South Korea’s leading automakers Hyundai Motor and Kia have announced a combined global sales target of 7.51 million vehicles for the current year, aiming for measured growth amid shifting demand for electric and hybrid models. Under the plan, Hyundai is targeting sales of 4.16 million units, while Kia aims to sell 3.35 million vehicles worldwide. Of the total, the companies expect 1.27 million vehicles to be sold in South Korea and 6.23 million units in overseas markets. The target represents a 3.2 percent increase from last year’s combined global sales of 7.27 million vehicles, signaling cautious optimism as the industry navigates slowing electric vehicle demand, trade uncertainties, and regional market differences. In 2025, Hyundai sold 4.14 million vehicles globally, a marginal 0.1 percent decline from the previous year. Kia, however, recorded its best-ever annual performance, selling 3.14 million units, up 2 percent year-on-year. Both automakers said the growth push will rely heavily on hybrid electric vehicles, expanded eco-friendly model lineups, and increased production at overseas manufacturing facilities to better align supply with local demand. Despite challenges such as tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty, Hyundai said it strengthened its position in key global markets, particularly North America, by broadening its range of environmentally friendly vehicles. The company added that new overseas production bases would improve supply chain flexibility and responsiveness. Strong performance in the US market The United States remains a critical growth engine for the group. Hyundai Motor Group — which includes Hyundai, Kia, and luxury brand Genesis — posted its strongest-ever US sales performance last year. Combined US sales reached 1.83 million vehicles, a 7.5 percent increase year-on-year and the highest figure since the group entered the American market. By brand, Hyundai sold 901,686 vehicles, surpassing the 900,000 mark for the first time. Kia recorded 852,155 units, up 7 percent, while Genesis sales rose 9.8 percent to 82,331 vehicles. Industry analysts attributed the gains to a strategic pivot toward hybrids and sport utility vehicles, which helped offset weaker demand for fully electric vehicles and mitigate tariff-related pressures. Eco-friendly vehicle sales in the US climbed sharply. Hyundai and Kia sold 434,725 eco-friendly vehicles, a 25.5 percent increase from the previous year. Hybrid vehicles accounted for 331,023 units, marking a record high. “Hyundai closed 2025 on a high note, achieving our fifth consecutive year of record retail sales,” said Randy Parker, adding that the company also delivered its best-ever December performance. As global demand evolves, Hyundai and Kia appear focused on flexibility — balancing electrification ambitions with strong hybrid offerings to sustain growth across diverse markets.
Free Care for 200,000 Patients a Year: Inside Karachi’s New University Medical Complex
A major addition to Karachi’s strained healthcare system is about to take shape as a UN-accredited international medical relief organisation prepares to break ground on a large-scale tertiary care hospital designed to serve both paying and non-paying patients. On January 4, 2026, Imamia Medics International (IMI) will formally launch construction of its flagship University Medical Complex (UMC), a project its leadership describes as a long-term healthcare lifeline for the city. Once operational, the University Medical Complex is expected to treat up to one million patients annually, including 200,000 deserving patients who will receive completely free medical care. The facility will rise along University Road in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, adjacent to the University of Karachi, placing it at the heart of one of the city’s most densely populated education and residential corridors. IMI, led by senior Pakistan-origin doctors mostly based in the United States, has been active in medical relief work across more than 30 countries. According to the organisation, the idea for UMC grew out of decades of on-ground experience running 25 charitable clinics across Pakistan, which currently provide free treatment to around 150,000 patients every year. IMI’s credibility is underpinned by its UN accreditation, first granted over 25 years ago and upgraded to consultative status in 2006. The January 4 groundbreaking will be followed by a high-profile fundraising event later the same day at a leading Karachi hotel. The programme will include a detailed video presentation outlining the hospital’s scope and projected impact. Veteran showbiz personality Khalid Anum will conduct the fundraising session, with philanthropists, donors, and community leaders expected to pledge support to help fast-track construction. IMI founder Dr Wajih Rizvi says the complex is designed as a comprehensive, multi-specialty facility, offering emergency and trauma care, women’s and child health services, and advanced treatment for both infectious and non-infectious diseases. Over time, it is also planned as a centre for medical education and research. He points to Karachi’s rapidly growing population and rising healthcare costs, noting that quality treatment is increasingly out of reach for low- and middle-income families. The project has also drawn endorsements from prominent religious and community figures, including Allama Syed Shahenshah Hussain Naqvi, who has pledged full support. For IMI, January 4 marks more than a ceremonial milestone—it signals the start of an ambitious effort to narrow Karachi’s widening healthcare gap.
