Tag Pakistan

Meezan Bank surpasses USD 1.5 billion deposit inflows under Roshan Digital Account, retains industry leadership

by Admin on March 31, 2023 0 Comment

Meezan Bank surpasses USD 1.5 billion deposit inflows under Roshan Digital Account, retains industry leadership

Karachi: Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank has surpassed USD 1.5 billion in deposit inflows under Roshan Digital Account (RDA). RDA was launched by the State Bank of Pakistan in collaboration with various banks across Pakistan with an aim to offer innovative banking solutions to Non-Resident Pakistanis who are interested in accessing banking and investment services in Pakistan.

Since the inception of RDA in September 2020, Meezan Bank has been playing an active role in supporting the initiative, with the ultimate aim of promoting financial inclusion and propelling the country's overall economic development. With over 88,000 accounts from 144 countries, the Bank’s record deposit inflows reaffirm its position as the top performer in RDA in the industry, sustaining a market share of around twenty-five percent.

Mr. Ijaz Farooq – Group Head Retail Banking, Commercial, SME & Agri Finance, Meezan Bank while commenting on this achievement, said: “As the largest Islamic bank meeting the Shariah-compliant banking needs of Pakistanis residing abroad, Meezan Bank has been steadfast in its support for the RDA initiative and in attracting foreign currency inflows to the country. Today, as we cross the USD 1.5 billion deposit inflows, we express our gratitude to our overseas customers for their continuous patronage and trust in our services.”

LUMS holds events for donors and alumni in Karachi, Faisalabad, and Lahore

by Admin on March 31, 2023 0 Comment

Enhancing multi-sector partnerships at LUMS

LUMS recently hosted a series of events for existing and prospective donors and alumni in Karachi, Faisalabad, and Lahore

Lahore: Investing in education is a time-tested way forward to create a significant impact of strengthening communities, the nation and beyond. LUMS recently hosted a series of events for existing and prospective donors and alumni in Karachi, Faisalabad, and Lahore to recognize and appreciate their unwavering support over the years. Prominent business leaders, philanthropists, and LUMS alumni attended these events.

The University's senior leadership, including the Pro-Chancellor, Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood, Rector, Mr. Shahid Hussain, Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Arshad Ahmad, Provost, Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Ms. Nuzhat Kamran, Director, Advancement, and Mr. Mohammad Ali Khan, Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, were present to lead and host these events. LUMS shared its strategic vision to build on achievements in research, pedagogy, and community outreach and presented opportunities for more students to access quality education at LUMS through platform learning.

Dr. Ahmad thanked LUMS supporters and emphasized the University's commitment to addressing the grand challenges facing Pakistan and how our faculty are focusing on interventions related to energy, water, and entrepreneurship. He said, “If we are to produce exceptional higher-level learning and its impact, whether delivered by universities, companies, or other types of organizations, we must continue to champion solutions that address real problems the nation faces. This is at the centre of our governance, leadership, and decision-making, and with strong partnerships with companies and alumni, we can make a big difference.”

Director of Mitchells Fruit Farms Limited, Mr. Mehdi Mohsin said, “Through the years, we have seen the institution’s impact on the industry. We are glad to contribute to this great cause for education in Pakistan, and I wish LUMS all the best for the future.” Ms. Fatima Asad Said, a Member of the LUMS Board of Trustees added, “I believe in the mission of LUMS. Together we can collaborate to build, not only a world-class institution but also building a sustainable world for the next generation. So, thank you very much for this opportunity to give back more.”

Some of the partners who were presented with awards in acknowledgement of their support and contribution included Atlas Foundation and Bank Al Habib Limited in Karachi and The Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF), Pepsi Cola International Pvt. Ltd., Wateen Telecom, and the Gurmani Foundation in Lahore. Meanwhile, meetings with Interloop Limited, Sadaqat Limited, and the Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) were held in Faisalabad.

Emphasizing the need for investing in quality higher education institutions, especially LUMS, Rector Shahid Hussain said, “As LUMS continues to evolve and change, we need to cherish and support it in every way possible; from scholarships to research projects and improving infrastructure, all our work is geared towards preserving the beacon of higher education in Pakistan. Let us all think bigger to ensure the success of LUMS for generations to come.”

MMBL signs agreement with Careem to offer Subsidized Travel Services for its Employees

by Admin on March 31, 2023 0 Comment

MMBL signs agreement with Careem to offer Subsidized Travel Services for its Employees

Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL) has entered into a new partnership with Careem, Pakistan's largest ride-hailing service, to provide discounted and subsidized intra

Islamabad: Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL) has entered into a new partnership with Careem, Pakistan's largest ride-hailing service, to provide discounted and subsidized intra as well as inter-city travel services for its employees. The initiative is designed to bring ease and convenience for MMBL employees and their families, enabling them to commute safely and affordably with Careem across Pakistan.

The agreement was signed by President and CEO MMBL, Ghazanfar Azzam and General Manager Careem, Muhammad Imran Saleem at MMBL Headquarters in Islamabad, alongside senior officials from both organizations including Chief Operating Officer (COO) MMBL, Sardar Mohammad Abubakr and Acting Chief People Officer, Muhammad Haroon Khan. The purpose of the signing is to bring relief to the bank staff, especially in light of the current economic downturn that has triggered a significant surge in the costs of fuel and car maintenance. Additionally, the lack of reliable public transportation in major cities has made commuting a major challenge for many, especially female employees who often face safety concerns, which are expected to be alleviated by the new arrangement.

Going forward, MMBL employees and their families will receive a 15% discount on individual rides all across Pakistan giving the flexibility to the Bank’s employees to book rides for any city, any time. Additionally, female employees will have the option to avail pick-and-drop services to and from work and wherever they travel within the city. MMBL employees can also benefit from subsidized inter-city travel, with the packages including car, driver, fuel, maintenance, toll tax, and in-car snacks.

“Our latest agreement with Careem is focused on the well-being of our people- our most valuable asset,” said Ghazanfar Azzam, President and CEO of MMBL. “As the MMBL family continues to grow, so do our efforts for creating ease for them. We realize that many of our employees face challenges while commuting and this initiative will provide them with a hassle-free, comfortable, and safe mode of transportation, in addition to the already offered fuel and transport allowance. We hope that this partnership not only enhances the employee experience at MMBL but also reinforces our commitment to promoting greater empowerment for all team members.”

Speaking at the partnership, Muhammad Imran Saleem, General Manager Careem Pakistan stated, "We are honoured to extend our corporate services to MMBL. Careem for Business is an exclusive solution designed to meet the changing mobility needs of companies. Partnerships like these will certainly help businesses improve the mobility experience for their entire workforce by leveraging our platform- all while providing the highest standards of comfort, reliability, versatility, and cost savings.”

In addition to individual services, the subsidized inter-city travel services will cover various destinations across Pakistan, including Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Jhelum, Abbottabad, Nathia Gali, Bhurban, Peshawar, Sialkot, Multan, Gujranwala, and Hyderabad, for corporate business engagements as well as airport pick & drop facility. MMBL employees can also book a half-day/full-day vehicle for themselves and their families at discounted rates.

This partnership between MMBL and Careem underlines the power of collaboration and innovation as it will create meaningful opportunities for both companies to work together and provide innovative solutions that meet the needs of their customers nationwide.

