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International institutions draining resources of poor countries: Mian Zahid Hussain
Chairman of National Business Group of FPCCI, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Friday said peace and prosperity is impossible in presence of colonial international institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
These institutions will continue to fan poverty, hunger and illiteracy to fulfil the economic and political needs of the developed world, he said.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that IMF, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, FATA etc. are tools of the developed world to continue plundering resources of poor nations.
Talking to the business community, the veteran business leader said that the IMF and World Bank are not democratic institutions but are being run on the basis of dictatorship and their policies have resulted in a 400 percent difference in the per capita income of rich and poor nations since 1960.
Their colonial policies are increasing conflicts and poverty while miss balancing the global economic system to suit the economics of the west.
He said that the Chiefs of IMF and World Bank are not elected but selected by influential nations while the voting process is heavily tilted towards western nations.
The middle and low-income countries comprising 85 percent of the world’s population have little say in the voting, he said, adding that one British vote is equal to 41 votes from Bangladesh.
A recent study shows that England took around 45 trillion dollars, 17 times more than its current GDP from India between 1765 and 1938 hitting income of Indian commoners by over 50 percent and reducing their life expectancy.
Now these institutions are playing the same game with the underdeveloped world in favour of the west which cannot survive without the raw material and labour of poor countries.
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ACCA celebrates 20-year success of its dual qualification with Oxford Brookes University
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is celebrating 20 years of its dual qualification with Oxford Brookes University, which enables students to gain a globally recognised BSc (Hons) Applied Accounting degree and the ACCA qualification together.
ACCA and Oxford Brookes University jointly designed this unique programme, which can be achieved entirely remotely, to meet both the requirements of a degree and a professional qualification.
Marking the 20-year anniversary of the partnership, Helen Brand, ACCA chief executive said, “ACCA is proud of our long-standing partnership with Oxford Brookes that equips our students for brilliant careers in accounting and finance. Our partnership not only enables our students to demonstrate to potential or existing employers that they possess all the relevant graduate skills, but that these have been gained from a university that has a reputation for excellence.” “The impact of Covid-19 may have raised anxiety about career opportunities, but a degree and a professional accountancy qualification remain a powerful combination, boosting employability and enhancing job prospects. Over the past two decades, this long-established distance learning option has helped thousands of students achieve their dreams of success.”
ACCA students in Pakistan can easily apply for the degree once they have completed the Knowledge and Skills papers of the ACCA’s professional examinations, and the Ethics and Professional Skills module.
Globally, over 33,500 students have graduated from the programme to date.
“Not everyone has the opportunity of having a professional qualification and an Oxford Brookes University degree at the same time. For those who want to achieve it, I think this is a great opportunity,” said Abdul Manan, ACCA student.
Professor Tim Vorley, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Oxford Brookes Business School said “We are extremely proud of our longstanding partnership with ACCA which helps people all over the world who are studying their way to a better future. “The success of the programme is down to the shared vision of Oxford Brookes and ACCA of widening access to education, while ensuring rigorous standards of teaching and assessment. Over the coming years I am looking forward to the partnership with the ACCA continuing to grow as we seek to embark on new initiatives together, with more exciting times ahead!”
“Having the ACCA qualification and the BSc, both being internationally recognised, it gives you a great platform to work anywhere,” said Felicia Dumenil, ACCA student.
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Juma Goth housing project for the rain-affected successfully completed by Rotary Club Karachi new central
A contingent of RCK New Central executive members, the media and representatives of GEAR (Generating Employment Alternatives for Self Reliance) gathered at Juma Goth village in Ibrahim Hyderi to mark the successful completion of the housing project for the rain-affected families of Juma Goth. The event was graced by the present District Governor of Rotary District 3271, Dr Prof Farhan Essa Abdullah.
Gathering at a community hall in the area where GEAR provides vocational training to those interested in learning, club President Alia Hasan spoke about the plight of the residents of the area who had suddenly found themselves without a roof over their heads. She said, “After an initial survey by us, our club decided that funds would be raised to rehabilitate these families, and I am proud to say we did it through our own resources. The completion of 25 homes within a month of the survey, however, could not have been possible without the untiring and selfless efforts of the GEAR team.”
