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Huge potential lies in tourism; Government to take measures to develop tourism sites: Mian Zahid Hussain

President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President AKIA, Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister, Mian Zahid Hussain on Wednesday said that there lie huge potential of tourism in Pakistan. From Balochistan to KPK there are various tourism attraction points which if developed with latest facilities hundreds of thousands tourists can be attracted from World thus significant increase in foreign exchange can be observed. According to Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation, 1.8 million tourists out of whom 70 percent were foreigners have visited different tourist sites in 2017 which is 70 percent higher than that of 2016.

The veteran business leader while talking to the business community said that apart from famous tourism sites in Pakistan many are still unexplored due to difficult access. Moola chotok, an amazing tourist attraction site located at a distance of 150 kilometres from Khuzdar in Balochistan and Pir Gheb with astonishing beauty in Mastung district of Baluchistan are still unexplored because of limited facilities and difficult access. Gorakh Hills a beautiful tourist site in district Dadu rightly called the Murree of Sindh is hard to reach by tourists due to absence of required facilities. Facilities are required in various districts of Punjab including Bahwalpur, Attock, Multan and Chakwal to promote tourism. Northern parts of the Country and KPK have been of tourists’ interest and have relatively better facilities but there are still much to do for the development of tourism in the respective areas.

The former minister said that according to World Travel and Tourism Council the local tourism industry has contributed $ 20 billion which is approx. 7 percent of the GDP and 6 percent annual growth is expected. By 2027 tourism sector will contribute up to $ 36 billion to the Country’s GDP. It is important to develop the sacred sites and places considered sacred in different religions including Hinduism, Sikhism and Budhmat. It will not only attract followers of these religions but will also help in creating soft image of Pakistan in the World.

Mian Zahid Hussain said that the British backpacker society whose members have visited 100+ countries has nominated Pakistan as the best tourism destination in 2018. By developing tourism sector in the Country other associated sectors of economy will experience high growth including Hotel industry, Transportation, Airline, Handicrafts and cultural sectors. In addition, the living standard of locals in the respective tourists’ attraction areas will improve. Currently, 4.6 million people are associated with travel and tourism industry which are expected to grow by 3 percent annually. If revolutionary reforms, as required are made in the tourism sector, all associated sectors of economy will observe growth and will provide significant support to the National economy.

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Direct action on gas thieves have helped SSGC save 994 MMCF

Since the last one year SSGC has drastically intensified its drive against the gas theft miscreants by tasking decisive actions in accordance with the Gas (Theft and Recovery) Act 2016. Ever since its formation in July 2017, the revamped Security Services and Counter Gas Theft Control Operations Department has conducted around 950 raids on domestic, commercial and industrial customers and aided by SSGC Police have arrested several miscreants besides lodging FIRs on regular basis, with the result that these actions have helped save natural gas worth 994 MMCF to date (Rs. 755 million).

This was stated by SSGC’s Brigadier Mohammad Abuzar, DG (Security Services and Counter Gas Theft Operations) during a mass awareness seminar organized by SSGC in conjunction with Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi at the university campus on October 3, 2018. DG (SS and CGTO) further added that the Department has been totally re-structured with focus on intelligence, operation and prosecution. The SSGC official stressed that stakeholders such as the students and faculty can help curb gas theft by creating awareness and sharing information about reports of theft to SSGC. He especially mentioned Section 25 of Gas Act 2016 that specifically states that if an incident of a bona fide theft is reported to the Company, that individual, as per law will be eligible to 5% of any recovered amount.

Earlier, in his presentation, Saeed Larik, SGM (Distribution-North) SSGC reiterated that gas theft is a crime against community and without the latter’s support the war cannot be won. He said that gas theft losses are causing loss of millions to the Company and is therefore one of the factors behind rising volumes of Unaccounted-for-Gas (UFG) or line losses. He said gas theft contributes 51% of UFG, while leakages take up 34% and measurement errors another 35%. The SGM said that a number of measures taken to control UFG in the Company include Rehabilitation of distribution network, Network Segmentation for micro analysis of UFG, replacement of defective meters, pipeline integrity enhancement efforts through remote monitoring CP stations, pressure management, and overhead and underground leak survey and rectification.

