Cheezious Spreads Cheesy Khushiyan to Underprivileged Children on National Cheese Day

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

National Cheese Day got a whole lot cheesier this year thanks to Cheezious, a leading cheese brand known for its delicious products. As part of their dedicated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, Cheezious partnered with EOTO School to bring joy and fun to underprivileged children in the community.

The day was filled with engaging activities designed to spark creativity and laughter. Children participated in arts and crafts sessions, were captivated by storytelling, and enjoyed friendly competitions, all fostering a spirit of inclusivity and excitement. Cheezious celebration is incomplete without delectable food! The children were treated to scrumptious pizzas, making it a truly memorable day.

Head of Marketing at Cheezious Zohaib Hassan said “Cheezious’ commitment to giving back to the community and spreading cheesy happiness He Further said that on National Cheese Day presented the perfect opportunity to share the joy of cheese with these deserving children.”

This heartwarming initiative highlights Cheezious’ dedication to social responsibility and their mission to spread cheesy Khushiyan to everyone.

Celebrate Father’s Day in Saudi: The Perfect Destination for this Special Occasion

Celebrate Father’s Day in Saudi: The Perfect Destination for this Special Occasion

This Father’s Day, treat your dad to some of the most unique experiences Saudi has to offer. A fascinating destination, Saudi boasts a diverse array of activities tailored to every dad’s interests. From cultural attractions and adventure-filled amusement parks to outdoor recreation options, luxurious stays, and shopping malls, there’s something special for every dad to enjoy.

Elevate the occasion with a luxury stay

Luxury hotels in Saudi are the pinnacle of opulence, offering travelers lavish accommodations and world-class amenities, perfect for a Father’s Day celebration.

The Nujuma, Ritz-Carlton Reserve is situated on a pristine set of private islands. Recently opened, it is the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East, nestled within the captivating Blue Hole cluster of islands, where pristine coral reefs thrive beneath the surface and the celestial canopy above paints an endless tapestry of stars.

St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Six Senses Southern Dunes: Experience unparalleled luxury at these newly opened resorts, with more luxurious accommodations set to grace the Red Sea coast in the coming years.

Habitas AlUla: Time out after a day of adventure at sustainable retreat Habitas AlUla, home to Thuraya Wellness, a secluded heaven created to enhance well-being and restore balance. Relax with sunrise yoga, private fitness sessions or treatments from the resident physiotherapist.

The Jeddah EDITION:  Situated along the Jeddah Corniche, adjacent to the Yacht Club & Marina and the F1 racetrack, this hotel offers unparalleled convenience with easy access to Jeddah’s City Center and the Red Sea Mall. Featuring 63 rooms, including 11 suites, the newly opened hotel boasts a signature restaurant, a cozy lobby lounge, an intimate bar, a rooftop terrace, and a refreshing pool.

An outdoor adventure with the wildlife in Aseer

Embark on an unforgettable adventure in Aseer, the premier destination for nature lovers. At 3,000 meters, perched on the side of Saudi’s highest mountain, Soudah is the unofficial outdoor adventure capital of Saudi and part of the vast Aseer National Park. Its network of hiking routes, lush greenery, cool mountain air, wild nature and mist-cloaked valleys make for the perfect Father’s Day getaway. Whether your dad prefers hiking, paragliding, cycling, or kayaking, there’s endless excitement and adrenaline-pumping activities in this breathtaking region.

For nature-loving dads, the Jurf Raydah Reserve nestled within Sarawat Mountains is a must-visit. Amidst the fragrant juniper trees and exotic flora like cacti, wild olives, and banana trees, you will encounter fascinating wildlife, from Arabian woodpeckers to the rare and endangered Aseer magpie. You can also gift your father a thrilling experience by booking him a hike on a 250 year old trail in the Sawda Mountains.

The upcoming Aseer Season 2024 also has exciting events to offer which you can enjoy during your trip – from live music to delectable dining options and family-friendly activities and athletic championships.

Adventures in the Red Sea

Saudi is one of the best diving spots in the world with its pristine waters, white sandy beaches, an abundance of thriving coral reefs and some of the world’s coolest shipwrecks. The Red Sea is home to more than 90 pristine islands, dormant volcanoes, mountain canyons, and historical and cultural sites spanning 28,000 square kilometers, and boasts the world’s fourth-largest barrier reef system.

