Sooper Junoon Live Concert thrills Karachi to the core
The successful reunion of Pakistan’s most legendary band – Junoon, turned out to be a mesmerizing experience for well over 10,000 Karachiites, as a huge crowd thronged the Peek Freans Sooper Junoon concert, held on 25th December, 2018, at the vast cricket stadium at the DHA Sports Club (Moin Khan Academy).
Immaculately orchestrated to reflect Junoon’s bold and inspiring music, this gig was an exhilarating experience for the Junoon fans, who got a long-awaited glimpse of their favorite Sufi-Rock maestros – Ali Azmat, Salman Ahmed and Brian O’Connel, after more than a decade. Hence, the show became the biggest, most energetic extravaganza in Pakistan’s history, with the most seasoned curators and hundreds of event-managers coming together to help revive the spirit of Junoon.
It was a jam-packed event, as all the tickets were all sold-out, several days in advance. Generously supported by the vibrant brand – Peek Freans Sooper, it captured an overwhelming response from the citizens of Karachi. Everyone in the audience, young or old, was brimming with nostalgia, as they sang-along, rocked or swayed to the electrifying fusion and compositions of heavy guitars, tabla and numerous other eastern & western instruments. The atmosphere was spiritual and patriotic, and the magical moments thrilled every musician on stage, to unleash their potential to fascinate the screaming crowds.
One of the highlights of the event was the band’s tribute to the late musician Junaid Jamshaid which was a cherry on the top for the fans which took them to the nostalgic era of 90’s.
The vibrancy and animations at the concert were unprecedented and unbelievable, while the mesmerizing fireworks in the end, further enriched the festivities. What a great way to conclude the event. It has surely marked the beginning of a new era in our nation’s history, to promise that; In future, the Pakistanis can experience world-class musical events in their own beloved homeland, without the need to travel to Dubai or the western world.
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Public Hearing on Environmental Impact of NHA schemes
A public hearing on environmental impact regarding construction of Rajanpur-D.I.Khan section as 4 Lane highway and dualization and rehabilitation of Dera Ghazi Khan-Dera Ismail Khan Section of Indus Highway was held at Tehsil Municipal Administration office, main Indus Highway, Prova Tehsil, District D.I.Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Both the projects are being undertaken by the National Highway Authority. On this occasion Tehsil Nazim Prova Sardar Imtiaz Ahmad Khan Baloch said, both the schemes will bring about healthy change in socio-economic conditions of the project areas.
Chief ecologists Dr. M. Ashraf Bodla and Mr. Ehsan-ul-Haq Farooqi briefed about the developing schemes of road infrastructure with specific reference to environmental impact of construction activity.
Dr. Amjad Ali Khan Director (Environment) KP said, both the projects are being assessed in detail in light of environmental laws. The Representatives of the civil society desired earlier issuance of the NOC by the Environment Department of KP, so that construction activities could be started.
Proposal and recommendations presented by the experts were noted for consideration.
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National Highway Authority Public Relations Directorate
Green Line Bus project: Speedy completion with high Quality Stressed
Federal Secretary Communications Mr. Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui has said that Green Line Bus Project in Karachi needs to be completed on priority with quality construction. As per directive of Federal Minister for Communications Mr. Murad Saeed, he was presiding over a high level meeting at Ministry of Communications participated by senior officers from Ministry of Communications and Karachi Infrastructure Development Company Limited (KIDCL). Secretary Communications Mr. Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui said, Federal Minister for Communications Mr. Murad Saeed desires timely completion of all the ongoing communications projects throughout the country including Green Line Bus Project in Karachi. To this effect, he will personally pay visits to various development schemes to review construction activity there. Secretary Communications further said, the present government is making practical advancement to gear up pace of economic uplift. Communications sector plays vital role for socio-economic development of the country and that all the available resources require to be used in the best possible way to ensure timely completion of road building schemes in various parts of the country, he added.
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Parliamentarians visit Nestlé – BISP Rural Sales Program
Nestlé Pakistan, in collaboration with Benazir Income Support Program (BISP), organized a visit of leading women parliamentarians to its Rural Sales Program in Pindi Bhattian. These included: Kanwal Shauzab, MNA and Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Planning; and Zill-e-Huma MNA.
The Parliamentarians visited Pindi Bhattian where approximately 70 BISP Beneficiaries have become Nestlé’s Rural Sales Agents. These beneficiaries have collectively contributed to sales of approximately PKR 8 Million in the Pindi Bhattian region.
