Pakistan’s fintech sector has made visible progress in expanding digital access over the past decade, but industry leaders and development partners increasingly warn that the country’s real challenge lies not in onboarding users, but in converting access into everyday usage. An Asian Development Bank (ADB) assessment of the digital finance landscape notes that while millions now hold mobile wallets, cash continues to dominate daily transactions due to affordability concerns, trust deficits, uneven infrastructure and regulatory frictions.
“The real challenge for fintech in Pakistan is moving from access to everyday usage,” said Khayyam Siddiqi, Head of Communication and Customer Care at JazzCash. “Digital payments only replace cash when they are affordable, trusted and embedded in daily life.” With over 55 million customers, processing more than 13 million transactions a day and handling Rs15 trillion in value during 2025, JazzCash reflects the scale fintech has already achieved. Yet Siddiqi’s remarks underline a broader industry concern: scale alone does not guarantee behavioural change.
One of the most persistent challenges is users’ cost sensitivity. For low-income households and small merchants, even marginal transaction fees can discourage digital payments, according to the ADB report ‘Unlocking the Potential of Fintech in Central Asia’, December 2025. Cash, despite its inefficiencies, is still perceived as “free”, immediate and reliable. Until digital transactions consistently undercut cash in both cost and convenience, adoption is likely to remain transactional rather than habitual.
Trust is another major constraint. While awareness of digital wallets has improved, concerns over fraud, data misuse and failed transactions continue to limit user confidence. Cybersecurity incidents, phishing attempts and social engineering scams have disproportionately affected first-time users, particularly in underserved and low-literacy segments. Industry analysts argue that without stronger consumer protection frameworks, effective dispute resolution mechanisms and sustained public awareness campaigns, trust gaps will persist.
Infrastructure bottlenecks further complicate the picture. Reliable mobile internet coverage remains uneven, especially outside major urban centres. Frequent network disruptions, slow internet speeds and electricity outages directly affect transaction reliability, reinforcing users’ preference for cash. For merchants, unreliable connectivity translates into lost sales, making them reluctant to fully commit to digital acceptance.
Interoperability across platforms is another structural weakness. Despite regulatory efforts, Pakistan’s digital payments ecosystem remains fragmented, with wallets, banks and merchants often operating in silos. Limited interoperability reduces network effects, forcing users to maintain multiple wallets or revert to cash when counterparties use different platforms. This fragmentation also raises costs for merchants, who must manage multiple QR codes or settlement arrangements.
Regulatory complexity poses additional challenges, particularly for innovation beyond basic payments. While the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has introduced electronic money institution (EMI) regulations and digital banking frameworks, compliance costs remain high for startups. Lengthy approval processes and overlapping regulatory jurisdictions can slow product launches, discouraging experimentation in areas such as micro-investments, embedded finance and open banking.
Access to capital is another constraint for fintech firms seeking to scale responsibly. Venture funding has moderated amid global tightening in financial conditions, making it harder for startups to absorb regulatory costs, invest in cybersecurity and expand infrastructure. Smaller players, in particular, struggle to compete with large, well-capitalised platforms backed by telecom operators or banks.
Beyond commercial use cases, fintech’s role in government-to-person (G2P) payments highlights both opportunity and challenge. Digital wallets have become critical channels for welfare disbursements, enabling greater transparency and reducing leakages. Siddiqi noted that such payments help drive scale and trust by familiarising beneficiaries with digital transactions. However, sustaining usage beyond welfare receipts remains difficult, as many users cash out immediately rather than transact digitally.
Financial literacy remains a cross-cutting issue. While onboarding numbers continue to rise, understanding of digital financial products is limited. Users often lack clarity on fees, security practices and the benefits of retaining funds digitally. Without sustained literacy initiatives, fintech risks remaining a payments utility rather than a gateway to broader financial inclusion.