Spotify Announcing Tina Sani as the Ambassador of the Month

by Admin on March 28, 2023 0 Comment

Spotify Announcing Tina Sani as the Ambassador of the Month

Karachi: Marking its first anniversary, EQUAL Pakistan has honored the classical maestro, Tina Sani, as the Ambassador for the Month of March 2023. Celebrating a year of honoring both legendary and rising women musicians from the local space, EQUAL Pakistan has set a grand stage for artists and their astounding performances. Tina Sani has become the latest Pakistani idol to feature on a Spotify EQUAL’s digital billboard at Times Square, NYC, with her mesmerizing track ‘Dasht-e-Tanhai’ being featured on Spotify’s EQUAL Pakistan playlist.

On the occasion of EQUAL’s first anniversary, Spotify is also launching a trend featuring the last twelve ambassadors, all of whom are inspirational personalities in their own rights, amplifying their voices further through an innovative digital campaign. The initiative brings together all of the previous women artists showcased by EQUAL Pakistan to emphasize the magnitude of power that the female segment holds once they are given the appropriate platform for it.

Since its launch in Pakistan, the EQUAL platform has transformed the conventional setting for women musicians in the country. According to the data revealed by Spotify on EQUAL Pakistan’s 1 year Anniversary, within the first year of joining the program, EQUAL artists have received more than 2.2 million hours of editorial streams. On average, women artists featured by EQUAL have witnessed a 330% increase in streams over the past year. And, women artists receive about 68% more discoveries from being included on the EQUAL Pakistan playlist.

These numbers showcase the exponentially boosted reach that the music streaming service offers women artists access to through its signature offering. Among the featured EQUAL Pakistan Ambassadors, Natasha Baig was the artist with the highest year-on-year increase in streams. Her listenership frequency increased by a staggering 430% over the year gone by. Natasha Humera Ejaz, who was featured as EQUAL Ambassador in February, 2023, was next on the list with a 274% increase in streams followed by Shae Gill, who saw her streams go up by 242%.

“It gives me immense pleasure to be the Spotify Equal Ambassador for Pakistan,” the legendary singer, Tina Sani, stated on being announced as the face of the program. “Female musicians have been breaking barriers in the Pakistani music scene for decades and it’s about time they get the due recognition. Their investment in the music scene is deeply rooted and I am so happy to see it showcased to the worldwide audiences through this brilliant initiative,” she added.

Tina Sani is a name synonymous with stunning ghazal ‘gayaki’ - the art of singing the ghazal in the Indian classical tradition. Trained in classical music by Ustad Nizamuddin Khan and the “Shahenshah-e-Ghazal” Mehdi Hassan himself, Tina has built such a profound presence that she has received not just the Pride of Performance Award from the Government of Pakistan but also the Performance Recognition Award by the President of neighboring India in 2011.

Rutaba Yaqub, Spotify’s Senior Editor for Pakistan, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh further elaborated on the impact of EQUAL in Pakistan, stating; “Through increasing streams across 86 markets with various artists being added to 817 editorial playlists, the reach that women musicians are receiving through EQUAL is immense. In fact, their discoveries increase by 68% after being added to the program. The hidden gems of this country who would, until a few years ago remain relatively underappreciated, now have a platform to put their vocal prowess on display not just for local audiences but for a global listener base.”

The amplification of women musicians through EQUAL was not limited to the artists selected as Ambassadors for the Month. Alycia Dias, for instance, a young and emerging playback singer saw her streams rise by an astounding 1084% since being added to the EQUAL Pakistan playlist. Sehar Gul Khan, the voice behind Bol Kaffara, was another artist who saw an exceptional 584% growth in streams since she was featured on the playlist. Nimra Gilani, and Yashal Shahid, both with 508% increase in streams were other notable additions on the list.

Pakistan, India, USA, UK and Canada were the top 5 nations where streams of EQUAL artists emerged, showcasing a global outreach for female musicians upholding the country’s flag. With 93 EQUAL artists added to it, EQUAL Pakistan became the leading editorial playlist for this cohort of female musicians followed by Women of Pakistan which had 80 singers featured on it.

Tamasha launches its first original series, ‘Family Bizniss’, featuring the struggles of a middle-class Pakistani family

by Admin on March 28, 2023 0 Comment

Tamasha launches its first original series, ‘Family Bizniss’, featuring the struggles of a middle-class Pakistani family

Islamabad: Pakistan’s largest homegrown OTT platform, Tamasha, has launched its first-ever original series, “Family Bizniss”, in collaboration with Big Bang Entertainment. The launch event was recently held at the Jazz Digital Headquarters attended by Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of VEON Group; Aamir Ibrahim, CEO, Jazz; Aamer Ejaz, Chief Digital Officer, Jazz; and leading actor and producer of the series, Fahad Mustafa.

The series dives into the struggles of a middle-class family while also exploring the relationship between coming-of-age children and their parents. Staying true to its values, Tamasha has also attempted to educate the audience about entrepreneurship and digital inclusion in a comical way as the characters are shown hustling to establish an online business in an attempt to help their retiring father and also to escape their socio-economic class.

Family Bizniss will star one of the country’s most renowned artists, Asim Azhar, which will be his acting debut for OTT alongside Mah-e-nur Haider, Saife Hasan, Salma Hasan, Bushra Habib, and Hussain Moshin. However, what truly sets this show apart is its comedic approach towards otherwise serious themes, such as socio-economic class differences and generation gaps, and this is something that appeals to youngsters as well as mature audiences.

“The global streaming platforms focus on larger market segments which is why they don’t take Pakistan's multiethnic and multilingual demographic into account.” said Aamer Ejaz, Chief Digital Officer of Jazz. “Cultivating a culture of pocket-friendly, local content that promotes digital inclusion, as shown in Family Bizniss, is what Tamasha plans on achieving. We aim on providing our local audience with endless entertainment options and Tamasha producing its show is the beginning of this exciting journey.”

Speaking about the web series, Fahad Mustafa, CEO of Big Bang Entertainment, said, “We as creators and viewers usually have a preconceived notion that a show can only be engaging if it presents the negative aspects of our society and that is the kind of stereotype ‘Family Bizniss’ is here to break”.

In a nutshell, Family Bizniss is an eye-opening show that discusses issues embedded in Pakistani society. However, in contrast to the usual pessimistic approach to discussing these problems, Tamasha believes that it is more impactful to do so in a light-hearted and informative manner. The show is now available for streaming on the Tamasha app which can be accessed via Google Play, the Apple App store, or its website.

Ufone 4G Launches WhatsApp Service for Hassle-Free Customer Experience

by Admin on March 28, 2023 0 Comment

Ufone 4G Launches WhatsApp Service for Hassle-Free Customer Experience

Islamabad: Ufone 4G, the leading mobile company of Pakistan, is proud to unveil its WhatsApp Chatbot to enhance interactions with millions of customers, powered by leading Cloud communication platform E.Ocean. Customers can now avail various telecom services instantly and enjoy a superior digital experience by simply sending a message via WhatsApp on 03311333100.

With the launch of high-powered WhatsApp chatbot, customers have the flexibility to choose their preferred language menu in Urdu or English, making it effortless for them to access a wide range of services round the clock. From managing post-paid bill payments, requesting new Ufone SIMs, topping up accounts via debit or credit card, renewing balances, subscribing to super cards, internet bundles & VAS bundles, monitoring account status, accessing customer support, getting tax certificates and subscribing to roaming bundles, this service has got you covered.

