👉 #Jobs - #Career_Opportunities - Jobs at Police Department Govt of Sindh - Last Date is Feb. 15, 2020

👉 #Jobs - #Career_Opportunities - Jobs at Police Department Govt of Sindh - Last Date is Feb. 15, 2020

#Vacancies_Jobs #Jobs_in_Pakistan #Search_Job #Job_Alerts #Newspaper_Jobs #Jobs_in_Dubai, #Hospital_Jobs #University_Job #Karachi_Jobs #School_Jobs #Pakistan_Army_Jobs #NAVY_Jobs #Government_Jobs #Govt_Job #Bank_Jobs #Jobs_in_Bank #Government Jobs

Continue Reading

Alkaram Studio Opens its new store in Dolmen Mall Clifton

Alkaram Studio Opens its new store in Dolmen Mall Clifton

[Karachi – 27th January 2020] Alkaram has launched its new store in the heart of the shopping arena

of the city, Dolmen Mall, Clifton. Opening its doors to shoppers today, it offered the all-new Alkaram

men, women, kids, home and MAK collection.

Alkaram has changed the shopper’s experience in Pakistan with its fashion-forward designs and

quality fabric. The new store is located at the first floor of the mall and offers the entire Alkaram

Studio range all under one roof.

Speaking at the launch event, the Head of Commercial at Alkaram Studio, Khurram Koraishy said,

“With extremely competitive prices and well-stocked, diverse products that range from unstitched

fabric to pret, kidswear to menswear, and our all-girlsbe ’ favourite MAK, we are really happy and

excited to bring it all in one place for our shoppers at our new outlet.”

To celebrate the opening of the grand new store, Alkaram also arranged a meet and greet with the

talented Ayeza Khan. Alkaram has also announced up to 50% discount on its products. The new store

concept also speaks for the brand’s continuous commitment to provide state-of-the-art retail

experience.

Alkaram Studio, as a fashion brand, has grown to rule the fast fashion map in Pakistan. The newly

launched store is one of their many perfect spaces for men and women of all ages to improve their

shopping experience.

Building on the strength of Alkaram Textiles, the concept was created for customers to experience

the depth, range, and creativity of the Alkaram product portfolio. From fashion fabrics and apparel

for Men, Women and Kids, to Home Textiles and home-ware needs, Alkaram studio offers a

complete creative concept where customers can realize their dreams and aspirations. Alkaram

Studio is a perfect haven for aesthetically-inclined women, who can bring their style language to life

with fashion fabrics, ready-to-wear lines, and stunning accessories from our stores.

Continue Reading

Local Ridesharing Platform, Shahi Sawari launches FLO smart solutions for daily travel on a monthly subscription basis

Local Ridesharing Platform, Shahi Sawari launches FLO smart solutions for daily travel on a monthly subscription basis

Flo by Shahi Sawari, a leading local ridesharing platform, recently launched daily commute services in Pakistan. The platform provides first of its kind app-based, door-to-door daily commute services on a monthly subscription model. The company has launched two products: Flo Kids (flokids.com) and Flo (rideflo.com), catering to different market needs. Flo Kids provides monthly school pick and drop services for school going kids. While Flo pool offers a monthly subscription for daily pick and drops to people traveling for work or education. Available vehicle formats include AC mini-vans, cars and rickshaws at the moment. Since its pilot launch in October 2019, thousands of daily trips are now completed on Flo. Flo is currently operating in Lahore and plans to expand operations in other metropolises such as Faisalabad, Islamabad, and Karachi.

The tech-based platform offers unique features like door-to-door pick and drop services; same verified drivers for daily travel, and live trip tracking to ensure reliable, secure and convenient services for the users. The platform offers carpool as well as dedicated transportation services to cater to various consumer needs. The app uses algorithms to calculate fares on the basis of distance from users’ pickup locations to destinations. Product’s carpooling feature makes it considerably affordable compared to other on-demand transportation services available.

Flo is the shared mobility platform by Shahi Sawari Pvt. Ltd. that started its services in 2016 as an on-demand transportation platform. Shahi Sawari was first incubated at LUMS Center of Entrepreneurship, presently known as the National Incubation Center (NIC), Lahore, in 2015. After successfully catering to 1 mil+ trips on the platform with a user base of more than 300,000 users and a partner network of 7000+, the Shahi Sawari team launched their new product: Flo. The co-founders Mehras Tayyab, CEO; Junaid Mir, COO; and Hashim Zahid the CTO saw a dire need for a more sustainable and long-term transportation solution for daily travel in Pakistan. Recognizing the need, especially in traffic-heavy, big metropolises, the co-founders decided to build a product that was better suited for the needs of Pakistani urban population and infrastructure. The team has raised more than 1 mil USD investment through angel investors and notable local VCs including 47 Ventures and CresVentures.