Syed Imran Ahmed, Chief Manager, Corporate Communications said in his speech at the start of the seminar that this contact drive runs alongside advertisement campaigns against gas theft in print, electronic and social media. He said that as a result of these campaigns that the Company is running regularly, people are getting awareness of the fact that gas theft is a major crime and a perpetrator is liable for heavy penalties in the form if prison term and fines.

In his vote of thanks, Syed Sarfaraz Ali, Registrar SSUET assured SSGC that the University stands rock solid with the gas utility in its drive to control gas theft. The SSGC delegation also met SSUET Chancellor Jawaid Anwar and Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. M. Afzal Haque who appreciated measures taken by SSGC to nab gas thieves.

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SaudiGulf Airlines starting new direct flights between Saudi Arabia and four cities in Pakistan

Holding Company (Tariq Al Qahtani and Brothers) – is pleased to announce the start of its operations to four destinations in Pakistan as part of its international route expansion program. The announcement came during SaudiGulf Airline participation in Pakistan Travel Mart (PTM) 2018 held in Karachi.

Emphasizing on the pivotal role of travel trade in maintaining the relationship between The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, SaudiGulf Airlines is initiating operations from 15th October 2018 to four major cities in Pakistan being Lahore, Islamabad, Sialkot and Karachi connecting Kingdom main cities of Dammam, Jeddah, Abha and Riyadh.

’We are pleased to announce our next international routes expansion starting with four destinations in Pakistan from Dammam, SaudiGulf Airline’s main base in Saudia Arabia. Through our hub in Dammam we will connect passengers from Pakistan across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Jeddah, Abha and Riyadh stated Mr. Karim Makhlouf, Chief Commercial Officer, in a statement at a press conference in Pakistan Travel Mart (PTM) 2018 held in Karachi.

The full-service airline will operate its Airbus A320 aircrafts to/from Pakistan operating with two class configurations i.e. Business and Economy Class. It will commence direct flights from Dammam to Lahore & Islamabad with a frequency of 4 flights per week as well as 3 flights per week connecting Dammam with Sialkot & Karachi.

Utilizing King Fahd International Airport in Dammam as the hub of its operations, SaudiGulf airlines will offer highest number of flights between the Eastern Providence of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

This strategic decision was taken by SaudiGulf Airlines aligned with the Saudi Vision 2030 to support the expanding growth in infrastructure projects in the kingdom which will ultimately contribute to ease of travel to passengers between Saudi Arabia & Pakistan. Furthermore, the routes shall be utilized to carry passengers from the mentioned destinations in Pakistan across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia though the Dammam hub connecting to Jeddah dedicatedly to carry Umrah passengers. The decision made by SaudiGulf Airlines to provide convenience of travel to and from the holy city of Mecca as part of its religious contribution as a new national carrier. “We are pleased to add new flights to cater to the growing demand of Umrah traffic out of Pakistan, while also provide passengers with convenient connections via Dammam” Said Mr. Karim Makhlouf, Chief Commercial Officer, SaudiGulf Airlines.

Starting operations from the 15th of October 2018, the fares are to start from 40,000 PKR which includes free seat selection, hot meals as well as a personalized customer service.

SaudiGulf Airlines will be represented by the largest GSA network in Pakistan, Gerry’s Group. This partnership is a testament of SaudiGulf Airlines’ intensions to capture a significant market share in Pakistan

’We have decided to partner and cooperate with Gerry’s Group for its well-known efforts as a General Sales Agent with more than 50 years of experience in this field’ Said Karim Makhlouf, Chief Commercial Officer, SaudiGulf Airlines.

“The induction of SaudiGulf Airlines as a direct Saudi Carrier initiating operations to Pakistan will significantly add value to the travel trade industry of Pakistan and testifies to growing travel demand across the Country” said Mr. Arshad Wali Muhammad, Gerry’s Group Director.

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SALAMAIR expands its Network with four new destinations

SalamAir, Oman’s first budget airline was launched in 2016 to meet the country’s rapidly increasing demand for affordable travel options and to generate further opportunities for employment and business creation within the various sectors in Oman.

SalamAir recently added direct flights to Khartoum, Kathmandu, Najaf and Dhaka to its expanding network. With the addition of these new routes, Oman’s 1st low cost carrier has recently achieved another milestone of carrying one million passengers as of 1st October 2018. SalamAir started its operations to Pakistan in 2017 and currently fly to three cities, Karachi, Multan and Sialkot with 3 flights a week offering guests more choice and flexibility to plan their business or leisure travels, while meeting their needs.