Bata Pakistan CEO Muhammad Imran Malik Resigns, Board Vacancy to Be Filled Soon
Bata Pakistan Limited has announced a leadership change, confirming that Muhammad Imran Malik has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer and resigned from the company’s Board of Directors, effective December 31, 2025. The development was disclosed through a formal notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Thursday. In its filing, the company stated that the vacancy created by Malik’s resignation will be addressed by the Board of Directors at an appropriate time. Bata Pakistan has a long-standing presence in the country’s consumer and manufacturing landscape. The company was incorporated in 1951 and transitioned into a publicly listed entity in 1979. Over the decades, it has built a strong footprint in Pakistan’s footwear market. The company’s core business includes the manufacturing, distribution, and retail sale of footwear, as well as related accessories and hosiery products. Bata Pakistan operates as part of a global corporate structure, with Bafin B.V. of the Netherlands as its parent company, while the ultimate holding entity is Compass Limited. As of December 31, 2023, Bata Pakistan managed a nationwide retail network of 444 outlets. Its production facilities have a combined annual capacity of approximately 18.4 million pairs of footwear, supporting both domestic demand and the company’s extensive retail operations. The company has not yet announced a successor or provided details on interim management arrangements.
Meezan Bank Names Dr Syed Amir Ali President, CEO as Irfan Siddiqui Steps Aside
In a major leadership transition, Meezan Bank Limited, Pakistan’s largest Islamic financial institution, has announced the appointment of Dr Syed Amir Ali as its new president and Chief Executive Officer, effective 30 December 2025. The development was disclosed through an official notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Tuesday. Dr Amir Ali succeeds Irfan Siddiqui, the founding president and CEO of the bank, who has led Meezan Bank since its inception. While stepping down from the executive role, Siddiqui will continue his association with the institution as a member of the bank’s board of directors, ensuring continuity at the governance level. In its statement, the board of directors paid tribute to Siddiqui’s pivotal role in shaping Meezan Bank into one of Pakistan’s most successful corporate entities. The board acknowledged his visionary leadership, tireless efforts, and foundational contribution to the growth of Islamic banking in the country, noting that his work helped position Meezan Bank as a trendsetter in the global Islamic finance industry. Dr Amir Ali brings with him more than two decades of experience across finance, treasury, investment, and corporate banking. He has worked with a mix of leading domestic and international organisations, including A.F. Ferguson & Co, Shell, BankIslami Pakistan Limited, and Meezan Bank itself. His academic and professional credentials span multiple disciplines. Dr Amir Ali is a Chartered Financial Analyst from the CFA Institute (USA), a Chartered Certified Accountant from the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (UK), and a Chartered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan. He also holds an MBA from Hamdard University, Karachi, and a law degree from the University of Karachi. Dr Amir Ali originally joined Meezan Bank in 2006, where he played a key role in building the corporate and investment banking group. After serving at BankIslami from 2018, he rejoined Meezan Bank in 2023, paving the way for his elevation to the bank’s top executive position. The leadership change marks the beginning of a new chapter for Meezan Bank, as it builds on a strong legacy while preparing for its next phase of growth.
DIB Pakistan Joins Hands with Zindigi to Expand Shariah-Compliant Banking
Karachi, December 29, 2025 — Pakistan’s digital banking landscape took a notable step forward as Dubai Islamic Bank Pakistan announced a strategic partnership with Zindigi, the digital banking platform owned by JS Bank, aimed at expanding Shariah-compliant and technology-driven financial services across the country. Under the agreement, DIB Pakistan will provide a Current Account facility for Zindigi, allowing users to operate the account directly through the Zindigi app. This integration means customers can access Islamic banking services seamlessly within a fully digital environment, without the need for physical branch visits. The move reflects a broader shift in Pakistan’s banking sector, where digital-first solutions are increasingly being adopted to meet the needs of a young, mobile-savvy population. Speaking at the signing, DIB Pakistan CEO Muhammad Ali Gulfaraz described the collaboration as a natural extension of the bank’s commitment to innovation and ethical finance. He noted that partnering with a fast-growing digital platform like Zindigi allows DIB to extend its reach while maintaining Shariah principles and customer-centric values. Industry observers see this as part of a wider trend among Islamic banks to integrate with fintech and neobank-style platforms to remain competitive. Zindigi’s Chief Officer, Noman Azhar, said the partnership introduces a fully Shariah-compliant offering within Zindigi’s ecosystem, giving customers greater choice in how they manage their finances. He emphasised that faith-aligned banking should be accessible, transparent, and digitally seamless especially at a time when consumers are increasingly looking for alternatives that match both their values and lifestyle. The collaboration is designed as a scalable and future-ready platform, with plans to expand into additional digital financial products over time. Analysts suggest this could include payments, savings, financing, and other value-added services tailored to underserved and digitally inclined segments of the population. Pakistan has seen rapid growth in branchless banking and digital wallets over the past few years, driven by smartphone penetration, regulatory support, and demand for convenient financial access. By combining DIB Pakistan’s expertise in Islamic banking with Zindigi’s digital infrastructure, the partnership aims to accelerate financial inclusion while strengthening trust in digital Islamic finance. As competition intensifies in Pakistan’s fintech space, collaborations like this are increasingly viewed as essential for banks seeking relevance in a fast-evolving market. The agreement underscores a shared ambition to modernise banking in Pakistan by blending compliance, innovation, and accessibility and it signals how traditional financial institutions and digital platforms are reshaping the future of money management in the country.