The transition from payments to more advanced services such as digital lending, insurance and investments also faces constraints. Risk assessment for underserved populations remains data-poor, increasing default risks and limiting product depth. Regulatory caution around consumer protection, while necessary, further slows innovation in these segments.
Despite these challenges, industry players remain cautiously optimistic. Digital platforms are expanding nationwide merchant and agent networks, now exceeding one million touchpoints, to embed digital payments into daily commerce across urban and underserved communities. As users grow more comfortable, providers are gradually layering additional services to support broader financial participation.
The ADB’s emphasis on inclusion-led fintech growth suggests that Pakistan’s next phase will depend less on headline user numbers and more on system-wide trust, affordability and reliability. Until digital payments become cheaper than cash, more reliable than informal channels and universally accepted across platforms, Pakistan’s fintech revolution will remain a work in progress rather than a fully cashless transformation.
Wall Street ended a light-volume post-Christmas session nearly unchanged on Friday, with few catalysts to fuel much conviction one way or the other. All three major US stock indexes closed nominally lower, snapping a five-session rally, but logged weekly gains.
“We had a very strong five-day rally, so in a way we’re just simply catching our breath today (Friday) after the holiday,” said Ryan Detrick, chief market strategist at Carson Group in Omaha. “This is only day two of the official Santa Claus rally period, so we still have some time, and we think there’s going to be a little more upward bias going forward.”
Market participants watched for signs of a seasonal phenomenon called the “Santa Claus rally,” in which the S&P 500 advances through the last five trading days of the current year and the first two in the new one, a period that began on Wednesday and will run through January 5. Such a rally would bode well for stock performance in 2026.
Just three trading days remain in a turbulent year in which tariff jitters, simmering geopolitical tensions and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence-related momentum stocks took investors on a bumpy ride, but one in which the three major indexes are on track to register double-digit percentage gains.
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LOMPOC, CA, December 22, 2025– The Lompoc Beautification and Appearance Commission is pleased to announce the 2025 Holiday Lights & Decoration Contest Winners. A PDF map of winning locations can be accessed on the city’s website.
Winners are as follows for this year’s contest, with judging having taken place on Tuesday, December 16th:
Residential:
A Classic Christmas
1004 Rock Rose Ln
1200 Alden Ct
1041 N. Poppy
A Shining Star
621 N. 10th St
1424 Michael Ct
1205 N. B St
A Coastal Christmas
356 Ladera
An Inflatable Christmas
816 Canfield Ave
501 S. P St
1100 Archer St
A Space Age Christmas
421 S. Hawthorne St
Business:
Window Displays
Lompoc Valley Florist – 322 N. H St
The Box Shop – 740 N. H St
3 C’s Dog Grooming – 406 W. Ocean Ave
Outdoor Decorations
La Purisima Concepcion Public School – 219 W. Olive Ave
A total of 34 residential and 7 business nominations were considered.
The Lompoc Beautification and Appearance Commission thanks all who participated in this year’s holiday lights and decoration contest, and those who made nominations.
City of Lompoc
The City of Lompoc was founded as a town in 1874 and incorporated as a city on August 13, 1888. Prior to the City’s establishment, the building of La Purisima Mission in 1787 marked the earliest European settlement in the Lompoc Valley. Growth in the Lompoc Valley was sparked by the 1901 completion of the coastal railroad between San Francisco and Los Angeles, which included the extension of a spur into Lompoc. The Lompoc Valley is home to Vandenberg Space Force Base, the first missile base of the United States Air Force. Today, the City of Lompoc is a travel destination known for its downtown mural program, local wines and acclaimed cuisine, historic landmarks, parks and nearby beaches. For more information, visit: http://www.cityoflompoc.com/
WASHINGTON, Dec. 27, 2025 – Mountain West Food Group, LLC, a Heyburn, Idaho establishment, is recalling approximately 2,855 pounds of raw ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O26, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The raw ground beef item was produced on Dec. 16, 2025. The following product is subject to recall [view labels]:
16-oz. (1-lb.) vacuum-sealed packages containing “FORWARD FARMS GRASS-FED GROUND BEEF” with “USE OF FREEZE BY 01/13/26 EST 2083” printed on the side of the packaging.