Engro Foundation recognizes NDF, ConnectHear with IATC Impact Awards 2022

Commenting on the launch, Syed Atif Raza, Chief Marketing Officer, Ufone 4G, said “Our foremost priority is convenience for our customers; hence, we are always exploring new opportunities to adopt latest technology that will not only help in digitalization of our process but also make lives of our customers hassle-free. The successful launch of our WhatsApp service will provide seamless services to our customers and enable them to get timely response on their queries and complaints. Customers will have a more streamlined experience that will be engaging and convenient. Ufone 4G prides itself on being a customer-centric organization that places great emphasis on meeting the ever-changing needs of its valued customers.”

Syed Aamir Jafri, CEO, Eocean, added “It is essential for companies to accelerate digital transformation to remain competitive and enhance customer experience. By launching WhatsApp chatbot services for its subscribers, Ufone is not only improving organization's efficiency, but also setting latest trends in customer communication. It’s an honor to partner with Ufone 4G on this exciting initiative and I’m confident that this will have a positive impact on your business. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust in Eocean”.

PTCL Group Celebrates International Women's Day with a pledge to Embrace Equity

Ufone 4G is focused on customer satisfaction, cementing its position as a leading player in the telecom industry. The unwavering efforts of Ufone 4G is central to its ethos, and the company will continue to innovate and invest in technologies and services that enhance customer experience.

Engro Foundation recognizes NDF, ConnectHear with IATC Impact Awards 2022

by Admin on March 27, 2023 0 Comment

Engro Foundation recognizes NDF, ConnectHear with IATC Impact Awards 2022

Karachi: Engro Foundation, the social investment arm of Engro Corporation, has announced National Disability & Development Forum (NDF) and ConnectHear as the two recipients of I Am The Change (IATC) Impact Awards 2022.

Initiated in 2012, IATC is the flagship initiative of Engro Foundation to recognize and reward philanthropic and social enterprises that are creating an impact in the development sector. The IATC Impact Awards 2022 attracted more than 100 entries in the categories of Social Development and Social Enterprise. The entries were adjudicated by the IATC team at Engro Foundation, along with an independent jury comprising Laila Jamil (Director, British Council), Madiha Rehman (Co-Founder & CEO, Phygital), Muhammad Waqas (Co-Founder & CEO, WonderTree), Zehra Mehdi Aneek (Director ESG and Sustainability, K-Electric) and Fauzia Viqar (Chair, SPDC).

Following an extensive review of the applications, National Disability & Development Forum (Social Development) and ConnectHear (Social Enterprise) were selected as the award recipients. Each of these recipients will be given a cash prize of PKR 2.5 million in recognition of their efforts and support to scale up their initiatives.

Since 2014, National Disability & Development Forum (NDF) has been striving to empower people with disabilities through awareness and skill development, while also focusing on disability rights, health, environment, poverty reduction and gender mainstreaming in underprivileged communities. To date, NDF has screened out more than 1000 children with disabilities and retained 200 children for rehabilitation services that will improve their overall quality of life.

ConnectHear is a social enterprise focusing on the next generation of assistive technology for deaf and hard of hearing communities around the world. Launched in 2017, ConnectHear has provided over 1 million minutes of in-person and virtual sign language interpretation to positively impact over 100,000 lives across Pakistan. It has also taught sign language to more than 5000 individuals to improve sign language literacy and partnered with over 80 organizations to make their services and employment opportunities accessible for persons with disabilities.

Karachi Down Syndrome Program and Disabled Welfare Association were recognized as the runners-up in Social Development category, while Science Fuse emerged as the runner-up in Social Enterprise space.

According to Ghias Khan – President & CEO of Engro Corporation and Chairman Board of Trustees of Engro Foundation, “I am delighted by the response to the I Am The Change Impact Awards 2022. Each of us has a responsibility towards Pakistan, and it is heartening to learn about the fantastic work being carried out by various organizations on education, gender and disability rights. IATC will continue to expand its reach and recognise change-makers for good in Pakistan.”

Favad Soomro, Head of Engro Foundation, added that, “Our mission is to empower social organizations to make a large and sustainable impact. We are hopeful that our humble support and the IATC Awards 2022 experience will help these organizations to scale up their impact and improve live across Pakistan.”

Zonergy High-performance Products displayed in Key Energy 2023 Exhibition of Italy

by Admin on March 27, 2023 0 Comment

Zonergy High-performance Products displayed in Key Energy 2023 Exhibition of Italy

Pakistan: - Zonergy Corporation, along with its distributors WIBY and Desasolar, exhibited high-performance Smart energy products in Key Energy 2023 Rimini, the International Expo on Energy and Sustainable Mobility, which was held from 22 to 24 March 2023 at the Rimini Exhibition Centre of Italy that grabbed visitors’ attention.

Zonergy’s Panda residential energy storage product, Apollo three-phase PV inverter, Mercury single-phase PV inverter, Baldr portable AC power supply, and Scopio industrial and commercial energy storage system were on the display and favored by visitors. The Scopio system allows PV access, battery energy storage, grid-tied and off-grid output, and meets the needs of the European market.

It features a multi-stage modular design and parallel use and enables 30kW-150kW capacity and 100kWh-1000kWh power. In addition to supporting a three-phase unbalanced load, grid-tied and off-grid applications, it also applies to different load types including three-phase and single-phase load, and thus meets the needs of distributed energy in various scenarios. The system consists of a battery cabinet and an electric control cabinet both of which can be transported collectively and distributively. With IP55 protection, it is easy to install and adapts to different situations.

Panda household energy storage product is modular-designed at 5kWh and available for flexible expansion from 5kWh up to 30kWh. Its stable performance and automatic isolation of the faulty battery module secures smooth system operation. The built-in Smart Grid Management module also enables power grid dispatching.

The rising electricity costs in some countries lead to more urgent local needs for renewable energy such as solar energy. As a world-renowned smart micro-grid integrated solution provider, Zonergy answers the end-customer needs in the European PV storage market by launching a variety of high-performance products for the local market and building a Europe-centered quick response network from product sales, after-sales service to maintenance.

The joint exhibition with the contracted distributors WIBY and Desasolar fully demonstrates Zonergy’s determination to develop the European market. In the future, Zonergy will redouble its efforts to develop a more efficient, safe, and intelligent PV + storage power generation system through business expansion and R&D, and make its technological and service contributions to the net zero target and carbon neutrality in Europe!

AAA Associates organized the 38th Early Bird Golf Tournament for the promotion of grass root level golf in Pakistan

by Admin on March 25, 2023 0 Comment

AAA Associates organized the 38th Early Bird Golf Tournament for the promotion of grass root level golf in Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: - AAA Associates has become the beacon of sports, especially golf as it has sponsored multiple golf events across the nation. Its interest as a private sector leading vertical real estate development firm shows its passion for the revival of sports in Pakistan. In this context, AAA Associates organized a grand golfing event at Rawalpindi Golf Club in which hundreds of players participated.

More than two hundred golfers competed in the senior amateurs, amateurs, veterans, and invitees categories. Other categories included ladies and juniors. Early Bird Patron in Chief, Ex-Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee (CJCS) Gen Aziz Khan, and Brig Abdul Salam Akhtar President of Early Bird were present as the chief guests. Syed Wajahat Ali Director of Corporate Sales AAA Associates was also present at the occasion.

