foodpanda, Pakistan’s leading online delivery platform, has announced a major on-the-spot rider recruitment drive in Karachi, offering immediate hiring, flexible work and incentives for new recruits. The event will take place on Sunday, July 26, 2026, starting at 10:00am. It will be held at the All Pakistan Memon Federation on Muhammad Farooq Motlani Road, Muslimabad, near Dawood University. The initiative targets local job seekers seeking flexible earning opportunities in the delivery sector. foodpanda is promoting the campaign under the banner, ‘Apne boss khud banein.’ The company said riders can control their schedules and choose working hours that suit their commitments. Its official Pakistan Rider Hub also describes riders as freelancers who can decide when and where they work. Immediate Hiring, Starter Kit and Cash Bonus foodpanda said eligible applicants can complete registration and onboarding at the venue. The company plans to hire successful candidates on the spot. According to the event announcement, new riders can earn upwards of Rs60,000 per month. Actual take-home income may depend on deliveries, distance, working hours and operating expenses. foodpanda’s rider payment portal says its application displays daily earnings and delivery routes. It also provides riders with a dynamic service fee breakdown. Every successful recruit will receive a complimentary starter kit containing an official foodpanda rider bag and shirt. New joiners will also qualify for a Rs3,500 joining bonus after successful onboarding. In addition, foodpanda will enter all riders hired during the drive into a celebratory prize draw. Selected inductees will receive exclusive rewards alongside their new earning opportunity. The All Pakistan Memon Federation lists employment assistance among its community programmes. Its official website also mentions a joint foodpanda initiative offering self-employment opportunities with potential earnings of up to Rs60,000 per month. Documents Applicants Must Bring Interested candidates can visit the venue directly on the recruitment day. foodpanda has not announced any requirement for an advance appointment. Applicants must carry their original Computerised National Identity Card, a valid driving licence and a recent utility bill. They also need proof of an active JazzCash or HBL Konnect account for registration. Candidates seeking further information can contact the coordination team at 0345-0686839 or 0302-0259376. The recruitment comes as delivery work provides income opportunities for many urban workers. However, fuel and motorcycle running costs can reduce riders’ net earnings. Reuters reported in March 2026 that several Karachi delivery riders were working longer hours after higher petrol costs squeezed daily income. The report highlighted the financial pressure facing gig workers who depend on motorcycles for their livelihoods. Against this backdrop, the free starter kit and joining bonus may reduce some initial costs for new riders. The flexible schedule may also attract students, part-time workers and people seeking quick access to an earning platform.
Airlink Launches Major Electric Bike Project in Lahore
Air Link Communication Limited has approved an electric bike manufacturing project under its own brand, AirV, marking its entry into Pakistan’s fast-growing electric mobility market. The Lahore-based technology company announced the decision on Thursday in a material information notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Its board approved the project during a meeting held on July 23, 2026. Project Expands Airlink’s Manufacturing Portfolio “The project envisages the establishment of an advanced electric bike assembly plant at the company’s manufacturing facility located in Sundar Green Special Economic Zone (SGSEZ), Lahore,” Airlink said. The company said the AirV project supports its long-term plan to diversify into emerging, technology-driven mobility solutions. It also wants to capture rising demand for electric vehicles across Pakistan. “The board has also authorised the management to undertake all necessary regulatory, commercial and operational activities required for the implementation of the project,” the notice said. Airlink did not disclose the planned investment, production capacity, launch date or expected price range for AirV bikes. The company also gave no details about battery technology, localisation targets or future models. Airlink’s businesses cover imports, exports, distribution, indenting, wholesale and retail of communication and IT-related products and services. Its portfolio includes smartphones, cellular phones, tablets, laptop accessories and related products. Its existing Lahore facility assembles smartphones, smart televisions, wearables and computing devices for several international brands. These include Xiaomi, Tecno, iMiki and Acer Gadgets. Airlink Communication Limited was incorporated in Pakistan as a private company in January 2014. It converted into a public limited company in April 2019. Last year, Airlink approved a wholly owned subsidiary named ZEXO Technologies (Private) Limited. The company authorised an investment of up to Rs200 million for that venture. Pakistan’s Electric Bike Demand Accelerates Airlink enters the sector as electric two-wheelers gain momentum in Pakistan. Reuters reported that electric bikes exceeded 10% of monthly two-wheeler sales for the first time in 2026. Sales had nearly tripled to 90,000 units during the previous year. High petrol prices, fuel supply concerns and cheaper solar charging have encouraged more riders to consider electric alternatives. However, high purchase prices, weak charging networks and limited after-sales services remain major obstacles. The government’s Pakistan Accelerated Vehicle Electrification programme provides subsidies and interest-free financing for electric bikes and rickshaws. By April, the first phase had received about 270,000 applications, nearly seven times its target. Pakistan’s New Energy Vehicles Policy targets 30% of new vehicle sales by 2030. It sets a five-year goal of more than two million electric two-wheelers. The government also plans to establish 3,000 public charging stations by 2030. The policy encourages investment in local vehicle manufacturing, parts production, innovation and workforce development. AirV could help Airlink use its existing manufacturing experience in a new industry. The project may also increase competition in a market currently led largely by Chinese brands and local assemblers.