“Our vision is to build a transportation network that would resolve a majority of daily commute issues currently prevalent in our cities due to the lack of a public mass transit system. Technology and innovation have made it much easier to curate solutions for problems that have haunted us for a long time. It is, therefore, crucial for the authorities to support local startups that are working to improve systems and hence the living standards of general masses. Daily commute is a great hassle for many in Pakistan, but our mantra is that it doesn’t have to be. Since it is an unavoidable part of our lives, it is only fair that people be given a permanent and reliable solution for their daily commute.”, said Mehras Tayyab.

Flo, powered by Shahi Sawari, is Pakistan’s leading platform providing smart solutions for daily travel on a monthly subscription basis. Shahi Sawari, started its journey in 2016 as an on-demand transportation platform from Lahore, which catered to more than 250,000 users for two years. Later on, the company realized a public need for a more sustainable, long-term transportation system for daily commute. Therefore, in 2017, Shahi Sawari pivoted and launched Pakistan’s first ever long-term smart solution for everyday commute, called Flo.

Presently, the company has two products under its umbrella: FloKids and Flo Pool. FloKids provides reliable monthly school pick and drop services for students, and offers unique features like live trip tracking, same verified driver daily, and 24/7 customer support system. Whereas, Flo Pool provides door-to-door services for users who need to travel on a daily basis for work or education.

The core team comprises of 3 co-founders with a combined experience of more than 5 years in building and managing the on-demand market place. Flo is a VC funded startup that has been backed by renowned investors such as 47 Ventures and Cres Ventures.

Continue Reading

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) keeps policy rate unchanged at 13.25% for next two months

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) keeps policy rate unchanged at 13.25% for next two months

Karachi (WebDesk): State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Dr Reza Baqer Tuesday announced to keep the policy (interest) rate unchanged at 13.25% for next two months in the light of SBP Monetary Policy Committee analysis that inflation rate will remain almost same during the next couple of months.

The SBP governor made the announcement at a press conference here. He was flanked by deputy governors Dr Murtaza Syed and Jameel Ahmed, Executive Director Finance Muhammad Ali Malik and Chief Spokesman Abid Qamar.

The governor said this decision on the policy rate was taken by the SBP Monetary Policy Committee. The MPC decision reflected its view that the outlook for inflation has remained broadly unchanged. On the one hand, recent inflation out-turns have been on the high side and there remain near term risks to inflation primarily from food price shocks and potential increases in utility prices, he said. On the other hand, he said, several factors are expected to gradually moderate the pressure on inflation, which include the recent appreciation of the exchange rate after the introduction of the market-based exchange rate and ongoing fiscal consolidation.

On balance, SBP’s projection for average inflation remains broadly unchanged at 11 to 12 percent for fiscal year 2019-20. The committee also viewed the current monetary policy stance as appropriate to bring inflation down to the medium-term target range of 5 to 7 percent over the next six to eight quarters. In reaching this decision, the MPC considered key developments in the real, external and fiscal sectors along with their projections, and the resulting outlook for monetary conditions and inflation.

He said the MPC noted three key developments since the last meeting of November 22, 2019. First, the ongoing and substantial reduction in the current account deficit and the orderly conditions in the foreign exchange market after the transition to a market-based exchange rate system continued to strengthen the country’s external accounts. Second, a joint survey of business confidence by SBP and Institute of Business Administration showed an improvement in the business community’s outlook for economic activity for a third successive wave. Third, fiscal developments remained on track and in line with commitments made under the IMF-supported program, buoying the overall economic reform sentiment.

He said the latest production estimates of major crops indicate that all Kharif crops, except cotton, grew in line with expectations. Cotton production has been revised downward due to adverse supply side shocks.

Large scale manufacturing indicates that economic activity is strengthening in export-oriented and import-competing industries, while inward-oriented industries continue to slow down. Specifically, LSM showed gains in textiles, leather products, engineering goods, rubber products, cement and fertilizer, and declines in auto, electronics, food, chemicals, and petroleum products.

Primarily on account of adverse supply side shocks to cotton production as well as the contraction in LSM to date, the SBP’s projection for real gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate for FY20 is likely to be revised downward. Nevertheless, available monthly indicators of activity show that the slowdown in most economic sectors appears to have bottomed-out, and a gradual recovery is expected in the coming months.