Mr Farooq and Mr Zameer Hussain from GEAR also shed light on the ongoing need for support and relief work, as did the community leader of the area. DG Farhan Essa appreciated the efforts of the club and offered to sponsor two more houses. Representatives of a few of the rehabilitated families were also present on the occasion – invitees to the event had been restricted owing to Covid-19 — and were presented quilts for the oncoming winter months as well as hygiene packages, and gift bags for children, while the others would be delivered the same to their homes.
After the briefing, everyone was taken into the village to see the completed homes. A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place with DG Farhan Essa doing the honours.
RCK New Central is a relatively new club in District 3271 having come into existence only last year, founded by charter president Shanaz Ramzi. District 3271 is one of hundreds of Districts governed by Rotary International, the longest running professional service organisation in the world. There are more than 35,000 clubs worldwide with an upwards of 1.5 million members, known as Rotarians.
GEAR (Generating Employment Alternatives for Self Reliance) is a registered Welfare Trust in Pakistan. Their ideology is to provide financial support to skilled individuals for their self-survival with honour and dignity. GEAR not only provides financial support but also helps people earn their own livelihood. Their main aim is to achieve long term social stability and business sustainability of the family.
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Govt ban on institutional investment in NSS applauded
– Backdoor investment be discouraged: Mian Zahid Hussain
Chairman of National Business Group of FPCCI, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Monday lauded the decision of the government to ban investment by institutions in the national saving schemes (NSS).
The move will divert bank loans towards the private sector which will boost the economic activity and GDP provided if all venues for secretive investments by institutions in NSS are discouraged in an effective way, he said.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that banks have always remained interested in lending to the government and NSS to get more profit. Banks would give negative returns to account holders and grab a bigger pie by investing in NSS which has been stopped which will improve the economic situation.
Talking to the business community, the veteran business leader said that inflation has taken a toll on the masses and business community while pensioners are facing unprecedented problems which should be considered.
The low rate of return discourages the tendency of savings in the masses which results in many problems for the government and inflation must be brought down for a change in the perception of masses, he demanded.
He said that reforms in the property market and other sectors as well as ensuring transparency will trigger investment in these sectors.
Presently the industrial sector, exports and construction sectors are showing encouraging signs while the recent ban will bring more improvement in the overall economic situation, he said.
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Dawlance ranked as no.1 brand in home-appliances in Pakistan
Dawlance with its 40 years old legacy of Home appliances in Pakistan is very close to Pakistani consumers. As per the global market-research conducted by IPSOS; Dawlance has the highest brand-equity in Pakistan’s home-appliances industry. IPSOS conducted a nationwide Brand Health Tracking (BHT) study in 2019, where Dawlance emerged as the No. 1 brand in the Home-appliances category.
Dawlance is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arçelik — the 2nd largest manufacturer of consumer-durables in Europe. As a globally leading Turkish brand – Arçelik gives top priority to customer-care, technological innovation and energy-conservation, to achieve sustainable growth. The international corporate acquisition of Dawlance by Arçelik, valued at more than 50 million dollars, continues to bring in additional foreign investment and resources into Pakistan.
The Chief Executive Officer of Dawlance, Umar Ahsan Khan stated that: “We are thankful to our consumers for their trust, as they have appreciated the consistent performance and innovation of Dawlance in the IPSOS BHT study. This honor and recognition given by a global institution has added tremendous value and prestige to the Dawlance brand.”
He further added: “Dawlance has already manufactured more than 10 million products in its 3 large-scale industrial units in Pakistan. It has a history of over 40 years of award-winning excellence. I would like to express my gratitude to our millions of consumers, more than 4000 employees, stakeholders, distributors, and dealers all over Pakistan, for their great contributions to the company’s growth and success. It is a testimony to our passion and commitment, to strengthen Pakistan’s industrial-base and economy.”
Dawlance’s diverse range of products includes; refrigerators, air-conditioners, micro-wave ovens, washing machines, water dispensers, dish-washers, etc. Promises more than 35% conservation of energy, along with an unmatched ‘Grand Warranty’ and the largest service network, while quality standards and best-practices are adopted at every level. Being a socially-responsible organization, it contributes generously towards credible initiatives for community-development, to create more economic opportunities.