FIFA Names Best XI as Major Spain Omissions Spark Debate
FIFA has unveiled its fan-selected World Cup 2026 Dream XI, with champions Spain placing three players in the 4-3-3 lineup. France also earned three places, while runners-up Argentina supplied two players. Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win its second world title. FIFA said supporters worldwide chose the team following the tournament across Canada, Mexico and the United States. Its official rules state: “The final Dream XI is based on fan votes and is confirmed by FIFA.” Messi, Mbappe and Rodri Headline Dream XI Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha claimed the place in goal after heroic displays during his country’s historic debut campaign. The defence features Spain full-backs Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro, France centre-back Dayot Upamecano and Argentina defender Lisandro Martinez. Read More: FIFA Reveals Stunning Numbers Behind World Cup 2026 Spain captain Rodri anchors the midfield after playing a decisive role in La Roja’s title triumph. England’s Jude Bellingham and France’s Michael Olise join him. Bellingham scored seven goals, the highest total by an England player in one World Cup. Olise registered seven assists and broke Pele’s record for the most assists in a single edition. View this post on Instagram A post shared by FIFA World Cup (@fifaworldcup) The forward line contains Argentina captain Lionel Messi, France star Kylian Mbappe and Norway striker Erling Haaland. Messi, aged 39, scored eight goals and provided four assists as he carried Argentina to another final. Mbappe won the Golden Boot with 10 goals and became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22. Haaland struck seven times during Norway’s first World Cup appearance in nearly three decades. His goals marked an exceptional debut for a nation absent from the tournament for more than 20 years. Read More: Messi Effect? FIFA World Cup Final Tickets Break US Record The final list includes players from six nations: Spain, France, Argentina, England, Norway and Cape Verde. Although some early reports described seven nations, the named XI represents six. Cubarsi and Unai Simon Absences Raise Questions The selection quickly sparked debate because voters overlooked two major figures from Spain’s dominant defence. Pau Cubarsi missed out despite winning the FIFA Young Player Award. Spain conceded only one goal during eight matches, the fewest ever by a World Cup-winning team. Tournament figures also credited Spain with allowing only 10 shots on target. Golden Glove winner Unai Simon also failed to make the team after recording seven clean sheets, a World Cup record. Fans questioned whether those numbers should have placed him ahead of Vozinha. Vozinha still presented a strong case because his individual brilliance powered Cape Verde’s remarkable campaign. However, Spain’s defensive dominance strengthened the argument for Simon. Read More: Spain Breaks Messi’s Heart to Win the 2026 FIFA World Cup Supporters also questioned whether Cubarsi or Aymeric Laporte deserved a place ahead of Upamecano or Martinez. Both selected centre-backs delivered excellent tournaments, but Spain’s collective defensive record remained unmatched. Ultimately, FIFA’s Dream XI rewarded individual impact and global fan support. Yet the absence of Cubarsi and Simon left many wondering whether the vote underrepresented the newly crowned champions.
