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Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

SAS, the leader in analytics, further fosters its long-standing relationship with the multinational engineering company Descon Engineering Limited. Descon has chosen SAS as its trusted partner to develop an innovative and highly customized solution that enables qualified analysis and decision-making based on reliable data. Recognized globally for its quality, safety and on-time delivery of projects and products, Descon provides comprehensive solutions ranging from project conception to the establishment of fully operational facilities in industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and power, among others. In accordance with worldwide standards and regulatory requirements, the company has implemented sustainability related frameworks, such as Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), Lessons Learnt, and Health Safety Environment (HSE). For Descon to evaluate the effectiveness of these frameworks and to continue progress towards its sustainability and operational goals, accurate and transparent reporting was essential. “Since multiple business management and monitoring activities were mostly carried out using semi-automated spreadsheets that required a significant amount of manual effort, human mistakes and delayed reporting were unavoidable,” said Tahir Mehmood, Head Digitalization at Descon. “Through the implementation of SAS Governance and Compliance Manager (GCM), we were able to create a tailored solution that precisely met our unique needs, ensuring interoperability with our proprietary business processes developed over many decades of operation. This allowed us to make qualified analyses and decisions based on reliable data.” With SAS GCM, Descon has developed a reliable and user-friendly solution that senior executives can trust for shaping opinions and decision making. Instead of worrying about data consolidation, managers and analysts can now immediately identify areas for improvement by rapidly analyzing the available data. Having the capacity to track the history of records has also assisted Descon in better understanding the sequence of events. Ultimately, SAS has enabled Descon to become curiosity-driven, leading to better insights, decisions and growth. In addition, the flexibility of the SAS platform allows Descon to further improve the solution in response to evolving business dynamics. Salem AbouFakhr. Senior Customer Success Manager at SAS Middle East stated: “As organizations strive to digitally transform with agility and speed while maintaining regulatory compliance, analytically driven decision making is becoming a critical differentiator. SAS brings the best-in-class analytics and AI to nearly every industry, building solutions to fit specific organizational needs, regardless of company size. Due to the innovative nature of this project, the Descon team’s tireless efforts and the assistance of local SAS partner TRA, played an instrumental role in this successful outcome”. From banking, where decisioning is used to provide more personalized customer experiences or to prevent fraud, to manufacturing, where AI-driven organizations make confident decisions on quality or supply chain optimization, SAS is effectively helping businesses across all industries make transparent and explainable decisions to build trust for the long term and outpace tomorrow.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The Office of Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion (ODAI) under the umbrella of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi and ConnectHear jointly hosted a one-of-its-kind ‘ACCESS.ABILITY.CAREERS 2024’ at the IBA Main Campus. The career fair focused on supporting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) or special needs and promoted inclusivity and accessibility on campus.

ConnectHear is a social enterprise led by aspiring youth working for sign language accessibility and deaf-inclusion in Pakistan.

IBA-ODAI aims to support and facilitate students with ongoing or temporary disabilities and special needs by providing services for learning and inclusion to enable academic and personal success. IBA-ODAI collaborated with ConnectHear as a community partner to host this event and is proud to have opened its doors for other university students to attend and benefit from.

Thirty-three organizations and seven hundred PWDs were invited to participate and were provided a platform to connect with potential employers and explore career opportunities in a supportive environment.

Several distinguished guests spoke about diversity and differently abled individuals, raised awareness about accessibility challenges faced in Pakistan, and emphasized on creating a more inclusive environment within the ecosystem.

Welcoming the audience, Co-Founder & CEO, ConnectHear, Azima Dhanjee; and Co-Founder & CTO, Arhum Ishtiaq; expressed their gratitude on the fruition of the successful fair. Mr. Ishtiaq shared that seven years ago, they embarked on a mission to make spaces accessible for everyone, regardless of their abilities. He opined that success for his team meant an abundance of inclusive hiring and onboarding because of this fair. He urged the audience to continue breaking down barriers and strive for a more inclusive future for everyone.

Former First Lady of Pakistan and Chief Guest, Samina Alvi, shared her thoughts on the work of ConnectHear and STEM Charter as an important social challenge for Pakistan. She commended it as a very good effort to improve empowerment and rightful inclusion of PWDs. She also shared that the biggest policy change brought and implemented is of 5% quota in private and public sectors for disabled persons.

Country Head of Human Resources, Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan, Muhammad Umar, presented the keynote, emphasizing that we must change our perspective on what we can and cannot do. “Today we are here to celebrate our abilities, not disabilities. To create an inclusive society, we need to ensure equal opportunities for everyone as every individual brings different skills and talents to the table. Organizations can and must play their role in building an infrastructure that ensures inclusivity for PWDs”, said Mr. Umar.

Dean Student Affairs IBA, Maheen Ghauri stated that the IBA has always facilitated students and staff who are differently abled. When ConnectHear approached IBA for this initiative, the Institute supported the idea wholeheartedly. She emphasized that every individual is diverse, and each has their own distinct abilities. She added

that it takes a village to create awareness and provide more opportunities. Today it is 400 people and tomorrow it could translate into millions.

The event also featured a panel discussion on ‘Jobs for People with Disabilities in Pakistan: What’s Happening Now’. 

