Fast Enough to Stop Thinking About Speed at All

There's a particular kind of relief that comes from a phone that just keeps up  not the kind you notice on a spec sheet, but the kind you notice in the small moments of a normal day. Apps open the instant you tap them. Downloads finish before you've even put your phone back in your pocket. That's the experience the HOT 70 Pro is built around, powered by a 5G Fast Enough to Stop Thinking About Speed at Allready MediaTek Dimensity chipset tuned for real life, not just benchmark charts.

Nobody uses their phone one task at a time. It's a dozen small, overlapping ones  replying to a message while music plays, jumping to the camera for a quick shot, then straight into editing and sharing, all inside a minute. The HOT 70 Pro is built for exactly this kind of everyday multitasking, where apps run fast together instead of slowing each other down. 5G keeps pace quietly in the background too  downloads that match how fast you want to use them, streaming that doesn't dip, uploads that don't turn into a waiting game.

The best kind of fast is invisible. You know a phone is truly quick when you stop thinking about it  no loading circles, no bracing for lag, just moving from camera to social to streaming without a pause. That's the whole idea behind the HOT 70 Pro: performance that's only noticeable when it's missing. On this phone, it never is.

5G adds to that  downloads keep moving, streaming stays smooth, the everyday stuff just works instead of demanding attention. The kind of performance you don't think about, because you don't have to.

Be HOT, Be Different.

OPPO Reno16 Series: Pakistan's` First 3D HoloVerse Design

 Its launching or Announced: Forget everything you thought a phone's back cover could do. OPPO just launched the Reno16 Series in Pakistan, and it comes with a planet floating beneath the glass. Not printed. Not painted. Floating.

Meet HoloVerse 3D Technology, the tech behind OPPO's all new 3D Pop Planet Design. Tilt the Pop White edition in your hand and a tiny cosmos shifts with you, catching light like it actually has depth, because it does. This is Pakistan's first ever HoloVerse 3D Design, and honestly, it feels like it belongs in a sci-fi movie.

The science behind it is over a century old, first dreamed up all the way back in 1908, and it sat around waiting for tech to catch up. OPPO finally cracked it, packing millions of microscopic lenses under the back cover, each one holding its own tiny sliver of a 3D planet. Put them together and boom, one floating image that moves with you.

Copying this is nearly impossible. Even the moving thread on the US $100 bill just repeats one pattern over and over. OPPO's version never repeats, ever. Every single microlens is unique, and a misalignment thinner than a hair could ruin the whole thing. Getting it right took seven rounds of trial and error. The first prototypes only had a 1 percent success rate. OPPO kept pushing until they could churn out 300 flawless sheets an hour.

The phone has Main character energy or vibe straight out of the box. A seamless, one piece back flows straight into the camera, no seams, no dust traps. The Reno16 keeps things compact at 6.32 inches for easy one hand use, wrapped in an aerospace grade aluminium frame. The Reno16 F goes bigger at 6.57 inches for anyone who lives for scrolling and streaming. Pick your vibe from Pop White, Twilight Violet or Dream Purple, whichever one fits your mood.

And then there's OPPO Bubble, the tiny magnetic sidekick nobody saw coming. At just 35 grams, it clips onto your case and turns into a live selfie monitor, so you never guess your framing again. It doubles as a remote shutter from 10 metres away, and you can dress up its display with your own photos, animations, colours, whatever matches your mood that day.

The Reno16 Series and OPPO Bubble are in stores across Pakistan now. This isn't a phone with a new colour. It's a phone with an actual planet on it. Go see it for yourself.

The Reno16 Series Launching on 31st August 2026 across Pakistan.

HOT 70 Pro Brings Fast, Smooth 5G Performance to Everyday Use

Your phone should keep up with your day, not make you stop and wait for it. One minute you're replying to messages, the next you're jumping to the camera, opening social media, streaming something in the background. When everything happens at once, everyday speed matters a lot more than a number on a benchmark chart.

The HOT 70 Pro is built for exactly that pace. A 5G ready MediaTek Dimensity chipset keeps apps opening smoothly and tasks switching without lag, so moving from camera to chat to stream doesn't mean waiting for the phone to catch up. It's also a rarer inclusion than people might expect — at this price point, most phones are still running on 4G, which makes the HOT 70 Pro one of the few in its range built around 5G from the chipset up.

That's less about the chip and more about what it removes  the second guessing over whether the next app opens fast enough, whether switching tasks breaks your rhythm. You just move from one thing to the next, and the phone keeps up without being asked to.

5G adds to that  downloads keep moving, streaming stays smooth, the everyday stuff just works instead of demanding attention. The kind of performance you don't think about, because you don't have to.

Be HOT, Be Different.

