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Philip Morris International Demonstrates Clear Progress Toward Its Purpose as It Releases 2023 Integrated Report.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  Philip Morris International (“PMI”) has released its fifth annual Integrated Report, which outlines the company’s ongoing work to advance toward its 2025 Roadmap goals, with the primary focus on addressing the health impacts of the company’s products.

The 2023 Integrated Report highlights PMI’s continued expansion of smoke-free alternatives in markets worldwide including Pakistan, as well as social and environmental programs deployed with and in parallel to these products—including the deployment of responsible marketing and sales practices and efforts to reduce post-consumer waste. Further, PMI reports its progress toward fostering an empowered and inclusive workplace, improving the quality of life of people in its supply chain, decarbonizing its operations and value chain, and preserving nature and biodiversity.

“2023 was a year marked by unity, determination, and a continued commitment to our vision of a smoke-free future,” said Jacek Olczak, CEO of Philip Morris International. “As we encounter new challenges, our people’s enduring resilience, exceptional talent, and depth of purpose ensure we are well-equipped to continue our journey—pursuing progress, embracing innovation, and fostering sustainability.”

PMI’s supply chain sustainability efforts include water stewardship certification, aiming to optimize 25 million m³ of water by 2033.  The “Laser Land Leveler” project, which entails using laser technology to enhance traditional land leveling, contributes to this goal. We also prioritize employee well-being through various initiatives such as enhanced medical entitlements and one medical plan for all employees.

“At PMPKL, we believe that openness drives positive transformation, and PMI’s Integrated Report embodies company’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of governance and sustainability,” stated Uroos Ahmed, Head of Communication, at PMPKL. “We are proud to share our triumphs, learnings, and bold ambitions as we strive to create lasting value for our stakeholders and make a meaningful impact on the communities, we operate in.”

 PMI’s sustainability strategy addresses two distinct forms of topics: those related to its products (what the company produces), which are part of the “Product Impact” pillar, and those related to its business operations (how the company produces), which are part of the “Operational Impact” pillar.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  The Professional Accountants in Business (PAIB) Committee of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) organized CFO Conference 2024 on theme “Curating Responsible Growth: Innovate, Illuminate, and Integrate,” at a local hotel.

Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister of Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, in his address, emphasized the critical role of responsible growth in shaping sustainable economic development. He highlighted the need for innovative strategies, illuminating insights, and integrated approaches to drive progress while ensuring accountability, transparency, and inclusivity in the development agenda. He underscored that peace, political stability, and continuous reforms are indispensable cornerstones for Pakistan’s success, with CFOs poised to play a vital role in driving this transformative agenda forward.

In his compelling address, Mr. Farrukh Rehman, President ICAP, underscored the imperative of curating growth with a conscientious approach. He emphasized that sustainable, ethical expansion, aligned with the organization’s long-term vision, is paramount for enduring success. He highlighted the need for innovation in financial management, urging CFOs to explore new technologies, strategies, and business models to drive growth while maintaining financial integrity and social responsibility.

In his presentation on “CA Pakistan and its Contribution,” Muhammad Maqbool, Council Member ICAP, eloquently delineated the profound impact of chartered accountants on the socio-economic landscape. He emphasized how their expertise and ethical stewardship have not only facilitated business growth but also fostered financial stability and integrity within the nation. Furthermore, Maqbool accentuated the pivotal role of CA Pakistan in shaping a prosperous future, inspiring the next generation of financial leaders to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.

The highly anticipated panel discussion on the intriguing topic of “From Vision to Value: CFOs to Drive the Growth” featured esteemed guests who shared invaluable insights, strategic perspectives, and actionable strategies to navigate the evolving financial landscape and drive organizational growth. The guests included Mr.  Aneel Peter, Chairman NRC ICAP, Mr. Amin Rajput, Deputy Managing Director SSGC, Ms. Amna Zaidi, Transformation Specialist and Mr. Ali Imran Chaudhry, CEO, Engro Enfrashare.