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World Economic Forum and PSDF collaborate to set Pakistan’s future skills agenda
Top leaders from across the public and private sector gathered at a press conference on Thursday (Nov 19), to discuss the future of jobs in Pakistan, in light of the World Economic Forum Report. Present at the event were, Parwaaz co-chairs, Sayed Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari (SAPM Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development), Muhammad Aurangzeb, President & CEO HBL, Ghias Khan, President & CEO Engro Corporation, Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO Telenor Pakistan and Chairman Telenor Microfinance Bank as well as top business leaders including, Monis Rahman, CEO & Founder Naseeb Networks, Asif Peer, CEO Systems Limited, Ehsan Saya, Managing Director Daraz.pk and Jawad Khan, CEO PSDF.
In a monumental step, Pakistan has been featured in the ‘Future of Jobs’ Report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) for the first time. The Pakistan Chapter showcases jobs and skills of the future, highlighting Pakistani employers’ perspective on new job roles and skills that require attention and investment in Pakistan in the age of technology and automation. In its 2020 edition, the Report features in-depth information on 15 global industries and 26 advanced and emerging countries.
Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) serves as the secretariat for WEF’s (National Accelerator on Closing the Skills Gap in Pakistan — ‘Parwaaz’). Parwaaz brought Pakistan into the global conversation on skills and the future of work by facilitating an extensive employers’ based survey conducted with over 50 top Pakistani companies and business leaders across 6 priority sectors. The profile on Pakistan provides a detailed snapshot of the future readiness of the workforce in the country.
The Report also features CEO PSDF, Jawad Khan as a Global Expert on the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on New Agenda on Education & Work.
The Report insights reveal that in Pakistan, of the over 82 million working age population, 50% on average have requisite digital skills, 51% have business relevant skills, and almost 55% have acquired education with business relevance. While this looks promising for an emerging country, large challenges remain with 31% youth not featured in employment, education, or training, and 55% of working age population in vulnerable employment.
The results of the Pakistan survey do, however, have room for ‘measured optimism’; technology adoption especially in the areas of E-commerce, Big Data Analytics and Cloud Computing is high (91% of the companies surveyed).
Pakistani companies are focusing on cultivating employability skills in the domain of Problem Solving, Critical Thinking, Creativity and Leadership, in tandem with emerging skills in the global market.
The ‘Future of Jobs’ Report highlights the unique economic challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, while technology driven job creation still surpassing job redundancy over the next five years, the rate of growth in the jobs of tomorrow is reducing.
This results in a ‘renewed urgency’ to take proactive decisions towards reskilling and upskilling youth workforce. In the absence of proactive efforts, job market inequality is likely to worsen due to the combined effect of technology and the pandemic recession.
The need of the hour is then public-private collaboration at the global and national level, at an unprecedented scale and speed to create socio-economic systems that are more fair, equitable and sustainable.
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Mian Zahid expresses concern over economic downturn, backrupticies by coronavirus
Chairman of National Business Group of FPCCI, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Wednesday said coronavirus has damaged developing economics while the response of the developed countries have left much to be desired.
The irresponsible attitude of developed countries may result in bankruptcies in poor countries triggering another serious global crisis, he said.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that repayments of all the loans taken by underdeveloped countries should be immediately stopped while the process to write off loans should be initiated.
Talking to the business community, the veteran business leader said that dozens of countries including Pakistan are not prepared to face another wave of the virus which will also hit the developed countries.
He said that who will buy the products of western countries in case the economics of the third world are damaged by the second wave of the virus.
The lukewarm response of the west in against their own interest as they are dependent on raw material and labour from poor nations.
The virus has also damaged the rich economics but they can withstand the shocks but it is not the case with many Asian, African and South American economics.
He noted that the six-month extension granted to 46 countries by G20 is a joke, more countries should be included in the list and repayment should be extended to a minimum of two years, he demanded.
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Acting CEO FINCA represent Pakistan at WEF’s country strategy dialogue
11The World Economic Forum (WEF) organized a Country Strategy Dialogue (CSD) on Pakistan. Acting CEO FINCA Micro Finance Bank Pakistan, Mr. Shahid Hosain Kazi, joined a gathering of international and Pakistani business leaders for discussions on a wide range of subjects including economy, finance, investment, trade, manufacturing, digitalization and startups, regional connectivity and CPEC, etc
While expressing his thoughts, Shahid Hosain Kazi said “Financial inclusion is a key enabler to reducing poverty and boosting prosperity especially in the case of the developing world. A people-centred focus on the well-being of those in developing countries in the best way forward for Pakistan”
Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the CSD and participated in an interactive dialogue with the President of WEF, Mr. Børge Brende, and Chairpersons and CEOs of leading global corporations and WEF partner companies.