The Parliamentarians visited the Rural Sales Shops being run solely by BISP beneficiaries in Pindi Bhattian. These women are involved in direct selling of Nestlé’s products after receiving a rigorous sales training. Another important aspect of this program is the Nestlé – BISP Rural Sales Program which focuses on graduating BISP beneficiaries out-of-poverty. The program is based on ’Public Private Partnership (PPP)’ which focuses on creating sustainable solutions for addressing some of the key issues being faced by rural women in Pakistan such as malnutrition, financial exclusion and lack of livelihood opportunities. This transformative collaboration has enabled BISP beneficiaries to earn a dignified livelihood for themselves and their families. To date more than 400 BISP beneficiaries have been enrolled as Rural Sales Agents across 12 districts of Punjab and Sindh. In addition to a rigorous sales training, woman also participate in nutrition awareness sessions, especially tailored for rural women that have helped them make healthier lifestyle choices for themselves and their families.
Kanwal Shauzab, MNA and Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Planning; while sharing her views at the occasion said, “Prime Minister Imran Khan’s first priority is to eliminate poverty from Pakistan and to enhance education, nutrition, health and well-being of children and women. We have taken care of all these factors in our 12th Five Year Plan. Our aim should be to empower women and provide them facilities through which they become self-sufficient. If today’s women are empowered then it will have a direct impact on generations to come.”
Emphasizing the importance of women empowerment, MNA Zill-e-Huma added, “This occasion has given me a lot of hope and encouragement for women’s stature in the economy. It is the first step towards empowerment for these women and I am positive that it will lead to betterment of their future. It is indeed a blessing to become economically self-reliant due to which they are able to earn their livelihood respectfully.”
Highlighting the importance of this collaboration, Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs, Nestlé Pakistan, said, “We value our partnership with the Government of Pakistan and BISP, this partnership is extremely relevant, given our commitment to the UN SDGs 1 and 5: No Poverty and Gender Equality. Our joint focus is on reducing poverty and promoting economic growth. Nestlé is also committed to providing greater access to fortified products to our rural society. Our products contain Iron, Zinc, Vitamin A and D amongst other vital micronutrients. Through this initiative, we hope to empower our rural women by providing them livelihood opportunities, along with improving their nutrition status and the quality of life for them and their families”.
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NBP welcomes Bank Al Jazira team
The National Bank of Pakistan welcomed Mr. Sami Al Rajhi, Head of Home Remittance business at Bank Al Jazira (FAWRI), Saudi Arabia on December 24, 2018 during his visit to Pakistan. He was accompanied by Mr. Hassan Saleem, Manager MTO business at Bank Al Jazira (FAWRI). Mr. Sami Al Rajhi has over 30 years of experience in the Home Remittance business and has worked at senior positions with all the leading banks in Saudi Arabia in the remittance business. Mr. Sami Al Rajhi met with the President NBP and the top management of National Bank of Pakistan at the NBP Head office and discussed ways to increase Home Remittances through legal channels from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan. Several ideas to provide additional facilities to the Ex-pat Pakistanis were discussed during the meeting.
National Bank of Pakistan, with over 1500 branches, both in rural and urban cities in Pakistan is a major player in Home Remittances business in Pakistan. The visit highlights/signifies the commitment by National Bank of Pakistan to work on promoting legal ways of sending remittances to Pakistan which is in line with the vision of the Government of Pakistan. National Bank of Pakistan and Bank Al Jazira team agreed to work together and increase the Home Remittances to Pakistan through legal channels by providing excellent services to Ex-Pat Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia so that they can send their remittances with ease to Pakistan through National Bank of Pakistan.
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JS Bank partners with Adaptive Technologies for Solar Financing
JS Bank has joined hands with Adaptive Technologies under the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) scheme of renewable energy for financing solutions targeted towards JS Smart Roshni, for Small & Medium Enterprises, JS GharApna Solar Panel Financing for residential sector and JS Zarkhez Solar Tubewell for farmers.
The collaboration between JS Bank and Adaptive Technologies will form a system of mutual values and growth which will assist both the residential, agricultural and commercial sectors to reduce their dependence on the national energy grid and save on their electricity bills through usage of renewable energy. These loans will be provided on rebated basis at a flat 6% mark-up rate.
Commenting on the occasion, Babbar Wajid, Business Head Consumer Banking & Product Management JS Bank said, “Our partnership with Adaptive Technologies reflects our increased focus on alternate and renewable energy such as solar power which is a key element of improving air quality and the sustainability of the mix of the country’s energy sources. I’m very confident that our products will help customers to reduce their dependence on the grid for their energy requirements and utilize sustainable sources of energy.”