Continue Reading

👉 #Jobs - #Career_Opportunities - Jobs at Frontier Work Ognanization (FWO) - Last Date is Feb. 15, 2020

👉 #Jobs - #Career_Opportunities - Jobs at Frontier Work Ognanization (FWO) - Last Date is Feb. 15, 2020

#Vacancies_Jobs #Jobs_in_Pakistan #Search_Job #Job_Alerts #Newspaper_Jobs #Jobs_in_Dubai, #Hospital_Jobs #University_Job #Karachi_Jobs #School_Jobs #Pakistan_Army_Jobs #NAVY_Jobs #Government_Jobs #Govt_Job #Bank_Jobs #Jobs_in_Bank #Government Jobs

Continue Reading

SCO Receives the Annual NFEH Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2020

SCO Receives the Annual NFEH Corporate Social Responsibility Award 2020

Special Communications Organization (SCO) was awarded the 12th NFEH CSR Award 2020 at the 12th Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards, organized by the National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH).

At a ceremony in Islamabad, National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri and Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Syed Ali Zaidi, jointly gave awards to 60 leading companies of Pakistan for showing excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). SCO was awarded in the “Philanthropy Leadership” category.

Special Communications Organization is a leading telecom operator in Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan providing all brands of communication including 3G, 4G services and branchless services with brand name S-Paisa.

The CSR Award is the organization’s first accolade that recognizes its continued efforts to build and empower the people of far-flung areas at the grassroot level. As a leading telecom company, corporate philanthropy has been the cornerstone of SCO’s operations. SCO CSR areas of interests include environmental protection, education, disaster response and youth development in society. One million Tree Plantation Drive, sponsoring Healthy Sporting Activities, Cleanliness Campaign at tourist places and Painting and Photography Exhibitions to promote talent from far-flung areas of AJ&K and GB at the National level are the major ventures conducted during 2019.

“We are extremely delighted for being recognized as one of the leading companies of Pakistan with respect to our continued contribution towards corporate social responsibility. The CSR Policy at SCO serves as a roadmap to help the company conduct business in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner that is transparent and ethical,” commented Major General Ali Farhan HI (M) Director-General SCO.

This prestigious award is evidence of SCO’s consistent efforts to do its part earnestly by not only serving with quality telecom services but also generously supporting and involving itself in welfare work.

Continue Reading

Download #Islamic Caligraphic and Arabic Fonts - Here is its link for you

Download #Islamic Caligraphic and Arabic Fonts - Here is its link for you

Download #Islamic Caligraphic and Arabic Fonts - Here is its link for you

Download #Islamic Caligraphic and Arabic Fonts - Here is its link for you

Link

Continue Reading

Majid Al Futtaim collaborates with Miracle School Ministries to support underprivileged families in Lahore

Majid Al Futtaim collaborates with Miracle School Ministries to support underprivileged families in Lahore

Carrefour operated by Majid Al Futtaim in Pakistan, donates food and warm clothes to fifty families in need

Lahore, Pakistan, 27th January, 2020: Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, has joined hands with Lahore-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) Miracle School Ministries to support fifty underprivileged families through the harsh winter season. The families, which are associated with the NGO, were provided with essential food items and warm clothing from Majid Al Futtaim’s supermarket franchise, Carrefour. Without such assistance, children are often forced to engage in child labour by working at brick kilns to provide an income for their family. 

The donations by Carrefour were distributed by the Miracle School Ministries to members of the benefiting families.

The Miracle School Ministries works to protect underprivileged children — particularly those forced to work at Pakistan’s brick kilns — from child labour and other rights violations. The organisation also provides education to more than 600 children through its two schools, where it teaches the core values of dignity and self-respect to help transform students’ lives for the better.

Jean Marc Dumont, Country Manager of Carrefour Pakistan at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, commented: “Majid Al Futtaim actively seeks to make a positive contribution to the communities we operate in, and we’re pleased to partner with the Miracle School Ministries to do so in Lahore. Pakistan’s unprecedented harsh winters this year, compounded by a worrying lack of resources, threatens the safety and health of these vulnerable families. That is why Carrefour Pakistan is supporting the Miracle School Ministries by providing vital food and clothing to underprivileged families. Not only are they now able to cope with the frigid weather, their children are also spared from the gruelling labour that many are forced into.”  

Carrefour Pakistan has made a wider commitment to support underserved communities in the country through its various social support programmes. Majid Al Futtaim Retail places corporate social responsibility at the heart of everything it does, driven by its belief in operating in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. 

Continue Reading

Ehsaas Innovative digital payment system for poorest women launched in KP

Ehsaas Innovative digital payment system for poorest women launched in KP

Peshawar (WebDesk): Dr. Sania Nishtar, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation visited a branch of Bank Alfalah located at Shuba Chowk in Peshawar today to oversee final preparations for the launch of the new Kifalat cash-transfer program, which will enable cash disbursements of Ehsaas Kifalat Programme.