The product subject to recall bears establishment number “EST 2083” printed on the side of the packaging. The product was shipped to distributors in California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Pennsylvania, and Washington for further distribution for retail sales.
The problem was discovered during routine FSIS testing and the sampling results showed the presence of E. coli O26.
There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.
E. coli O26, like the more common E. coli O157:H7, is a serovar of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). People can become ill from STECs 28 days (average of 34 days) after exposure to the organism.
Most people infected with STEC O26 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. Some illnesses last longer and can be more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by testing of a stool sample. Vigorous rehydration and other supportive care is the usual treatment; antibiotic treatment is generally not recommended. Most people recover within a week, but, rarely, some develop a more severe infection. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure, is uncommon with STEC O26 infection. HUS can occur in people of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old, older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. It is marked by easy bruising, pallor and decreased urine output. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care immediately.
FSIS is concerned that some product may be in consumers’ refrigerators or freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.
FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify theircustomers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.
FSIS advises all consumers to safely prepare their raw meat products, including fresh and frozen, and only consume ground beef that has been cooked to a temperature of 160 degrees F. The only way to confirm that ground beef is cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria is to use a food thermometer that measures internal temperature, https://www.fsis.usda.gov/safetempchart.
Media and consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Jeremy Anderson, CEO of Mountain West Food Group, LLC, at 208-679-3765 or info@mountainwestfoodgroup.com.
Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov. For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.
The eggnog’s kicked, the tree is dropping its needles and distant family members have vacated your guest bedroom. Time to recycle your gift wrap, compost your tree and donate to a cause you care about.
Then reward yourself by buying what you really wanted for Christmas.
While Black Friday remains the uncontested king of shopping holidays, those who held off on some purchases will find their patience rewarded. Retailers are motivated to slash prices: seasonal items including Christmas decor are no longer in demand, winter apparel has a dwindling shelf life, and this year’s electronics are about to become last year’s electronics when new models arrive at the world’s biggest tech expo in January.
But it’s still good stuff, and it’s all on sale for a limited time. So our expert staff rounded up the best after-Christmas sales for the eight most popular categories. Nick Mokey, Filter editor
How we selected these best after-Christmas sales
Our recommendations are based on items tested and loved by our contributors and staff, and you’ll find many of them in our other buying guides. These are products we believe are worth purchasing year-round – the discount is just a bonus.
The very best after-Christmas sales at a glance
Now $6 monthly, originally $10 monthlyNow $99, originally $150 at CanopyNow $19, originally $39.99 at AmazonNow $29.99, originally $39.99 at AmazonNow $32, originally $40 at AnydayNow $64.98 for four, originally $99 at AmazonNow $48.99 annually, originally $69.99Now $175, originally $250 at Aritzia
More of the best after-Christmas streaming sales
Deals curated by Nick Mokey, the Filter US editor
MasterClass
Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty ImagesNow $6 monthly, originally $10 monthly
If you’ve been gorging on reality TV all holiday season and need some leafy greens for the mind, that’s MasterClass. Learn writing from Malcolm Gladwell, film-making from James Cameron or conservation from the late Dr Jane Goodall through video classes and workshops. But be quick – the sale ends tonight.
Photograph: Courtesy of DirecTV
DirecTV Entertainment bundle
$49.99 for one month of DirecTV, originally $79.99
This price is only good for one month, but that is also all you need to catch college football playoffs on the included ESPN package, plus AMC, Bravo, CNN and more than 85 other channels.
Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited bundle
Photograph: Sopa Images/LightRocket/Getty Images$29.99 monthly for one year, originally $35.99 monthly
Here’s an even cheaper way to get ESPN: bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99 monthly. Unlike the DirecTV promo, this one is good for 12 months. Just keep in mind all three services have ads at this level – but you can dispense with them for another $9 a month.