CBD PUNJAB MARKS 79TH INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH A GRAND MUSICAL SPECTACLE, FIREWORKS AND DIGITAL LANDMARK

Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as CBD Punjab, organized a grand ceremony to mark Pakistan's 79th Independence Day at CBD Vertex, Lahore Prime,Quaid District, Lahore.

The event brought together thousands of citizens for a high-energy evening featuring a nationalistic Musical Night and a massive fireworks display.

To mark this milestone, CBD Punjab officially operationalized Pakistan’s first and largest 3D anamorphic screen at CBD Vertex. The state-of-the-art installation lit up the skyline, adding a modern digital showcase to the traditional festivities.

A massive crowd gathered along CBD Route 47 to join the celebrations. Prominent local music bands and singers delivered spirited performances, singing iconic national songs that filled the audience with patriotic enthusiasm. The night culminated in a grand fireworks display that transformed the sky over Lahore into a vibrant canvas of light and color.

CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, extended his heartiest congratulations to the nation on the historic occasion, emphasizing the core message of unity, sacrifice, and continuous progress. "The true purpose of Independence Day was to remember the monumental sacrifices of our forefathers and to renew our pledge to serve the motherland," stated CEO Imran Amin. "CBD Punjab remained fully committed to driving Pakistan’s economic growth and technological modernization. Our goal was to build a prosperous, forward-looking nation through innovation and urban transformation."

He further noted that the fireworks and cultural music night were organized to offer citizens a memorable celebration, symbolizing bright hopes for the country’s future. "The overwhelming participation, broad smiles, and patriotic spirit of the people of Lahore were the true measure of this event's success. Such gatherings reflected our national unity and the resilient spirit of our people."

The celebration concluded with a collective pledge to contribute toward a stronger, modernized, and economically resilient Pakistan.

The HOT 70 Pro Has an Active Matrix Cube. And It’s Actually Useful

The back of a phone has always had one job: sit there and look nice. Face-down on a desk, it's basically furniture dead space that exists purely for the moment someone flips it over to admire it. Nobody ever expected it to do anything.

The HOT 70 Pro's Active Matrix Cube disagrees with that arrangement. It's a working display sitting where a working display has no business being — capable of expressions, animations, even a mini-game or two  so the part of the phone that used to say nothing now has a little personality of its own.

It's less a notification panel and more a small canvas. Toss up an emoji reaction instead of texting one. Kill a few minutes on a mini-game while you're waiting for something else to finish. It's the kind of feature that doesn't ask to be useful in the productivity sense  it asks to be fun, which is a different kind of purpose entirely.

What's interesting isn't really the display part. It's that Infinix looked at the one surface every phone treats as purely decorative and decided it could have some character instead. The Cube doesn't ask the back of the phone to look different  it asks it to actually do something, which turns out to be the more unexpected move.

Be HOT, Be Different.

The Phone That Never Makes You Choose What to Delete

There's a special kind of frustration in seeing "Storage Full" pop up right when you're trying to save the one photo you actually want. Suddenly you're scrolling through hundreds of screenshots, blurry shots, old downloads, and videos, deciding what earns another chance and what gets deleted.

The HOT 70 Pro is built to break that cycle  every device comes with 2TB of Google Cloud Storage, enough for people who treat their camera roll like an archive rather than a to do list.

Random screenshots, endless group chat videos, holiday photos, files you're not ready to lose  there's room to just keep capturing instead of constantly negotiating with your own memories. No trade offs, no triage, no deleting an old video just to make space for a new one.

That's what 2TB actually changes. Not the number itself, but the fact that you stop thinking about it  Hot 70 pro gives people the freedom to keep their digital lives without constantly managing them.

Storage is just one part of the picture. The Active Matrix Cube, the design language, Dimensity performance, 5G connectivity, IP68 protection, and the Sony camera round out a phone built around how people already live, not around what they're forced to compromise on.

Be HOT, Be Different.

Bad Lighting Happens. The HOT 70 Pro Still Gets the Shot

Great photos rarely happen on cue. There's no studio lighting, no perfect angle, and definitely no second take once the moment's already passed. That's usually where a phone camera either holds up or gives up.

The HOT 70 Pro's 50MP Sony camera is built for the version of reality that doesn't cooperate. It locks focus fast and still pulls in detail when the light is working against it — a friend who moves right as you lift your phone, a night that's gone darker than expected, an angle that's anything but ideal. None of that slows it down.

There's no setup required, no waiting around for conditions to improve. You point, you shoot, and the camera does the rest turning something quick and unplanned into a shot that still holds up afterward.

It's the difference between a phone that asks you to prepare for a good photo, and one that's already prepared for you. The HOT 70 Pro doesn't need the moment to slow down — it just keeps pace with it.

Be HOT, Be Different.