Sitting under the umbrella of Ehsaas, the Kifalat programme will use a fully biometric payment system to provide safe, digital cash payments to millions of women across the country, giving them access to a bank account for the first time in their lives.

Beneficiaries of the programme are women with no other source of income. They are being identified through door-to-door surveys to be completed in three phases across Pakistan and there is an option built into the programme that allows missed households to appeal their exclusion.

“The Ehsaas Kifalat programme is a major component of the government’s plans to build a welfare state which supports the poorest in society”, said Dr. Sania Nishtar during the visit. “Under previous cash transfer programs, women were forced to travel long distances to access retail shops, and too often were subject to abuse by greedy retail agents. Under the new system, women will be able to go to biometric ATMs and branches, empowering them through financial inclusion and protecting them from corrupt financial mistreatment.”

During the visit, Dr. Nishtar observed how Bank Alfalah plans to provide a welcoming environment for those people who have not previously used a bank, including their methods for guiding beneficiaries through the new system of finger-print security.

The new system will no longer rely on money orders or payment cards and will also provide an option that did not previously exist for women to build up a savings account. Beneficiaries will now have the choice of going to a biometric retail shop, a biometrically enabled ATM or any biometrically enabled branch of the relevant banks.

Bank Alfalah was one of two banks selected to distribute the payments across KP, GB and AJK, following a transparent 10-month open procurement process. The other is Habib Bank Limited. Both banks are opening facilities across the country to ensure that women have easy access to their payments in a respectable manner.

Dr. Nishtar was joined by Advisor to KP Chief Minster on Merged Districts, Ajmal Wazir at the opening of Bank Alfalah’s new biometric ATM in Peshawar, which is easily accessible and prominent. Senior officials from the bank were also present at the inauguration.

Continue Reading

PPAF launch project for small farmers in Swabi and Torghar

PPAF launch project for small farmers in Swabi and Torghar

Swabi, 25th January, 2020: Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund launched a project on “Enhancing Food Security through Strategic Interventions in Agriculture” in 12 union councils of districts Swabi and Torghar of Khyber PakhtunkhwaThe project aims to develop skills and knowledge of farmers on modern agricultural crop practices and facilitate setting up of agriculture value chains for improving livelihoods of small farmers. A ceremony was held in Swabi in this regard which was presided by Speaker National Assembly, Asad Qaiser, also present were representatives from government line departments, MNAs, MPAs and officials from PPAF.On this occasion cheques were also distributed among borrowers of the interest free loan component of the Government of Pakistan’s flagship Ehsaas Program for poverty alleviation. 

Lauding the efforts of PPAF and its partner organizations for starting a unique initiative targeting the farmer community, Speaker National Assembly said, “Farmers are the backbone of this country. During my tenure as Speaker KPK assembly, I was closely involved in the agricultural sector. We introduced many projects for smart irrigation system and in future we hope to continue with the same zeal. Innovation in agriculture sector is a crucial and projects such as these will not only provide profitable alternative farming options to local communities but will also enhance their capacities.”

CEO Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund, Qazi Azmat Isa was also present at the launch ceremony. Speaking on this occasion, he said, “Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund has always been at the forefront of empowering people from the underprivileged communities. We are committed to achieving the sustainable development goals on poverty eradication by introducing innovative practices which could benefit people belonging to different sectors.” 

Head of Programs, PPAF, Ms Simi Kamal highlighted the need for adoption of modern techniques in the agricultural sector in order to boost economic growth. “Pakistan’s GDP heavily relies on the agricultural sector and small farmers are one of the biggest assets of the country. It is pivotal for us to equip farmers about sustainable practices such as effective water utilization so they can maximize output and use resources wisely. This project shall lay a solid foundation for all of us” 

The project which is being implemented by PPAF partner organizations namely CERD and IDEA has been designed to address the critical issue of poor crop productivity and low economic return. As part of the project, activities are planned to ensure efficient water input and improved agricultural value chains. Community institutions will be formed along with establishment of field schools for farmers where they can be educated on sustainable practices. Additionally, modern agricultural enterprises will also be formulated for community institutions.

PPAF is also implementing the interest free loan component of the Ehsaas program through its partner organizations. Loans worth Rs. 16.65 billion have been disbursed so far to 490,122 borrowers. 45% of the borrowers being women. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa alone, interest free loans of around Rs. 1,249.98 million have been rolled out to more than 39,956 borrowers. The initiative draws funds from the Government of Pakistan, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

In total Rs 42.65 billion have been set aside for 110 districts across the country under the Ehsaas Program. The amount will impact 16.28 million people with 50% women including youth, persons with disabilities, transgender, minorities and marginalized communities. During the next 4 years, as many as 3.8 million interest free loans will be provided to 2.28 million households. In total, 14.7 million people will benefit from this component. The program is being executed through Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and Akhuwat. 

