Category: Breaking News

ABHI Microfinance Bank Limited (“ABHI Bank”) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pathfinder Group to establish a strategic collaboration centered on agent interoperability, enabling wider access to formal financial services for underserved and frontline segments across Pakistan.

The partnership places Agent Interoperability at the core of the arrangement, allowing ABHI Bank to integrate with VRG’s interoperable agent platform. Through this collaboration, ABHI Bank customers will be able to access permissible banking and financial services via VRG’s agent interoperable network, in line with State Bank of Pakistan regulations extending banking reach beyond branches and smartphones.

ABHI has evolved from a fintech platform into a licensed microfinance bank with a clear focus: making finance accessible at the point where people live and work. This partnership reflects that direction, building shared infrastructure that allows financial services to travel through trusted agent networks and reach workers who remain outside traditional digital channels.

Alongside agent interoperability, ABHI Bank will provide its Earned Wage Access (EWA) services to eligible employees across Pathfinder Group and its portfolio of operating companies spanning security services, facilities management, manpower, and allied businesses. The service will allow employees to access a portion of their earned wages before payday, helping them manage routine expenses without financial stress.

ABHI Bank will also support Pathfinder Group through digital salary processing and bulk salary disbursement services, improving efficiency, transparency, and timeliness of salary payments for operational and frontline staff.

To further strengthen inclusion, the collaboration will leverage interoperable USSD rails, enabling ABHI’s EWA and salary customers, particularly feature-phone users to access basic financial services such as balance inquiries, transaction confirmations, and earned wage access, subject to regulatory and technical approvals.

Speaking on the partnership, Mariam Pervaiz, (CCO) ABHI Microfinance Bank, said: “Agent interoperability is a critical building block for financial inclusion in Pakistan. This collaboration allows us to extend banking access through shared infrastructure, while also delivering earned wage access and salary services to workers who need flexibility, not complexity.”

Muhammad Salman Ali, (CEO) Virtual Remittance Gateway, added: “Our agent Interoperability platform is built on modular, cloud-native middleware technology architecture, providing end-to-end secure transaction processing. Partnering with ABHI Bank enables us to combine Interoperable USSD with Agent Interoperable Network with practical financial solutions and services for our workforce and the wider ecosystem.”

Also present at the ceremony were Chairman Pathfinder Group Mr. Ikram Saigol and Entrepreneur in Residence Abhi Mr. Kabeer Naqvi alongside their teams.

Renowned experts from the technology and business sectors urged students and young professionals to equip themselves with skills in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and business communication, while upholding strong ethical and religious values to build sustainable and successful careers both locally and internationally.

The experts were addressing a large gathering at the Teknofest Conference held at Expo Centre, Karachi, as part of the Mera Brand Pakistan exhibition, which attracted thousands of students, freelancers, startups, and young professionals from across the city.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Noman Said, IT expert and CEO of SI Global Solutions, highlighted that Pakistan’s IT industry is gradually gaining global recognition; however, he stressed that companies and professionals must focus on innovation, quality delivery, and brand building to compete in high-end international markets.

He emphasized that technology careers are no longer limited to programming alone but now span areas such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and enterprise solutions. He advised students to adopt a long-term learning mindset, stating that continuous skill upgrading is essential in a rapidly evolving digital world.

“Adaptability, lifelong learning, and ethical professionalism are the core pillars of a successful technology career,” he said, adding that Pakistani professionals must project a positive image of the country by maintaining integrity, transparency, and reliability in their work.

Saad Shah, IT expert and CEO of Hexalyze, said that while universities are producing a large number of graduates each year, there remains a gap between academic knowledge and industry requirements. He noted that many IT companies are bridging this gap by offering internships, mentorship programs, and on-the-job training to prepare graduates for real-world challenges.

He encouraged youth to combine technical expertise with business acumen, explaining that understanding project management, client communication, and basic financial concepts can significantly enhance career growth. “The professionals who succeed globally are those who can solve problems, communicate effectively, and conduct business with honesty and professionalism,” he added.

Highlighting the importance of ethics and discipline, Saad Shah said that young professionals should strictly adhere to religious and moral values, respect workplace culture, and maintain professional conduct. “Your skills may get you hired, but your integrity and attitude will sustain your career,” he remarked.

Ibrahim Amin, Chairman of the Pakistan Freelancers Association (PAFLA), said that the global workforce is undergoing a major transformation, with remote work, freelancing, and digital entrepreneurship becoming mainstream career paths. He said Pakistan has immense potential in the global freelance economy due to its young population and growing digital talent pool.

He advised freelancers and digital workers to focus on personal branding, portfolio development, and ethical client dealings. “Trust, discipline, and timely delivery are critical for long-term success in freelancing. A single professional’s behavior reflects the image of the entire country,” he said.

He further added that ethical practices, transparency, and respect for client commitments are essential to building lasting professional relationships and recurring business opportunities in international markets.

The speakers collectively emphasized that the future belongs to those who combine technology skills with entrepreneurial thinking, strong communication abilities, and unwavering ethical values. They encouraged students to explore diverse career paths in technology, including startups, corporate careers, freelancing, and global remote roles, while remaining grounded in discipline and integrity.

Teknofest, organized as part of the Mera Brand Pakistan exhibition, served as a platform to connect industry leaders with aspiring professionals. Other prominent speakers, including Saad Zuberi, CEO of LuckyOne; Shaikh Muhammad Tahseen, President of FBATI; and Amir JI Hafiz Naeem, also addressed the audience and shared insights on innovation, business growth, and national branding.