For adventure-loving dads, the Red Sea is a paradise. Enjoy activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, guided dive excursions and snorkeling excursions, and more.

Spend a weekend at King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC)

Perfect for families, KAEC is a haven that offers luxurious resorts, locally styled accommodations, and a range of water activities on stunning beaches for a perfect weekend getaway.

Book exciting adventures at Yam Beach in KAEC, with options to rent a banana boat, donut boat, or kayak, or enjoy a scenic stroll along the turquoise seashores. For dads who love to golf, indulge in a round or two at The Royal Greens Golf & Country Club, located in the luxurious district of Al Murooj within KAEC.

Book your dad a self-care day at the Four Seasons Spa

Tranquility and rejuvenation await at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. With more men prioritizing self-care and wellness, pamper your dad with a much-needed break from the daily grind, where they can choose from a range of luxurious treatments designed to soothe and revitalize, such as the all-time favorite traditional Moroccan Hammam ritual, or a hot stone massage to melt away tension provide deep relaxation.

Immerse in culture and history in Al Baha


Known as the jewel of the south, the enchanting Al Baha Province boasts dense forests, majestic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque valleys, all steeped in a history brimming with ancient traditions, which makes for a wonderful glamping or camping experience.

Discover the region’s vibrant culture and history at the Al Baha Museum, embark in an exhilarating hike along scenic trails in Shada Mountain Park, or wander through the charming narrow alleyways in Al Qala old town, where dad can browse through the local shops brimming with handicrafts, souvenirs, and aromatic spices.

Culinary delights and attractions in Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic district
Better known as ‘Historic Jeddah’ or the Old Town, the Al Balad district of Jeddah is a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting buildings that date back to 7th century.

Treat your dad to the renowned seafood scene when in Jeddah. Nestled along its stunning coastal location, Jeddah boasts a rich seafood culture that is not to be missed. Indulge in the finest selection of freshly caught fish expertly prepared; from delicate filets to hearty seafood platters at Twina Obhur, or immerse in the elegance of Japanese coastal flavors for an unforgettable dining experience at Kuuru.

After a hearty meal, you can cool down from the summer heat in the captivating Fakieh Aquarium, the immersive Jeddah Open Air Museum, and the iconic King Fahd’s Fountain, which casts its enchanting spray along the waterfront.

Find dad the ideal gift or spend the day at one of Saudi’s many shopping destinations

Boulevard City: Treat dad to a day of excitement with thrilling activities and delicious cuisines at different food corners in Boulevard City, a one-stop entertainment and relaxation hub for families of all ages to enjoy. Besides fun zones and virtual reality game experiences for thrill seekers, fitness enthusiasts can also try their hand (or fist) at Mike Tyson’s Boxing Club.

Red Sea Mall: Nestled near the picturesque Waterfront Promenade along the Corniche, the Red Sea Mall stands as one of Jeddah’s premier shopping destinations. Pick out dad’s favorites within the vast array of international brands and entertainment options.

Jeddah Boulevard: For the modern dad who appreciates a contemporary shopping experience amidst sleek architecture, Jeddah Boulevard offers a delightful mix of retail therapy and culinary delights.

Mall of Arabia: Make Father’s Day a family affair at the Mall of Arabia, which offers many entertainment options. With attractions like the beloved Kidzania indoor game village, both kids and dads can have a blast.

It has never been easier, smoother, and safer to visit Saudi – visa initiatives have been continuously developed, with the eVisa program now including 66 countries, reduction of the total price of the eVisa by 20%, as well as the free 96-hour Stopover Visa. To learn more about Saudi and experiencing all the unique experiences with your family, visit https://www.visitsaudi.com/en for more information. Plan your unforgettable trip today!

