KARACHI: Pakistani fintech ABHI, which expanded its operations to the United Arab of Emirates (UAE) and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has launched ABHI Microfinance Bank in collaboration with TPL Corp, the company said on Thursday.
Founded in 2021, ABHI has been serving customers in Pakistan, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh through its credit-bridging products such as the Earned Wage Access (EWA) facility.
TPL Corp. is the investment holding company of the TPL Group with investments across the insurance, real estate, transport, securities, technology and financial sectors
ABHI said its strategic collaboration, approved by the Pakistani central bank, was a major step toward redefining financial inclusion in the South Asian country.
“This acquisition marks a significant step toward strengthening Pakistan’s financial ecosystem and expanding access to credit for unserved and underserved communities,” the fintech firm quoted State Bank of Pakistan Governor Jameel Ahmed as saying at the launch of ABHI Microfinance Bank.
“Collaborations like these play a vital role in driving financial inclusion and empowering individuals and businesses across the country.”
The event, hosted by ABHI and TPL Corp. in Karachi, brought together international investors, industry leaders, financial experts and key stakeholders, serving as a platform to highlight the collective vision of the three entities in transforming Pakistan’s financial landscape.
The development comes as Pakistan seeks to increase financial inclusion and document its economy as the South Asian country treads a tricky path to economic recovery under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
SBP Governor Ahmad this week said the central bank has set a target to increase bank account coverage in the country to 75 percent of the adult population and to reduce the gender gap to 25 percent by 2028.
Pakistan, with a population of 240 million, is home to one of the world’s largest unbanked populations, with around 64 percent of its adult population having a bank account, according to central bank figures.
The central bank chief also urged the banking industry to increase their usage of artificial intelligence, based on cellular and satellite data, to provide cost-effective alternative delivery channels to enhance access, usage and quality of financial services.
Pakistani fintech ABHI, after Middle East expansion, launches microfinance bank
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Pakistani fintech ABHI, after Middle East expansion, launches microfinance bank
- Founded in 2021, ABHI has been serving customers in Pakistan, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh through its credit-bridging products
- The fintech firm says its collaboration with TPL Corp. to launch microfinance bank is a major step toward financial inclusion in Pakistan
Pakistan’s seafood exports to China hit nearly $255 million in 2025 as market reach widens
- Frozen fish and cephalopods lead exports as shipments expand beyond China’s coastal hubs
- Growth reflects Pakistan’s push to diversify exports and tap China’s inland consumer markets
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s seafood exports to China rose to nearly $255 million in 2025, underscoring Beijing’s growing importance as a destination for Pakistani marine products, according to data from China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) published by state-run APP on Monday.
The figures point to a broader geographic and product diversification of Pakistan’s seafood trade with China at a time when Islamabad is seeking to boost foreign exchange earnings and reduce reliance on a narrow set of export sectors.
“The gains were driven by sustained demand for frozen fish, cephalopods, and a growing range of processed seafood products in both coastal and inland markets,” APP said in a report, citing China Customs data.
Frozen fish remained the single largest export category, contributing about $64.6 million to Pakistan’s seafood shipments to China. Imports were concentrated in major coastal and metropolitan entry points, with Guangdong province emerging as the largest destination by value and volume, importing 8.48 million kilograms worth $15.7 million. Shandong and Beijing followed, each exceeding 7 million kilograms, while Shanghai, Tianjin and Zhejiang also recorded substantial volumes.
At the same time, smaller but notable shipments were recorded in inland provinces including Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou and Chongqing, suggesting a widening distribution footprint supported by expanding cold-chain logistics and growing demand away from China’s traditional port cities.
Cephalopods emerged as another key growth pillar. Exports of frozen cuttlefish and squid reached nearly $31 million, while frozen octopus rose to almost $12 million, reflecting demand from catering chains and seafood processors supplying China’s foodservice and ready-to-cook segments.
Affordable pelagic fish also performed strongly. Frozen sardines, sardinella, brisling and sprats recorded imports of around $14.9 million, supported by household consumption and mass-market food manufacturers.
In addition to core frozen categories, Pakistan exported roughly $14.4 million each in two higher-value segments classified by China Customs as “fish” and “fish products,” indicating a gradual shift toward processed and value-added seafood lines.
Analysts cited in the APP report attributed the overall growth to improved compliance with Chinese food safety standards, expanded approvals for Pakistani processing facilities and competitive pricing backed by Pakistan’s marine resource base. Investments in cold-chain logistics and streamlined customs procedures were also seen as supporting higher volumes and broader market access.