As one of the largest sources of pro-poor spending in the country, the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund is the lead agency for poverty reduction in Pakistan. It embodies the spirit of public-private partnership to address the multi-dimensional issues of poverty with a view to achieving social and economic change. PPAF outreach extends throughout Pakistan as it has partnered with 130 organizations working in over 100,000 villages/settlements with more than 133,000 community organizations and 440,000 credit/common interest groups at the grassroots level in 137 districts.

Continue Reading

Lipton unveils their new Campaign “JaagainUnkeLiye Jo WaqaiEhem Hain” with Their New TVC

Lipton unveils their new Campaign “JaagainUnkeLiye Jo WaqaiEhem Hain” with Their New TVC

Islamabad Jan 23rd ,2020:- Lipton, one of the world’s leading tea brands owned by Unilever, recently unveiled their new TVC. The brand is moving to a platform of enabling connection moments with our loved ones. 

The insight behind the campaign is something everyone in today’s world can relate to. In the busyness of life, we tend to get so involved in the things we have to do, we don’t prioritize taking out time to make a connection with the ones who matter the most. 

The message was brought to life through Lipton’s new TVC, which shows a father unconsciously slipping into work mode, ignoring playtime with his daughter. A sip of Lipton brings him back into the moment, and he actively prioritizes his daughter over his other tasks. The message is simple: “Jaagein un keliye jo waqai ahem hain” (Be awake to those who really matter). 

The new TVC campaign has been launched nationwide and has stirred up a lot of conversation about the importance taking out time for human connection in today’s fast paced life.

You can view the complete TVC on the below link:

https://youtu.be/PqIGZn8--_M

Continue Reading

CPHGC Honoured for CSR Work in Balochistan Outstanding Commitment to Local Communities & Sustainability

CPHGC Honoured for CSR Work in Balochistan Outstanding Commitment to Local Communities & Sustainability 

China Power Hub Generation Company (Pvt.) Ltd was recognized for its outstanding commitment to local communities in Hub, Lasbella, Balochistan through sustainable CSR initiatives, at the recently held 12th CSR Summit 2020, in Islamabad. Honourable Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Syed Ali Haider Zaidi, Malik Amin Aslam, Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, on Climate Change, Ms. Sania Nishtar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Mr. Qasim Khan Suri, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, graced the occasion.

The following Awards were received on behalf of CPHGC by Ms. Ambreen Shah, Vice President Legal & Corporate Affairs, Mr. Yin Jiangang, Head of Human Resources and Mr. Feng Xiaobin, Senior Manager, Administration, respectively: 

Community Development & Services (Floating Fishermen-Jetty at Allana Goth)

2.    Education (TCF School and Apprentices from Lasbella)

3. Fund Raising & Disaster Management (Lasbella Flood Relief). 

Speaking at the occasion, Ms. Ambreen Shah, Vice President, Legal & Corporate Affairs reiterated CPHGC’s commitment to the local communities. She said that despite CPHGC being a young company as we recently went into commercial operations in August 2019, we have been doing CSR Projects from the first year we started the Plant construction and did as much as possible even though the Company was not in commercial operations and not earning. We believe that one should not wait for the perfect moment but do whatever is possible at all stages.

CSR and environment protection are both important to CPHGC. We came up with our community projects as per our assessment of what is required in that area based on our interactions with locals and the local Authorities. 

We respect diversity and equality. We have Chinese, Pakistanis and a sizable number of women employees in our Company. Like Chairman Mao said, “Women hold up half the sky.” This is true and we ensure recruitments only on merit and competence and not on gender or nationality basis. 

CPHGC has an active CSR program. Since 2016 the company has spent PKR 124 million on various sustainable CSR initiatives. These include the Floating Fishermen-Jetty at Allana Goth; the Clean Hub City program; training of local students and provided them with employment at the Plant; providing relief supplies to the flood affected people of District Lasbella and a school with The Citizen’s Foundation (TCF) in Gaddani area of Lasbella.

Continue Reading

ADB Country Director Ms Xiaohong Yang calls on chief secretary

ADB Country Director Ms Xiaohong Yang calls on chief secretary

LAHORE: Chief Secretary Punjab Major (Retd) Azam Suleman Khan met with Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Xiaohong Yang at his office in Civil Secretariat here on Thursday.