Catering to this strategic growth, the airline recently announced the addition of six brand new Airbus A320neo aircraft to its growing fleet. It is expecting the delivery of one purchased Airbus A320neo by Q4 2018, and five leased Airbus A320neo by Q1 2019. The new A320neos are specifically customized for SalamAir to seat 180 guests, allowing more space and boosting comfort levels.

SalamAir Country Manager Mr. Nawaz Hussain said, “Our strategy is to provide affordable travel across our expanding network in Pakistan. The launch of our new destinations is yet another milestone in SalamAir’s young history. It allows us to continue providing our customers with exciting travel possibilities and budget-friendly rates.”

He further added, “Supported by SalamAir’s new aircraft order, we will continue to expand its network of destinations to meet the growing demand for budget travel in this region. We are offering our guests a convenient, flexible and reliable experience to a growing range of exciting destinations.”

The new destinations complement a wide spectrum of traveler needs. Khartoum is the airline’s first African destination and first direct flight to Sudan’s capital, while Kathmandu is the airline’s fifth Indian sub-continent destination. In addition, and in response to the high demand from the Oman, GCC and Indian subcontinent markets , SalamAir is also flying four times a week to Najaf in Iraq.

In less than 2 years’ time, SalamAir network expanded to 16 destinations including Muscat, Salalah, Suhar, Dubai, Doha, Jeddah, Karachi, Multan, Sialkot, Shiraz, Tbilisi, Baku, as well as newly introduced Dhaka, Kathmandu, Khartoum and Najaf. All routes offer a choice of three easy fare options: Light, Friendly & Flexi. A cost-conscious menu of additional services is also available to guests, which includes extra luggage allowance, seat selection, and priority check-in.

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PTCL & SAP drive Pakistan’s business transformation on the cloud

Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SAP, a global technology company, to enhance Cloud-based digital business transformation, vital for enabling Pakistan Vision 2025, especially in agriculture, banking & education sector.

The MoU was signed at PTCL HQs in Islamabad by Adil Rashid, Chief Business Services Officer, PTCL and Saquib Ahmad, Managing Director, SAP Pakistan. On the occasion were also present Dr. Daniel Ritz, President & CEO, PTCL, Ahmed Al-Faifi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, SAP Middle East North, along with officials from respective companies.

Through this MoU, PTCL & SAP will be able to jointly support enterprises in Pakistan to accelerate their cloud-based digital business transformation. In particular, PTCL will offer ’Enterprise Resource Planning on the Cloud’, through which enterprises can gain real-time business insights that can further enhance their decision-making and digital business models.

Business leaders in Pakistan are increasingly turning to the cloud to become Intelligent Enterprises that can secure higher revenue, market share and profitability. Worldwide, 84 percent of organizations rate digital transformation as critical by 2022, according to the recent SAP Digital Transformation Executive Study.

On the occasion, Dr. Daniel Ritz, President & CEO, PTCL, said, “PTCL & SAP collaboration will enable cloud-based digital transformation that is aligned with Pakistan Vision 2025. PTCL has the vision and expertise to deliver cloud-based business solutions that span hardware, software, and services to meet Pakistan’s digital business needs. Cloud is vital for the public and private sectors to transform customer experience drive business innovation and raise productivity to the next level.”

PTCL will collaborate with SAP and SAP’s ecosystem on offering business solutions on the HANA Enterprise Cloud, aiming to become a Partner Managed Cloud to offer private cloud solutions, presenting enterprises with SAP Business One analytics software and enabling the Digital Economy with Internet of Things (IoT) innovations.

Ahmed Al-Faifi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, SAP Middle East North, said, “This MoU with PTCL will strengthen our ties with Pakistan’s leading digital innovators. CEOs in Pakistan are regional leaders in embracing the cloud to move to an OPEX model that optimizes costs, productivity, and innovation. Cloud is being adopted by the agriculture sector for connected farms, banking and finance for digital banks and education for connected campuses.”

This collaboration with SAP will further accelerate PTCL’s long-term digital transformation roadmap.

