LAHORE – The US–Pakistan Business Alliance (USPBA) was successfully launched under Chairman Saad Ali Qureshi, COO of Rustum Associates and Dynamic Constructors. This marks a key advancement in boosting bilateral trade, investment, and economic collaboration between Pakistan and the United States.

The newly formed alliance aims to create a dynamic platform that connects entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, and professionals from both countries. By fostering collaboration and building strategic partnerships, the alliance seeks to unlock new opportunities for trade expansion, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
Addressing the launch ceremony, Chairman Saad Ali Qureshi emphasized the importance of stronger economic ties between Pakistan and the United States. He stated that the US–Pakistan Business Alliance will play a vital role in bridging the gap between the business communities of both nations and facilitating meaningful partnerships.

“The establishment of the US–Pakistan Business Alliance is a major milestone in strengthening commercial relations between Pakistan and the United States. Our mission is to empower entrepreneurs, promote investment opportunities, and create a supportive platform where businesses from both countries can collaborate and grow together,” said Saad Ali Qureshi.

He further added that the alliance will focus on encouraging cross-border investments, supporting startups and emerging businesses, and promoting innovation across various sectors, including technology, manufacturing, trade, and services.

The alliance also plans to organize international business forums, networking events, trade delegations, and policy dialogues aimed at bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and investors. These initiatives will help facilitate knowledge exchange, strengthen economic partnerships, and promote mutual understanding between the private sectors of both countries.

Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders welcomed the launch of the alliance and expressed optimism that the platform will open new avenues for cooperation and create long-term opportunities for trade and investment. They noted that such initiatives are essential for building stronger economic bridges and enhancing global business connectivity.

The launch of the US–Pakistan Business Alliance is being viewed as a positive and forward-looking development that will contribute to the expansion of bilateral trade, encourage foreign investment, and strengthen long-term economic collaboration between Pakistan and the United States.

Through its initiatives and partnerships, the alliance aims to become a key platform for promoting business growth, supporting economic diplomacy, and fostering stronger commercial ties between the two nations.

 LAHORE – In today’s competitive global economy, where investors favour stability, growth potential, and quick returns, Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab) emphasises this message through CBD Pulse: Punjab is prepared for investment, and the moment to invest is now.

CBD Pulse is not just another promotional campaign; it is a strategic investment signal aimed at attracting serious investors, visionary developers and international partners. It reflects real momentum driven by execution and showcases a pipeline of high-value urban assets positioned to generate strong, long-term returns.

At a time when investors prioritize transparency and stability, CBD Punjab distinguishes itself through structured planning, regulatory clarity and rapid on-ground development. CBD Pulse brings this ecosystem into focus, highlighting premium commercial districts, high-yield real estate opportunities and modern infrastructure built to meet global standards.

What sets CBD Pulse apart is simple it is grounded in visible progress, not future promises. From accelerated development across key corridors to the rollout of strategically located projects, CBD Punjab is turning ambition into tangible results. The approach is clear prioritize speed, ensure delivery and maximize value creation.

For institutional investors, developers and strategic stakeholders, CBD Pulse offers a compelling advantage early entry into a rapidly growing urban market. With Pakistan’s urban expansion accelerating and demand for organized commercial infrastructure increasing, CBD Punjab is uniquely positioned to capture this growth at scale.

The initiative also reflects a strong pro-investment environment, backed by government support, streamlined procedures and investor-focused policies. These elements reduce barriers to entry while strengthening investor confidence an essential factor for both local and international participants.

CBD Pulse is designed to keep investors informed and engaged. Through regular updates, data-driven insights and direct communication channels, it ensures decision-makers have timely access to critical information. In fast-moving markets, timing and access are everything and CBD Pulse delivers both.

More than just infrastructure, CBD Pulse represents a shift in perception. It positions Punjab as a credible, competitive investment destination on the global stage. The objective is clear: attract capital, enable growth, and deliver measurable outcomes.

For those looking to invest in the future of urban Pakistan, the opportunity is open but not indefinitely. Early movers are best positioned to benefit as CBD Punjab continues to expand and unlock new value. CBD Pulse is more than an initiative it is a call to action. The investments made today will shape the skyline of tomorrow.

LAHORE – Standard Chartered, in collaboration with Village Capital and InnoVentures Global, announced the launch of the eighth Women in Tech Pakistan Accelerator cohort today, celebrating eight years of supporting women-led, tech-enabled businesses nationwide.

Since its launch in Pakistan, the programme has supported more than 1,300 enterprises, with over 150 women founders graduating and more than 50 ventures securing seed funding.

The 2026 cohort will equip founders with investment readiness training, catalytic funding, and access to world-class networks, helping them strengthen their businesses and position for growth. In Pakistan, the accelerator will be delivered by InnoVentures Global, leveraging its proven expertise in entrepreneur support and ecosystem development.

Rehan Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer & Head of Coverage, Pakistan, Standard Chartered, said: “Our eighth cohort underscores our consistent commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs in Pakistan and reflects the steady growth of the ecosystem over time. While access to funding and networks remains a challenge, expanding opportunities for women-led businesses is essential to building a stronger entrepreneurial landscape.”

He added: “Our focus is to equip founders with the tools, capital access, and structured support they need to scale sustainably. By strengthening the pipeline of women-led businesses, we aim to foster innovation, create jobs, and drive meaningful economic impact.”

Nakami Walunywa, Regional Director, Africa and Middle East at Village Capital said: “In 2025, 71 women-led startups in the programme grew their businesses and collectively generated over USD 2 million in additional revenue. This demonstrates that when founders have access to structured, locally embedded support and catalytic funding, they can strengthen their strategies, engage investors confidently, and unlock sustainable impact. In 2026, we’re continuing to create the conditions for even more women-led startups to thrive and positively impact their communities.”

The three-year initiative continues to address key barriers facing women entrepreneurs, particularly in accessing finance, networks, and business development resources. Through the accelerator, 400 women founders across the region are expected to benefit from structured support to help them develop and grow their ventures.

Nida Athar, Founder of InnoVentures Global Private Limited, said: “Our continued work through the Women in Tech Accelerator reflects a long-term commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs across Pakistan. In a time of ongoing uncertainty, these founders are not only demonstrating resilience but are building credible, growth-oriented businesses that contribute meaningfully to the economy. Their journeys are helping shape a pipeline of strong role models for future generations of women in entrepreneurship. As we begin the next cycle, we look forward to continuing this work and supporting a new wave of women entrepreneurs stepping forward to build.”

Applications for the Pakistan cohort are open until 1 May 2026, with selected participants joining the programme between June and October.
The Standard Chartered Women in Tech Accelerator builds on the successful global track record, which has supported over 4,000 women across 17 markets since inception. This year, the program has allocated more than USD 600,000 in grant funding to entrepreneurs across 12 markets, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, South Africa, and Nigeria.
Full details and availability criteria can be found here: Women In Tech – Standard Chartered Pakistan.