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CBD PUNJAB CEO PUSHES FOR EXPEDITED COMPLETION OF WALTON ROAD PROJECT

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

CEO Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), Imran Amin, chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of the Walton Road Upgradation Project. This pivotal initiative is set to significantly enhance the infrastructure of Punjab’s provincial capital. The meeting was attended by Executive Director Technical CBD Punjab Riaz Hussain, Director of Architecture and Planning Samir Aftab Sial, and official contractors of the project. Executive Director Technical CBD Punjab, Riaz Hussain, provided an extensive briefing on the project’s progress, highlighting key milestones achieved. Notably, the completion of the main trunk sewer and the remodeling of the ADA Nullah were reported. The ADA Nullah will soon be connected with the newly constructed nullah, marking a critical step forward. Additionally, the sub-base work on Walton Road is completed, with the water-bound layer currently in progress. Disposal stations are also set to become functional in the coming days, further facilitating project completion. A significant highlight of the meeting was the update on the Major Ishaq Shaheed Flyover, which is now 85% complete, with shuttering removal scheduled soon. This major infrastructure component is crucial for improving traffic flow and connectivity in the area. Following the review meeting, CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin conducted an on-site inspection of the under-construction Walton Road and Major Ishaq Shaheed Flyover. During his visit, he lauded CBD Punjab’s proactive measures that effectively prevented water accumulation on Walton Road during the recent monsoon season. This accomplishment underscores the authority’s commitment to operational excellence and community well-being. CEO CBD Punjab emphasized the need to expedite the project, instructing an increase in workforce and machinery to ensure timely completion, in accordance with the directives of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz.. “Completing the Walton Road Upgradation Project is a top priority for CBD Punjab. We are dedicated to enhancing Lahore’s infrastructure to better serve its residents and support the city’s growth. Our proactive measures during the monsoon season demonstrate our commitment to excellence and community well-being. We will continue to work diligently to ensure this project is completed on time and to the highest standards,” said Imran Amin, CEO CBD Punjab. The Walton Road Upgradation Project is poised to set new benchmarks in urban development, contributing to sustainable growth and improved quality of life for Lahore’s residents. CBD Punjab remains committed to transforming visions into tangible, lasting improvements for the community.

Musical award show was organized by Sunny Gill Masih in the city of New Jersey

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

A musical award show was organized in the city of New Jersey by the famous event organizer Sunny Gill Masih Entertainment, in which Indian superstar actress Shilpa Shetty participated as a special guest. Promoter Sunny Gill also paid a special visit to Masih Entertainment Production House in which he appreciated the cultural services of Sunny Gill and expressed his best wishes for him. Actress Shilpa Shetty participated in the event as a special guest, while famous promoter Bindu Kholi, Sunny Gill Masih, showbiz personalities, businessmen, political and social personalities, including Pakistani and Indian community participated in large numbers. Actress Sushmita Sen, singer Atif Aslam, actress Sara Ali Khan Govinda, Juni Lever actress Ameesha Patel and others have organized cultural events while some time ago she organized a musical concert show with internationally renowned rock star singer Bohemia in which Pakistani And on this occasion, Bohemia sang his famous songs and the Indian community participated in the musical concert show in large numbers. Sunny Gill Masih said that for the past several years, I have been organizing cultural activities in other countries including Pakistan and America, in which I am providing my platform to Bollywood and Hollywood and Pakistani artists. He said that through Sunny Gill Entertainment. The fashion music awards show and other showbiz activities will be held in cities across the US to promote new talent.

Chinese photovoltaic company Tongwei announces launch of its products in Pakistan

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Lahore (Nut Desk)