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P&G conducts workshop to promote supplier diversity

P&G recently hosted a Supplier Diversity Summit for women entrepreneurs in Pakistan in line with the Company’s commitment to promote women’s economic empowerment. The 2-day training workshop was attended by women-owned businesses from various service sectors, including transportation, event management, freight, corporate gifts, digital marketing and facility management, with training sessions covering a range of topics on business fundamentals.

This included presentations by the P&G’s leadership team, highlighting the importance of and sharing best practices on human resources, customer understanding, brand building, finance and taxation as well as legal and procurement. Digital experts, including external speakers from Google and Facebook, raised awareness about the social platforms and tools available for businesses to leverage and the positive impact inclusion of digital platforms can have for expanding business. The workshop concluded with key note speeches and a panel Q&A session with Mr. Stewart Atkinson, Chief Purchasing Officer, P&G, Mr. Sami Ahmed, Vice President, P&G Pakistan, Ms. Joelle Zilliox, Purchasing Director, P&G South Asia, Middle East and Africa and Mr. Khalil Benchekroun, Capital Associate Director, P&G Middle East and Africa.

Promoting Supplier Diversity links directly to P&G’s Gender Equality aspiration to build a better world for all – a world free from gender bias, and a world with equal representation and an equal voice for women and men. Globally, P&G has committed to expanding its supplier development program and integrate women-owned business in its sourcing supply chains across the world.

In Pakistan, P&G is actively working to address gender bias, enable education for girls and promote women’s economic empowerment through a range of corporate and brand programs. Despite the reported economic growth in the past few years, Pakistan is currently ranked 143 (out of 144 countries) in the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report. The percentage of women in the labor force is only 24% and in urban areas it falls to only 12%. Moreover, Pakistan has the lowest rate of women entrepreneurship in the world, with only 1% female entrepreneurs, compared to 21% male entrepreneurs. Access to viable economic opportunities and lack of knowledge are two of the main factors that have prevented women from engaging in entrepreneurial activities.

Expressing his views, Sami Ahmed, Vice President P&G Pakistan, said, “We are steadfast in our commitment to empower women through P&G’s Gender Equality initiatives and encourage women in society to take part in the social and economic development of the country. We are proud to have talented women participate in this workshop who will become the catalysts of a ripple effect by inspiring other women.” He further added, “As we continue on our Supplier Diversity journey, we hope to help bridge some of the challenges faced by women-owned businesses through such training programs which provide necessary capability building for aspiring women entrepreneurs, enabling them to successfully grow and run their business.”

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NBP President’s Message on China’s National Day

Pakistan has always taken great pride in the friendship with China. China is touching new heights of development and it has become a role model for the whole world. Pak-China friendship is not only a sign of unity between the two countries but also a strong bond of mutual trust, tolerance and long lasting confidence which is acknowledged by the whole world. Being a trustworthy friend, China has always contributed to the growth and economic development of Pakistan.

Both countries have achieved significantly in the fields such as infrastructure construction, energy development, and people-to-people exchanges. The development of Gawadar Port and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will be mutually beneficial for both the countries; Pakistan is helping China by opening a trade corridor with Central Asia and Middle East and giving them contract of Gawadar Port. Gawadar can play a significant role in increasing the economic prosperity of the country and the National Bank of Pakistan wish to play a prominent role in the development of CPEC.

Early this year NBP and Bank of China Pakistan Operations (BOCP) signed a MoU to promote banking services in the country. The MoU will focus on developing niches and creating synergies between the two institutions. The MoU will strengthen the ironclad brotherhood between the two nations. Both institutions have developed a strong mutually beneficial relationship and are willing to extend the bilateral cooperation. NBP believes that this MoU will further extend cooperation in the areas of trade finance, cash management and international transactions, corporate lending and project financing, infrastructure financing, investment banking and various other fields.”

I am confident that our ties will become stronger in the years to come and may our two great nations continue working together for the common development and prosperity

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Cost of doing business will rise due to high increase in gas tariff: Mian Zahid Hussain

President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President AKIA, Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister, Mian Zahid Hussain on Friday said that the recent gas tariff increase will cause stoppage to the industries already experiencing decline. To get Pakistan out of the current economic crisis, it is vital to promote trade and industry of the Country. But increasing cost of utilities will cause increase in cost of doing business and will discourage the industrial growth.