Go Ahead, Make a Splash. The HOT 70 Pro Can Take It

Phones have a way of turning small accidents into small emergencies. A little rain, a spilled drink, one wrong move near the pool  and suddenly you're checking your phone like it just survived something. The HOT 70 Pro doesn't ask you to be that careful.

With an IP68 rating, it's built to handle dust and water exposure, so a sudden downpour or a splash by the pool doesn't have to derail your day. Less time protecting the phone, more time actually living in the moment.

That's the point phones don't live in controlled environments. They're out in the rain, at the beach, in your pocket during a rushed commute. The HOT 70 Pro is built for that version of life, not a curated one.

IP68 is just where it starts. The Active Matrix Cube, the Dimensity performance underneath, 5G connectivity, and a Sony camera round out a phone made to hold up to more than just how it looks in a product shot.

Less worrying, more living .That's the HOT 70 Pro. Be HOT, Be Different.

Be HOT, Be Different.

CBD PUNJAB CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY WITH PATRIOTIC FLAG HOISTING CEREMONY AT Lahore prime Quaid District

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), celebrated Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day with a patriotic flag-hoisting ceremony at Lahore Prime, CBD Quaid District, reaffirming its commitment to contributing to the country’s economic growth through modern infrastructure, investment and sustainable urban development.

CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin was the Chief Guest at the ceremony. COO CBD Punjab Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Director Project Management Asif Iqbal, Director Construction Asif Babar, Director Architecture & Planning Sameer Aftab Sial, Director Marketing Waseem Siddiq, Director HR & IT Palwasha Mengal, Director Business Development & Investor Relations Ali Waqar Shah, Director JV & PPP Muhammad Masood, Director Land & Estate Mutahir Mehmood Awan, Director Procurement Jawad Ahmed and Director Operations Colonel (R) Fazeel Ghumman, along with senior management, officers and ancillary staff, participated in the ceremony.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the hoisting of the national flag and the National Anthem. The atmosphere resonated with patriotic spirit as officers and employees joined in the National Anthem, expressing their pride in Pakistan and commitment to its progress. The ceremony also featured addresses by the CEO and COO, CBD Punjab followed by cake-cutting to mark the 79th Independence Day.

While addressing the gathering, CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin said, “The greatest tribute we can pay to the founder of Pakistan and his companions is to build a stronger, prosperous and economically resilient nation. At CBD Punjab, our patriotism is reflected in our work through the development of world-class infrastructure, facilitation of investment, creation of economic opportunities and development of a modern urban landscape capable of competing with leading cities of the world. Punjab is the economic engine of Pakistan, and CBD Punjab is committed to strengthening that engine. Our projects are not merely roads, buildings or commercial developments; they are platforms for investment, employment, innovation and sustainable economic growth. We are building infrastructure today that will create opportunities for generations to come and contribute to a stronger and more prosperous Pakistan,”

COO CBD Punjab Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua said that the national flag symbolised the unity, resilience and determination of the Pakistani nation, adding that Independence Day was a reminder of the sacrifices made for the country and the collective responsibility to build a prosperous, progressive and strong Pakistan. “The green and white of our national flag carries the hopes, sacrifices and aspirations of an entire nation. Independence gave us a country it is now our responsibility to strengthen it through our actions and service. At CBD Punjab, every road we build, every investment we facilitate and every development project we deliver is a contribution towards a stronger Pakistan. Our professionalism, discipline and commitment are our way of serving the nation, and we will continue working with the spirit of Pakistan Zindabad to make Punjab a stronger contributor to the national economy,”

The ceremony concluded with cake-cutting amid chants of “Pakistan Zindabad”, with the CBD Punjab team expressing solidarity with the nation and reaffirming its resolve to contribute to Pakistan’s economic development, prosperity and a brighter future.

CBD PUNJAB BRINGS TIMES SQUARE-STYLE 3D EXPERIENCE TO LAHORE

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has unveiled Pakistan’s first and largest 3D anamorphic screen at CBD Vertex, located in Lahore Prime CBD Quaid District, bringing an international-standard digital advertising experience to Pakistan.

Titled “The Big One,” the state-of-the-art curved 3D anamorphic screen measures an impressive 122 feet by 70 feet and has been designed to deliver high-impact visual experiences. The screen will display static images, videos and immersive 3D animations, creating a dynamic digital canvas that will replicate the iconic visual appeal of New York’s Times Square.
 
CBD Punjab has introduced The Big One as a premium advertising platform, providing brands with an opportunity to achieve greater visibility and connect with audiences on an unprecedented scale. The massive digital screen is designed to transform the skyline of CBD Vertex into a vibrant destination for high-impact brand communication and advertising.
 
CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin said, “CBD Punjab has always believed in creating landmarks that introduce Pakistan to the future. From developing Pakistan’s first Central Business District and Pakistan’s first IT City to introducing Asia’s first Blue Road, CBD Punjab has consistently pioneered innovation. With The Big One, we are once again introducing a first for Pakistan. Our philosophy is simple: big brands don’t whisper, they own The Big One. This screen will provide brands with a larger-than-life platform to showcase their identity, products and stories.”
 