XPENG Enters Pakistan: Official Prices Revealed for G6 SUV and X9 Electric MPV
Pakistan’s electric vehicle landscape continues to expand as Tesla Industries, the group behind brands like GuGo GiGi and the recently introduced AION UT and AION V, has officially launched XPENG in the local market. The Chinese EV manufacturer has entered Pakistan with two all-electric models: the XPENG G6 SUV and the XPENG X9 MPV. The official prices were announced during the PakWheels New Wheels Expo, marking XPENG’s first formal step into the country’s rapidly growing EV segment. The XPENG G6 will be offered in three variants to cater to different performance and range preferences. The rear-wheel-drive Standard Range version has been priced at Rs. 14.5 million, while the Rear-Wheel-Drive Long Range variant comes in at Rs. 15.5 million. For buyers seeking higher performance, the All-Wheel-Drive Performance variant is priced at Rs. 18.5 million. All prices are ex-factory. To make ownership more flexible, Tesla Industries has introduced two booking and delivery plans for the G6. Customers opting for a faster 45-day delivery will need to pay 40 percent of the vehicle’s price upfront, whereas those choosing a 90-day delivery option can secure their booking with a 20 percent payment. Alongside the G6, the company has also introduced the XPENG X9, a fully electric premium MPV aimed at buyers looking for space, comfort, and long-range capability. The X9 will be available in a single top-spec variant, the Long Range 2WD Pro+, with an ex-factory price of Rs. 28.5 million. The booking structure for the XPENG X9 mirrors that of the G6, with 40 percent required for 45-day delivery and 20 percent for 90-day delivery. Tesla Industries has noted that the announced prices are introductory and may be revised in the future, depending on market conditions and demand. With this launch, XPENG becomes one of the latest global EV brands to enter Pakistan, further intensifying competition and offering consumers more premium electric mobility options than ever before.
Google Rushes Out Emergency Update for Millions of Pixel Phones
Google has rushed out an urgent software update for more than a million Pixel smartphones, triggering widespread attention among users and security experts alike. The unexpected patch, which began rolling out rapidly across supported Pixel models, signals a rare emergency response from Google outside its normal monthly update cycle, highlighting the seriousness of the issue it aims to fix. The update affects several recent Pixel devices and was delivered quietly, without a detailed public changelog at first. Many users noticed the patch only after receiving a sudden system notification, prompting speculation across tech forums and social media. Cybersecurity analysts say the speed of the rollout suggests the update addresses a high-risk vulnerability that could potentially allow attackers to compromise devices remotely if left unpatched. This emergency release comes on the heels of Google’s already extensive December Android security update, which tackled dozens of vulnerabilities across the platform. The surprise nature of the new patch indicates that additional flaws were either discovered late or escalated in severity, forcing Google to act fast. While Google has not publicly confirmed whether the issue was actively exploited, experts stress that such rapid responses are usually reserved for threats considered critical. Pixel users had already been reporting a mix of software stability problems in recent weeks, including camera glitches, app crashes, and inconsistent performance following beta updates. While it remains unclear whether those bugs are directly connected to the emergency patch, many users say their devices feel more stable after installing the update. Online discussion boards are now filled with advice urging Pixel owners not to delay installation. Security professionals are once again reminding smartphone users that software updates are not just about new features, but about protecting sensitive data. Phones today store everything from banking credentials to personal conversations, making them attractive targets for hackers. Delaying updates, even briefly, can expose users to risks that evolve faster than most people realize. Google’s handling of this situation also reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are increasingly forced to respond in real time to emerging threats rather than relying solely on scheduled updates. As mobile operating systems grow more complex, surprise patches may become more common — especially when user safety is on the line. For Pixel owners, the message is simple: install the update as soon as it appears. While emergency patches can be inconvenient, they are often the strongest line of defense against unseen digital threats.