The veteran business leader while talking to the business community said that the gas tariff is increased by 40 percent for commercial consumers while the minimum bill in the category is increased by Rs. 600 per month. For domestic consumers including mosques, religious institutions and hostels the minimum bill is increased by Rs. 14 while the overall tariff is increased by 10 percent from slab 1 – 5 and by 143 percent from consumers falling in slab 5 & 6, who are approximately 2 percent of total consumers. Slabs for domestic consumers have been increased to 7 from 3. The gas rate for fertilizer sector is increased by 40 and 50 percents for fuel stock and feed stock respectively. Tariff for energy sector has risen by 57 percent, general industries by 30 percent, CNG by 30 percent and cement sector by 30 percent. The gas price for CNG sectors in KPK and Sindh is increased by 40 percent.

The former minister said that to promote the industrial sector and business activities in the Country it is important to review and withdraw the recent decision of gas tariff increase. If rate of raw materials and utilities being provided to the industry has not been reduced the burden of price rise will ultimately shifted to end user and the poverty level of goods and services will further increase thus the purchasing power of public will be highly affected. If the burden is not lifted from the industrial sector, the industry will not be able to prosper and grow.

Mian Zahid Hussain has appreciated that the gas price has not been increased for the export oriented industries including textile, carpet, leather, sports and surgical goods and said that tariff increase for other industries is dangerous given to current industrial and economical situation in the Country. Economically the Country cannot bear the industrial decline and if the due incentives and facilities for the industrial sector have been ignored by the Government the situation may turn into vast industrial decline and economic passivity. Government is required to encourage the new investment in the Country by promoting the current industrial sector through cheap and easy availability of raw material and utilities.

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Kidney Centre holds Heart day; Speakers give health tips

The Kidney Centre celebrated world heart day on 29th September where free screening for blood pressure, sugar, and BMI was offered as well as Lectures for public awareness were conducted from 11:00am-12:00 noon

Dr. Sultana Habib, Consultant Cardiologist talked about Coronary Risk Factors how blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and smoking contribute in the development of heart diseases.

Dr. Imran Iftikhar, Consultant Cardiologist discussed about various tests and technologies used for the diagnosis of heart diseases.

Dr.NajeebBasir, Chief Cardiologist, explained about Coronary CT Angiography how this non-invasive simple procedure can help in the diagnosis of cardiac diseases in adults and children. Last speaker Ms. Fayza Khan, Registered Clinical Dietician talked about how healthy diet/healthy eating practices and physical activityplays a protective for the prevention and management of heart diseases. She emphasized in her talk that a balanced diet with increased intake of vegetables, fruits , whole grains, low fat dairy products and balanced intake of protein(fish, meat, chicken, lean red meat, nuts, lentils and daals)can help maintain healthy weight and control blood pressure and weight gain. High intake of fat specially which is hard on room temperature is a diet related risk factor, also increased intake of bakery products, processed meat, tea whiteners. She encouraged general public that a healthy life style along with appropriate /regular physical activity and daily intake of 1-2 cups low fat dairy products( milk, yogurt lassi) instead of calcium supplements as part of healthy and balanced diet.

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First JS Bank Junior Squash Tournament Held In Karachi

JS Bank, one of Pakistan’s leading and fastest growing financial institutions held its 1st Junior Squash Tournament at the Jahangir Khan Squash Academy in Karachi.

The competition covered U-19 males and females squash players. On-ground event management was undertaken by VLead while the competition was held in association with the Sindh Squash Association. This initiative was undertaken with the goal of identifying top-tier squash talent at a grass root level, investing in their development and training while also giving them a platform to showcase their abilities.

Winners in the respective age groups were U-13 (male) Muhammad Zaman, U-15 (female) Aina Shaikh (male) Hurraira Zafar and U-19 (female) Fehmina Asim (male) Naveed Rehman.

Present on the occasion, were JS Bank’s Head of Marketing – Mustafa Brohi and other members of the brand team including Shahmir Khan, Tooba Mahmood and M. Ibrahim, representatives of the Sindh Squash Association and VLead.

Speaking at the occasion, Mustafa said, “Our country has a long and proud squash playing history and some of the world’s leading champions in this sport have been Pakistani in origin. Unfortunately, the importance and reach of this game has declined in the recent past. JS Bank has taken the initiative to revive the country’s squash tradition and we intend to replicate the success of this event on a national level.”