Fatty Liver Can Damage Your Body Before Symptoms Appear
Fatty liver disease is emerging as one of the world’s fastest-growing metabolic health threats. However, many patients remain unaware of the condition until liver scarring has already begun. Doctors now call the condition Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, or MASLD. It was previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD. Read More: Think Your Fitness Tracker Knows Best? Experts Say Think Again Some medical estimates suggest MASLD affects nearly one in three adults worldwide. However, prevalence figures vary by study design. A 2026 Global Burden of Disease analysis estimated 1.3 billion cases in 2023, equal to 16.1% of the global population. The risk rises sharply among people with Type 2 diabetes. Research suggests that up to 70% of these patients have MASLD. The disease also has strong links with obesity, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease and other metabolic disorders. Priyanka Jain, Business Leader for Ultrasound at Philips Indian Subcontinent, said the focus should shift “towards identifying people at risk before irreversible liver damage develops.” Why Fatty Liver Is Diagnosed Late MASLD often develops without noticeable symptoms. Fat gradually builds inside the liver while patients continue to feel normal. The disease can then progress to fibrosis, which occurs when scar tissue forms in the organ. Advanced cases may eventually lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer and other serious complications. Routine blood tests can flag abnormal liver enzymes. However, they cannot reliably determine how much scarring has developed. Doctors need to assess fibrosis because its severity helps predict future risks and guides treatment decisions. Read More: Could This Simple Morning Routine Lower Dementia Risk? A Doctor Explains Liver biopsy has traditionally played a major role in assessing fibrosis. However, the procedure requires doctors to remove a tissue sample. It also involves cost, discomfort and procedural risks, making it unsuitable for mass screening or frequent monitoring. European clinical guidelines recommend non-invasive fibrosis testing for people with cardiometabolic risk factors. They place particular emphasis on patients with Type 2 diabetes, obesity, abnormal liver enzymes or imaging evidence of liver fat. Early diagnosis allows doctors to identify high-risk patients sooner. They can then recommend weight management, physical activity, dietary changes and treatment for related metabolic conditions. Ultrasound Elastography Changes Liver Care Ultrasound elastography offers a non-invasive method for measuring liver stiffness, an important indicator of fibrosis. Doctors can conduct the assessment during a routine ultrasound examination without removing liver tissue. Clinicians can also repeat the procedure over time. This helps them monitor disease progression, evaluate treatment response and expand liver assessment across different healthcare settings. Read More: Doctor Says One Bedtime Habit Could Increase Your Cancer Risk A three-site retrospective study examined 107 patients with fatty liver disease, steatohepatitis or cirrhosis. Automated elastography measurements closely matched assessments made by expert clinicians. The study recorded a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.97. The automated workflow also reduced measurement time by 60%. Manual assessments took an average of 175 seconds, compared with 70 seconds for assisted measurements. However, Philips produced the technical report, so independent studies remain important for broader validation. Experts increasingly want healthcare systems to move from treating advanced liver disease towards earlier risk detection. As diabetes and obesity rise, accessible non-invasive testing could help prevent complications before liver damage becomes irreversible.
Meta’s New Plan Could Transform 1,000 Pakistani Businesses
Pakistan has invited Meta to maintain regular engagement with the country. The two sides could cooperate on digital skills, SME capacity building and digital literacy. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan made the offer during a meeting on Thursday. Tehara Punchihewa, Asia-Pacific Public Policy, led the delegation, while Vivian Liang, Policy Programs Manager for Asia-Pacific, also attended. The talks focused on Meta’s role in Pakistan’s digital economy agenda. Khan welcomed the company’s plan to train 1,000 Pakistani SMEs in digital business and artificial intelligence. He said the Commerce Ministry would connect the programme with business institutions nationwide. Free Training for 1,000 SMEs “The Meta delegation presented its Small Business Growth Academy, a program that will train 1,000 SMEs across Pakistan between August and November 2026 on Meta’s digital platforms, AI-powered business tools and online marketing strategies. The program will be implemented by local partner AtomCamp across Pakistan, with participation offered free of cost,” the press release said. The academy will combine physical and online sessions. It aims to improve digital skills and widen market access. The programme will also support women entrepreneurs and businesses in smaller cities. Officials said firms could use the training to improve online marketing and adopt AI-powered tools. Khan urged Meta to coordinate with the Directorate General of