Big Deals & Easy Payments: What to Expect at Qist Bazaar Expo Karachi
Karachi is gearing up for one of the year’s most talked-about shopping events as Qist Bazaar’s Installment Expo 2025 prepares to open its doors at the Expo Center Karachi from 26–28 December, promising a three-day experience packed with product showcases, unbeatable deals, and exciting brand activations that have already sparked buzz online. Locals and visitors alike have been sharing teaser posts and behind-the-scenes footage on social media, highlighting the scale of preparations and the promise of easy installment purchasing on a wide variety of products. The official Qist Bazaar Instagram account has been posting energetic reels and clips encouraging Karachi residents to “tayyar ho jao” — get ready — for what organisers are calling the biggest installment shopping expo of the season. Early clips show bustling setup activity inside the Expo Center’s halls, hinting at a vibrant event floor where brands will highlight their latest offerings and shoppers can interact directly with products before they buy. What sets this expo apart for many visitors is its buy now, pay later philosophy, something that has resonated strongly with customers across Pakistan over the past year as inflation and cost-of-living pressures persist. Through Qist Bazaar’s platform, products like smartphones, bikes, and appliances are made more accessible with flexible payment plans that allow buyers to take home what they want now and pay over time — a concept that social media users have described as “a dream come true for many middle-class families.” Among the brands that are expected to draw attention are major mobile phone names like Samsung, Infinix, itel, and others, which are frequently tagged in event posts and promotional stories shared by shoppers on Instagram and Twitter. Attendees have been tagging each other in posts showing deal highlights from previous gigs, with comments like “last year’s prices were unreal, can’t wait for this year!” and “everyone’s bringing their best offers.” After two successful editions earlier in the year, Karachi’s installment expo format has built a loyal following that blends retail excitement with community energy. Families are planning group visits, tech fans are lining up to compare gadgets, and many first-time shoppers are preparing to explore installment options for items they might otherwise wait to afford. The expo promises to be as much a social event as a shopping destination, with crowds expected to fill the halls from morning into evening throughout the festive weekend.
Popular Sweets Brand Launches New Karachi Outlet
KARACHI: One of Pakistan’s most trusted names in sweets and bakery, United King, has further strengthened its presence in Karachi with the inauguration of a new outlet in the city’s bustling Dhoraji area. The outlet was officially opened on Monday, December 22, 2025, marking another important step in the brand’s steady expansion across the country. The opening ceremony was held under the leadership of Shaikh Muhammad Tehseen, Chief Executive Officer of United King, whose vision and commitment have played a central role in the company’s growth. Speaking on the occasion, company representatives highlighted that the new outlet reflects United King’s mission to make its premium-quality products more accessible to customers in key urban neighborhoods. The Dhoraji branch features a modern and welcoming layout designed to enhance the customer experience. From traditional Pakistani sweets to a wide variety of cakes, pastries, biscuits, and baked items, the outlet offers the full range of United King’s signature products. While the ambiance reflects contemporary retail standards, the focus remains firmly on the taste, quality, and consistency that the brand has been known for over the decades. United King’s journey began several decades ago as a local sweets business and gradually evolved into one of Pakistan’s leading bakery and confectionery brands. Over the years, it has built a strong reputation for maintaining high standards of hygiene, using quality ingredients, and preserving authentic flavors. This reputation has helped United King earn the trust of generations of customers across Pakistan. Today, the brand operates numerous outlets in major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad. Beyond Pakistan, United King has also expanded its footprint internationally, serving South Asian communities in select global markets and strengthening its image as a recognizable Pakistani brand abroad. With the launch of the Dhoraji outlet, United King continues its strategy of expanding closer to residential and commercial hubs. Company officials say this approach not only improves convenience for customers but also reinforces the brand’s long-standing relationship with local communities. As United King continues to grow, it remains focused on blending tradition with innovation—bringing familiar flavors to new locations while maintaining the trust that has defined its success for decades.