Shaaf Abdul Aziz Mehboob Director Adaptive Technologies is optimistic about prospects and commented “the future of energy in Pakistan will surely be driven mainly by renewables due to the rising cost of conventional fuels and declining cost of alternatives. At present, one of the main obstacle has been access to financing, which is now a thing of the past with JS Bank’s solar financing scheme.”
By undertaking such innovative and business building partnerships, JS Bank remains committed towards its role as a catalyst in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Pakistan.
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Hisense electronics implements oracle erp to boost business-growth
Hisense Co., Ltd. is a Chinese multinational company – producing innovative, high-quality appliances and electronics that are globally renowned for outstanding performance and durability. It has 13 manufacturing plants in China, and several other factories in various countries. As a global brand – Hisense is officially sponsoring the UEFA 2020 Football tournament.
In Pakistan, Tri-Angels (Pvt) Limited is the official distributor and manufacturer of Hisense products and has made large-scale investments to assemble LED Televisions. Now, it is also investing more for the establishment of a clean-laboratory for the assembling of smaller components, through precision engineering.
In order to further enrich its Pakistan operations with more efficiency and productivity, Hisense has now implemented the most advanced Oracle software to streamline its facilities. This will build-capacity and streamline various functions across the enterprise. Oracle Systems enable higher performance, with reduced operational costs, while allowing rapid business changes by speeding up the process of accurate reporting, from numerous business operations.
In order to carry out this crucial implementation, a specialized team of technology professionals named – “Integration Experts” was engaged, who ensured a swift deployment of the most suitable Oracle ERP solutions, within 60 days, to empower the workforce. A ceremony was held at the Hisense head-office recently, to commemorate this digital transformation.
Oracle is a powerful solutions provider offering the most comprehensive suite of cloud-based applications, platform and infrastructure to integrate the various departments like; HR, finance, sales, service, etc. IoT, Big data, Cloud, Artificial intelligence promise the next level of efficiencies to capture the emerging opportunities and thrive in the competitive business environment of the future. It enables the clients to do more with less manpower.
The Chief Executive Officer of Tri-Angels Pvt. Ltd. – Mr. Imran Ghani stated that: “With the implementation of Oracle Solutions, we have created a robust IT infrastructure, to meet the evolving needs of the industry and gain a competitive advantage for faster business growth in future. We will be able to deliver better customer-care with stronger integration of our nation-wide dealer-network. The Oracle solution equips us with the right platform to revamp our business applications.”
“The preconfigured, purpose-built solution has optimized our capability to harness new business-analytics, enabling the management to make faster decisions, with a stronger framework for Business Intelligence.” He added.
Beginning its operations back in 1978, Hisense produced its first television model CJD18. With decades of experience, in 2015, Hisense acquired the rights to sell televisions in the Americas, using the world-famous Japanese brand name of ’Sharp’. With its heavy investments on research and innovation, the company invented a revolutionary ’Transparent television’, in 2013.
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Leaders of business community, leading associations and chambers reassure their support for BMP in the FPCCI Elections 2019
Lahore women chamber of commerce, Gujranwala chamber, Sahiwal chamber, Makran chamber, Gwader chamber, tyre importers and dealers association, indentors, All Pakistan textile processing mills, Pakistan footwear manufacturers, hosiery manufacturers and exporters, overseas employment promoters, readymade garments manufacturers and exporters, marble and artificial leather and merchants and various trade associations and chambers of the country have reassure their unconditional support for Businessmen Panel Pakistan in the FPCCI elections 2019 during their visit to BMP election office in Karachi.
Leaders of the business community said that we are disappointed with the pathetic performance of the united business group, ruling FPCCI since four years. In all matters whether the daily issues of businessmen, declining exports, increased cost of doing business, refunds of exporters, etc., the occupant group of FPCCI did nothing practically. The ground reality is bitter and disappointing as far as their performance is concerned. BMP is the last ray of hope for the business community. Leaders of Businessmen panel stood firm with the business community for their rights.
Business leaders from across country have appreciated the nominations of all BMP candidates including candidate for president, former chief minister Balochistan Allauddin Marri and SVP candidate Chaudhry Muhammad Hussain Zahid.