Trade Organizations. He also named chambers of commerce, trade associations and other business bodies as potential partners. He said these links would broaden participation and increase the programme’s impact. The ministry will facilitate introductions across Pakistan’s business community. Digital Trade and AI Agenda “Government is placing digitisation at the centre of its reform agenda, with digital transformation being pursued across ministries and public institutions to improve governance, service delivery and economic competitiveness,” Khan said. He told the delegation that Pakistan was finalising a comprehensive E-Commerce Policy. He said broader work on an Artificial Intelligence Policy was also underway. The effort seeks to promote innovation, entrepreneurship and technology-driven growth. Pakistan’s federal cabinet approved the National AI Policy 2025 in July last year. The framework promotes responsible, inclusive and innovative AI adoption. “AI should not only be viewed as a conversational tool but as a technology capable of improving policy analysis, data-driven decision-making, business intelligence and public sector efficiency,” Khan said. He added that Pakistan increasingly focuses on digital trade and e-commerce to expand exports. The government also wants technology to improve market intelligence and strengthen links with international markets through trade missions. Pakistan has already initiated digital partnerships with Alibaba and Google, Khan noted. He welcomed further engagement with Meta to support the country’s digital economy. The Meta representatives thanked the minister for supporting the Small Business Growth Academy. They welcomed connections with the DGTO and other stakeholders to extend the programme’s reach. Pakistan and Meta also discussed AI innovation, SME support and digital safety at an earlier meeting in 2025.
Pakistan Wants Samsung to Export Locally Made Phones to Africa
Pakistan has invited Samsung to turn the country into a regional centre for manufacturing, refurbishing and exporting mobile phones. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan made the offer on Wednesday, July 22. He met a Samsung Pakistan delegation at the Ministry of Commerce. The company’s country head led the delegation, while senior ministry officials also attended. Read More: Relief Ahead? Pakistan Reviews Heavy Mobile Taxes That Raise Prices The government promised full support for investments that could raise exports, local value addition and industrial production. Officials said Pakistan wants major manufacturers to use the country as a production base, not only as a consumer market. Push for Pakistan-Made Smartphone Exports Kamal urged Samsung to export Pakistan-manufactured smartphones to emerging markets, particularly Africa and other regions. “Pakistan should leverage its growing manufacturing base to become part of global supply chains rather than serving only local demand,” he said. Pakistan’s local handset industry has expanded rapidly. Manufacturers assembled 7.36 million phones in the first quarter of 2026, up 2 per cent year-on-year. Local production met about 86 per cent of national demand. Samsung assembled around 520,000 units, making it one of the country’s major handset producers. Read More: Faysal Bank Introduces Pakistan’s First Cardless ATM Withdrawal via Mobile Kamal said future policy should support genuine manufacturing, technology transfer, higher localisation and export growth. He added that incentives should remain linked with investment, exports and value addition. Refurbishment Plan and Tax Concerns The minister welcomed Samsung’s proposal to establish certified mobile phone refurbishment facilities in Pakistan. “A regulated refurbishment ecosystem would not only strengthen local industry but could also create export opportunities for professionally refurbished devices while generating employment and promoting technical expertise,” he said. Samsung proposed replacing commercial imports of used phones with certified refurbished devices. Under the plan, original equipment manufacturers would establish authorised facilities in Pakistan. Consumers could then buy quality-checked devices backed by warranties. The delegation said commercial imports of used phones weaken domestic manufacturing despite Pakistan’s available production capacity. Kamal said any policy change should follow evidence, proceed in phases and protect consumers through sufficient locally refurbished alternatives. Samsung also raised concerns about the mobile phone tax structure. It said the shrinking tariff gap between Semi Knocked Down and Completely Built Units had hurt local manufacturers’ competitiveness. Read More: Your Phone May Be Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat. Here’s Why The company asked the government to keep a reasonable tariff gap and encourage continued investment. Earlier rules charged 18 per cent sales tax on phones valued up to $500 across CBU, CKD/SKD and locally manufactured categories. Above $500, CBU imports faced 25 per cent, while CKD/SKD and locally produced phones remained at 18 per cent. Kamal said the government would examine the tax concerns within the broader fiscal framework. He directed the industry to submit proposals on refurbishment, exports, investment commitments and international practices. The proposals will support work on the revised Mobile Device Manufacturing Policy.