CSD is WEF’s signature platform for countries with rising economies and promising growth potential. A CSD during Prime Minister’s visit to Davos, Switzerland, for the WEF Annual Meeting in January 2020 was widely attended by the global corporate sector.
The second CSD by WEF within one year is recognition of Pakistan’s positive economic trajectory and its commendable resilience to the myriad of challenges including the COVID pandemic.
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Dawlance celebrates universal children day at Dar-Ul-Sukun
– Holds valuable training sessions on Covid-19 SOPs
– Offers donations to the care home
Dawlance — the technology leader in Pakistan’s home-appliances industry, recently celebrated ‘Universal Children’s Day’ at Dar-ul-Sukun — one of the most prestigious humanitarian institutions in Karachi. As part of “Dawlance for Humanity” initiative, Dawlance carried out valuable training sessions, where the renowned expert — Dr. Tahir Barlas educated the kids and teachers regarding COVID-19 safety and protocols.
Based on his 30 years of experience in managing ‘Health & Safety’ operations at global enterprises like Shell, PIA, etc., Dr. Barlas informed the participants; why is it important to adopt SOPs and protective measures at institutions like Dar-ul-Sukun? How can the institution ensure safe living, nutrition and healthcare to the specially-children residing there?
Besides this insightful training session, Dawlance also distributed valuable gifts among the differently abled children. Management of Dar-ul-Sukun organized various fun activities while the differently abled children prepared some beautiful performance on the occasion Furthermore, few appliances were also donated to Dar-ul-Sukun by Dawlance as a token for appreciation for their contribution towards society. These informative activities were appreciated by the CEO of this institution – Ms. Anna Danial and Ms. Huma, HOD Rehabilitation, who graced the occasion along with the Guest of Honor – Mr. Ahmed Raheel Ghani Hashmi, Group Marketing Manager of Dawlance.
The Group Marketing Manager of Dawlance – Raheel Hashmi stated that;”in the wake of this global pandemic, Dawlance has also supported the medical professionals, by donating more than a hundred appliances: refrigerators, air conditioners, etc. to hospitals that are committed to provide free-of-cost healthcare and save more lives. So far, the spread of COVID-19 in Pakistan is preventable, only if the people act responsibly, take precautions, do not leave their homes unnecessarily and wash their hands regularly.
Dawlance is a fully owned subsidiary of Arcelik — the 2nd largest manufacturer in Europe. The company believes that it is critical to fulfill its corporate social responsibilities by supporting valuable initiatives to improve: healthcare, education, poverty-alleviation, sustainability, economic growth and environmental protection.
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Oxfam partners up with IBA Karachi to make educational institutes free of harassment
The Institute of Business Administration Karachi and Oxfam in Pakistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to raise awareness among the students on gender and sexual harassment issues.
The MoU was signed by the Executive Director, IBA Karachi, Dr. S Akbar Zaidi and Gender Specialist, Oxfam in Pakistan, Mr. Sartaj Abbasi, on behalf of Country Director, Mr. Syed Shahnawaz Ali. The Oxfam has signed the MoU with the IBA under its new project to curb harassment cases in educational institutes of Karachi, with the support of Australian High Commission through its Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Oxfam, together with the Australian aid, has taken the initiative to engage with college and university students to educate them on harassment issues.
Through this MoU, the IBA and Oxfam will create a framework to educate the youth in the areas of gender-based violence through edutainment in the university settings. The IBA has already established its mechanisms for effective handling of workplace harassment cases and the institute looks forward to further strengthening it under this new collaboration with the Oxfam. The Executive Director, Dr. Zaidi, appreciated this initiative and the organizations joining hands for such an important cause. He urged the need to make educational institutes a safe place for the students and to end the stigma of talking about harassment.
This collaboration between the two organizations will result in capacity building and help initiate activities to raise awareness for making the educational institutions safer and free of harassment for all students and employees.
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BankIslami, Airforce join hands
– BankIslami’s ATM inaugurated at Airmen Golf Club & Recreational Park
BankIslami inaugurated their biometric ATM at the Airmen Golf Club & Recreational Park (AGC&P) in Karachi recently by Syed Amir Ali, President & CEO BankIslami accompanied by Air-Vice Marshal, Ghulam Abbas Ghumman, SI (M), T. Bt Air Officer Commanding Southern Air Command. The bank also presented a golf cart to Airmen which are one of the many initiatives by BankIslami to facilitate and honor our Armed Forces for their valor.