The Big One further strengthens CBD Punjab’s vision of developing Lahore Prime CBD Quaid District as a modern, technology-driven and internationally competitive business destination. The screen will primarily be utilized for commercial advertising, offering businesses and leading brands a landmark platform for digital visibility.
 
With cutting-edge technology integrated into CBD Vertex, CBD Punjab continues to set new benchmarks in urban development, innovation and commercial infrastructure, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in Pakistan’s modern urban landscape.

The HOT 70 Pro Keeps Up With People Who Refuse to Be Ordinary

Some people build a life around what's expected the safe career path, the wardrobe that doesn't draw attention, the version of themselves that's easiest to explain. A different kind of creators do the opposite, and not just for the camera. The outfit nobody else would try. The move that made no sense on paper. None of it is staged for a feed. It's just who they already are, and the content is only where it happens to be visible.

None of it is calculated for a feed. It's just who they already are  the content is only where it happens to be visible. And through all of it, unapologetically living exactly like themselves, the HOT 70 Pro is just there. The HOT 70 Pro doesn't sit around waiting for the "important" moments. It's just there  through the outfit change, the late-night idea, the decision nobody signed off on first.

Even the Cube on the back seems to get it. It doesn't sit still. It shifts, lights up, reacts  the one part of the phone that refuses to stay ordinary too, like it's been paying attention the whole time.

Be Hot. Be Different.

HOT 70 Pro Set the Tone, and Faris Shafi Made the Finale Hit Even Harder

The shoot started the way these shoots usually do. Clean lighting, a tailored suit, a crew running through the standard setup shot by shot. Faris Shafi played along for a take or two, hitting his marks, giving the room what it asked for. It looked right on the monitor. It didn't feel right anywhere else.

Somewhere between the third take and the fourth, the room shifted. The suit came off. The lighting stopped trying to flatter and started throwing shadows instead. What was supposed to be a clean product shot turned into something rougher, closer to how Faris actually moves when no one's asking him to perform checkered floor, low light, the HOT 70 Pro in hand instead of a script in front of him. Nobody planned that version. It's the one that made the cut.

That's the whole idea behind the film. Faris didn't scrap the shoot for effect. He did it because the HOT 70 Pro in his hand gave him a way to actually pull it off  good enough behind the scenes to catch the shift the moment it happened, quick enough that the reset didn't cost the shoot anything. The phone isn't what he was selling. It's what made the walk-off possible in the first place.

Be HOT. Be Different.

The Infinix HOT 70 Pro Is Changing What the Back of a Phone Can Do

Take the logo away, and most smartphones start looking exactly alike. The same shape. The same camera layout. The same static backs that stopped doing anything interesting after the first unboxing. Somewhere along the way, phones stopped feeling like something you'd actually want to show off.

The HOT 70 Pro changes that.

Introduced as part of the latest Infinix launch, the HOT 70 Pro takes a completely different approach to smartphone design. At the center of it all is the Active Matrix Cube, a pulsing dot-matrix display that shifts through different visual states instead of sitting still. Whether through dynamic animations or subtle expressions of personality, it transforms the back of the phone into something that always feels alive.

The experience doesn't stop there. The Dynamic Shine Design responds to touch and temperature, creating subtle visual changes that make every interaction feel more personal. Rather than blending into the crowd, the HOT 70 Pro stands out before it's even unlocked. It marks a different way of thinking about smartphone design, turning the back of the device into part of the experience instead of empty space.

The design may be what grabs attention first, but the experience goes well beyond appearances. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7100 processor, the HOT 70 Pro keeps up with everything from content creation and gaming to everyday multitasking. Features like One-Tap AI, a 50MP Sony IMX882 camera, a 6000mAh battery with 45W fast charging, and IP68 dust and water resistance make sure it's just as dependable as it is distinctive.

And that's exactly what Beat The Boring is all about: refusing to be ordinary.

Be HOT. Be Different.

One Guy Walked In Different. The Whole Salon Walked Out That Way

The salon looks like it's been running on the same loop for years. An old Bollywood track plays low on the radio. Every customer in the row has the same cut, the same wait, the same silence. Nobody questions it. Nobody's supposed to.

Then the door opens, and the room doesn't recover. Faris Shafi walks in wearing none of it, not the look, not the pace, not the agreement to blend in. The barber asks the routine question. Faris doesn't answer it the routine way. He just turns to the mirror, holds something up, and says three words: "Make me look hot."

The track cuts. The beat drops. And when Faris turns back around, he's someone the wall of reference cuts never offered. The barber's smiling before he can stop himself. The row of customers isn't waiting anymore, they're watching.