Business Confidence in Pakistan Inches Up: OICCI Survey

Business Confidence in Pakistan Inches Up, While Inflation, Taxation, and Policy Concerns Cloud Future Outlook : OICCI Survey
Business confidence in Pakistan has improved by 4 percent, though it remains in the negative, as reflected in the 25th Wave of the Business Confidence Index (BCI) survey conducted by the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI). The survey was conducted across Pakistan during March-April 2024.
Rehan Shaikh, President of OICCI, stated, “The OICCI Business Confidence Index has shown some positive signs of economic recovery, rising to negative 14 percent in March-April 2024 from negative 18 percent in the previous survey of October- November 2023. This upward trend,” Rehan continued, “albeit small, indicates a more optimistic business environment, supported by improving economic growth, a stable exchange rate, and declining inflation”.
Going forward, anticipation of rising inflation, high taxation and inconsistent government policies have been expressed as key threats to the business growth by the survey respondents.
The OICCI BCI results reflects feedback from about 80 percent of the GDP stakeholders and comprised of the 43 percent participants from the manufacturing , 36 percent from services  , and 20 percent from the retail/wholesale trade sectors. The sectoral breakdown reveals that compared to the last wave, confidence declined substantially to negative 15 percent among firms in the manufacturing sector, indicating significant challenges confronting this sector. In contrast, the retail sector’s confidence rose by 16 percent from negative 31 percent in previous wave to negative 15 percent in current one, showing the highest improvement among the sectors. The services sector demonstrated signs of optimism, although overall confidence remained negative at negative 14 percent, compared to negative 18 percent in the previous Wave 24.
Secretary General of OICCI, M. Abdul Aleem, discussing the results, expressed ” The main concern for the country highlighted in the Wave 25 BCI survey is the drop in the new investment index to negative 12 percent compared with negative 4 percent in the last wave, which is mainly attributed to ineffective commercial and trade policies and an unclear global security situation. The BCI of OICCI members, randomly included in the survey,” M. Abdul Aleem continued, “was recorded at negative 4 percent, showing a notable decline from positive 3 percent in Wave 24. The global business situation over the past six months and expectations about the next six months are the main driving factors for this drop in foreign investors’ confidence. However, as seen in the past, the confidence of OICCI members still remains higher than that of non-members”.
Key factors raising concerns over the past six months include political instability (74 percent), fuel prices (70 percent), high inflation (69 percent), and currency devaluation (65 percent). On the positive side, declining inflation, stable exchange rate, better economic growth were recorded as favourable factors, along with improvements in the company and industry business situation.  The BCI survey respondents also foresee continued risk of political stability, rising fuel prices, and rebounding inflation in the future, which restrained their confidence and showed a marginal improvement.

Experience 120FPS gaming with Infinix GT 20 Pro –available in Pakistan now!

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Infinix GT 20 Pro, the official gaming phone of the PUBG Mobile Super League (PMSL), is now available. Targeted towards young gaming enthusiasts, the GT 20 Pro offers up to 120FPS gameplay for PUBG and other game titles.  The processing power of Dimensity 8200 Ultimate 4nm 5G processor paired with a dedicated gaming display chip ensures lossless frames delivering an immersive gaming experience. The GT 20 Pro is now available online on Xpark and in stores nationwide for 99,999/-

GT 20 Pro is equipped with an impressive array of hardware features crafted to offer an unparalleled user experience. At its core lies a MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate 4nm 5G processor, working in tandem with a dedicated display chip to ensure smooth performance and exceptional visuals. This translates to a buttery-smooth 120FPS, allowing for seamless navigation and ultra-responsive gaming. Furthermore, the GT 20 Pro incorporates a stunning 144Hz FHD AMOLED display. This high refresh rate display minimizes motion blur and ensures exceptionally clear visuals, ideal for both casual use and fast-paced gaming. Finally, the GT 20 Pro is equipped with ample RAM and storage, providing 256GB of internal storage, and 24GB RAM out of which 12GB is expandable providing users with the ability to run demanding applications and store a wealth of data without experiencing slowdown.