BMP leaders Mian Anjum Nisar, Mian Zahid Hussain, Senator Haji Ghulam Ali, Zakaria Usman, Khawaja Shahzeb Akram, Naveed Jan Baloch, Adnan Jaleel, Shoukat Ahmed, Saquib Fayyaz Magoon, Shaikh Muhammad Aslam, Qaisar Khan Daudzai, Muhammad Saleem Khan and others paid thanks to the members of trade associations and chambers and said that our candidates will take practical measures and form policies for the resolution of problems faced by the Country’s economy, trade and industry with mutual coordination with the entire business community.
BMP leaders said that the ruling group of FPCCI has always given priority to their personal interests over the national interests. Inflation has reached to 7 pc, cost of doing business has risen to a greater extent, hundreds of power looms sold out in scrap, more than 100 textile mills get closed and country’ economy is in critical condition, but UBG came up with nothing practical. BMP after securing victory will take measures to address all these issues and problems of the business community will be resolved on priority.
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FPCCI Election 2019; Lahore women chamber of commerce, Pakistan footwear manufacturers association and Pakistan artificial leather importers and merchants associations announced unconditional support of BMP
Lahore Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers Association and Pakistan Artificial leather importers and merchants association have announced unconditional support to the Businessmen Panel Pakistan in the forthcoming elections term 2019 of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). All leaders of Lahore women CCI including president Faiza Amjad, senior vice president Tabassum Anwar and vice president Qurat ul Ain took the decision in a joint meeting of members and office bearers and said that nomination of that nomination of former chief minister Balochistan Allauddin Marri for president, Chaudhry Muhammad Hussain Zahid for SVP and Dr. Shahla Jawed Akram for VP women chambers is very appreciative. BMP candidates will take concrete measures for the development of trade and industry in the country.
Leaders of Pakistan footwear manufacturers association while thanking the BMP delegation under leadership of former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain, Zakaria Usman, Shoukat Ahmed, Saquib Fayyaz Maggon and others said that nomination of former chief minister Balochistan Allauddin Marri for president and Chaudhry Muhammad Hussain Zahid for senior vice president is appreciative measure. Problems of business community have been increasing over the years and the occupant group of FPCCI is silent. Federation has been used for individual’s benefits. Trade deficit has been $ 40 billion during the last fiscal year and within five months of current fiscal year it has reached to $ 15 billion. Refunds’ dues of exporters have reached to Rs. 300 billion in last four years but no one is there to resolve the problem.
Leaders of Pakistan artificial leather importers and merchants association has also announced unconditional support to BMP in a meeting held yesterday. Shabbir Hassan Mansha, Shaikh Tariq Lateef, Khurram Ijaz, Suhail Nazim and others attended the meeting and said that Allauddin Marri and Chaudhry Muhammad Hussain Zahid after being elected as president and senior vice president of FPCCI will make workable policies for resolution of problems pertaining the business community.
Leaders of the BMP thanked the leaders of the chamber and both associations in particular and to entire business community in general and assure continue service to the business community.
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FPCCI Election 2019
Livestock exporters associations and all Pakistan Marble industries association offer unconditional support to Business on Panel
Support extended to the Businessmen Panel from various trade associations and chambers continues. Livestock exporters association of Pakistan and All Pakistan marble industries association have announced unconditional support the Businessmen Panel Pakistan in the forthcoming elections term 2019 of the Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI). Livestock exporters took the decision in a special meeting attended by many leaders and office bearers including chairman Syed Hassan Ali Shah, senior vice chairman Syed Haider Raza Naqvi, vice chairman Chaudhry Azhar Iqbal and Syed Ali Faisal Kazmi and others who endorsed the decision of supporting BMP in FPCCI elections 2019.
Leaders of livestock association while thanking the BMP delegation under leadership of former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain, Zakaria Usman, Shoukat Ahmed, Saquib Fayyaz Maggon and others said that nomination of former chief minister Balochistan Allauddin Marri for president and Chaudhry Muhammad Hussain Zahid for senior vice president is in accordance to the desire of business community. The occupant FPCCI group UBG has been failed in defending the rights of businessmen, traders and industrialists, they added.
All Pakistan marble industries association has also extended its unconditional and complete support to the Businessmen Panel in a meeting held yesterday attended by a large number of association’s leaders including chairman Nadeem Shahenshahi, senior vice chairman Mushtaq Ahmed, vice chairman Aftab Ahmed, zonal vice chairmen Muhammad Akram and Sultan ul Arfeen. Participants of meeting showed full confidence on nominations of Allauddin Marri, Chaudhry Muhammad Hussain Zahid and others. The association leaders were of the view that the occupant UBG group has closed the federation’s doors to all real businessmen and is being used as centre of conspiracies for the last four years.