Here's the part nobody sees coming: they don't copy him. One by one, each person picks up their own phone, looks into that same mirror, and walks out with something that belongs to no one else in the room. Not a single matching cut left by the end.

The camera holds on the group stepping out together, none of them looking alike, all of them looking like themselves. Faris turns, faces the lens, and closes it out.

Be HOT. Be Different.

CBD Punjab CEO Reviews Mega Projects, Directs Timely Completion with Highest Quality Standar

Chief Executive Officer of the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), Imran Amin, conducted a comprehensive inspection of the Authority’s ongoing mega projects, including CBD Vertex, CBD Walk and NSIT City, to review construction progress and ensure their timely completion.

The CEO was accompanied by Executive Director Technical Riaz Hussain, Director Project Management Asif Iqbal, Director Construction Asif Babar, Director Architecture and Planning Sameer Aftab Sial, along with senior officials from NESPAK and representatives of the contractors.

During detailed briefings at the project sites, officials apprised the CEO of key technical milestones achieved. At CBD Vertex, finishing works are progressing rapidly, with the installation of exterior elevation tiles and digital screens nearing completion. Epoxy flooring and the advanced parking management system are also in the final stages.

At CBD Walk, the grey structures of all units have been completed, while exterior elevation tile work is progressing swiftly. Other finishing and development works are also being carried out in accordance with the project timelines.

At NSIT City, the main structure of the central entrance gate has reached completion, while construction of the main entrance passage is nearing its final stage. Façade work on the multi-storey Celestia IT & Office Tower is also progressing rapidly.

Following the site inspections, CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin chaired a detailed progress review meeting to assess project timelines, construction progress and architectural standards. He directed all concerned officers, engineers and contractors to ensure completion of the projects within the stipulated timelines while maintaining the highest standards of construction quality, durability and safety.

Emphasizing CBD Punjab’s vision, Imran Amin said that the Authority is playing a pivotal role in accelerating economic growth and developing modern urban infrastructure across Punjab. He stressed that timely, durable and high-quality execution of development projects remains a key priority, ensuring world-class facilities and enhanced opportunities for both local and international investors as well as the public.

He further directed all concerned departments to maintain close coordination and ensure that project execution remains aligned with approved timelines, quality benchmarks and safety standards.

Infinix Just Dropped the HOT 70 Pro And It's Not Playing by the Old Rules

Infinix, the leading smartphone brand in Pakistan, has officially launched the Infinix HOT 70 Pro nationwide, introducing a smartphone designed for a generation that chooses individuality over convention. Built around the "Be HOT, Be Different." philosophy, the HOT 70 Pro empowers users to burn the blueprint through adaptive design, dependable durability, and seamless 5G Performance.

 
At the heart of the device is the Active Matrix Cube, paired with the dynamic shine design, creating a smartphone that visually and physically adapts to its owner's mood and identity rather than remaining static like every other device on the market. Designed to reflect Gen Z individuality, the HOT 70 Pro enables the user to be anti-boring and have their own style in everything.
Built for life's boldest moments, the HOT 70 Pro features IP68 waterproof protection alongside a 50MP SONY camera, empowering users to capture spontaneous adventures and unscripted memories with confidence. Complementing the experience is next-generation 5G performance, delivering fast, seamless connectivity for gaming, content creation, streaming, and everyday use.
Speaking on the launch, Infinix CEO Simon Feng said, "The HOT 70 Pro represents our commitment to creating technology that empowers Gen Z to express who they are. We believe smartphones should be more than everyday devices, they should reflect individuality, inspire confidence, and enable every user to celebrate what makes them different."
Whether it's capturing unforgettable moments in the rain, expressing personal style through a design that evolves with every mood, or staying effortlessly connected throughout the day, the HOT 70 Pro is built to introduce main character Energy and empower users to make every moment their own.
The Infinix HOT 70 Pro is priced at PKR 79,999 and is now available nationwide through online and offline retail channels.

Why Gen Z Is Choosing Self-Expression Over Approval

Why everyone's reaching for the outfit they almost didn't wear. Too bold. Too loud. Too different. The one you bought because you loved it, then almost talked yourself out of wearing. But this week, that "too much" outfit is finally getting its moment.

Across a wave of videos, creators are capturing the same private moment again and again. The plain outfit gets left on the bed, while the wild, unapologetic one walks out the door instead.

No big reveal. No "look at me" moment. Just someone finally reaching for the outfit they almost leave behind. As they leave, the Active Matrix Cube quietly flashes to life in the background, becoming a subtle detail that keeps showing up without ever taking over the story.

 

The Trend That's Not About the Wall

Too bold. Too loud. Too different. The idea you had because you couldn't shake it, then almost talked yourself out of. But this week, that "too much" idea is finally getting its moment.