The winners in the senior amateurs’ category included Maj Shoaib and Khalid Masood, taking the first gross and first net prizes respectively. Whereas, Col Abjad took the second prize; Brig Mohsin and Mr. Farukh Waheed took the third gross and net prizes respectively.

In the veterans’ category, the first net and first gross prizes were won by Brig Azhar Pervez and Brig M Aslam Khan respectively. The second gross and net prizes were won by Brig Arshad and Brig Tariq respectively. While the third gross and net prizes went to Brig Ghulam Nabi and Mr. Tariq Sadiq respectively.

The third prize in the Invitees category went to Brig Zahid Hussain and Maj Atif Gondal, while the second prize was won by Brig Zia Sarwar and Maj Gen Saeed Nagra. The first prize went to Maj Gen Abid Latif and Brig Amir Malik. The Junior Boys category winners included Mr. Bilal Amjad, and Mr. Abdullah Amir taking the first prize, with Mr. Ali Jami and Mr. Hassan Abbas winning the second prize. Among the ladies’ category, the first prize went to Ms. Arooba Ali (AAA Associates), and Brig Nasira Shaheen, the second prize, to Ms. Amna Malak, and Mrs. Ayesha Azhar, and the third prize to Ms. Jasia Tasawar and Ms. Fatima Azhar were awarded.

The amateurs’ category winners included Col Arshad Janjua and Lt Col Arif Kiyani taking the third prize. The second prize went to Squadron leader Furqan and Col Beshaam. The first prize winners included Maj Mustafa and Dr. Meer Yasir. AAA Associates has done an outstanding job in its sponsorship of impressive golfing tournaments of this magnitude. Its dedicated effort was the reason which made the 38th Early Bird Golf Tournament a successful event as well.

PTCL Group Celebrates International Women's Day with a pledge to Embrace Equity

by Admin on March 24, 2023 0 Comment

Islamabad: Pakistan's largest integrated ICT provider, PTCL Group (PTCL & Ufone 4G) celebrated International Women's Day 2023 at its Islamabad Headquarters. Saadia Khan, Ex-Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) graced the event as a chief guest while prominent Jordanian molecular biologist, Dr. Rana Dajani also joined the event remotely.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘DigitAll Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality’, which emphasizes the role of technology in empowering women and promoting gender equality. PTCL Group realizes that bringing women into technology results in more creative solutions and has greater potential for innovations that meet women’s needs and promote gender equality. Therefore, it is committed to leveraging its technological expertise to create opportunities for women and provide a more inclusive workplace where women can thrive and excel.

The event showcased PTCL Group's commitment to gender equality and women empowerment through its various gender-focused initiatives. Sharing his thoughts, President and Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone, Hatem Bamatraf said, “As we join the world in commemorating International Women's Day, we reaffirm our steadfastness in embracing equity in all aspects of our organization. At PTCL Group diversity and inclusion remain the key drivers of innovation, success, and progress across all our operating companies, PTCL, Ufone & Ubank. Therefore, we remain dedicated to create a workplace where all our team members regardless of their gender, feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. Our D&I-focused initiatives break down gender-related barriers to help women co-workers/team members to concentrate solely on their personal and professional growth and gratification.”

Employees pledged to embrace equity during the event by sharing their pledges on the pledge wall. The event was followed by Hi-Tea hosted by Pink Club, an exclusive all-female club at the organization. Employees also participated in the campaign "The woman in your life," where they enthusiastically shared personal stories about the women who helped shape their lives and guided them to personal and professional success and gratification.

The event also saw the launch of the DIGIHER Hackathon, an initiative to give talented women the opportunity in the technology field to create usable solutions with a specific outcome in mind. This will include analyzing case studies, collecting extensive data, assessing possibilities, and proposing solutions for business-critical technology-related problems. The event concluded with a surprise performance by Nimra Rafiq who has previously released a couple of hit singles. The audience thoroughly enjoyed her power-packed performance.

International Women’s Day celebrations are an annual affair at PTCL and Ufone 4G which provide the group with the opportunity to reaffirm its pledge to diversity and inclusion. The Group remains committed to its goal of creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and promotes equity, to set the right precedent for society.

MMBL and iConsult form Strategic Partnership to Advance Financial Inclusion in Merged Districts

by Admin on March 24, 2023 0 Comment

Islamabad: Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL) and International Consulting Associates (Pvt) Ltd. (iConsult) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to broaden the horizon of financial inclusion for the residents of South Waziristan, North Waziristan, and Khyber Districts. The strategic partnership endeavors to bolster the financial well-being of individuals and communities living in these regions by augmenting their access to a diverse range of financial services. This collective initiative is part of the USAID-funded FATA Economic Revitalization Programme (FERP), facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which strives to promote economic growth in Merged Areas by creating a favorable environment for small businesses, strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and enhancing the private sector's ability to drive inclusive growth.

MMBL is part of the VEON group, a global digital operator that provides converged connectivity and online services across seven countries. As part of its digital operator strategy, VEON is transforming people’s lives by creating opportunities for increased digital inclusion and by driving economic growth across countries that are home to more than 8% of the world’s population.

Under the agreement, MMBL and iConsult are dedicated to advancing both financial inclusion and gender equality through a two-pronged approach. While iConsult will focus on mobilizing and facilitating individuals to open bank accounts and access financial services, MMBL will offer women opportunities to enhance their skill sets, gain hands-on experience and improve their financial literacy through tailored upskilling programs.

In pursuit of their shared objective of enhancing financial literacy in the region, MMBL and iConsult will also utilize the State Bank of Pakistan's approved curriculums, with an emphasis on budgeting, saving, investing, and credit management. The training programs will cater to low-income families, students, women, and unbanked Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed financial decisions.

Sharing her thoughts at the signing ceremony Najia Naqavi, Chief Service Quality MMBL said, “The social complexities surrounding financial independence and facilitation are not overlooked but duly considered by our teams, helping us curate meaningful and customer-centric solutions for our ever-growing customer base. This collaboration would facilitate increased access to financial services for all, enabling individuals to grow their businesses, create jobs and contribute to positive change in their communities."

Kashif Maqbool Sehgal, Regional Head KP iConsult said, “We are proud to collaborate with Mobilink Microfinance Bank to enhance financial well-being in merged areas. We understand the challenges that come with limited financial services access, and we are committed to providing solutions that support individuals and communities in these regions.”

MMBL remains committed to advancing financial inclusion in Pakistan through the use of innovative technologies and strategic partnerships. The Bank firmly believes in collaborating with organizations that share its vision of empowering women and MSMEs to create a more inclusive society. By continuing to foster these partnerships, the Bank is confident in its ability to drive positive social and economic change.

Zuckerberg, Meta are sued for failing to address sex trafficking, child exploitation

by Admin on March 24, 2023 0 Comment

Zuckerberg, Meta are sued for failing to address sex trafficking, child exploitation

21.03.2023 22:45 reuters.com

March 21 - A new lawsuit accuses Mark Zuckerberg and other Meta Platforms Inc (META.O) executives and directors of failing to do enough to stop sex trafficking and child sexual exploitation on Facebook and Instagram.

The complaint made public late Monday by several pension and investment funds that own Meta stock said Meta's leadership and board have failed to protect the company's and shareholders' interests by turning a blind eye to "systemic evidence" of criminal activity.