Leaders of the BMP thanked the leaders of the both associations in particular and to entire business community in general and said that our nominated candidates will work hard to return the trust of the business community in the best manner and to resolve all problems pertaining to the business community.
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ACCA discusses the importance of ’Ethics for Economic Prosperity’
ACCA held an event in Faisalabad and Multan based on the theme, “Emerging Pakistan: CPEC- Gateway for Progress, Prosperity & Connectivity” to discuss the CPEC Initiative and its impact on economic prosperity. The congregation in both the cities was held to deliberate on CPEC and the business opportunities that it will bring across Pakistan. This event was possible by support of our platinum partner DHA Multan, Gold Partners SUNCROP Group, Hafeez Ghee Mills Ltd (SHAMA), SKANS and in supporting partners BOI, PRA, PSX, WCCI-M, PBIT, ICMAP, PBC & British high commission Islamabad.
The discussions revolved around how CPEC will open doors to immense economic opportunities to Pakistan and in this context, the discussion about how it will impact different parts of the country is of paramount importance. Owing to this, an extensive discourse is already underway where different sectors of economy and segments of society are exploring the specific benefits. Thought leaders, academicians, prominent media personalities, representatives from regulatory bodies and experts from the banking and audit sector were in attendance to share their thoughts on ethics and professionalism.
The attendees discussed the role Southern part of Punjab province will emerge as one of the most important region in the country after completion of road infrastructure under CPEC. It will give it a center stage linking up-stream and downstream of the country’s supply routes.
The keynote address on Economic benefits of Modern the Silk Road and punjab was delivered by Mr. Mustafa Hyder Sayed, Executive Director Pakistan China Institute in Faisalabad and Mr. Surmad Hussain, Regional Head Lahore, Pakistan Stock Exchange Limited in multan.
This was followed by a panel discussion on “CPEC impact on the businesses in South Punjab and how to deal with it”. The panellists included Mr. Iqbal Ghori Director Strategic Planning Sadaqat Limited, Mr. Aamer Saleemi COO Faisalabad industrial estate development & Management Company, Mr. Mustafa Hyder Sayed, Executive Director Pakistan China Institute, Mr.Arif Masud Mirza, Regional Head of Policy MESA ACCA Pakistan (Moderator) in Faisalabad.
Mr. Muhammad Sohail Qadri, Director Projects, Policy Research & Head of China Cell, Punjab Board of Investment & Trade, Mr. Maroof Ali Syed, Chief Executive Officer, Center for Economic Research in Pakistan, Mr. Omer Zaheer Meer, Managing Partner (Taxation & Corporate Services), Millennium Law & Corporate Company & ACCA MNP Chairman, Dr. Muhammad Nauman Abbasi, Director, IMS, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Muhammad Mohsin Khawaja, Director, Mahmood Group of Industries Multan and Mr. Yasir Arafat, Research Coordinator, Centre of Excellence-CPEC in Multan.
Mr Zafar Iqbal Vice Chancellor – University of Agricultural Faisalabad & Mr Aftab Maroof – Rector Fast National University Faisalabad with Dr Sofia Vice Chancellor Government College for woman University Faisalabad were present for this Conference.
Rana Muhammad Afzal Khan Ex-Minister of State Finance express his views about CPEC impact on Faisalabad industry.
The chief guest of the ceremony was Mr. Khawaja Jalaluddin Roomi, CEO, Mahmood Group of industries and Mr.Syed Zia Alumdar Hussain, President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) they said, “We have to understand that Pakistan is growing in strength and influence on the world stage. As economies develop, tahe role of accountants becomes increasingly important. The creation of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is the largest foreign investment in Pakistan and it is expected to play an important role in driving growth for Pakistan in multiple industrial sectors. We need to have the strategic foresight to ensure that we can leverage from such a long term infrastructure project and for such big ticket developments we need strategic thinking professional accountants.”
Sajjeed Aslam, Head of ACCA Pakistan, in his closing remarks stated, “The CPEC Initiative emphasizes the spirit of sincerity and honesty. It encourages countries to jointly collaborate, share and exchange valuable resources in a mutually beneficial way. ACCA believes that professional accountants have an irreplaceable contribution to the economic growth and prosperity and thus Pakistan’s human capital will be an invaluable resource.”