No big reveal. No "look at me" moment. Just Faris Shafi, alone with a wall, finally letting out what he almost left in the can. As the paint hits the wall, the Active Matrix Cube quietly flashes to life in the background  a detail that keeps showing up without ever taking over the story.

Maybe that's why this hits differently. It was never really about the wall. It's about finally putting up what feels like you instead of what's expected. The wall doesn't change. The nerve to mark it does. That's the Style Rebellion resonating with Gen Z right now — not because it tells people what to make, but because it reminds them that being yourself never goes out of style.

Whether it's the start of a movement, the beginning of a campaign, or something else entirely, one thing is becoming harder to ignore. If the speculation is right, this could be the first glimpse of what's coming with the HOT 70 Pro. Until then, the mystery keeps growing, the theories keep coming, and one message refuses to leave anyone's head:

Be HOT, Be Different.

New Standard Chartered report highlights opportunities to strengthen Islamic finance connectivity across Pakistan and regional growth corridors

A new Standard Chartered report highlights significant opportunities to strengthen Islamic finance connectivity across South Asia by better linking liquidity-rich markets with economies seeking long-term investment, reinforcing the growing role of cross-border Islamic finance in supporting regional trade, infrastructure and economic development.

According to Islamic Banking for Financial Institutions: The Islamic Finance Connector Era, Islamic finance assets now total approximately USD 6 trillion across nearly 100 jurisdictions. As global trade patterns evolve and investment increasingly flows through regional corridors, Islamic finance is emerging as a strategic connector of capital, trade and digital infrastructure.

The report identifies South Asia as one of the regions with significant untapped potential to attract greater Islamic capital, highlighting opportunities to strengthen cross-border connectivity between liquidity-rich markets and economies seeking long-term investment. These findings are particularly relevant for Pakistan, where expanding Islamic finance corridors with the GCC and other high-growth markets can help facilitate greater investment, support trade and unlock new opportunities for long-term economic development.

“Islamic finance is becoming a critical enabler of cross-border connectivity. As its role in facilitating trade, investment and capital flows continues to grow, financial institutions must place Islamic finance firmly on their strategic agenda,” said Khurram Hilal, CEO, Group Islamic Banking, Standard Chartered.

“As trade routes become increasingly interconnected, institutions need recognised financing structures and operational capabilities that enable Shariah-compliant capital to move seamlessly across borders.”

Rehan Shaikh, CEO & Head of Coverage Standard Chartered Pakistan, said:

"Trade and investment flows between the GCC, South Asia and other growth markets continue to evolve, creating new opportunities for Islamic finance to play a greater role in connecting capital with commerce. For Pakistan, strengthening these financial corridors can support businesses looking to expand regionally, attract investment and access a wider pool of Shariah-compliant financing solutions."

The report finds that while Islamic finance liquidity continues to deepen, capital deployment remains uneven. Today, only 6 per cent of global Sukuk capital reaches South Asia and Africa, highlighting a significant opportunity to better connect liquidity-rich investors with markets seeking long-term development financing.

It also identifies evolving trade corridors between the GCC, South Asia and other emerging markets as creating new opportunities for Islamic trade finance, cross-border investment and capital mobilisation. Beyond public markets, the report highlights the growing importance of private credit, digital infrastructure and tokenisation in expanding access to Islamic capital and strengthening regional financial connectivity.

“The challenge for many markets today is not a shortage of liquidity, but how to connect that liquidity with opportunity more effectively across borders,” Khurram Hilal added. “Financial institutions that build trusted connections between capital, markets and digital infrastructure will be best positioned to support sustainable growth across emerging economies.”

As the first international bank to be awarded an Islamic banking licence in Pakistan, Standard Chartered has played a pioneering role in the development of Islamic finance in the country and continues to connect clients with cross-border financing, investment and trade opportunities through its network across Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

The full Standard Chartered Islamic Banking for Financial Institutions: The Islamic Finance Connector Era report is available here: https://www.sc.com/en/corporate-investment-banking/islamic-banking/financial-institutions-report/

The Mystery Keeps Growing

Everyday life runs on repeating  the same routines, the same feeds, and the same boring tech. But Genz is quietly breaking the pattern, choosing things that feel more spontaneous, authentic, and anti-boring. Instead of following the usual blueprint, people are leaning into what feels more personal and true to their own vibe.

 

Look closely at your feed, and you’ll start seeing where this shift is happening. Across Different videos, a distinct feature keeps popping up in the background: the Active Matrix Cube.. It appears in creator videos like a subtle glitch in the ordinary system no loud promos, no dramatic explanation, just a recurring detail that makes you stop and look twice. The more it appears, the harder it becomes to ignore.

 

That’s what makes it feel less like a design element and more like a signal. It speaks to a generation that doesn’t want to blend in or follow the expected path. The loop is breaking, and what comes next is built for people who want something different.