The engaging dialogue on “Illuminating Investments” saw esteemed panelists delve into innovative strategies, insightful analyses, and visionary approaches to maximize returns, mitigate risks, and foster sustainable growth in an ever-evolving investment landscape. The esteemed guests were Mr, Azfar Ahsan, Founder & Chairman, Nutshell Group and Mr. Zeeshan Ijaz, Vice President ICAP. In his address, Mr. Samiullah Siddiqui, Council Member ICAP, shared the conference objectives, vision, and ICAP’s substantial contributions to the finance and economic sector of Pakistan. He highlighted the significance of the conference and its direct relevance to professionals in the business and finance fields.

The eagerly awaited panel discussion on the compelling theme of ‘Unveiling Economic Landscapes’ highlighted trends, challenges, and strategies for navigating diverse economic landscapes, offering valuable insights into maximizing opportunities and mitigating risks in various economic contexts. It brings together a distinguished panel of experts who share invaluable insights and perspectives. Among them are Mr. Ashfaq Yousuf Tola, Former Minister of State and Former President ICAP, Dr. Amjad Waheed, CEO NBP FUNDS, Dr. Vaqar Ahmed, Joined Executive Director SDPI Pakistan and Muhammad Awais, Council Member ICAP.

Irfan Siddiqui, President & CEO, Meezan Bank Ltd, delivered a keynote presentation on ‘Seizing Opportunities, Harnessing Potentials, and Confronting Challenges: Path to Growth.’ He navigated the audience through a comprehensive exploration of strategies for capitalizing on opportunities, unlocking potentials, and effectively confronting challenges in the journey towards growth. Mr. Siddiqui emphasized the importance of agility, innovation, and resilience in today’s dynamic business landscape. The next segment featured a dialogue on “Curating Competitive Models for Dynamic Markets” between Ms. Jahanara Sajjad Ahmad, Group Governance & Financial Advisor and Mr. Salman Amin, Member, Competition commission of Pakistan GOP. They delved into an in-depth exploration of strategies for crafting competitive models tailored to dynamic market environments. They discussed innovative approaches, market trends, and regulatory frameworks shaping competitive dynamics.

Mr. Saquib Ahmed, Head SAP Pakistan, Iran Afghanistan & Bahrain on his presentation on “Technology for All”. He discussed the transformative potential of technology in fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development. Mr. Ahmed highlighted the role of technological innovations in overcoming barriers to access and promoting digital inclusion across diverse sectors and demographics. The panel discussion on “Surfing the Wave of Digitization: Assessing Our Readiness” shed light on the transformative impact of digitization across industries and sectors. The panel included Mr. Anas Farook, CFO OGDCL, Mr. Badar Khushnood, Co-Founder Bramerz, Mr. Ayub Ghauri, Executive Director Netsol Technologies and Mr. Sajjad Syed, Chairman Excellence Delivered. They discussed the opportunities and challenges posed by rapid digitization, emphasizing the need for organizations to adapt and innovate in the digital age.

The panel discussion on “Thriving Responsibly Beyond Green Horizon” highlighted the imperative for businesses to embrace sustainability as a core driver of growth and innovation. The guests included Mr. Adnan Younus Lodhi, Policy Advisor GRASP Project UN-ITC Geneva, Ms. Humera Qasim Khan, Climate transformational and Environmental specialist, Mr. Adnan Shafqat, COO Beyond Carbon and Mr. Bilal Anwar, CEO NDRMF.

The well attended conference provided a platform to leading industry experts and business professionals to discuss, debate and seek pragmatic solutions of emerging business and finance issues.

Dubai (Nut Desk)

NymCard, a leading embedded finance solutions provider in
MENAP, has signed a strategic partnership with Dellsons Associates
(Pvt) Ltd, a renowned banking consultancy firm, to promote innovation
in the fintech landscape and empower businesses across the Middle East
and Pakistan.

