footballer currently plays for Al-Nassr football club in the Saudi Professional League and has become the face of the modernization drive under the leadership of the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia.

President Trump praised the G.O.A.T. footballer, saying, “It is an honour to host Ronaldo,” adding that his son, Baron, is a big fan of Ronaldo. Ronaldo’s last visit was in 2016, and rape allegations against him surfaced in 2017. A woman named Kathryn Mayorga alleged that the superstar footballer sexually assaulted her in a Las Vegas hotel room in 2009. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner denied the accusation via a statement in 2018. He said, “Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in.” US prosecutors dropped the case in 2019, stating the claims could not be proven and that Ronaldo would not face any charges.

Ronaldo became the world’s first football billionaire player in June this year after signing a new two-year deal with Al-Nassr FC for $400 million. Bloomberg reports his net worth to be about $1.4 billion.

Pakistan fans laud gesture from Sri Lanka cricketers

The Sri Lankan team received massive support from the crowd in the second One-day International at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, as fans hailed their decision to continue with the Pakistan tour a victory for the game.

A significant number of fans holding Sri Lankan flags supported the tourists throughout the game. The PCB also affixed Sri Lankan and Pakistani flags in all the stands.

According to media reports, eight members of the touring Sri Lankan cricket squad wanted to return home, citing security concerns in the aftermath of the bomb blast that killed 12 in Islamabad in November.

Making Films Is Not What I Do, It Is Who I Am: Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise was presented with an Academy Honorary Award at the Governors Awards. The award was presented by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, who is directing Cruise in an upcoming, as-yet-untitled film set for release in October 2026.

Upon accepting the award, Cruise gave an emotional speech paying tribute to all of the people who make films possible, as well as the unifying power of cinema. “The cinema takes me around the world,” Cruise said. “It helps me to appreciate and respect differences. It shows me also our shared humanity, how alike we are in so, so many ways. And no matter where we come from, in that theater, we laugh together, we feel together, we hope together, and that is the power of this art form. And that is why it matters, that is why it matters to me. So, making films is not what I do, it is who I am.” Cruise also spoke about the genesis of his film fandom.

Cruise has been nominated for four Oscars in the past: Best Actor for “Born on the Fourth of July” and “Jerry Maguire,” Best Supporting Actor for “Magnolia,” and Best Picture for his role as a producer on “Top Gun: Maverick.”

Afghanistan seeks to cut economic dependence on Pakistan

Afghanistan is seeking to significantly bolster trade with the oil-rich countries of Central Asia as it attempts to end its economic dependence on Pakistan, which has historically been Kabul’s biggest trading partner.

However, experts warn that geography, high costs, and political constraints will hinder efforts by Afghanistan’s cash-strapped and unrecognised Taliban government to shift trade to Central Asia, according to a Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty report.

Kabul’s attempts to find new trade partners come after the worst outbreak of hostilities with Islamabad in years. The neighbours exchanged military attacks last month, killing dozens of people and leading to Pakistan closing its border with Afghanistan. The month-long border closure has inflicted some $200 million in losses for Afghan traders, who rely on Pakistani seaports to access international markets.

Similarly, Pakistan had been exporting fresh fruits, cement, medicines, surgical items, agricultural tools, fabrics, shoes, plastic pipes, sanitary items, cosmetics, and a variety of other locally manufactured products, valued at around $100–200 million per month, to the neighbouring country. Senior Taliban officials have urged Afghan traders and investors to end their activities in Pakistan and find new business and trade opportunities in Central Asia. “We are actively working with our northern neighbors to find reliable trade alternatives,” Taliban Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi said last week.

Abdul Ghani Baradar, a Taliban deputy prime minister, accused Islamabad of using trade as a “tool of political pressure” and framed the ongoing border closure as evidence that Kabul must reduce its reliance on its neighbour. Swiss-based Afghan expert Torek Farhadi said the Taliban’s new emphasis on trade with Central Asia is “largely political posturing”.

India expands energy ties with Bhutan

India and Bhutan expanded their energy ties during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Himalayan nation, where he extended a 40 billion rupee ($455 million) line of credit and inaugurated a hydroelectric power project.

India’s outreach to Bhutan is seen as an effort to grow its influence in the region and draw the country wedged between China and India closer to New Delhi as Beijing steps up its engagement to resolve a long-running border dispute with

In November, Modi was on a two-day visit to the country and addressed a gathering to mark the birthday celebrations of Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck’s father.

“The partnership of trust and development between India and Bhutan stands as a model for the entire region,” he said. “As both our countries progress rapidly, our energy partnership is further accelerating this growth.”

Later in the day, he inaugurated the India-funded 1,020-megawatt Punatsangchhu-II hydroelectric power project, which he said would increase Bhutan’s hydropower generating capacity by nearly 40%.

It is the fifth Indian-backed hydropower project in the country, which altogether generates a total of nearly 3,000 megawatts of power. The line of credit extended by India is also aimed at funding energy projects, the Indian government said. The excess energy will be exported to India after meeting local demand, which is about 1,000 megawatts. Indian private companies, such as Tata Power (TTPW.NS), the Adani Group, and Reliance Power (RPOL.NS), have signed agreements with Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation for the construction of hydroelectric projects.