Tongwei, a Chinese photovoltaic company having global presence, Thursday announced the introduction of its innovative solar energy products in Pakistan at an event “Tongwei: Shine On Lahore” in Lahore, marking the debut of Tongwei’s TNC-G12/G12R series modules in Pakistan, showcasing Tongwei’s cutting-edge PV technology and product advantages. At this event, which was held at a local hotel and attracted significant interest from Tongwei’s local partners, the company showcased its TNC-G12/G12R series modules, which feature a number of advantages including high efficiency, low temperature coefficient and minimal degradation. Based on strict control over incoming material quality, the modules adopt Tongwei’s self-developed cells, ushering the industry into an era of high-power performance with enhanced quality and efficiency. Tongwei’s TNC-G12/G12R series modules, which will provide more diverse options for technology-hungry local market, use silicon-based materials supplied by Tongwei’s integrated industrial chain and select high-quality auxiliary materials globally, ensuring high efficiency from the source. The TNC-G12/G12R not only brings dual benefits of efficiency and returns, but its unique low-voltage design allows the TNC-G12R to have more modules in series compared to the TNC-M10 within the same 1500V system, increasing the power per string by over 12%. It also saves on cables, racks, and installation costs. The large-size design also enhances transportation efficiency, with the TNC-G12R achieving over 4% more loading capacity in both 40-foot containers and 17.5-meter trucks, effectively reducing transportation costs. Additionally, to ensure stable operation, Tongwei TNC-G12/G12R modules undergo rigorous PID, salt spray, ammonia, and dust tests before shipping. These extensive tests guarantee excellent performance, protecting customer value and supporting project power generation. During the session, Rana Abbs, CEO of AE Solar Alternative Energy, discussed the strong fit between Tongwei modules and the Pakistani market, highlighting their significant and impact on enhancing efficiency and reducing costs for customers. Faisal Bawany, Sales Director of C Right Energy, stated that Tongwei’s strong production capacity for high-efficiency modules can meet the rapidly growing market demand and support quick project implementation. In 2021, Tongwei established the world’s first 5G application base in the photovoltaic industry—Tongwei Solar Technology Jintang Base. By March 2024, the base used advanced 5G management systems to implement large rectangular solar cells in modules in under a month. From the first TNC-G12R module produced on April 10 to shipping on April 22, the entire process took just 12 days. This achievement highlights Tongwei’s leading delivery speed and responsiveness, providing strong support for global customers.

NEWLY APPOINTED PAKISTANI AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES, RIZWAN SAEED SHEIKH, VISITS CBD PUNJAB

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AMBASSADOR SHEIKH AND RENOWNED BUSINESSMAN TAHIR JAVED DISCUSS COLLABORATION WITH CEO IMRAN AMIN TO PROMOTE CBD PUNJAB PROJECTS IN THE U.S.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  The newly appointed Pakistani Ambassador to U.S. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, visited Punjab Central Business District Development Authourity (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab) in a bid to discuss potential opportunities to attract foreign investment and foster relation between Pakistan and U.S. Accompanying him was the prominent business figure Tahir Javed. The visit was marked by a comprehensive briefing provided by Imran Amin, CEO of CBD Punjab, who outlined the various ongoing and planned projects under the CBD Punjab initiative. The briefing session was attended by COO CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Executive Director Technical, Riaz Hussain, Director Marketing, Waseem Sadiq, and Director Architecture and Planning Sameer Aftab Sial. Each of these officials contributed insights into their respective domains, highlighting the integrated and multifaceted approach of CBD Punjab towards urban development and economic growth. During the briefing, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh underscored the transformative potential of CBD Punjab’s projects. He stated, “CBD Punjab’s initiatives can be game changer for the region. These projects are equipped with all the features necessary to attract international investment.” His comments reflected a strong endorsement of the vision and execution strategy of CBD Punjab, emphasizing the critical role these projects could play in regional development and international investment attraction. CEO Imran Amin expressed his satisfaction and pride at the recognition received from the Pakistani Ambassador to the United States. He remarked, “It is encouraging to see the appreciation from our ambassador. We invite the American business community to invest in CBD Punjab’s projects, which will contribute to writing a new chapter of development for the province of Punjab.”. The discussion extended beyond mere appreciation and recognition, leading to actionable outcomes aimed at fostering closer ties between CBD Punjab and the American business community. One of the notable outcomes of the meeting was the agreement to establish a CBD Punjab NSIT Facilitation Desk within the Pakistani Embassy in Washington, D.C. This desk is envisioned as a dedicated resource to assist and facilitate American investors interested in exploring opportunities within the CBD Punjab projects. Additionally, the meeting concluded with a commitment from CBD Punjab to actively participate in business networking events in the United States. This participation is expected to provide CBD Punjab with direct access to the American business community, enabling it to showcase its projects, share insights, and build valuable connections. By engaging in these events, CBD Punjab aims to raise awareness about its initiatives, highlight the investment opportunities available, and attract a diverse range of investors.

(DIOA) has announced to fully support to the (PIAF)

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Daroghawala Industry Owners Association Registered (DIOA) has announced to fully support to the PIAF in the upcoming elections of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI). The announcement made at an impressive event arranged by the Dargohawala Industry Owners Association Registered the other night with the patron in chief of the PIAF Mian Anjum Nisar as the chief guest and Chairman PIAF faheem Ur Rehman Saigol Guest Of Honour. The Association’s office-bearers said that the reception was arranged to felicitate the PIAF- for all the services rendered by it for the welfare of the business community. Also nominate Irfan Qureshi to be a contestant in the LCCI Elections 2024 for corporate class . Speaking on this occasion, DIOA Chairman Mian Muhammad Mansha, President Muhammad Asim Rafique and General Secretary Muhammad Anis said that the members of their association had decided to support Mian Anjum Nisar, Faheem ur Rehman Saigol, Nasrallah Mughal, Tahir Manzoor Chaudhary, Muhammad Ali Mian , Syed Nabeel Hashmi,Abuzar Shad , Asim Qadri, Tahir Manzoor and other leadership to ensure continuation of the policies adopted by the PIAF for the welfare of the business community, accelerating the businesses and industrial activity and strengthening of the national economy. They said that Dargohawala Industrial Area is the hub of small and big industries and they would be supporting the PIAF Mian Anjum Nisar Group.