Given the board's failure to explain how it tries to root out the problem, "the only logical inference is that the board has consciously decided to permit Meta's platforms to promote and facilitate sex/human trafficking," the complaint said.

Meta rejected the basis for the lawsuit, which was filed in Delaware Chancery Court.

"We prohibit human exploitation and child sexual exploitation in no uncertain terms," it said in a statement on Tuesday. "The claims in this lawsuit mischaracterize our efforts to combat this type of activity. Our goal is to prevent people who seek to exploit others from using our platform."

Zuckerberg, Meta's billionaire co-founder and chief executive, told Congress in 2019 that child exploitation was "one of the most serious threats that we focus on."

Meta, based in Menlo Park, California, has long faced accusations that its platforms are a haven for sexual misconduct.

In June 2021, the Texas Supreme Court allowed three people who became entangled with their abusers through Facebook to sue, saying Facebook was not a "lawless no-man's-land" immune from liability for human trafficking.

Meta separately faces hundreds of lawsuits from families of teenagers and younger children who claimed to suffer mental health problems by becoming addicted to Facebook and Instagram. Some school districts have also filed lawsuits over the problem.

Monday's lawsuit is a derivative case, where shareholders sue officers and directors who allegedly breached their duties.

Damages are paid to the company, often by the officers' and directors' insurers, instead of to shareholders.

The case is Employees' Retirement System of the State of Rhode Island et al v Zuckerberg et al, Delaware Chancery Court, No. 2023-0304.

HEC announced the Microsoft Imagine Cup 2023 winners

by Admin on March 21, 2023 0 Comment

ISLAMABAD:- Microsoft and Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission announced winners and runner ups of the jointly organized Imagine Cup 2023. The announcements were made during the closing ceremony held in HEC head office.

The event was attended by several Vice Chancellors, and Pakistan’s educational leaders as well as Director General Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Dr. Salim M. Almalik, Chairman Higher Education Commission, Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, and Microsoft Country Manager Jibran Jamshad.

Chief Guest at the event was Dr. Salim M. Almalik. Speaking at the event, he noted, “Such partnerships with companies like Microsoft empower the students to use their creativity in addressing real societal problems using modern technology”.

Microsoft announced winners in all four categories of Imagine Cup competition i.e., Earth, Lifestyle, Health, and Education. Winners at the event included team “Smart Fruity Bytes” in Earth category from Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan (MNSUAM), team “Journovolt” in Lifestyle category from Usman Institute of Technology Karachi, team “Human Life Saviour’s“ in Lifestyle category from FAST NUCES Lahore Campus and team “AR Learn” in Education category from University of Engineering & Technology (UET) Peshawar. Additionally, 9 more university teams from North, Center, South, and Baluchistan regions were declared Imagine cup regional winners and runners-ups.

The four winning teams also received cash prizes and will now be representing Pakistan on the international level competing with the world top finalist teams.

Addressing the guests and team, Mr. Jibran Jamshad, Country Education Lead, Microsoft Pakistan said, “Imagine Cup is one of the successful and empowering examples of how Microsoft is enabling students to build 21st century skill sets through access to latest technology, training and mentorship. As a result, students are offered new opportunities for the future.”

He added, “The Imagine Cup provides tech students, software developers and entrepreneurs new possibilities to innovate and solve some of the world’s biggest social environmental and health challenges. We have selected excellent local projects and now the champion team will compete in the World Finals Competition for a prize of $100,000, the Azure grant and a mentoring session with Microsoft CEO.

The top teams showcased their projects at the event and Vice Chancellors of the winning institutions and other universities discussed their experience of participating in the competition. Unanimously all participants agreed that Imagine Cup promoted a strong work ethic among students, allowed them to innovate and gain new skills and be awarded great prizes.

In closing remarks, the Chairman HEC, Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said, “Microsoft and HEC continuously work to introduce tech reforms in the education sector. The Imagine Cup is one of the projects that both HEC and Microsoft are proud to have worked on. In the end these activities bring students together motivating them to contribute to the greater good of their country in an innovative way.”

Worth noting that Microsoft has already entered into an education transformation agreement with HEC covering key higher educational institutions in Pakistan. Under this agreement, Microsoft offers FREE certifications for 100,000 eligible students and organizes several capacity building programs and holds similar activities for the education stakeholders throughout Pakistan. The key objective remains empowering the education sector through technology and with the latest Microsoft products and services.

Malaysia’s 4G now covers 97pc of populated areas, 5G at 54.7pc

by Admin on March 21, 2023 0 Comment

Malaysia’s 4G now covers 97pc of populated areas, 5G at 54.7pc

KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 — Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil has revealed top-line figures for Jendela Phase 1 which ended in Q4 2022. Based on the numbers, MCMC has exceeded its connectivity targets of Phase 1 and it is about to start Phase 2 which will further improve both fixed and wireless connectivity throughout the country.

According to the minister, Malaysia’s 4G network now covers 96.92 per cent of populated areas, which is slightly more than its initial target of 96.9 per cent population coverage. Meanwhile, the number of fibre-passed premises has hit 7.74 million which is above the target of covering 7.5 million premises by the end of 2022. In terms of download performance, it is reported that Malaysia’s average mobile broadband speed is now at 116.03Mbps, exceeding its initial target of 35Mbps.

Fahmi also added that 839 communities in rural areas have gained internet access through satellite connectivity in Sarawak and Sabah, as well as Orang Asli settlements in Peninsular Malaysia.

With the current internet coverage covering 97 per cent of populated areas, the Ministry will continue its efforts to ensure the delivery of quality internet services while looking into “potholes” and to improve the Quality of Service and Quality of Experiences such as highways, in-building and stadiums.

When it comes to 5G coverage, there are 4,363 5G sites as of February 2023 which provides coverage in 54.7 per cent of populated areas. As mentioned previously, the Malaysian government aims to expedite the 5G rollout to achieve 80 per cent 5G population coverage by the end of 2023, which is one year ahead of Digital Nasional Berhad’s schedule.

The full Q4 2022 Jendela report is expected to be released at the end of this month. For Jendela Phase 2, Fahmi shared the government has allocated RM725 million from Budget 2023 for digital connectivity projects in 47 industrial areas and 3,700 schools. Under Phase 2, the government will be prioritising the final 3 per cent of the population and it aims to achieve 9 million fibre premises passed by the end of 2025. Before the next phase of Jendela can be rolled out, the government needs to pass the budget and the committee will bring it up to Dewan Rakyat this Thursday. —

SoyaCincau

Spotify removes famous Bollywood songs from platform due to licensing dispute

by Admin on March 21, 2023 0 Comment

Spotify removes famous Bollywood songs from platform due to licensing dispute

KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 — Over two dozen famous Bollywood songs on music streaming platform Spotify have been removed.

As reported by music portal Billboard, Spotify removed Indian record label Zee Music Company's catalogue after negotiations for a renewal of their licensing agreement fell through.

The catalogue includes film soundtracks distributed through Zee Music’s sister company, Zee Studios.

This also includes the current number one track on India’s Spotify playlist Apna Bana Le, the soundtrack from 2022 Hindi film Bhediya as well as Maiyya Mainu, the soundtrack from 2022 Hindi film Jersey.

“Spotify and Zee Music have been unable to reach a licensing agreement.

“Throughout these negotiations, Spotify has tried to find creative ways to strike a deal with Zee Music and will continue our good faith negotiations in hopes of finding a mutually agreeable solution soon,” Spotify said in a statement to Billboard.