The ADB-funded projects underway in Punjab were discussed during the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Ms Yang said that the ADB was willing to invest in Punjab in the fields of livestock, agriculture, safe water, construction of business centres, social and textile sectors.

• ADB was willing to invest in Punjab in the fields of livestock, agriculture, safe water, construction of business centres, social and textile sectors.
• Bank's investment in Punjab was highly appreciable as it would help achieve targets related to development, social and economic progress of the province.
• Ms Yang lauded the efforts of the Punjab government for economic stability and said that the bank would continue to play its role in progress of Pakistan.

The chief secretary said that the bank's investment in Punjab was highly appreciable as it would help achieve targets related to development, social and economic progress of the province. He assured that all possible cooperation would be extended in partnership between the ADB and provincial government.

Ms Yang lauded the efforts of the Punjab government for economic stability and said that the bank would continue to play its role in progress of Pakistan.

Chairman Planning and Development Hamid Yaqoob Sheikh, ADB officers Haji Mehr, Omar Ali Shah and Mian Salman were also present during the meeting.

Continue Reading

Aga Khan University hosts First Cardiovascular Conference ‘Pulse 2020’

Aga Khan University hosts First Cardiovascular Conference ‘Pulse 2020’

KARACHI: Dietary practices are a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in Pakistan because health practitioners have difficulty translating international recommendations according to local diet. In the absence of any national data on dietary consumption, health practitioners are unaware of what people are consuming. There is a need for an operational policy and an action plan to promote healthy eating and active lifestyle, speakers noted at the First Cardiovascular Conference ‘Pulse 2020’ held at Aga Khan University.

Cardiovascular diseases are the number one cause of death in Pakistan, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017, and the country has committed to reducing the burden of such diseases by a third by 2030 under goal 3 of the sustainable development goals. Experts at the three-day conference stressed that the epidemic poses many challenges in the country due to the high cost of diagnosis and treatment and lack of prevention knowledge among patients. 

“Health is a partnership between a patient and his/her doctor, so empowerment has to happen from both ends,” said Dr Saira Bukhari, an assistant professor of cardiology in the department of medicine. “Right choices in dietary practices need to be picked by patients and advised by health professionals.”

There have been well-designed studies in the last few years which have found that diets which are inclined towards one set of nutrients as opposed to others, don’t work and do more harm than good. “Such dietary practices are in contradiction to how the human body functions. It is all about having a diet of moderation,” said Dr Romaina Iqbal, associate professor and section head for non-communicable diseases, NCDs, in the department of community health sciences at Aga Khan University. 

Dr Iqbal recommended eating a balanced diet composed of complex carbohydrates, a variety of nutrients along with 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical exercise for adults of all ages.  Speakers noted that numerous dietary plans catch media’s attention and people adopt them.

Experts stressed that health practitioners need to introduce the language of prevention with patients. Knowledge of symptoms of cardiovascular diseases such as chest pain, shortage of breath, unusual heart beat and loss of consciousness are some of the indicators that patients should be informed about. Dr Bukhari said that ideas promoting stereotypical notions of age and health such as how cholesterol and blood pressure numbers should be at a particular age should be discouraged.  Patients need to be enabled to make informed choices of their health because every delayed intervention increases the chance of heart attacks and even stroke, she added.

Keynote speaker Dr Faiez Zannad, a cardiologist and clinical pharmacologist at Université de Lorraine in France said global progress in treating heart failure has been spectacular in the last 25 years with mortality declining three fold in dedicated clinical trials. He said that evidence from global clinical trials show income inequality as a factor determining clinical outcomes in heart failure. 

“It is desirable that patients and investigators from Pakistan get involved in global trials and join the efforts of knowledge production,” he said. Two other keynote speakers who spoke at the conference included Dr Jospeh Kisslo, professor of medicine at Duke University Medical Center and Eric Velazquez, professor of medicine at Yale University.

The conference was held in collaboration between AKU’s section of cardiology and department of medicine, the Association of Pakistani-descent Cardiologists of North America, the Pakistan Hypertension League and the Pakistan Aspirin Foundation. The event was attended cardiologists, postgraduate students, nurses, nutritionists and other healthcare professionals. 

Continue Reading

Chairperson Telenor Ms. Gunn Waersted and CEO Telenor Mr. Sigve Brekke met with PM Imran Khan at Davos

Chairperson Telenor Ms. Gunn Waersted and CEO Telenor Mr. Sigve Brekke  met with PM Imran Khan at Davos 

Davos (WebDesk): Chairperson Telenor Ms. Gunn Waersted and CEO Telenor Mr. Sigve Brekke called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on the sidelines of WEF Annual Meeting 2020 at Davos on Wednesday.