The strategic alliance will synergize NymCard’s cutting-edge
technology with Dellsons’ regional expertise and industry connections
in the financial and banking sectors. The partnership agreement was
officially signed at the recent Dubai Fintech Summit.

Under this collaboration, Dellsons will act as a partner agent,
referring new business opportunities, client deals, and valuable
contacts to NymCard, focusing on the fintech and banking sectors in
the UAE and Pakistan. Dellsons’ extensive network and industry
knowledge, coupled with NymCard’s innovative solutions, create a
powerful alliance to revolutionize the financial services landscape.

“NymCard’s objective is to transform the embedded financial sector by
introducing innovative value propositions. We are excited to partner
with Dellsons Associates, believing the synergies from this
collaboration would catalyze cross-regional expansion for both
institutions”, said Shiraz Ali, Chief Business Officer at NymCards.

Ibrahim Amin, Dellson Associates, Chairman, added: “We at Dellsons
Associates are working in Pakistan and Middle East region to promote
fintech innovation, financial inclusion, and digitization of
cross-border channels of remittances to facilitate different states.
Our key objective is to bring social and economic development through
technological solutions, collaborations with emerging players, and
networking with communities in Pakistan, the UAE, and different
countries of the Middle East and South Asia.”

Tufail Ahmed Khan, CEO of Dellsons Associates UAE, said:  “Pakistan
and UAE are two emerging states that can boost regional economies on
different fronts, including collaboration in two key areas—technology
and finance. We at Dellsons are connecting two states, private sector
institutions, and communities through various platforms, mainly
through conferences and exhibitions.”

Gujranwala (Muhammad Yasir)

Yadea (Eiffel Industries Ltd), the globally renowned leader in electric vehicles, celebrated the grand opening of its newest showroom in Gujranwala with a spectacular ceremony on May 06, 2024. Located on GT Road Near DC Colony, the expansive 2200 sqft store boasts a complete range of products available in all colors, providing customers with a premium shopping experience.

At the heart of the grand opening is the unveiling of Yadea’s flagship models, showcasing cutting-edge technology and unparalleled performance. Among the highlights are the Yadea T5 featuring TTFAR technology, the Ruibin with an impressive mileage of 100 km, and the G5 equipped with 12-inch tires and front and rear disc brakes, a favorite among European and American riders.

“We are thrilled to bring Yadea’s world-class electric vehicles to Gujranwala,” said Mr. Muhammad Salman, Managing Director of Yadea Pakistan. “Our showroom is not just a place to shop; it’s an immersive experience where customers can discover the future of mobility firsthand.”

The grand opening ceremony was graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Mr. Alex Zhao, Director Sales South Asia, and Mr. Muhammad Adeel Usman, Director of Eiffel Industries Ltd. Speaking at the event, Mr. Zhao expressed his enthusiasm for Yadea’s expansion in Pakistan, stating, “We are excited to witness the growing demand for electric vehicles in Pakistan and are committed to providing innovative and sustainable mobility solutions to meet the needs of consumers.”

In addition to an extensive product range, the showroom is fully equipped with after-sales spare parts and service equipment, ensuring that customers receive top-notch support and maintenance throughout their ownership journey. To further enhance customer convenience, Yadea Gujranwala offers complimentary door-to-door service for all customers in need.

Yadea’s mission is to provide global users with a wonderful journey, while their vision is to serve worldwide users and become a world-class enterprise. With a commitment to cleaner and greener solutions, Yadea aims to transform the Pakistani landscape, offering eco-friendly alternatives to combat pollution and promote healthier living for communities and citizens across Pakistan. Join us at Yadea Gujranwala and experience the world’s number one best-selling two-wheeler brand firsthand.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

JS Bank, one of the fastest-growing banks in the country, has partnered with Euronet Pakistan, a division of Euronet Worldwide and a global payment processing and transaction services provider, to elevate its Debit Card Management and ATM driving services.