Simon Feng, the CEO of Infinix Pakistan, recently made a statement regarding the launch of the newly released Infinix GT 20 Pro, “Mobile gaming is exploding globally, and Pakistan is no exception, the Infinix GT 20 Pro is our response to this growing demand. GT 20 Pro is designed to empower the next generation of gamers and push the boundaries of what’s possible on smartphone “

Beyond the core performance features, the GT 20 Pro offers a range of secondary features that elevate the overall user experience. The phone’s striking Mecha loop design offers a visually captivating aesthetic, while dual speakers tuned by JBL deliver immersive and powerful sound. A long-lasting 5000mAh battery ensures you can stay powered throughout the day, and for those who demand even more, the phone supports hyper charge mode. The software experience is kept clean and bloatware-free with Infinix’s XOS 14 built on top of Android 14. This commitment to a clean OS extends to software updates, with Infinix guaranteeing two major Android updates and three years of security patch updates, keeping your phone protected and up-to-date. Gamers will particularly appreciate the inclusion of an esports mode, which optimizes performance and prioritizes resources for a competitive edge. 

For those seeking a touch of personalization, the GT 20 Pro comes in three captivating color options: Mecha Blue, Mecha Silver, and Mecha Orange.
GT 20 Pro is available to order on Xpark and outlets nationwide for PKR 99,999/-.

Karandaaz and PostEx Partner to Digitise Cash on Delivery Payments in Pakistan

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Karandaaz Pakistan, an impact investment platform dedicated to driving sustainable economic growth and strengthening financial and social protection systems for inclusion, announced its partnership with PostEx, a leader in e-commerce logistics with over 20,000 registered merchants and a customer base of over 20 million. This collaboration aims to transform Pakistan’s e-commerce landscape by digitalising cash-on-delivery (COD) payments.

This partnership falls under Karandaaz’s e-commerce value chain digitalisation initiative, which seeks to revolutionise the e-commerce industry with a particular focus on converting cash to digital payments, fostering a vibrant digital economy with new opportunities.

Cash on Delivery (COD) remains the dominant payment method in e-commerce, accounting for approximately 90% of all transactions. This heavy reliance on cash presents a significant growth hurdle for the e-commerce industry, leading to operational inefficiencies and costs associated with managing liquidity.

Despite the demand for digital payments at the doorstep, there is currently a lack of available payment options for customers. This partnership aims to address this issue by introducing various digital payment methods, such as QR codes, pay-by-link, and software point-of-sale systems, at the customer’s doorstep.

The project will be rolled out as a pilot in six major cities to assess customers’ value proposition and willingness to adopt these payment methods, and to evaluate the business case for digital payments for e-commerce service providers. The goal is to drive cashless transactions and gather valuable insights that demonstrate the benefits of going digital, thereby influencing e-commerce industry transformation.

Waqas ul Hasan, CEO Karandaaz, stated: “This collaboration is a significant milestone in our mission to establish a cashless economy in Pakistan. By advancing our broader agenda of creating a digital nation, we aim to contribute towards economic growth and development through innovative financial solutions. Our partnership with PostEx is crucial in realising our vision of a digitally empowered Pakistan, where seamless digital transactions become the norm, benefiting both consumers and businesses alike.”

Jawad Mirza, CEO PostEx Logistics, emphasised: “To tackle one of the biggest challenges in Pakistan, cash, we need to come up with innovative solutions to unlock the real potential of Pakistan. It is partnerships like these that have the potential to really push the markets in the right direction. Understanding the unique needs of the consumers and building innovative solutions is the only way to digitise COD, which contributes to over 95% of total transactions in ecommerce. Having over 30% of the market share, PostEx is well positioned to reach the masses, and with the help of Karandaaz, will be able to educate and enable millions for digital payments.”

Sharjeel Murtaza, Director of Digital Financial Services at Karandaaz, commented: “E-commerce has been a crucial driver of economic growth globally. The dominance of cash transactions has been a significant barrier which has to be removed with innovative solutions. Our pilot program with PostEx targets one of the biggest barriers, that is lack of trust, in local context. Simply put, it is the fear of not receiving what has been ordered despite the payment being processed at the time of ordering and no credible pathway to dispute resolution. With this partnership, we will enable digital payments at the door step which will not only help resolve the challenges related to cash in circulation instantly, but also induce the required trust in digital payments. By leveraging the learnings, we aim to build a robust digital payment ecosystem that enhances the consumer experience and fuels the growth of e-commerce businesses in Pakistan.”