Why Is Everyone Suddenly Choosing Different? Here's What's Turning Head

Why blend in when standing out is literally the vibe?

Genz is done with copy paste living. Individuality and self-expression win. Scroll your feed and one thing appears in all of your fav  creator videos: the Active Matrix Cube. No explanation, just creators who broke the loop. It’s not a gimmick. It’s a movement.

For anyone watching closely, encountering this shared visual cue turns an ordinary scroll into an unsolved mystery. The point is not to force an answer right now, but to sense that something much larger is emerging as the signal becomes impossible to ignore. It isn't just a design feature; it’s a movement inspiring Genz to Burn the Blueprint. A smartphone is no longer just for staying connected. it’s a true reflection of personal identity.

CBD PUNJAB DEMONSTRATES ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE AMID RECORD MONSOON RAINS

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA) also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has once again demonstrated the strength and resilience of its world-class infrastructure as Lahore received an unprecedented 450mm of rainfall over the past three days. Despite one of the most intense monsoon spells in the city's history, CBD Route 47 and the CBD Quaid District remained fully operational, ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow and efficient stormwater management.

Throughout the prolonged rainfall, CBD Punjab's engineering, operations and emergency response teams remained deployed in the field, continuously monitoring critical infrastructure and coordinating technical operations. The authority's modern drainage network, high-capacity pumping systems and proactive response mechanisms performed effectively, allowing the project area to remain functional despite the extreme weather conditions.

The successful performance of CBD Route 47 and the Walton Road Upgradation Project reflects CBD Punjab's long-term vision of developing climate-resilient urban infrastructure that is capable of withstanding increasingly severe weather events while ensuring public convenience and safety.

Although the Kalma Chowk Underpass has been handed over to WASA and the Walton Road Upgradation Project is now under the operational jurisdiction of the Walton Cantonment Board, CBD Punjab continued to extend comprehensive technical support and close coordination throughout the monsoon spell. This collaborative effort ensured efficient water management and helped maintain smooth traffic operations despite record-breaking rainfall across Lahore.

Commenting on the performance CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin said: “Infrastructure proves its value when it performs under the most demanding conditions. The successful operation of CBD Route 47 during this historic rainfall reflects the quality of planning, engineering excellence and sustainable design that define CBD Punjab's projects. While the operational responsibility of Kalma Chowk Underpass and Walton Road rests with WASA and the Walton Cantonment Board, CBD Punjab remained fully committed by providing technical expertise, operational coordination, and engineering support to safeguard public mobility and minimize the impact of heavy rainfall."

As Pakistan's first LEED Gold Precertified Mega Development, CBD Punjab continues to redefine urban development standards by delivering sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure that supports environmental responsibility, operational efficiency, and long-term urban resilience. The Authority remains committed to building future-ready infrastructure that serves the people of Punjab under all weather conditions while setting new benchmarks for smart and sustainable city development.

PAAPAM Chairman Usman Aslam Malik Urges Government to Prioritize Localization in New Auto Policy

The Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) has expressed deep concern over the prolonged delay in finalizing Pakistan's new Auto Industry Development Policy, warning that continued uncertainty is adversely affecting the country's automotive manufacturing ecosystem.

PAAPAM Chairman Usman Aslam Malik said the delay in finalizing the new auto policy has created significant uncertainty among the association's member industries, many of which are already facing considerable financial and operational challenges.

"The new Auto Industry Development Policy must prioritize the development and strengthening of Pakistan's auto parts and components manufacturing base, which is the backbone of the country's automotive value chain," said Malik.

He noted that the last two auto policies primarily focused on attracting new vehicle assemblers. While this approach expanded the number of automotive brands in the market, it did not sufficiently promote localization, indigenous engineering capabilities, or domestic technology development, resulting in a weakened local auto parts manufacturing ecosystem.

Malik urged the Government of Pakistan to adopt a policy direction centered on localization, technology upgradation, engineering capability enhancement, and employment generation. He emphasized that without this strategic shift, Pakistan risks eroding its industrial base and becoming increasingly dependent on imported vehicles and components instead of strengthening domestic manufacturing.

He further called for a stable, long-term 10-year Auto Industry Development Policy that provides policy continuity, enhances investor confidence, and enables predictable industrial planning to support sustainable growth and industrial competitiveness.

What's Really Behind the "Made in Pakistan" Label?

        

"Made in Pakistan" sounds simple enough, right? So if smartphones are now going through Local Assembly in Pakistan, why haven't prices dropped the way many people expected? It's a fair question, but the answer starts long before a phone reaches a local assembly line.

While many smartphones sold locally carry an "assembled in Pakistan" label, local factories use SKD (Semi-Knocked Down) and CKD (Completely Knocked Down) kits to assemble phones, high-tech components like processors, OLED displays, and camera modules are still made abroad accounting for 70% to 80% of total manufacturing costs.