Advisor on Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, SAPM Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari, Ambassador at Large on Investments Ali Jehangir Siddiqui, Governor State Bank Raza Baqir were also present in the meeting.

The Prime Minister appreciated Telenor’s confidence in Pakistan due to its presence in the country since 2005 with an investment of around 3.5 billion US dollars.

He also emphasized the government’s focus on investment in the training and development of youth for skills enhancement.

Discussions were held on enhancing application of digital solutions for good governance, poverty alleviation through use of connectivity and increased economic transactions through mobile.

Telenor reiterated its strong commitment to Pakistan technology sector and shared their ideas on developing the sector in Pakistan.

Chief Operating Officer of Facebook Ms. Sheryl Sandberg, also called on Prime Minister Imran Khan at Davos on the sidelines of WEF Annual Meeting 2020.

SAPM Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari and Ambassador at Large on Investments Ali Jehangir Siddiqui, Governor State Bank Raza Baqir, Head of Digital Pakistan Ms. Tania Aidrus were also present.

The Prime Minister invited Facebook to consider investments to support Pakistani incubators and to help with digital literacy initiatives.

The Prime Minister stated that Social Media platforms should establish third party fact checking services for more responsible digital journalism.

COO Facebook extended invitation to the Prime Minister for visiting Facebook headquarters.

Prime Minister Imran Khan held a meeting with President EU Parliament David Sassoli at Davos today on the sidelines of WEF Annual Meeting 2020. The issues related to GSP plus were discussed during the meeting.

Continue Reading

Chairman Coca-Cola, CEO Koc Holdings, DG GSMA meet PM in Davos Key global companies keen to further expand investment in Pakistan

Chairman Coca-Cola, CEO Koc Holdings, DG GSMA meet PM in Davos Key global companies keen to further expand investment in Pakistan

Davos (WebDesk): Prime Minister Imran Khan, while assuring full cooperation of the government to investors and businessmen, Thursday stressed on environment-friendly green technology in line with the government’s “Clean & Green Pakistan”.

The Prime Minister was talking to James Quincey, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Coca-Cola Company who called on him at Davos, Switzerland on the sidelines of WEF (World Economic Forum) Annual Meeting 2020. The Prime Minister appreciated the long association and presence of the company in Pakistan since 1953. 

He stated that the government had initiated an effective reforms agenda to facilitate ‘ease-of-doing-business.’ The Prime Minister emphasized that investments generate employment opportunities and help in poverty alleviation.

Mr Quincey acknowledged the improvement of business environment in Pakistan and expressed the interest to further expand the company’s investment in the country. Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday also invited Koc Holdings, Turkey’s largest conglomerate, to consider investments in energy, tourism and hospitality sectors in Pakistan.

He was talking to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Koc Holdings Levent Cakiroglu, who called on him here in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of WEF (World Economic Forum) Annual Meeting 2020. 

Koc Holdings is Turkey’s largest conglomerate with products in energy, automotive, finance, retail, construction, tourism, shipping, defence, information technology and food. The prime minister appreciated the long association and presence of the company in Pakistan since 1953.

He said the government had, for the first time after ’60s, prioritized industrialization agenda with the aim to enhance skills, technology transfer and economic growth. Chief Executive Officer and President of Sumitomo Corporation Masayoki Hyodo called on Prime Minister Imran Khan, on the sidelines of World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2020 at Davos today (Thursday).

Corporation is a leading Fortune 500 global trading and business investment company. Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood, Ambassador at Large on Investments Ali Jehangir Siddiqui and Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to UN at Geneva Ambassador Khalil Hashmi were also present during the meeting.

Meanwhile, renowned international mobile operating company GSMA’s Director General Mats Granyrd called on Prime Minister Imran Khan on the sidelines of World Economic Forum’s annual meeting at Davos, Switzerland. The meeting discussed cooperation of GSMA in realizing the vision of Digital Pakistan – the government’s programme to accelerate growth of information technology sector, a PM Office statement said issued here.

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting over 750 operators with 400 companies in mobile ecosystem including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies.

Continue Reading

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan Exclusive Interaction with YouTubers & Digital Publishers in Islamabad

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan Exclusive Interaction with YouTubers & Digital Publishers in Islamabad

Islamabad: Prime Minister Imran Khan met with a group of social media content creators, bloggers & experts at Islamabad where PM highlighted his vision for the future of digital mediums in Pakistan & discussed the problems being currently faced by this industry.

A statement released by PM Imran Khan official Facebook account on Sunday read, “Prime Minister Imran Khan meets a group of digital media representatives & experts” this took over the social media by a storm and people were curious as to who are the one’s that have been invited for this meetup.