Karandaaz’s collaboration with PostEx marks a significant effort towards realising a digital ecosystem. This transformative initiative aims to revolutionise the e-commerce payment landscape, promote the digital economy, and foster sustainable economic growth in Pakistan.

BankIslami Celebrates Completion of Umeed Digital Certifications

BankIslami Celebrates Completion of Umeed Digital Certifications Program Distribution Ceremony.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Building on their dedication to youth empowerment, BankIslami, Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank, proudly announces the successful completion of the BankIslami Umeed Digital Certifications Program on May 31, 2024 where 50 students were awarded with certificates. A ceremony was held at the IBA, Karachi to honor the participants who completed the Diploma in Digital Marketing with AI.

The program commenced on September 25, 2023, provided participants with clear objectives, and the exciting opportunities ahead. This event marked an important milestone to empower Pakistan’s youth with essential digital skills. Fully funded by BankIslami, the program focused on the bank’s firm commitment to invest in Pakistan’s future leaders by offering them easy access to essential education.

Addressing the graduates, the spokesperson of BankIslami emphasized the transformative potential of their education, stating that BankIslami recognizes the importance of equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed in the digital age. 

CICT Officials at IBA Karachi, Ms. Mahwish Ahmed and Dr. Irfan Nabi, extended a warm welcome to the students. They also conveyed heartfelt gratitude to BankIslami for collaborating in this initiative and emphasized that the goal of this partnership is to empower the youth of Pakistan with cutting-edge skills in business and technology.

The event featured representatives from BankIslami and notable guests including Mustafa Shiraz from the State Bank, Dr. Shakeel Khoja, Riaz Soomroo, and Sadaf Anees from BBSHRDDB.

BankIslami’s partnership with IBA Karachi is designed to equip students with essential technical skills while fostering an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset. This initiative perfectly aligns with BankIslami’s commitment to shape a brighter future for Pakistan by equipping its youth with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in the digital era.

realme C63 is set to be the first smartphone in the realme C series

realme Prepares to Launch the First Ever Premium Vegan Leather Back Smartphone, realme C63

realme, the fastest-growing smartphone brand globally, is gearing up to launch the realme C63 in Pakistan. The realme C63 is set to be the first smartphone in the realme C series, and in its current price range, to feature a premium vegan leather back cover. Additionally, the smartphone offers exclusive 45W fast charging, allowing 1 minute of charging for 1 hour of call time, and is packed with innovative AI experiences. The device also boasts a 50MP main camera, providing clearer details in photos and enabling users to capture stunning shots effortlessly.

The Only Flagship Vegan Leather Design

The realme C63 has been designed with a premium vegan leather back cover, a feature previously reserved for flagship phones. This design not only offers a superior texture but also boasts significant practical benefits. The vegan leather used in the realme C63 is resistant to scratches and abrasions, ensuring durability and maintaining its premium look over time. The coarse lychee pattern selected for the back shell enhances grip, providing both visual and tactile enjoyment. Furthermore, the realme C63 includes the only metal lens deco in its price segment, offering greater strength and a refined texture.

45W Fast Charge and 5000mAh Battery with Segment-only TÜV Rheinland Safe Fast-Charge System Certification

The realme C63 is equipped with the first 45W fast charger in its price segment, capable of charging the phone up to 50 percent in just 30 minutes and providing 1 hour of talk time with only 1 minute of charging. Additionally, the realme C63 has received the TÜV Rheinland Safe Fast-Charge System Certification, indicating that its charging system has undergone rigorous testing to meet the highest safety standards. Powered by an octa-core architecture chip, the realme C63 delivers exceptional performance and efficiency.

Flagship-Level AI Experience Accessible: Air Gestures, Rainwater Touch, and Mini Capsule 2.0

The realme C63 introduces groundbreaking AI features, such as Air Gestures and Rainwater Smart Touch, previously exclusive to the realme numbers and GT series. These features are designed based on user insights, enabling navigation without touching the screen. Air Gestures allow users to watch videos and answer calls hands-free while eating, exercising, or cooking. Rainwater Smart Touch ensures smooth usage even in wet conditions. The C63 also includes AI call noise reduction and the highly acclaimed Mini Capsule 2.0 function.