Syed Amir Ali, President & CEO BankIslami while speaking on the occasion said, “We are proud of our Armed forces’ unwavering courage and sacrifice and this collaboration is BankIslami’s contribution to honor our Nation’s soldiers. We pledge to continue facilitating the forces through diverse services and solutions.”
Being one of the most technologically advanced banks with 340+ branches in 116+ cities, BankIslami provides an enabling environment for banking for the Shariah-compliant clients and communities at home and abroad.
The bank lays special emphasis on Alternate Distribution Channels (ADC) and digital banking. It has been a pioneer of biometric ATMs and offers One Touch Banking, which allows you to perform any transaction with just your thumb. Such a complete biometric solution frees you from the worry of having to use the Debit card or cheque book. It has recently completely revamped its online app, taking another giant step in the digital space and convenient banking.
BankIslami is driven towards catering its customers with technological convenience and continues to make access to banking easier, flexible and convenient for the customers.
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Three young Pakistani businesses win shell global innovation prize
Three Shell Tameer entrepreneurs from Pakistan have each taken home one of the 2020 Shell LiveWIRE Top Ten Innovators Awards, a global competition that rewards businesses that demonstrate excellence in innovation and gives entrepreneurs a chance to shine on a global platform.
This year, Shell LiveWIRE has partnered again with Shell Global Commercial to deliver a competition focused on Creating a More Liveable World. Three separate award categories within this theme have been identified: Energy Transition, Environment & Circular Economy, and Local Prosperity.
The winner of each category took home a top prize of $20,000, and the two runners-up from each category received a prize of $10,000. In addition, the judges awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award of $10,000 to an enterprise that has significantly contributed to combatting the socio-economic impacts of Covid-19, as part of Shell’s commitment to respond to changing global needs. The award package for all ten winners also included mentoring support from a Shell expert, the opportunity to benefit from Shell market linkages and the possibility to be considered as a vendor to Shell or Shell’s customers.
The winners faced stiff competition, with Shell receiving 136 applications from 15 countries around the world. Twenty-one finalists then had to compete in a public vote, which drew in more than 27,000 votes from over 170 countries.
“Congratulations to the winners. I’m truly impressed by the quality and creativity of the entries,” said Carlos Maurer, Executive Vice President, Shell Global Commercial. In business and in life, we need the innovators and those with passion and drive to solve the problems posed by an increasingly complex world and the multiple challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic. I’m glad the winners will receive not just a cash prize, but access to senior Shell experts for mentoring support. Shell was founded on a culture of innovation and ingenuity, and we want to see the Top Ten Innovators’ technologies and solutions thrive in the years to come.”
Habib Haider – Head of External Relations, Shell Pakistan Limited said, “We’re thrilled to see all three of our applicants from Pakistan take home the Top Ten Innovators prize. This is a great opportunity not only to highlight these entrepreneurs globally but also showcases the talent and innovation we see every day across Pakistan.”
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Mian Zahid lauds PM’s focus on Balochistan development
Chairman of National Business Group of FPCCI, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Wednesday lauded the focus of Prime Minister Imran Khan on the development of underdeveloped province of Balochistan.
He lauded the recently-announced package for nine districts of Baluchistan but called for its expansion to the whole province.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that people in the province are facing a lack of interest on the part of governments which has damaged facilities like health, education, and provision of clean drinking water.
Talking to the business community, the veteran business leader said that there is no proper system to check the use of resources which results in wastage fanning poverty and discontent among the masses.
He said that Pakistan is incomplete without Baluchistan which must be included in the national and political mainstream which is imperative for the success of 60 billion dollar CPEC.
The business leader said that army is involved in frustrating the unholy designs of enemy states which is laudable and that the issues of the province could not be resolved by blaming chieftains otherwise it would have been resolved decades earlier.
The only way for peace is prosperity for which the people of the province should be given their due rights and improve their quality of life or peace will remain a far cry, he observed.
The government should ensure implementation of the recent package so that it can bring some positive change as the packages announced by the former governments have failed to achieve anything, he warned.
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IBA under Alfalah Islamic scholarship program providing scholarship to five NTHP students
The Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi received a cheque of PKR 4.25 million from Bank Alfalah Limited, under the ‘Alfalah Islamic Scholarship Program’. With this initiative, scholarships will be provided to five talented and deserving students of the IBA Karachi for their first year of education in order to make access to higher education easier and without financial constraints.
