Pakistan launches first green sukuk to cut telecom emissions, modernize energy use

A foreign currency dealer counts US dollar notes at a shop in Karachi, Pakistan, on January 11, 2022. (AFP/File)
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Updated 26 September 2025
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Pakistan launches first green sukuk to cut telecom emissions, modernize energy use

  • Landmark initiative aims to slash 13,500 tons of CO₂ annually and save 5 million liters of diesel
  • AI-powered battery project to boost telecom tower uptime, accelerate Pakistan’s digital transition

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday launched its first green sukuk for the telecom sector and completed a major artificial intelligence-powered battery storage project, in a move aimed at cutting emissions, reducing diesel dependence and modernizing the country’s digital infrastructure.

The sukuk — a Shariah-compliant Islamic bond worth up to Rs3 billion ($10.8 million) — is designed to finance the rollout of low-carbon, AI-enabled energy solutions for thousands of telecom towers across the country. The bond was launched by Infralectric, a subsidiary of Brillanz Group, in partnership with InfraZamin Pakistan.

The launch coincided with the completion of Pakistan’s first 25 megawatt-hour (MWh) Energy Storage-as-a-Service project, which uses Thunder AI technology to optimize power use at telecom sites. 

The battery network is expected to reduce diesel consumption by more than 5 million liters a year, cut around 13,500 tons of CO₂ emissions annually — equivalent to planting over 220,000 trees — and improve network uptime across Pakistan’s telecom portfolio.

“Today is a historic moment for Pakistan’s digital and energy future,” Bilal Qureshi, CEO of Brillanz Group, said in a statement. 

“With Thunder AI-powered ESaaS and the launch of the first Green Sukuk for telecom, we’re proving that innovation and sustainability can drive growth together. At Brillanz, we remain committed to continuing to invest in solutions that deliver lasting impact.”

Government officials hailed the announcement as a milestone in Pakistan’s climate and digital transition efforts.

“Today is indeed a historic day for Pakistan,” said Fahd Haroon, Minister of State and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Digital Media, adding that the two initiatives showed how innovation and collaboration could modernize thousands of telecom towers, cut carbon emissions, and create scalable green investments.

Maheen Rahman, CEO of InfraZamin Pakistan, said the partnership underscored the potential of Islamic finance to accelerate the shift to sustainable infrastructure.

“Infralectric are a prime candidate for the Sukuk market,” Rahman said.

“We are keen to explore mechanisms to enable an Infralectric Green Sukuk, which would mark a pivotal step in unlocking sustainable finance for Pakistan’s telecom sector. Such initiatives modernize critical digital infrastructure and also contribute to Pakistan’s decarbonization and long-term economic resilience.”


Government says Imran Khan’s ‘detailed’ medical report shared, family disputes claim

Updated 23 min 15 sec ago
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Government says Imran Khan’s ‘detailed’ medical report shared, family disputes claim

  • Khan underwent an eye procedure last month, PTI says family was not informed
  • Ex-PM’s sister says only brief notes provided despite Supreme Court assurance

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government said on Friday a “detailed” medical report of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan had been shared with his family following directions from the prime minister’s office, even as Khan’s relatives disputed the claim and accused jail authorities of withholding information.

Concerns over Khan’s health were raised by his family and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party last month after the government confirmed he was taken from prison to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a brief eye procedure. Authorities said at the time that Khan’s condition was stable and the treatment routine, while PTI leaders said they were not informed in advance and questioned the lack of transparent medical disclosure.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the report was prepared by PIMS and had been forwarded to the prison authorities and handed over to Khan’s family.

“A letter was written by the Leader of the Opposition to the Prime Minister and PTI Leaders also approached the Supreme Court of Pakistan regarding medical check up of Mr. Imran Ahmad [Khan] Niazi who is serving his sentences in Central Jail Rawalpindi (Adiala),” he said in a social media post on X.

“On directions from Prime Minister’s Office, a detailed report has been sent by Executive Director PIMS Hospital to the Superintendent of Central Jail Rawalpindi (Adiala) which has been handed over to the family,” he added.

However, the former prime minister’s sister Aleema Khan said they had not received complete medical reports, despite assurances given by the country’s top judge.

“The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court committed last Friday that Imran Khan’s medical reports would be provided to his family,” she said on X. “Today, when the jail superintendent appeared before the ATC [Anti-Terrorism Court], only two brief notes were submitted.”

She said the government’s conduct reflected a disregard for the court’s order, urging the Chief Justice of Pakistan to issue a contempt notice to the jail authorities and ensure that Khan’s medical reports were handed over to his family without further delay.

The dispute has renewed tensions surrounding Khan’s incarceration, which has become a flashpoint in Pakistan’s deeply polarized politics. 

Khan, who served as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, has been in prison since August 2023 following multiple convictions that he and his party say are politically motivated, a charge the government denies.