Stay tuned for more updates on the official release date and availability in the market.

 

“Jutt and Juliet 3” is set to release in cinemas on June 27, 2024

Memorable Collaboration Brings “Je Main Rab Hunda” to Life in Upcoming “Jutt and Juliet 3”.

Pakistan (Nut Desk) We are thrilled to announce the completion of an extraordinary musical collaboration between renowned artists Bilal Saeed, Diljit Dosanjh, and Jaani. Together, they have created the soulful, romantic, and captivating Punjabi song “Je Main Rab Hunda” for the highly anticipated film “Jutt and Juliet 3.”

Bilal Saeed, known for his heartfelt compositions, teamed up with the iconic Diljit Dosanjh and the talented lyricist Jaani to bring this beautiful song to fruition. Their combined efforts have resulted in a track that promises to resonate deeply with audiences.

“Jutt and Juliet 3” is set to release in cinemas on June 27, 2024. Stay tuned for the release and experience the magic of “Je Main Rab Hunda.”

Experts urge to use AI solutions for enhance productivity

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Experts urged industry and academia to adopt modern and
latest tool of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and solutions to
enhance research, development and productivity in every field
including business and academics.

Speaking at the seminar “Emerging Trends in Social Science Studies”
organized by University of Karachi, An AI expert Adnan Zaidi said the
field of artificial intelligence will continue to explore new domains
to assist human efforts in achieving productivity with maximum
accuracy and efficiency in a short span of time, hence utilizing it
will give a competitive edge to its users on a long-term basis whether
it is industry or media.

For instance, he said, an AI tool could read hundreds of newspapers
and inform its users about the category of news in few seconds which a
researcher does in a few years.

He mentioned that AI tools and solutions are replacing human workforce
is different areas even industries, hence the role of human talent
will shift to creative tasks like critical thinking, strategic
planning and decision making.

The AI is the evolving field having achieved its 30% potential by now,
its strength will be explored up to 70% by globally renowned companies
till 2030, Dr Adnan Zaidi, CEO Proxima AI.

Another AI expert Dr Umair Arif said AI will replace various jobs and
trades inevitably in the future but at the same time it will provide
opportunities for human beings to switch their roles by acquiring more
productive and facilitative roles.

There are number of professions are likely to be irrelevant, but a
number of new ones will emerge in the next few years. People should
not afraid of AI but they should learn to use it effectively, he
remarked.

He mentioned that Pakistani industries are slowly adopting AI
solutions but a majority of these are reluctant to acquire this new
technology in their businesses because of investment in technology.

The utilization of technology will give a competitive edge to a
company over its competitors worldwide, said Dr Umair Arif, AI
consultant at Hexalyze.

On the occasion, Dr Fauzia Naz while chairing a session on AI
integration in the media said the AI poses a great challenge to
academics when it comes to assessments of research and learning, as
students and scholars are easily using AI tools like ChatGPT for
completing their assignments.

We are now transforming our way of assessment through focusing on
analytical and learning strength of students through skills of viva,
presentation, discussion and communications, she added.

Renowned director Adnan Qazi, celebrated for his visionary work.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Renowned director Adnan Qazi, celebrated for his visionary work and exceptional storytelling, is set to direct Bilal Saeed’s rendition of “Je Main Rab Honda” for Diljit Dosanjh’s highly anticipated film Jatt and Juliet 3 Known for his ability to create visually stunning and emotionally captivating scenes, Qazi’s direction is expected to bring a new level of brilliance to this project. Adding to the excitement, the immensely talented Bilal Saeed, famous for his soulful voice and heartfelt compositions, will be lending his vocals to this song. Saeed’s unique musical style and Qazi’s artistic direction promise to create a spectacular auditory and visual experience for fans. With both Qazi and Saeed’s remarkable talents coming together, the release of “Je Main Rab Honda” is eagerly awaited by fans who are anticipating an extraordinary collaboration. This song, with its blend of Qazi’s incredible direction and Saeed’s powerful vocals, is set to be a highlight in Diljit Dosanjh’s film, promising to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.