AAOIFI and Meezan Bank jointly hosted a public hearing session

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AAOIFI and Meezan Bank jointly hosted a public hearing session on the new AAOIFI Sukuk Standard.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) with Meezan Bank hosted a significant public hearing session on the draft Shariah Standard on Sukuk. The event took place at the Movenpick Hotel in Karachi and brought together prominent figures from the Islamic finance industry, regulatory bodies, notable Shariah Scholars, Shariah Board members from various Islamic Financial Institutions,  academia and university professors.

Key attendees included Justice (Retd.) Muhammad Taqi Usmani (Chairman Shariah Board of AAOIFI and Meezan Bank), Mr. Omar Mustafa Ansari (General Secretary AAOIFI), Mufti Irshad Ahmed Ijaz (Chairman Shariah Advisory Committee of State Bank of Pakistan and Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan), Mr. Irfan Siddiqui (President & CEO, Meezan Bank), Syed Amir Ali (Deputy CEO, Meezan Bank), Mr. Ghulam Muhammad Abbasi (Director, Islamic Finance Policy Department – SBP) and Ms. Nighat Tanweer (Director, Islamic Finance Development Department – SBP ).

In his keynote address Justice (Retd.) Muhammad Taqi Usmani emphasized the importance of Sukuk as vital Islamic finance instrument. He also encouraged the industry to explore innovative ways to utilize Sukuk effectively for development projects beyond addressing budgetary deficits.

General Secretary of AAOIFI, Mr. Omar Mustafa Ansari, highlighted that the draft Sukuk standard underwent an extensive eight-year compilation process. It was meticulously discussed during multiple sittings of the AAOIFI Shariah Board.

The public hearing provided a platform for constructive dialogue where various suggestion and comments were provided by the industry, to ensure the robustness and relevance of the proposed standard.

The Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) is a leading standard setting body for Islamic finance. AAOIFI develops and maintains Shariah, accounting and auditing standards to promote transparency, consistency and ethical practices in the industry.

(AKUH) Awarded Platinum Performance Achievement Award for Treatment of Heart Attack Patients

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has received the Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2024. This is an award by the American College of Cardiology’s (ACC) National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR). It places the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi among the world’s top hospitals for offering high-quality cardiac care to heart attack patients.

The Chest Pain – MI Registry empowers healthcare providers to consistently treat cardiac patients using  the latest science-based guidelines. It establishes a national standard for better understanding and improving the quality, safety, and outcomes of care for patients with coronary artery disease, particularly those at high risk of heart attack.

This award recognises AKUH’s success in bringing a higher standard of care to heart attack patients. To receive the Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, the AKUH has demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain – MI Registry and performed at the highest level on specific performance measures.

“This award reflects our dedication to delivering top-tier cardiac care to our patients. It reinforces our commitment to the health and well-being of our patients and the community. Our doctors, nurses and staff continue to strive for excellence to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of cardiovascular care,” said Dr Farhat Abbas, CEO, AKU Health Services, Pakistan.

Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality improvement process that uses data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients. AKUH has met ACC’s rigorous standards for treating heart attack patients, demonstrating AKUH’s commitment and dedication to continuous improvement in the quality of care and patient outcomes.

“This award is not only a recognition of our achievements but also a motivator for our future endeavours,” said Dr Javed Majid Tai, Director Cathlab and site Director for NCDR. “We remain committed to advancing our cardiac care services to provide top-quality, guideline-driven care for heart attack patients.”

This award serves as a catalyst for AKUH’s ongoing efforts to innovate and improve, ensuring that patients receive the best possible cardiovascular care. At AKUH, this recognition is a milestone in the journey towards excellence and, most importantly, as a motivator to further its mission of providing top-tier healthcare to the community.

99% children across the country subjected to second-hand smoking, study reveals.

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

A study co-authored by researchers from the Department of Community Health Sciences and Medicine at the Aga Khan University has discovered the presence of second-hand smoking (SHS) in an alarming 95% of children in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

SHS occurs when people around an active smoker inhale the exhaled tobacco fumes coming from the smoker. This highlights the deeply disturbing ripple effect of smoking, which can penetrate through different social spaces, especially in places where poor smoking restrictions are in place.