Zee Music, which had over two dozen tracks on Spotify’s Daily Top 200 Songs chart for India, was last seen on the platform on March 14.

The tracks included long-running Bollywood hits such as Makhna from 2019’s Drive, Namo Namo from 2018’s Kedarnath as well as track titles such as Kalank and Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas.

The songs' removal have taken Indian music lovers by surprise, with some of them taking to Twitter to share their disappointment.

“Eyes twitching, where are my bollywood songs, Spotify?” asked Twitter user @cherry.

“How am I going to romanticise my life if Spotify keeps taking off Bollywood songs,” added Twitter user @scracthedflower.

"What is up with Spotify randomly discontinuing numerous Bollywood albums at the same time? What are we supposed to listen to then?” asked Twitter user @isha.

Zee Music is the second most popular Indian music channel on YouTube with its subscriber base reaching over 93 million, behind global leader T-Series which has over 230 million subscribers.

Last year, it was reported that Zee Music cut ties with Indian commercial music streaming platform Gaana.

Emirates embraces the spirit of the Holy Month with a thoughtful passenger journey

by Admin on March 20, 2023 0 Comment

Emirates embraces the spirit of the Holy Month with a thoughtful passenger journey

Karachi,: With the Holy Month of Ramadan expected to begin this week, Emirates is preparing thousands of Iftar meal boxes for fasting passengers both onboard and at boarding gates, an array of religious content and Ramadan series on ice, and traditional Ramadan refreshments and meals in the lounges.

Iftar Meal Boxes honouring Bedouin heritage

From the 22 March, customers breaking their fast across all cabin classes to select Emirates destinations will receive thoughtful, nutritionally-balanced iftar meal boxes. Iftar meals will be served in bespoke boxes designed by Emirates to represent the rich Emirati heritage of the Al Sadu weavers. Al Sadu is a traditional form of weaving practised by Bedouin women of the UAE, who handmade soft furnishings and decorative accessories with distinctive geometric patterns. Reflecting the social aspect of Ramadan as family and friends gather to break the fast, the Al Sadu weavers used to come together in groups to spin and weave, exchanging family news, singing, and reciting poetry.

The iftar meal boxes will include light dishes and starters such as hummus and spinach bil zeit, Greek salad and cauliflower bil tahini, falafel sandwiches, pasta salad and fried aubergine with mint, zaatar chicken salad and cauliflower bil tahini, chicken musakhan sandwiches with Arabic bread, as well as staples like traditional dates and refreshing laban. A smaller box will also be served at boarding gates at Iftar time including all the essentials to comfortably break the fast.

Emirates’ iftar box will be served to complement the regular hot meal service and menu’s will be refreshed on a weekly basis to ensure a best-in-class dining experience during the Holy Month. The boxes will be served on flights to select destinations during times that coincide with iftar, on flights to and from the Gulf region, as well as flights catering to Umrah groups travelling to Jeddah and Medina during the month of Ramadan. Passengers may also check in one bottle of Islamic holy water ‘ZAMZAM’, containing up to 5 litres per person at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and various airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Captain announcements of Iftar time

To ensure the highest levels of accuracy for fasting Muslim passengers, Emirates uses a unique tool to calculate the correct timings for imsak (the time to commence fasting) and iftar while in-flight, based on the times of the sunrise and sunset of the location the flight is passing by using the aircraft’s longitude, latitude, and altitude. When the sun sets, passengers will be officially informed of the iftar time by the captain.

Ramadan refreshments in the lounges

For customers on the ground boarding during iftar times, boxes containing water, juice, a banana, and dates will be available to fasting customers at gates for several destinations. At the Emirates lounges in DXB, traditional Arabic sweets, dates and coffee will be offered during Ramadan. Meals available in First and Business Class lounges will include a selection of hot and cold Arabic mezzeh, lentil soup, lamb ouzi served with dakous and coriander mint raita, shish taouk with harissa red pepper dip and Emirati ouzi. Desserts will feature kunafa with pistachio and baklava ice-cream, baklawa pistachio finger, sweet cashew kol w shkor and Arabic coffee and dates ice-cream. Emirates lounges are equipped with dedicated prayer rooms and ablution facilities to ensure a peaceful environment for worship.

Ramadan content on ice

Throughout March and April, Emirates ice inflight entertainment will feature special religious content including Hadeeth Al Emam Al Tayeb, Nawafez Aala Al Hayat, Qu’ran Mubeen, Deen Al Tasamoh, Meythaq Al Hayat, Mahe Ramadan (Urdu), Ramadan Ki Fazilat (Urdu), Noor E Ramzan (Urdu) and Niyamat – E – Ramadan (Urdu). The Holy Qur’an is also available on ice.

Popular Ramadan series and dramas will also be available on ice, such as Al Wade' Mustaqer – Season 2, Nasiby Wa Qesmetek – Season 4, Tahqiq, Rivo, 25 Soual, and Fil Sayara. Amongst the diverse content on ice, there are more than 5,000 channels of on-demand entertainment including 742 Arabic channels featuring movies, TV, podcasts, and music.

Ramadan Awareness Training for Emirates staff

Emirates provides Ramadan awareness training for its cabin crew and on ground teams in Dubai and across its network. Special training resources have been provided to ensure operational teams are aware of the Holy Month, understand the cultural significance and nuances of this time and recognise specific practices that Muslims engage in, so they are prepared to provide the highest levels of service to customers at all touchpoints of their travel journey.

Emirates embraces the spirit of the Holy Month with a thoughtful passenger journey

by Admin on March 20, 2023 0 Comment

Karachi: With the Holy Month of Ramadan expected to begin this week, Emirates is preparing thousands of Iftar meal boxes for fasting passengers both onboard and at boarding gates, an array of religious content and Ramadan series on ice, and traditional Ramadan refreshments and meals in the lounges.

Iftar Meal Boxes honouring Bedouin heritage

Captain announcements of Iftar time

Ramadan refreshments in the lounges

Ramadan content on ice

Ramadan Awareness Training for Emirates staff

CEJ-IBA's ‘Click! The Digital News Ideathon’ draws audiences looking to bypass mainstream or legacy news media Revenue opportunities

by Admin on March 20, 2023 0 Comment

Re-inventing Journalism: CEJ-IBA's ‘Click! The Digital News Ideathon’ draws audiences looking to bypass mainstream or legacy news media Revenue opportunities

KARACHI: Nearly 150 beginner, intermediate, established, and aspiring content creators gathered at the Centre for Excellence in Journalism’s (CEJ-IBA) ‘Click! The Digital News Ideathon’ to learn how to monetise their content and diversify their revenue streams to sustain their platforms.

The event was organized by the CEJ-IBA in collaboration with Deutsche Welle Akademie (DW).

Multimedia Journalist- Sabah Bano Malik kicked off the event with a warm welcome to the audience and spoke about the constant evolution of the digital landscape. CEJ Director, Amber Rahim Shamsi opened the event with a call to action:

“We need to reinvent journalism, how we gather news, where we distribute it and how we engage with audiences.”

In his opening address, Ambassador Alfred Grannas highlighted the partnership between the CEJ-IBA and DW, and encouraged participants to learn how to monetise, with a caveat: “Make money- become millionaires! Just do not forget your duties as a journalist” In his opening address to the audience, acknowledged the draw of making money through social media platforms and highlighted the partnership between the CEJ and DW.

