Author: admin

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank, marked the country’s 78th Independence Day with great fervor and enthusiasm. The celebrations took place in its major branches across the country as well as at the Bank’s Head Office in Karachi. In a ceremonial event, Mr. Irfan Siddiqui – President & CEO, Meezan Bank, hoisted the National Flag at the Head Office followed by a cake cutting ceremony, which was attended by the Bank’s Deputy CEO – Syed Amir Ali and Senior Management. The occasion was marked by a Guard of Honour from the Bank’s security personnel, enhancing the patriotic spirit of the celebration. Festivities took place across key branches nationwide a day before, where employees and customers united to celebrate this important day in Pakistan’s history. The branches were beautifully decorated with vibrant lights and festive adornments, fostering a spirit of unity and national pride. Special cakes were cut at each branch, symbolizing the Bank’s commitment to nurturing community spirit. Customers also took home small plants as a symbol of the Bank’s shared commitment to a greener and cleaner Pakistan. The events, attended by both customers and staff, provided an opportunity to reflect on the Nation’s progress and aspirations. Additionally, the celebrations featured engaging activities for customers, creating memorable experiences and strengthening the sense of community. Meezan Bank is dedicated to supporting Pakistan’s development and growth, extending its commitment beyond banking services to actively engage in national celebrations and community-building efforts.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, announces an expansion of its global IT capabilities in Pakistan. In the first stage of this development, we are working closely with local talent agencies and engaging Pakistani professionals in Lahore to tackle global inDrive challenges enhancing the expertise of the inDrive Tech Team. This move reinforces inDrive’s leading position in Pakistan’s ride-hailing market and underscores its dedication to supporting the local community and economy. This development aims to create career opportunities for IT professionals, fostering local talent and contributing to the growth of Pakistan’s burgeoning tech industry. Amidst an environment where many companies are downsizing or shutting down operations, inDrive’s investment in Pakistan is a testament to its confidence in the country’s potential and its commitment to sustainable growth. By enhancing its tech capabilities with regional talent, inDrive aims to bolster the country’s IT industry, which is a critical sector for Pakistan’s development and global competitiveness. Stephen Kruger, Chief Product and Technology Officer at inDrive, stated, “Expanding our global IT footprint in Pakistan is a significant step towards solidifying our position in the region and tapping into the immense talent available here. Our objective is to foster a thriving ecosystem that not only supports our global operations but also makes a meaningful contribution to the local economy and the IT sector.” Stephen further added, “Pakistan has always been a key market for us, and its IT industry has incredible potential. We are excited to be a part of its growth story. Through this expansion, we aim to bring high-quality career opportunities to the region and showcase Pakistan’s strengths on a global stage.” The development will serve as an essential component of inDrive’s global operations, enabling the company to enhance its technological infrastructure and service offerings across all markets. This initiative is part of inDrive’s broader vision of supporting the IT industry in Pakistan and contributing to the country’s economic resilience while integrating and streamlining its IT functions globally, ensuring consistent and efficient service delivery to its users worldwide. In addition to creating new professional opportunities and fostering the IT industry, inDrive is committed to community development through initiatives like Beginit. This program aims to provide IT education and skills training to underprivileged youth, empowering them to pursue careers in technology and contribute to the country’s digital future. “With a team of IT engineers from Pakistan having started to work closely with the Quality Assurance and Ride Hailing teams this week, we will continue to further develop this team, maintaining a strong commitment to diversify our workforce. This approach ensures that we benefit from a wide range of perspectives and skills, fostering innovation and inclusivity in our operations. These professionals will help the team not only via their professional skills, but also with their deep knowledge and understanding of local needs, to ensure that our product is fully tailored to the local market.” added Stephen Kruger. By having Pakistan join inDrive’s global IT hub, the company not only strengthens its market leadership position but also sets an example for others in the industry with good corporate citizenship and strategic foresight. The company’s dedication to supporting the local economy and IT industry positions it as a key player in the region’s digital transformation. inDrive’s commitment to Pakistan is also reflected in its core business of ride-hailing services, which have revolutionized urban mobility in the country. Enriching our global IT capabilities with Pakistani talent will build on this legacy, driving innovation and excellence in both the ride-hailing and tech sectors. As inDrive continues to expand its footprint in Pakistan, it remains dedicated to creating a positive impact on the local community and economy. The decision to engage local talent is a clear demonstration of this commitment and sets the stage for future growth and success.