JS Bank, one of Pakistan’s leading and fastest growing financial institutions is continually undertaking efforts to drive promotion of healthy and organized sports within Pakistan.

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JS Bank Holds Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride For Cancer Awareness

JS Bank, one of Pakistan’s leading and fastest growing financial institutions sponsored the ’Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride’, (DGR) the world’s leading motorcycling charity event to raise awareness and funding for prostate cancer.

Dressed in classic formal suits, more than 350 bike riders gathered on Sunday for the ride event. More than 600 cities worldwide hosted the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride on the same day, with an estimated 120-thousand riders taking part with an aim to raise $6 million for prostate cancer research.

A visual feast for attendees and motorcycle enthusiasts, the ride featured numerous sports, classic and vintage motorcycles.

Amongst the participants were JS Bank’s President and CEO – Basir Shamsie along with its Regional South Heads Syed Ghaus Ahmed and Zulfiqar Ali Abedi, all of whom are heavy bike enthusiasts.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Shamsie said, “We are here today to promote cancer awareness in men. This global cause is undertaken annually by DGR and JS Bank has been its lead sponsor in Pakistan for the past two years.”

JS Bank, one of Pakistan’s leading and fastest growing financial institutions has continually undertaken efforts to drive public welfare and the common good for the people of Pakistan.

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IBA AMAN CED and UNDP conduct a Training of Trainer’s workshop

The IBA AMAN Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) and United Nation Development Program (UNDP) Pakistan have collaborated for the Youth Employment Project (YEP) in Karachi. YEP aims to improve the human capital of Karachi’s youth by providing entrepreneurship training in marginalized areas. Under UNDP’s banner, the IBA conducted a Training of Trainer’s workshop (ToT), which was held from September 25-28. The aim of the ToT was to equip the trainers with entrepreneurial education so that they can effectively train the youth in their respective institutes.

The participants of the workshop represented a multitude of vocational education and training institutes including, Sindh TEVTA, VTC (Khairpur), GCT (Hyderabad), GPI, GIBCE, GCT, Govt. Pak Swedish Institute, Memon Industrial Technical Institute, SOS Training Institute, AMAN Tech, Hunar Foundation, Karigar Training Institute and Gul-e-Raana Community Centre.

The workshop commenced with welcome sessions by Dr. Shahid Qureshi Program Director IBA AMAN CED, Mr. Abdul Hafeez Abro Director Industrial Coordination STEVTA, Mr. Liaquat Ali Jamro Director Academics STEVTA and Mr. Moin Zaidi Project Manager UNDP. In his welcome note, Mr. Abro signified that training sessions act as a roadmap for entrepreneurial success. “Participants should put in sincere efforts and gain maximum knowledge from this training program”, said Mr. Abro.

Mr. Zaidi emphasized that in the coming years Pakistanis would need to focus on the creation of jobs for the youth. He signified that in the current environment, an entrepreneurial mindset was crucial.

Furthermore, Dr. Qureshi highlighted the significance of youth entrepreneurship and mentioned that there is a need to change the prevailing stagnant job mindset of people. He further emphasized that to overcome unemployment, the institutions and their students need to utilize available resources and venture fearlessly in to the world of entrepreneurship.

The training consisted of sessions on entrepreneurial principles and case studies by Dr. Qureshi. Various faculty members and guest speakers also conducted integral sessions. Intervention based exercises were also part of the workshop. Cornerstone entrepreneurial principles of entrepreneurship including the effectuation philosophy, entrepreneurial bird in hand principle and effectual lens were also introduced in the training.

Representatives from the IBA included, Rao Israr Ahmed Program Manager CIE, Mohammad Talha Manager Incubation and Imran Muhammad Khan Manager NEP, who introduced their respective programs to the participants.

During the closing ceremony, representatives from STEVTA and UNDP opined that the UNDP and IBA AMAN CED program of vocational education and training was diverse and all-inclusive. They also commended Dr. Qureshi and his team’s tireless efforts for playing an important role in establishing an entrepreneurial mindset across Pakistan.

The workshop culminated with certificate distributions for the faculty participants, while Dr. Qureshi said profusely thanked the participants and guest speakers for making this workshop a success.

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