At the ceremony, the IBA Karachi was represented by the Executive Director IBA, Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Director Alumni Affairs and Corporate Relations, Mrs. Malahat Awan, and Director National Talent Hunt Program (NTHP), Dr. Junaid Alam Khan. Bank Alfalah was represented by Group Head – Islamic Banking, Dr. Muhammad Imran, Head Cross Sell Liabilities and Product Management, Mr. Salman Ghaffar, Business HR Partner, Mr. Adeel Khan, and Unit Head Products and New Initiatives, Mr. Saqib Zia.
Bank Alfalah met with the team along with the five students from remote areas, whom they shall be sponsoring, and expressed their happiness at partnering with the IBA to support the noble cause.
The NTHP was launched in 2004 with the objective to prepare high achieving students belonging to the less-privileged regions of the country for the IBA’s undergraduate programs’ aptitude test. Once enrolled at the IBA, these students are provided need-based scholarships for the entire duration of their respective programs.
Keeping in view, the economic impact of the pandemic in the country, the IBA Karachi has beefed up its financial assistance program to Rs. 380 million, a 25% increase from last year, which will benefit more than 1200 needy students. The financial assistance program at the IBA is supported by philanthropic organizations, corporates, alumni and individual donors.
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Asia at crossroads in mobility revolution, says new Shell report
– Review report on ‘Cities On The Move: Driving Asia’s Mobility Revolution’ launched
Asia is embarking on a mobility revolution that could revitalise economies and drive more sustainable development for future generations, states a report launched by Shell, last week.
‘Cities On The Move: Driving Asia’s Mobility Revolution’ is Shell’s first ever review of mobility in the region. It includes extensive research and interviews, providing unique insights into the emerging mobility trends across five countries – Singapore, Thailand, India, The Philippines and China.
For each country, a range of issues are considered, including the impact of digitalisation, mobility trends of different generations, the variety of mobility solutions, the need for lower carbon choices, evolving consumer demands, developments in fleet services and the challenges created by COVID-19.
The report highlights the frictions that rapid urbanisation, a growing middle class, rising incomes and increasing aspirations are playing on demands for increased mobility options. It also considers other trends such as a desire for greater and faster convenience, the impact of enhanced digital solutions and environmental concerns.
It concludes that while each country requires its own unique mobility developments, fuels ecosystems and regulations to meet specific demands, what is common to them all is the need for collaboration between governments, industry and consumers to anticipate new trends and meet evolving needs.
Speaking about the report, Shell’s Vice President, Retail East, Amr Adel said, “While the question of mobility is a global one, Asia alone amply demonstrates the complexity and multiplicity of both the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead. “Solving mobility issues across Asia – whether that be road congestion, insufficient public transport or air pollution – requires different initiatives and actions from country to country. Beyond that, solutions will require close collaboration between government, industry and society. All partners must work together to create a mobility ecosystem fit for everyone.”
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Indus Motor’s Corolla X package likely to roll out in January
Indus Motor Company (IMC) is geared to introduce a fresh look to its flagship Toyota Corolla, the Corolla X Package, expected to roll out in January.
Despite being the most competitive locally produced vehicle, Corolla offers top of the line performance and safety features.
Whilst Pakistani consumers today have many available choices, Toyota Corolla has stood the test of times. It has wide popularity owing to the brand’s promise of quality, durability, reliability and high resale value.
The new Corolla X Package, 2021 model has aggressive styling, appealing to a large audience. Available in Altis 1.6 and 1.8 variants, the new model sports an all-black interior along with passenger seat belt warning, EC mirror and an appealing cosmetic body kit change. IMC is expected to shortly commence booking and unveil the new price simultaneously.
It is pertinent to mention here that around 40% of the OEM RSP comprises Government duties and taxes i.e. 30% Customs Duty, 7% ACD, 17% GST, 7.5% FED and WHT up to Rs.150k.
No doubt Toyota is Pakistan’s most loved automobile brand with Corolla enjoying the top slot in terms of sales volume with close to 750,000 units sold to date. It has been the No. 1 selling car in the Asia-Pacific region and the 4th highest selling car in the world for many years.
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IMC’s Toyota goth education program in tandem with TCF reaps rewards
Indus Motor Company (IMC) has realized a 12-year-old dream via its Toyota — Goth Education Program (T-GEP) with its first batch of students from the under-privileged neighboring localities.