No matter who was invited and who not, something like this has never been done before by any Government  and henceforth it is a big step towards digitalising Pakistan and understanding the reach and power of social media.  PM urged that this power should best be used to create a positive image of Pakistan.

Continue Reading

Closing Ceremony of Tape Ball Cricket Tournament by Hamid Ismail Foundation

Closing Ceremony of Tape Ball Cricket Tournament by Hamid Ismail Foundation

[Karachi: January 18, 2020] The closing ceremony of the Tape Ball Cricket Tournament presented by Hamid Ismail Foundation (HIF) took place on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Annu Bhai Park in Nazimabad, Karachi. The ceremony included an award distribution to the winning teams and a musical performance by a renown music artist, Asim Azhar.

Many notable personalities attended the ceremony including Mr. Hamid M. Ismail, Founder of HIF, Dr. Farooq Sattar, Head of MQM Organization Restoration Committee; and Firdous Shameem Naqvi, Member National Assembly.

The Tape Ball Tournament had commenced on November 30, 2019 and welcomed 48 teams from all over the city. The winner and runners-up of the tournament were awarded prizes worth Rs. 100,000. The aim of this initiative was to engage the youth of Pakistan in healthy sports activities and to provide them with a platform to display their talent.

Hamid Ismail Foundation is a non-profit organization which was founded by Mr. Hamid Ismail. The aim of the foundation is to work towards quality education, environmental sustainability, healthy entertainment opportunities, and women empowerment. HIF has been actively involved in organizing activities and implementing projects that reflect their values.

Continue Reading

Two cellular companies get contract for hi-speed broadband in ‘Kurram, Sanghar Lots’

Two cellular companies get contract for hi-speed broadband in ‘Kurram, Sanghar Lots’

The contracts for high-speed broadband were given to Telenor and PMCL (Jazz) companies in ‘Sanghar and Kurram Lots', respectively at the cost of Rs 680 million.

The Lot consisted of Sanghar and Umerkot districts with an approximate unserved area of 12,000 sq. km and 500 unserved mauzas.

He also acknowledged other board members' valuable contribution to make advancements in implementation of the USF projects.

ISLAMABAD (APP 23 Jan 2020): Universal Service Fund (USF) Board Wednesday approved to award contracts to two cellular companies for operating Hi-Speed Broadband in ‘Kurram and Sanghar Lots' under Next Generation Broadband for Sustainable Development (NG-BSD) Programme.

The decision to this effect was taken during the 68th Board of Directors of USF Company, chaired by Federal Secretary Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui, said a press release here.

Chairman PTA Maj Gen (R) Amir Azeem Bajwa was also present in the meeting. The contracts for high-speed broadband were given to Telenor and PMCL (Jazz) companies in ‘Sanghar and Kurram Lots', respectively at the cost of Rs 680 million.

This is part of the inclusive approach of the government and to strengthen the pillar of connectivity under digital Pakistan. The Chairman USF Board was told that the Hi-speed Broadband services in Kurram Lot would benefit an un-served population of approximately 400,000, covering 200 unserved muazas and an approximate unserved area of 2,900 sq. km. Kurram Lot encompassed Frontier Region Kurram, Lower Kurram and Upper Kurram tehsils.

The secretary was apprised that an unserved population of approximately 1.4 million would gain advantage from Hi-speed Broadband services in Sanghar Lot.

The Lot consisted of Sanghar and Umerkot districts with an approximate unserved area of 12,000 sq. km and 500 unserved mauzas. Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui emphasized on connecting the people of Pakistan who did not have access to latest ICT facilities.

He said these projects would bring the living standards of people of Kurram and Sanghar at par with the wider society and would be helpful in solving the problems of illiteracy, poverty and unemployment.

He welcomed the prime minister's most recent expression of support for the continued and ongoing work of Digital Pakistan.

The chairman said the Ministry of IT and Telecom was committed to support and encourage the implementation of vision.

He also acknowledged other board members' valuable contribution to make advancements in implementation of the USF projects.

Other board members comprising Shabahat Ali Shah, Executive Director, NITB; Ifran Wahab, CEO-Telenor Cluster Head for Emerging Asia and Nominee of Mobile Cellular Operators; Imran Akhtar Shah, VP for Government Sales, Super Net Pvt Ltd and Nominee of Data Licensees; Rashid Khan, CEO PTCL and Nominee of Fixed Line Operators; Kaukab Iqbal, Chairman, Consumer Association of Pakistan and Nominee of Consumer Group and management of USF Co. also attended the meeting.

Continue Reading