More of the best after-Christmas home sales
Deals curated by Lauren Gould, the Filter US editorial coordinator
Brooklinen super-plush bath towel
Photograph: Courtesy of BrooklinenNow $84.15, originally $99 at Brooklinen
Recently, seasoned consumer journalist Jon Chan tested 10 different bath towels to find the very best on the market, and he found this one was the best value. “It’s the kind of towel I’d drape over my towel rack and proudly point to when guests come over – if I had a towel rack,” Chan wrote.
Canopy showerhead filter
Photograph: Courtesy of CanopyNow $99, originally $150 at Canopy
A shower filter can help remove chemicals and minerals that can dry out your skin and hair. This filter, crowned as the winner in our quest to find the best, is on sale for over 30% off. Author Stephen Treffinger favored the Canopy for “delivering the best showering experience”, noting it was one of the only models he tested where he noticed a difference in his skin.
Papier favorite pet planner
Photograph: Courtesy of PapierNow $28.80, originally $36 at Papier
This adorable planner from Papier was a reader favorite in 2025, and after receiving the Damson Madder edition for Christmas, I’m with them. Originally recommended as part of our holiday mega gift guide, this planner is a stylish way to kickstart your 2026 planning. If you aren’t a dog person, it also comes in a ton of other beautiful patterns and designs.
More of the best after-Christmas kitchen sales
Deals curated by Karen Yuan, the Filter US commissioning editor
Le Creuset Signature Petite Cocotte
Photograph: Courtesy of Sur La TableNow $21.96, originally $31.95 at Sur La Table
This cocotte – an 8oz, petite bowl-sized pot – from the heritage French cookware brand was one of this year’s most-bought items by Filter readers, and thankfully, it’s still on sale. Home and kitchen writer Megan Wahn called it perfect for “roasting garlic, serving dips and small batches of soup, or even making baked eggs”.
Anyday Two-Cup Glass Round Dish Multipack
Photograph: Courtesy of AnydayNow $32, originally $40 at Anyday
Food writer Emily Farris called these glass food storage containers from Anyday “a game changer” for keeping and reheating leftovers. The microwave-safe and oven-safe container can release steam through its silicone vent. “After using them for just a few months, I noticed my family was wasting less food – and I was doing fewer dishes,” she wrote.
Vitamix 5200 Blender
Photograph: Courtesy of VitamixNow $449.95, originally $499.95 at Vitamix
Look, we know it’s not the biggest discount at $50 off, but any sale is a golden opportunity to snag one of these iconic blenders. A Vitamix 5200 is “a legend for a reason”, as food writer Marian Bull put it in her review of this buy-it-for-life blender beloved by chefs and smoothie shops.
More of the best after-Christmas travel sales
Deals curated by Karen Yuan, the Filter US commissioning editor
Anker Nano Travel Power Adapter
Photograph: Courtesy of AmazonNow $19.99, originally $25.99 at Amazon
Tiny and lightweight but mighty, this travel adapter can charge four USB devices at once and works with 11 different wall outlets, covering 200 countries. It has been recommended by multiple Guardian contributors traveling all over the world.
Spanx Scuba Micro Flare Legging
Photograph: Courtesy of SpanxNow $59, originally $118 at Spanx
Comfy enough for a long flight and more stylish than athletic leggings, thanks to an elevated scuba fabric. (No polyester here!) Plus, the shaping waistband gives “just the right amount of support without being constrictive”, travel writer Lydia Mansel reports.
Apple AirTags
Photograph: Courtesy of AmazonNow $64.98 for four, originally $99 at Amazon
These nifty AirTags were some of this year’s bestsellers among Filter readers. Imagine putting one of these on your keys, one in your wallet, one in your purse or backpack and one in your luggage. Feel that immense peace of mind just wash over you? It could be reality with this pack of four, which is still full price on Apple’s website but 34% off on Amazon and Walmart.