The first panel discussion for the day, ‘Journalist or Influencer’ invited panelists- including Sahar Habib Ghazi, Shehzad Ghias, Syed Muzammil and Azaz Syed- to reflect on the Pakistani news audience’s desire for serious content, and the blurred lines between journalist, influencer, citizen journalist and vlogger.

Moderated by Amber Rahim Shamsi, they also addressed how to deal with negativity on social media platforms.

Broadcast Journalist Syed Muzammil spoke about the various models, platforms, and strategies available for content monetization, and gave several tips on how to get the most out of the digital space.

‘Identify your area of expertise. Create an audience. Substance matters.’

Selected participants were then invited to attend breakout sessions, where they learned about making monetization work for them- not the platform; and why diverse revenue streams lead to better content.

Content Creator and Entrepreneur, Amtul Baweja spoke about her personal journey in leveraging her social media to become an entrepreneur. She shared her experiences in discovering what kind of content worked and what did not, and the challenges she faced in dealing with trolls and haters. She also weighed in on whether influencers can be called the entrepreneurs of today.

Journalist Alia Chughtai moderated an engaging panel discussion on ‘Clickbait,’ where panelists including Munazza Siddiqui, Ali Warsi, Maria Memon, Zeeshan Ahmed, and Risham Waseem discussed the accusation that content creators and digital news platforms often use misleading headlines to bait audiences. They also examined the advantages and disadvantages of ‘Clickbait’ and discussed alternatives.

The event was attended by established and aspiring content creators alike, who were then invited to join a hi-tea arranged by the CEJ.

Sania Alam of Pakistan wins the 'Brain of the year' award by Brain Trust of UK

by Admin on March 20, 2023 0 Comment

Sania Alam of Pakistan wins the 'Brain of the year' award by Brain Trust of UK

Sania Alam, a Pakistani educator was presented with the coveted “Brain of the Year” award by the Brain Trust of the United Kingdom in recognition of her contributions to the advancement of global mental literacy and the enhancement of education through super-learning. 🇵🇰

Pakistan’s Sania Alam, a member of the Pakistani Futuristic Learning Institute, has been recognized for her contributions with a number of awards and accolades, including the Youth Excellence Award from Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Joe Biden, the vice president of the United States, in 2021.

She is known for her guidance of teams that have won the World Memory, World Speed Reading, and World Mind Mapping Championships and for earning four Guinness World Records. This indeed is an extraordinary achievement.

In the past, individuals such as Stephen Hawking, Garry Kasparov, Steve Redgrave, John Glenn, Michael Gelb, Michael Crawford, and Gene Roddenberry have been honored with the “Brain of the Year” award.

Pakistan’s Sania Alam is now a member of the Brain Trust’s most accomplished thinkers and achievers all thanks to her recent promotion."

Jubilee Life Insurance presenting the Wicketkeeper of the Tournament Award to Muhammad Rizwan after the HBL PSL 2023 final

by Admin on March 20, 2023 0 Comment

Jubilee Life Insurance presenting the Wicketkeeper of the Tournament Award to Muhammad Rizwan after the HBL PSL 2023 final

Kashif Naqvi, Group Head Technology and Project Management, Jubilee Life Insurance presenting the Wicketkeeper of the Tournament Award to Muhammad Rizwan after the HBL PSL 2023 final match between Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans.

Lahore Qalandars Won The Final of HBL PSL 2023 By 1 Run Over Multan Sultan.

Ericsson and MediaTek expand 5G deployment options for CSPs with flexible Carrier Aggregation solution

by Admin on March 20, 2023 0 Comment

Ericsson and MediaTek expand 5G deployment options for CSPs with flexible Carrier Aggregation solution

Ericsson and MediaTek have successfully merged four channels – one FDD (frequency division duplex) and three TDD (time division duplex)– to deliver a downlink speed of 4.36 Gbps, the highest known speed based on this band combination. This four-component carrier (4CC) aggregation combination will increase the 5G deployment options for communications service providers by blending different frequency bands.

In an interoperability development test (IoDT), the two companies completed the 5G data call using one low-band and three mid-band channels in the sub-7GHz frequency range (FR1) bands, where typically most of the 5G data traffic is carried.

The higher throughput that this 4CC combination enables will enhance user experience with faster downloads and seamless video streaming for smartphone users and fixed wireless access subscribers. For service providers, Ericsson’s flexible Carrier Aggregation solution will allow them to maximize use of available spectrum assets to deliver high-quality 5G connectivity.

Sibel Tombaz, Head of Product Line 5G RAN at Ericsson Networks, says: “Carrier Aggregation is crucial to getting the best possible 5G performance out of scattered spectrum assets. At Ericsson, we are persistently exploring all possible frequency band combinations to boost capacity and coverage. We have also shown that Carrier Aggregation is a game changer when it comes to optimizing the combined bandwidth of allocated spectrum assets to deliver higher date rates for a greater number of users.”

HC Hwang, General Manager of Wireless Communication System and Partnership at MediaTek says: “The technology milestone shows MediaTek continues to be at the forefront of NR CA innovation, developing and testing the next generation of 5G SA technologies in close collaboration with industry partners such as Ericsson, ready to integrate into our leading 5G modems.”

Carrier Aggregation is key to deploying high-performing 5G networks. It provides the unique capability to combine many frequency bands, enabling higher speeds and increased cell coverage that improve capacity and user experience. The speed boost can mean better audio and video quality for streaming users, faster file downloads, and a better working environment for digital nomads. By combining FDD spectrum with TDD spectrum, more users can benefit from carrier aggregation gains.

The downlink peak rate of nearly 4.4 Gbps was reached by combining 20MHz of AWS (Advanced Wireless Service) band, 80MHz of CBRS (Citizens Broadband Radio Service) band and 200MHz of C-band spectrum. The test was carried out using MediaTek M80 5G modem, Ericsson’s Baseband 6648, TDD Massive MIMO radios AIR3268, AIR3239, and TDD Radio 4426.

HBL PSL 2023 - Jubilee Life Insurance presenting the Safe Hand of the Match Award to Fakhar Zaman

by Admin on March 19, 2023 0 Comment

HBL PSL 2023 - Jubilee Life Insurance presenting the Safe Hand of the Match Award to Fakhar Zaman

Sohail Fakhar, Group Head Corporate Business and Bancassurance, Jubilee Life Insurance presenting the Safe Hand of the Match Award to Fakhar Zaman after HBL PSL 2023 match between Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi.

Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed starrer to have its World premiere at Series Mania

by Admin on March 19, 2023 0 Comment

The first poster of the family drama was unveiled at the ongoing Series Mania Festival, where the show is set to have its global premiere

Prior to its world premiere at the Series Mania Festival, the creators of Zindagi original show Barzakh, starring actors Fawad Khan and Sanam Saeed unveiled the show poster in the French city of Lille.

Barzakh is helmed by critically acclaimed director Asim Abbasi who also directed Zindagi’s first original Churails and the feature film Cake. Gracing the event were writer-director Asim Abbasi, actor Sanam Saeed, and Producer Shailja Kejriwal.

Barzakh has the distinct honour of being the only series selected from South Asia. The series will debut in the showcase’s International Panorama, a 12-title competitive section where it will be eligible for the best series, director, actress, actor, student jury, and audience awards.