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The American Business Council (ABC) of Pakistan held the 2nd Annual Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Awards ceremony in Islamabad. These awards commemorate businesses that have made contributions in sustainability and social impact. The winners include PepsiCo (Environment – Response to Climate Change), Coca-Cola Pakistan (Environment – Nature Savior), KFC (Social – No Poverty, No Hunger), VISA (Social – Education, Gender Equality) and McDonald’s (Governance Excellence). With more than 60 member companies that are US-based, ABC’s network contributes about $1 billion in taxes annually and employs over 1 million Pakistanis. Speaking at the occasion, Romina Khurshid Alam said, “I’m happy to see enthusiasm for taking climate change mitigation seriously with American businesses investing locally” She handed out the awards and congratulated the winners. The ceremony was attended by 100+ leading multinational CEOs, business leaders, government officers, and climate experts including Brooke de Montluzin, Economic Counselor, US Embassy; Maliha Farooq Ismail, ABC Secretary General; Aisha Sarwari, ABC’s Chair for ESG Committee; the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Senior Partnerships Adviser Kanwal Bokharey; and leadership from Systems Limited; Procter & Gamble Pakistan; Mondelez; McDonald’s; Phillip Morris and ABC Executive committee and general body members. Highlighting the long-standing partnership between Pakistan and the United States, Brooke de Montluzin said, “Pakistan is the fifth largest country in the world by population. The United States has long been Pakistan’s largest export market, importing more than $5 billion in Pakistani goods in just 2021, far surpassing any other country.” Senator Sherry Rehman, Chair of the Climate and Environment Caucus of the Senate of Pakistan handed over the awards to the winner. In her address, she highlighted the role that businesses must play to tackle challenges of climate change, water stewardship, gender inclusion in workforce, and innovative solutions for sustainable development in order for Pakistan to offer a more conducive and growth-oriented business environment. She said, “The private sector is most effective when it is working in collaboration with the government. Not just to meet its regulatory standards but also to co-create them to make implementation effective. We must hold everyone along this chain responsible to do better. Climate is a national security subject and should remain so.” Recharge Pakistan, one of the largest investments in Pakistan’s climate adaptation and mitigation plan was also highlighted at the event. Recharge is a $77.8 million partnership between the Green Climate Fund and the Government of Pakistan with an additional investment and technical support worth $12 million from other partners including The Coca-Cola Foundation, USAID, and WWF-Pakistan. In a world that is increasingly focused on sustainability and responsible business practices, the concept of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) has gained significant traction. The annual ABC ESG awards have played a significant role in introducing this global best-standard to Pakistan.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Naya Nazimabad, a premier housing community in Karachi renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and secure living environment, will transform into a vibrant display of patriotism and celebration as it commemorates Pakistan’s  Independence Day with a series of events from August 10th to 14th.

The festivities kick off with exciting sporting events, where residents can compete in cricket, tennis, football, futsal and swimming. A captivating musical concert featuring renowned local artists promises to enthrall audiences, while a family-friendly games night offers a chance to win prizes and connect with the community. The grand finale will be a dazzling fireworks display, illuminating the night sky and symbolizing the nation’s aspirations.

Beyond the celebratory events, this initiative reflects Naya Nazimabad’s commitment to fostering a strong sense of community and national pride. These activities aim to create lasting memories and inspire a deep appreciation for Pakistan’s rich heritage and bright future by bringing people together.

“We’re excited to share this Independence Day celebration with our residents and the wider community,” said Mr. Arif Habib, Chairman of Naya Nazimabad. “These festivities are a tribute to our nation and a testament to the strong bonds we’ve built here. We invite everyone to join us and experience the unique spirit of Naya Nazimabad.”

To further enhance the festive ambiance, Naya Nazimabad will be adorned with enchanting lighting, creating a magical atmosphere throughout the community.

Naya Nazimabad is Karachi’s largest master-planned, gated residential community. Designed to accommodate over 50,000 families at completion, it offers a unique blend of meticulous planning, superior construction, and world-class amenities. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices, it offers a secure and safe haven for residents and investors alike.