The level of SHS exposure in Dhaka and Karachi, the two study sites indicate widespread and unrestricted smoking, according to the researchers. The findings, published in the Nicotine and Tobacco Research Journal, provide evidence for extremely high level of SHS exposure in Karachi, Pakistan where nearly all (99.4%) of the children were found exposed to SHS, the majority of which is perpetuated through male-dominated smoking cultures.

The research team conducted a survey on 2769 children aged 9-14 from 74 primary schools in Dhaka and Karachi to assess their exposure to SHS. To measure the exposure, they tested their saliva to see if it contained cotinine. They examined the association between the adult smoking behaviours of residents and visitors at homes and salivary cotinine levels in children in both cities. Compared to children living with non-smokers, those living with adult smokers had higher levels of SHS exposure. Similarly, children living in houses permitting indoor smoking had slightly higher levels of SHS exposure than those houses where smoking was not permitted.

Dr Romaina Iqbal, and Prof Javaid Khan from the Aga Khan University, Pakistan pointed out that, “The high exposure of children to SHS is in contrast to figures from many developed countries where only a minority of children are now exposed to such risks.”

The effects of second-hand smoking have been long observed and analysed by scientists around the world and are nothing short of horrendous. It has been proven to add to a variety of respiratory tract infections  in newborns, infants, and children right up to the age of adolescence. Moreover, research suggests that children born with hereditary disorders are less likely to survive when exposed to second-hand smoke and may lead to  an increased frequency of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). “This research findings are really alarming. If we cannot protect the children from SHS exposure, they will develop increased risk of respiratory infections and associated deaths and will be at risk of lower academic performance and a high rate of smoking uptake in later life”, said Professor Rumana Huque, from ARK Foundation, Bangladesh and a co-author of the paper.

“It is important to advocate for smoke-free homes and cars to protect children from SHS exposure. However, in addition to these initiatives, it is also important to enforce smoking bans in public places and transportation, especially those public spaces that children frequently visit, such as playgrounds, parks and fairgrounds. It is essential to complement smoking restrictions with tobacco cessation advice and support in these settings,” said Professor Kamran Siddiqi, from University of York, UK, and the Chief Investigator of the study.

The research team called for a comprehensive approach to protect the children from this harm, smoking restrictions in households and enforcement of smoking bans in public places. 

Foreign Investors Express Concern Over Pakistan’s Security in OICCI 2024 Survey

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) 

The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), has released the results of its latest Security Survey 2024, highlighting increasing concerns over the country’s deteriorating security environment.

Respondents reported a deterioration in the overall security situation in 2024 compared to 2023. Specifically, Karachi saw a worsening situation from 69 per cent to 80 per cent, with members expressing concerns about growing incidents of street crime not only in the metropolis but across Sindh. Similarly, Balochistan’s security situation also worsened, increasing from 68 per cent to 75 per cent.

The survey, conducted during June 2024 compared the same period last year, covering members’ feedback on the security environment in Pakistan’s commercial hubs.

On a positive note, marginal improvements were noted in Lahore, where the security situation improved from 73 per cent to 49 per cent, in Punjab from 63 per cent to 53 per cent, and in Peshawar from 68 per cent to 58 per cent.

It is pertinent to note that security remains one of the top three concerns for doing business in Pakistan for 71 per cent of the survey respondents, consistent with the 2023 survey.

Commenting on the results, Kamran Ataullah Khan, OICCI management committee member, remarked, “Our members stress the importance of sustained efforts by law enforcement agencies to enhance security, which is crucial for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI).” He pointed out that visits by foreign nationals for business purposes have been impacted by economic instability and security incidents.

OICCI CE/Secretary General M Abdul Aleem highlighted that the survey provides detailed feedback from foreign investors on various aspects of doing business related to security, such as street crimes, expatriate security, illegal gratification, and protests.

The OICCI Security Survey has been conducted annually since 2015. This year responses were received from over two-thirds of members, including CEOs and senior management. Approximately 75 per cent of OICCI members are based in Karachi, with the remainder in Lahore and Islamabad, operating throughout the country.

The OICCI is the collective voice of major foreign investors in Pakistan, with over 200 members, from more than 30 countries. OICCI members contribute over one-third of Pakistan’s total tax revenue and are involved in 14 sectors of the economy. They facilitate the transfer of technology and skills and provide employment to a significant number of people. About a fourth of OICCI member companies are listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, and many are associates of Global Fortune 500 companies. OICCI members also engage in corporate social responsibility activities benefiting 46 million persons from underprivileged communities.