A family drama centered around an elderly man’s quest for love, Barzakh explores intergenerational trauma between fathers and sons. The narrative is framed within a fantastical world of supernatural beings and otherworldly events that reveal the chasms between life, death, and rebirth.

Fawad Khan portrays the role of a single parent, who is charming but at the same time filled with a lot of guilt for something that he has lost. Elated at Barzakh making the Series Mania cut, Fawad said, “Coinciding with our Series Mania premiere, our poster that we now reveal to the world offers an early glimpse into what can be expected from the series - abstract beauty and ambiguity that reflects the complexities in navigating human relationships in a post-modern world.”

Held annually at Lille, the Series Mania festival, since its inception in 2010, has been instrumental in recognizing and curating the best series from across the world. The festival brings together the best screenwriters, directors, and artists together under one roof.

Sanam Saeed who plays the central female character said, “It is simply surreal to be attending the Series Mania Festival. Barzakh is a story that I connected with from the minute I heard it and in Asim Abbasi’s hands, it’s been crafted into a moving, beautiful series that will renew our faith in love and life. It’s what led me to not only take on the challenging role but also made me look at life in a different light. It is very different from what we have seen on screen and all the actors have performed extremely different diverse roles. I am so proud of this series and am honored that it is having its world premiere at the Series Mania Festival.”

Asim shot this series in Karachi and the picturesque Hunza Valley in Pakistan. Barzakh blends magical realism and supernatural fantasy within a family reunion setting and deals with themes of love, loss, and reconciliation.

LUCKY CEMENT LIMITED CONTINUES ITS COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION BY BUILDING A NEW PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL IN DISTRICT LAKKI MARWAT

by Admin on March 19, 2023 0 Comment

LUCKY CEMENT LIMITED CONTINUES ITS COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION BY BUILDING A NEW PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL IN DISTRICT LAKKI MARWAT

Pakistan: Lucky Cement Limited, in collaboration with The Citizen Foundation, has successfully completed the state-of-the-art school in the vicinity of our Pezu plant premises. The “Abdul Razzak Tabba Block Lucky Cement Limited Pezu Campus-I” for primary classes, while the “Muhammad Yunus Tabba Block Pezu Campus-II” will be for secondary classes. The admissions for the first batch of 2023 are underway. This school is in line with the UNSDG “Quality Education” and emphasizes the importance of quality education for all.

In addition to these educational initiatives, Lucky Cement Limited has successfully inducted the 3rd batch of students for a vocational training program in collaboration with NLC (ATINs) for permanent residents of District Lakki Marwat. This initiative aims to provide skill-based training to the youth of the region, enabling them to secure employment opportunities in the future. The previous two batches, trained with collaboration of Hunar Foundation, have already completed their trainings and have been employed in our factory in their respective fields, which is a source of pride not only for candidates and their families but also for Lucky Cement Limited.

Lucky Cement Limited is also providing intermediate scholarships to students from District Lakki Marwat to support their academic pursuits. Furthermore, under its commitment to support education in District Lakki Marwat continuing over a decade, Lucky Cement is extending its support by offering higher education scholarships to university students from District Lakki Marwat, in top business and engineering universities of Pakistan.

“We are confident that all these activities in the area of education and skill development will have a positive impact on the lives of the residents of District Lakki Marwat,” added the spokesperson. “This additional project in collaboration with The Citizen Foundation is a significant step towards providing quality primary and secondary education to the children of the district and will play a major role in enhancing the education standard in the rural area of District Lakki Marwat.”

MD KP TEAVTA Eng Abdul Ghafar Khan inaugurated Govt Polytechnic institute at Lower Chitral

by Admin on March 19, 2023 0 Comment

CHITRAL (By Gul Hamaad Farooqi) : Managing Director Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority Engineer Abdul Ghafar Khan inaugurated Government Polytechnic institute at Balach Chitral. After the upgradation of the Government Technical and Vocational Training Center, a technical institution that teaches technical and vocational skills in Chitral, the Government Polytechnic Institute was inaugurated in the same building. Prof. Engineer Abdul Ghaffar, Managing Director of Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority was Chief Guest on this occasion who inaugurated the ground breaking ceremony of this new building., Principal of Technical and Vocational Training Center Rahmat Karim, Principal of Vocational Center for Women Mrs. Sun Rose and other guests were also present. A simple but prompt ceremony was also held regarding the inauguration of Polytechnic Institute in which MD Engineer Abdul Ghaffar was Chief guest. While the function was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Lower Chitral Muhammad Ali Khan, Stage Secretary Abdul wakil Khatana welcomed all the guests and highlighted the services of the existing institution.

Principal Rehmat Karim thanked MD for his arrival and upgradation of this institution. He said that there is only one technical institution in Chitral which has been teaching technical education to the youth for the last twenty five years but it is not fulfill requirement of modern era and it should be upgraded to the next high level. There is an urgent need to develop it. Chairman of Institute Management Committee Engineer Sardar Ayub thanked the MD for fulfilling his promise and upgrading it. He said that the foundation stone of this technical education institution was laid in 1996. Five basic courses are being taught in which diesel auto mechanic, computer, tailoring, woodwork, electrical electrician, furniture technician, computer are being taught here . He said that welding course will also be dystt now. Annually, one hundred and eighty students qualified from this institution and earn their livelihood by doing their jobs.

District Police Officer Ikramullah Khan said that today is the era of technology. China was a country with a very weak economy several decades ago. It was known about the people there that they were addicted to opium, but they learned the skills and used their technology . By improving their skill now came to compete with America. Now China is ruling the entire world in terms of business.

MD Eng Abdul Ghaffar said that most of our youths are unemployed after getting traditional education. Some employment is found in the same area. He emphasized on the youth that today's era is the era of information technology and they should learn education, skills and vocational according to the requirements of the new era so that they can be useful in their practical life. He said that the foundation stone of this institution was laid today, where dressmaking and DAE will be taught up to the three-year diploma level.

The Deputy Commissioner also expressed that the nations that have progressed have done so only because of learning technical and skills education.. He urged all the students to learn skills, arts and technical work according to modern requirements so that they do not have to search for jobs.

The traditional Cap of Chitral was also presented to the Chief guest in the ceremony. Besides its , certificates were also awarded to the successful students and free materials were also distributed among them, which included sewing machine, scissors and related equipment kit for tailoring and aeromechanic . Apart from the students, a large number of elders of the area also participated in the ceremony.

Meezan Bank surpasses USD 1.5 billion deposit inflows under Roshan Digital Account, retains industry leadership

Enhancing multi-sector partnerships at LUMS

MMBL signs agreement with Careem to offer Subsidized Travel Services for its Employees

Spotify Announcing Tina Sani as the Ambassador of the Month

Tamasha launches its first original series, ‘Family Bizniss’, featuring the struggles of a middle-class Pakistani family

Ufone 4G Launches WhatsApp Service for Hassle-Free Customer Experience

AAA Associates organized the 38th Early Bird Golf Tournament for the promotion of grass root level golf in Pakistan

Malaysia’s 4G now covers 97pc of populated areas, 5G at 54.7pc

Re-inventing Journalism: CEJ-IBA's ‘Click! The Digital News Ideathon’ draws audiences looking to bypass mainstream or legacy news media Revenue opportunities

Ericsson and MediaTek expand 5G deployment options for CSPs with flexible Carrier Aggregation solution

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