This agreement will enable JS Bank to efficiently manage its credit and debit card portfolio and offer enhanced services to its customers, using Euronet’s robust infrastructure in payment processing technology. This move will also enable operational efficiency for the Bank by consolidating both card services via a single partner.

Through this agreement, Euronet Pakistan will deploy its advanced technological infrastructure to manage the processing services for JS Bank’s debit card, along with its comprehensive network of ATMs across Pakistan. This initiative is aimed at significantly enhancing the banking experience for customers, offering them seamless, secure, and efficient access to their funds.

“We are committed to delivering top-quality services to our customers,” said Atif Salim Malik, Chief Operating Officer of JS Bank. “By partnering with Euronet, we are not only streamlining our operations but also ensuring our customers receive seamless and secure transactions through our debit card and ATM services.”

“It is with great enthusiasm that we expand our partnership with JS Bank, further growing our footprint in the realm of financial transactions,” stated Mr. Kashif Gaya, CEO of Euronet Pakistan. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to enhance the accessibility and efficiency of banking services in Pakistan, integrating our advanced global technologies and solutions to ensure superior service for JS Bank and its clientele.”

This collaboration between JS Bank and Euronet underscores their shared vision to provide top-quality services to their customers and deliver cutting-edge and dependable financial solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of their customers.

IT Minister inaugurated new branch of MARS BPO to generate 1000 more jobs for ICT sector.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  Mars BPO, a leading name in the BPO industry, announces the inauguration of Mars Capital, its latest branch located in Gulberg Greens Islamabad. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, who officially inaugurated Mars Capital.

Established by entrepreneur Mr. Shoaib Akram, Mars BPO has emerged as a beacon of success in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. With a dedicated team of over 2,000 professionals, Mars BPO has achieved remarkable milestones over the past decade, under his leadership.

Mars Capital signifies a new chapter in the company’s journey, representing its commitment to expansion and growth. This newest addition to the Mars BPO network is set to uphold the company’s reputation for excellence and redefine standards in the industry.

During the inauguration ceremony, the President of Mars BPO highlighted the company’s vision for expansion, and he presented new ideas to broaden Mars’ footprint across Pakistan and beyond.

“The inauguration of Mars Capital marks a significant milestone in our journey, symbolizing our unwavering commitment to expansion and excellence. As we embark on this new chapter, we invite the youth to join us in shaping the future of the BPO industry, where opportunities abound and potential knows no bounds,” said Shoaib Akram, President of Mars BPO.

With a strong focus on youth and women empowerment, Mars BPO aims to create over 1000 new jobs through Mars Capital, providing individuals with opportunities to excel in their careers.

“I am delighted to inaugurate Mars Capital, the latest addition to Mars BPO’s network. The expansion of Mars BPO reflects the dynamism and growth potential of Pakistan’s BPO industry. I commend Mars BPO for its commitment to creating new opportunities and contributing to the country’s economic development. I look forward to witnessing the positive impact Mars Capital will have on job creation and the empowerment of youth and women in the ICT sector.” said Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja

During her visit, honorable Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja was briefed about the services and opportunities offered by Mars BPO. She expressed her support for the BPO industry, recognizing its potential to generate employment and contribute to economic growth.

Salaam Family Takaful Limited obtains the license to operate as the first ever digital only Islamic Life Insurance provider.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Living up to its reputation of creating revolutionary solutions and taking unprecedented initiatives, Salaam Takaful Limited has gone ahead and developed another first, not only in Pakistan, but what is believed to be a first across the globe, a digital only Islamic Life Insurance company, Salaam Family Takaful Limited.

The coveted license was handed over to Mr. Rizwan Hussain, MD and CEO of Salaam Family Takaful Limited by Mr. Akif Saeed, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) in the presence of Salaam Family Takaful’s Shariah board, and their endorsement signified that the new organization with its operations and offerings are completely Shariah compliant.