Away Softside Bigger Carry-On Suitcase
Photograph: Courtesy of AwayNow $171, originally $245 at Away
After trying at least 10 other suitcases, travel writer Lydia Mansel firmly believes that Away’s Bigger Carry-On holds more than any other carry-on out there. She has used this carry-on bag for years, and you can too, after snagging it for 30% off during Away’s end-of-year sale.
More of the best after-Christmas tech sales
Deals curated by Nick Mokey, the Filter US editor
Roku Streaming Stick Plus
Photograph: Courtesy of AmazonNow $19, was $39.99 at Amazon
One of the most intuitive streaming platforms is now also one of the cheapest. The Roku Streaming Stick Plus packs Netflix, Hulu and every other service you could imagine into a stick no bigger than your finger, so you can hide it behind your TV for zero clutter. The HD version is on sale for $15.99, but for an extra $3 you definitely want this Plus model, which supports 4K resolution. You will notice the difference.
Roborock Qrevo Edge S5A
Photograph: Courtesy of RoborockNow $599.99, was $999.99 at Roborock
Pet owners, thank me later. I used to review robot vacuums, and Roborock makes the best, many of which are now up to 50% off. The maddening naming scheme can make it tough to identify the model you want, but the Qrevo Edge S5A has all the main features you want: mopping and a self-emptying, self-cleaning dock so you don’t need to maintain your robot every day. If you really want to take advantage of the sale, the flagship Saros Z70 has a mechanical arm that picks up stray socks, and it’s discounted $1,300. Yes, really.
Amazon Echo Spot
Photograph: Courtesy of AmazonNow $44.99, was $79.99 at Amazon
This is my favorite of about half a dozen Echo smart speakers I own, and it’s now at its lowest price ever. The vivid screen dims to a level that won’t keep you awake at night if you use it as an alarm clock, and the audio quality is shockingly robust for a device this tiny. Buy two and connect them for stereo sound, or pair it with some smart lightbulbs (like these TP-Link models also on sale – for under $5 apiece) and you’ll never need to climb out of bed to flick off the lights again.
More of the best after-Christmas wellness sales
Deals curated by Lauren Gould, the Filter US editorial coordinator
Headspace subscription
Photograph: Sopa Images/LightRocket/Getty ImagesNow $48.99 annually, originally $69.99
If you’re looking to bring mindfulness into 2026, meditation is a great place to start. After testing dozens of meditation apps, Filter US contributor Jason R Rich ruled Headspace as the best for beginners. With minutes-long tutorials and myriad guided meditation sessions, “Headspace offers the smoothest path to get started”, he wrote.
Nike Metcon sneakers
Photograph: Courtesy of NikeNow $116.25, originally $155 at Nike (discount in cart)
In our 2025 fitness gift guide, Filter US contributor Juno DeMelo recommended Nike’s Metcon workout shoes. She loves them so much, she is now on her fifth pair. “The versatile 10s are my favorite Metcons yet: they’re grippy and stable enough for heavy squats,” she wrote.
Lululemon swiftly tech long sleeve
Photograph: Courtesy of LululemonNow $54, originally $78 at Lululemon
Lululemon’s swiftly tech long-sleeved shirt has been a staple in my winter running wardrobe for years. It acts as a perfect base layer for my morning runs, and I adore its comfy fit and sweat-wicking material.
More of the best after-Christmas sleep sales
Deals curated by Karen Yuan, the Filter US commissioning editor
Mzoo Luxury Sleep Mask
Photograph: Juno DeMelo/The GuardianNow $29.99, originally $39.99 at Amazon
Our Filter US readers sure are a sleepy bunch because this sleep mask was our bestselling item all year. Lifestyle writer Juno DeMelo tested 24 sleep masks and declared the Mzoo “the Goldilocks of masks”, turning to it night after night. It blocks light, doesn’t budge and feels comfortable even for side sleepers – and it’s 25% off.