The Company instituted the Toyota — Goth Education Program in 2008 under its Community Uplift Initiative to provide full financial support for elementary and secondary school education to children from economically disadvantaged communities of neighboring localities where IMC operates. To this end, IMC has partnered with The Citizens Foundation (TCF) for imparting quality education from grassroots level.
The Program has gradually expanded its area of operation and has resulted in not only improving the living standard and way of thinking but also helped in reducing the long tradition of early marriage of girls in the neighboring communities.
“Through our notable contributions in education, IMC as a signatory to the UNs Sustainable Development Goals, supports SDG 4 – Quality Education, which focuses on inclusive and equitable quality education and promotes lifelong opportunities for all,” explains Ali Asghar Jamali, CEO — IMC.
He further added, “Our first batch of T-GEP consisted of two boys, who have completed their Intermediate and having shown interest in building their career through IMC`s flagship Apprenticeship Program, I am happy that they have joined the Company. The girl, meanwhile, has plans to pursue her graduation.” The CEO also met the two boys and congratulated them.
Currently, Pakistan has the world’s second-highest number of out-of-school children with an estimated 22.8 million children aged 5-16 not attending school, representing 44 per cent of the total population in this age group, according to a UNICEF report.
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Ailing agri sector emerging as a threat to national security, warns Mian Zahid Hussain
Chairman of National Business Group of FPCCI, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Friday said ignored agriculture sector is emerging as a threat to national security, food security and industrial sector.
The steps of the government and the central bank has started improving the economic situation but the agriculture sector can reverse all the gains, he said.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that wheat is central to the food security while cotton is a lifeline for the industrial sector and both of the crops are going down.
Talking to the business community, the veteran business leader said that hundreds of textile mills providing millions of jobs and sixty percent of the foreign exchange are dependent on cotton but the cotton production and area under cultivation is shrinking since a decade.
On one hand, the textile industry buys low-quality cotton which is also most expansive while on the other hand growers are facing financial crunch which indicates the serious problems this sector is facing.
The cotton is available for 71.29 cents per pound in the international market while its price in Pakistan is 76.85 cents.
The production has come down from 880 kg per hectare to 577 kg in a decade while the average output of central Asia is 1100 to 1200 kg, Brazil is getting 1660 kg per hectare and China is producing 1826 kg of cotton from one hectare.
He said that the cotton production and quality is better in all the important cotton-growing countries as compared to Pakistan and if the local production continued to decline it will push the country into serious problems.
The cotton decline will leave the textile industry with no other option but to waster billion in foreign exchange to import cotton, which will result in serious issues, he warned.
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Breast cancer awareness campaign
Greenstar partners with Roche & Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital to strengthen self-care ecosystem
Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan Guarantee Limited, one of the largest private sector players for reproductive & family health services in Pakistan, under its broad-based initiative of promoting an ecosystem of self-care, is empowering women in Pakistan against breast cancer awareness for the prevention and treatment of the disease.
Globally, October is celebrated as the ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’, encouraging women to actively examine themselves every month, as early diagnosis is key to detect and cure Breast Cancer and GSM has pledged to be part of the endeavor of the Government of Pakistan to reduce the disease burden from the country. Begum Samina Alvi is graciously supporting Greenstar’s efforts to ensure access to affordable, quality healthcare for the masses.
In pursuit of this mission, GSM (Sabz Sitara) has signed MoUs with different organizations. Greenstar joins hands with Roche Pharma for a self-care awareness initiative where women will be taught self-examination using Virtual-Reality (VR) headsets and work in the communities around Sabz Sitara clinics to promote awareness for the prevention and treatment of breast-cancer.
GSM has also collaborated with the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (SKMCH&RC) by signing an MoU, under the terms of which SKMCH&RC will provide training to female medical staff at Greenstar on breast self-examination, so that they can then educate the wider public, utilising their extensive network, about the importance of early detection of breast cancer, and develop IEC materials (Communications materials) for general public.
Greenstar is committed to empower women in communities through the power of self-care through self-examination technique, enables women to learn how to remain safe and join the fight against this deadly disease and reduce its stigma from the society. It is hoped that this joint advocacy effort will help in spreading message about breast cancer awareness at the grass-roots level.
GSM remains committed to play its role in the fight against Breast Cancer by promoting self-care through self-examination for early detection and prevention.