The company will provide a complete end to end digital offering as per the stipulations and guidelines of SECP. On this occasion, Mr. Rizwan Hussain, MD and CEO of Salaam Family Takaful Limited stated, “With this license of our new company, we will be revealing a new brand very soon, which will not only resonate with our values of customer centricity and innovation but will also introduce the much-needed game changing Islamic Life Insurance and Savings offering, never seen before in Islamic Life Insurance segment across the globe. We have done extensive work in developing a comprehensive infrastructure to be the first ever digital only Life Takaful operator, and in’sha’Allah our products will provide an exquisite digital experience.”

With a lot of details expected in the coming days, the company sources have revealed this much that the products will not be the usual Life Insurance or Family Takaful products available in the market, but disruptive in terms of policyholder benefits and quite unique features, with induction of technology and real time information availability, being another hallmark of the total offering.

Salaam Family Takaful Limited is the subsidiary of Salaam Takaful Limited, a renowned name in Insurance and Takaful industry being the largest general takaful operator in Pakistan. Digital processes and innovative products have been the foundation of their phenomenal success in non-life insurance and takaful arena. With this new company they are entering the world of Life Insurance and Family Takaful, with the same success factors in their stride.

 

PTCL launches SHOQ TV Box to revolutionize television viewing experience in Pakistan.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  Pakistan’s largest telecommunications and integrated ICT services provider, PTCL has launched SHOQ TV Box powered by Android TV by Google, to revolutionize the TV viewing experience and is poised to raise the bar in news and entertainment offering.

The unveiling of the new product took place here in Islamabad at an intriguing event, attended by the leadership of PTCL Group and ZTE. Besides revolutionizing Pakistan’s TV landscape, the development heralds new avenues for global collaborations to bring innovative digital solutions to the Pakistani market.

SHOQ TV is meticulously designed to provide a truly gratifying TV viewing experience for the entire family, empowering them to exercise their undeniable freedom of choice during leisure time. With an extensive selection of 200 Live Television channels with 60 channels in HD and a staggering 15,000 hours of on-demand content, SHOQ TV offers an enriched entertainment bouquet. The SHOQ TV Box puts control back into the hands of users with interactive rewind & play, catch features, on-demand content accessibility, voice-controlled convenience, and personalized content selection options.

The immersive user interface ensures seamless navigation through content, delivering an excellent viewing experience with superior picture quality, enhanced details, and lifelike visuals. With pre-installed apps including SHOQ, Netflix, and YouTube, users can delve into a vast world of entertainment, while the freedom to discover more through the Google Play Store. Moreover, seamless integration with built-in Chromecast allows users to effortlessly cast their favorite content from their mobile devices onto the TV screen.

Speaking at the launch event, President and Group CEO, PTCL & Ufone 4G, Hatem Bamatraf said, “As we unveil SHOQ TV, I want to emphasize that we are not just introducing a product but ushering in a new era of entertainment empowerment. With SHOQ TV, we put the power of choice back into the hands of our customers by offering a seamless blend of innovation, convenience, and immersive viewing experiences. I would like to express my utmost gratitude to Google and ZTE for making this possible. SHOQ TV marks a significant milestone in our commitment to revolutionize the way Pakistanis watch TV, and we are excited to lead the charge into a future where entertainment knows no bounds.”

Sharing his thoughts on the event, Li Guowen, CEO of ZTE Pakistan, remarked, “We are proud of our over 25 years’ partnership with PTCL Group, unveiling ZTE’s Android TV STB. ZTE’s widespread deployment of Android TV Set-Top Boxes (STBs) across more than 45 countries, coupled with partnerships with over 150 operators worldwide, underscores our steadfast commitment to delivering innovative technological solutions. Thanks to PTCL Group’s trust, we will continue to provide the latest solutions and products, and we look forward to continuing our successful partnership.”

SHOQ TV furthers PTCL’s commitment to delivering high quality news and entertainment content to Pakistani users and builds on the success of PTCL’s flagship OTT platform ‘SHOQ’. The company commits to continuing innovation to enhance the digital lifestyles of its customers and provide an all-encompassing telecommunication experience.