HBL is celebrating 50 years of operations in Bangladesh, marking five decades of partnership with the country’s businesses since commencing operations in 1976. The milestone was commemorated at a ceremony in Dhaka attended by clients, regulators and senior bank executives. Distinguished guests included HBL Chairman Sultan Ali Allana, President and CEO Muhammad Nassir Salim, Head International Farhan Talib, and Bangladesh Country Manager Alamgir Morshed.

Pakistan has urged Hong Kong to consider the resumption of Cathay Pacific flights to the country. The proposal was discussed during a meeting between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. Jam Kamal emphasised the importance of expanding bilateral cooperation in trade in services, aviation and finance. He also called for stronger business-to-business connectivity to unlock new commercial and investment opportunities between Pakistan and Hong Kong.

Pakistan Railways, supported by the Asian Development Bank, has completed its second pre-market consultation for the Karachi-Rohri section of the ML-1 upgradation project. The session attracted 134 national and international contractors, consultants, suppliers and manufacturers. Civil work on the $2.5 billion first phase is expected to begin in January 2027. Covering 480 kilometres, the project includes new tracks and protective fencing. The corridor carries 76% of Pakistan’s passenger traffic and 98% of its rail freight.