CBD PUNJAB'S MONSOON PREPAREDNESS KEEPS CBD ROUTE 47 FULLY OPERATIONAL DURING HEAVY RAINFALL

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), successfully ensured uninterrupted traffic flow on CBD Route 47 during the recent monsoon spell, demonstrating the Authority's commitment to developing climate-resilient and future-ready urban infrastructure. Despite heavy rainfall across Lahore, CBD Route 47 remained fully operational and free from water accumulation, providing commuters with a safe and smooth travelling experience.

Over the 48-hour monsoon spell, Lahore received nearly 300 mm of cumulative rainfall across different parts of the city, creating significant challenges for traffic movement and urban drainage. Despite these extreme weather conditions, the dedicated management, Operations and Maintenance teams of CBD Punjab remained fully mobilized and successfully delivered the desired results. CBD Route 47, Kalma Chowk Underpass and Walton Road remained operational with uninterrupted traffic flow and minimal disruption throughout the rainfall. The effective drainage management also brought long-awaited relief to the residents of Walton by addressing a waterlogging issue that had persisted for more than four decades.

The provincial capital received average 88 mm of rainfall in 2 days while the highest rainfall of 263 mm was recorded in the Airport vicinity, creating challenges for traffic movement across various parts of the city. However, CBD Route 47 continued to perform efficiently due to its advanced stormwater drainage infrastructure and resilient engineering design. Built in accordance with international standards, the project features a state-of-the-art drainage network that enables rapid rainwater disposal, preventing waterlogging and ensuring uninterrupted traffic even during intense monsoon showers.

CBD Punjab's Operations and Maintenance teams remained on high alert throughout the rainfall, continuously monitoring road conditions, drainage performance and traffic flow. Regular field inspections and timely operational responses ensured the route remained safe and accessible. The integrated drainage system continues to play a vital role in minimizing urban flooding and maintaining seamless connectivity along one of Lahore's key urban corridors.

Chief Executive Officer CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, said, "The uninterrupted operation of CBD Route 47 during heavy rainfall reflects CBD Punjab's commitment to resilient infrastructure, proactive planning and sustainable urban development. We remain dedicated to delivering world-class infrastructure that serves the public efficiently under all weather conditions."

CBD Punjab also continued to extend technical and operational support to WASA and the Walton Cantonment Board during the monsoon season. While the Kalma Chowk Underpass and Walton Road have been handed over to the respective agencies for operations and maintenance, CBD Punjab remains in close coordination with both organizations to facilitate efficient drainage management, smooth traffic flow and commuter safety during heavy rainfall. This collaborative approach reinforces CBD Punjab's commitment to building a resilient and sustainable urban transport network for Lahore.
 

CBD PUNJAB MAKES HISTORY WITH PAKISTAN'S FIRST LEED FOR COMMUNITIES GOLD PRECERTIFICATION

 

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first development in Pakistan to receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), for Communities Gold Precertification for its Quaid & Bab District from the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). The international recognition places CBD Punjab at the forefront of sustainable urban planning and reinforces its commitment to developing environmentally responsible, resilient, and future-ready communities.

LEED for Communities is one of the world's most respected sustainability certification frameworks, assessing districts on key performance indicators including environmental stewardship, resilience, infrastructure, quality of life, mobility, governance and long-term economic sustainability. The Gold Level Precertification reflects the strength of CBD Punjab's master planning approach and its alignment with internationally recognized green development standards.

Following a comprehensive technical review, the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) officially awarded the Gold Level Precertification after determining that the Quaid & Bab District of CBD Punjab successfully meets the rigorous sustainability criteria established under the LEED for Communities rating system. This recognition highlights CBD Punjab's integrated planning model, which emphasizes smart infrastructure, efficient resource management, sustainable mobility, green public spaces and enhanced livability.

Expressing his views on the achievement, CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, said, "Receiving the LEED for Communities Gold Precertification is a defining moment for CBD Punjab and a proud achievement for Pakistan. It validates our vision of creating internationally competitive business districts that are environmentally sustainable, economically vibrant, and designed around the needs of people. Quaid & Bab District is setting a new benchmark in urban development by incorporating global best practices that will deliver lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits for generations to come."

He congratulated the entire CBD Punjab team, consultants and project partners for their dedication and collaborative efforts in achieving this international recognition. He reaffirmed that CBD Punjab will continue to pursue excellence in sustainable development, smart urban infrastructure, and innovative planning practices that attract investment while improving the quality of life for citizens.

The achievement further strengthens CBD Punjab's vision of transforming Punjab into a hub of modern, sustainable, and investment-friendly urban development, positioning the Quaid & Bab District as a benchmark for future cities across Pakistan.