ISLAMABAD: Four ‘high-risk’ districts in Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi, have been marked by provincial authorities for coronavirus related lockdowns after over 850 people in the city tested positive for COVID-19 overnight on Saturday.
Pakistan has seen coronavirus infections rising to peak levels as the country comes in the grip of a second wave of the virus.
In what is dubbed a ‘smart lockdown,’ the deputy commissioners of the administrations of several districts in the seaside metropolis have imposed mobility restrictions, with smaller, ‘micro’ lockdowns also coming into effect in numerous streets and localities.
As part of restrictions, movements of residents in areas that have been earmarked as hotspots for COVID-19 will be restricted and will not be allowed gatherings in their homes. The districts in question are South District, West District, Korangi District and Central District.
Three days earlier, the National Coordination Committee spearheading coronavirus relief efforts, had imposed an immediate ban on large gatherings, including weddings.
The Karachi lockdowns came into effect Saturday morning and will last until Dec. 5.
Pakistan recorded 42 deaths in the last 24 hours-- the country’s highest fatality count since mid-July.
Karachi imposes lockdowns in four districts after surge in coronavirus cases
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Karachi imposes lockdowns in four districts after surge in coronavirus cases
- Over 850 people tested positive for COVID-19 in Karachi overnight on Saturday
- Three days earlier, the National Coordination Committee imposed an immediate ban on large gatherings
Pakistan bank enables Shariah-compliant digital payment facility for passengers at Islamabad airport
Pakistan bank enables Shariah-compliant digital payment facility for passengers at Islamabad airport
- Pakistan is a cash-dominated market where a significant portion of transactions in the informal sector are made without any taxes, officials say
- The move comes amid Pakistan’s efforts to introduce a cashless model at airports under which only digital service providers can provide services
KARACHI: Aik, Pakistan’s first Islamic digital bank, has enabled fully digital payments at Islamabad International Airport to offer travelers and passengers secure, Shariah compliant digital transaction facility.
The development comes amid Pakistan’s efforts to introduce a cashless model at airports across the country, under which only digital service providers can provide services to customers.
Aik, a subsidiary of Bank Islami, said it has onboarded merchants across the Islamabad airport and integrated QR code deployments at key touchpoints to allow passengers and visitors to make secure, seamless, and Shariah-compliant digital transactions at all counters, retail outlets, and service points.
It said the implementation complies with the regulations and framework set by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and is a working model for a large-scale adoption of cashless systems in public infrastructure.
“This deployment reflects our commitment to building practical digital infrastructure that improves everyday transactions,” Aik Chief Officer Ashfaque Ahmed said in a statement.
“By enabling a fully cashless environment at a major national gateway, we are supporting efficiency, transparency, and financial inclusion at scale. This is not only a project; it is a foundation for Pakistan’s cashless future.”
Pakistan is a cash-dominated market where a significant portion of transactions, particularly in the informal sector, are conducted in cash. Officials say many of these transactions are aimed at avoiding taxes.
In recent years, the SBP has taken steps to ensure a transition toward a more cashless economy so that transactions are more traceable, reducing chances of tax evasion and corruption.
By digitizing Islamabad airport, aik said it continues to invest in secure and accessible financial solutions that “expand digital participation and support national economic modernization.”