Coop Original Pillow
Photograph: Courtesy of CoopNow $71.20, originally $89 at Coop Sleep Goods (discount in cart)
It’s a pillow! Possibly the perfect pillow? Guardian contributor Kori Perten can confirm it after testing multiple styles. She has used this sleep coach-approved pillow for five years, during which time her partner kept stealing it, too. (She has since bought a second one for him.) You can add or remove its memory-foam filling to perfectly align your head and neck with your spine for proper support.
Manta Sound Sleep Mask
Photograph: Courtesy of Manta SleepNow $127.20, originally $159 at Manta (discount in cart)
This is the final boss of sleep masks. It ensures total darkness (DeMelo says she couldn’t tell whether lights were on or off with a Manta sleep mask on) and zero noise disturbances, thanks to its built-in Bluetooth speakers. If it doesn’t work for you, Manta offers a 60-day money-back guarantee.
More of the best after-Christmas fashion sales
Deals curated by Lauren Gould, the Filter US editorial coordinator
Aritzia Super Puff coat
Photograph: Courtesy of AritziaNow $175, originally $250 at Aritzia
Hate on puffer coats all you want, but I credit my Aritzia Super Puff jacket with getting me through the last three winters. It’s designed with 800+ fill-power premium down that keeps me warm, and is both wind- and water-resistant. If you’re on the hunt for a coat that can withstand frigid temperatures (as cold as -22F), the durable Super Puff is a solid option.
Damson Madder hooded scarf
Photograph: Courtesy of Damson MadderNow $70, originally $98 at Damson Madder
If you’re as chronically online as I am, you have probably seen someone sporting the semi-viral, reversible trench coat from Damson Madder. If you’re looking for a more affordable introduction to the brand, this stylish hooded scarf, recommended in our fashion gift guide by content creator Reni Balogun, is on sale for 15% off.
Birkenstock shearling clogs
Photograph: Courtesy of BirkenstockNow $149.96, originally $199.95 at Birkenstock
I don’t think I will ever be over the Birkenstock’s trendy Boston Clogs. If you’re looking for a wintry version, I adore this comfy pair, made with cozy teddy shearling. I also love the gold buckle, which adds a chic finishing touch. And if you’re lucky enough to live somewhere warm year-round, Birkenstock’s suede Boston Clog is currently on sale at Revolve for more than 30% off.
Hundreds of flights were delayed and dozens canceled at Logan Airport in Boston on Saturday after Massachusetts was left with a blanket of snow overnight.
There were 405 delays and over 60 cancellations as of Saturday evening, according to FlightAware. The interference with the holiday travel season left people frustrated.
“I woke up, it was delayed four hours, kept getting pushed back. Then it was canceled, now it says it’s not canceled. So I don’t really know,” said Angela Alibrandi, who was trying to get to Tampa, Florida. “I’m just trying to get down to see my friend and her family, spend some of the holidays with them.”
Arlington resident Heather Hill and her family were also attempting to get to Florida to get on a cruise.
“Delta has cancelled both flights to Miami and can’t do anything for us,” Hill explained.
So now the family of five is stuck with a flight to Atlanta, Georgia, and then an overnight 9-hour drive to Miami in the hopes of making it to the cruise ship by 2 p.m. on Sunday.
“Hopefully, we will catch the cruise,” Hill said.
Another traveler, looking to head home to San Diego, called her entire travel experience “stressful” after trying to board a flight for the third day in a row, only for each plane to run into issues.
Hill said that the best advice she can give other travelers is to plan ahead.
“Try to get on the first flight of the day because it is not good out there right now,” she explained.
The overnight storm in Massachusetts brought approximately 4 inches of snow to places like Cambridge and just under 5 inches to Fitchburg, on top of temperatures just scraping the mid-20s. The snow came during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year as people looked to head home after Christmas or venture to a New Year’s Eve destination.