Participants met with companies to discuss potential job opportunities and avenues for professional success. The event’s success highlights the commitment of ConnectHear and IBA Karachi to promote accessibility and inclusivity in Pakistan.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

TECNO Pakistan, renowned for its innovative smartphone solutions, announces an exciting promotion on its latest flagship smartphone, the CAMON 30. This cutting-edge technology marvel is now available in the market at a jaw dropping range 55,000 – 57000 PKR, a significant markdown from its standard retail price of PKR 62,999. This limited-time offer is valid until May 31st, providing tech enthusiasts with the perfect opportunity to elevate their smartphone experience.

TECNO has consistently prioritized delivering excellence in service to its esteemed patrons. In line with this commitment, their latest introduction of the smartphone series, CAMON 30, meticulously crafted with high-end features and an exquisite premium design, is a treat for users. As a generous gesture, this exceptional device is now available at an irresistible price point, marking yet another milestone in the brand’s portfolio to provide unparalleled value to its customers.

To avail this offer, simply visit the official TECNO Pakistan website online or drop by your nearest offline store. Don’t miss out on this incredible deal – act now to grab your CAMON 30 at this unbeatable price. Remember, this offer is valid only until May 31st, so make sure to take advantage of it before it’s too late!

International Packaging Films Limited IPO Receives Overwhelming Response from Investors!

 Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The book-building process of International Packaging Films Limited’s (IPAK) Initial Public Offer (IPO) has concluded with an over subscription of 1.73 times, the company said today.

“The IPO received an overwhelming response from institutional investors and high-net worth individuals as the strike price clocked in at Rs 25.2 per share, higher than the floor price of Rs 21 the leading flexible packaging films manufacturer of the country said in a statement.

International Packaging Films Limited is going to raise Rs 1.77 billion in total. Ipak listing is a significant event as Ipak is the largest manufacturer of flexible packaging film.

Several brokerages had issued almost unanimous calls to ‘subscribe,’ which resulted in investor demand amounting to Rs 1.77 billion against the IPO’s book-building size of Rs 1.47 billion at the floor price.

The general public will subscribe to 17,526,364 shares (25 percent of the total offer size) on May 15-16 at the strike price of Rs 25.2, the company said.  The proceed from IPO will be utilized to pay off some of the debts.

Naveed Godil, CEO International Packaging Films Limited, in his message thanked investors for their overwhelming response.

Muhammed Amin, Chairman of International Packaging Films Limited expressed his gratitude for the confidence of investors in the company. He said “ There is a tremendous potential to increase shareholders’ value.  The Board and the management is fully committed to the plan and has a clear strategy of increasing market share, driving growth of domestic market through import substitution and increasing specialized films export”. “ As we grow, a wider number of shareholders will reap the benefits post IPO,” He further said.

International Packaging Films Limited recorded net sales of PKR 19.9 billion in the year 2023 while its gross margin for the financial year 2023 remained 27%. Its profit before tax for year 2023 was 2.9 billion while its net profit after tax was 1.6 billion.  The company’s 3-year revenue CGAR remained at 41%.

The group collectively offers a complete portfolio of packaging solutions, producing BOPP, CPP, and BOPET films, making it the first-ever group in Pakistan to provide one-window flexible packaging solutions, located at two strategically important locations in the country.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Alraedah Digital Solutions, a leading technology company and the
innovation arm of Alraedah Digital Group, is thrilled to announce a
strategic partnership with ABHI, a MENAP-based Fintech specializing in
Earned Wage Access and Invoice Factoring. The collaboration marks a
significant milestone in Alraedah’s commitment to fostering innovation
and driving regional financial inclusion.

Under the terms of the agreement, Alraedah will leverage ABHI’s robust
capabilities to launch a set of innovative financial services in KSA.
The partnership will outline several key provisions which include:

Local Expertise: ABHI will gain access to Alraedah’s expansive
knowledge and understanding of the local Saudi market, to
collaboratively launch innovative financing products in KSA.
Financial Commitment: Alraedah will enable access to $200 million over
the course of three years to develop products that apply ABHI’s
proprietary technology, localized for the Saudi market.

“We are excited to join forces with ABHI to revolutionize the
financial landscape in KSA,” said Paul Melotto, CEO at Alraedah
Digital Solutions. “This partnership underscores our commitment to
fostering innovation and driving economic empowerment through
strategic collaborations. Together, we aim to redefine access to
financial services and empower individuals and businesses across the
region.”

ABHI, founded in 2021, is aimed at increasing financial inclusion
across the region and has been serving Pakistan, UAE, and Bangladesh
through its innovative credit-bridging products. These products
include Earned Wage Access, Invoice Factoring, SME Working Capital &
Revenue Based Financing, and Payroll Solutions, designed to empower
businesses and their employees financially. With a client base of over
1,000 esteemed companies, it actively promotes financial empowerment
and stability to over 750,000 employees across the region and has
processed over $300m in loan value across different geographies. ABHI
is proudly backed by leading investors, including Y Combinator, VEF,
SpeedInvest, Venture Souq, Global Ventures, and Zayn Capital.

“Partnering with Alraedah Digital Solutions represents a
transformative opportunity for ABHI to accelerate our mission of
democratizing access to financial services and supporting the
ambitious goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. With our innovative
financial solutions and Alraedah’s deep local expertise, we are poised
to empower Saudi citizens, embolden the private sector, and foster a
more vibrant, thriving economy. This underscores our shared commitment
to driving meaningful economic diversification, financial inclusion,
and entrepreneurial growth, which are the key pillars of the 2030
Vision. Together, we are confident that we can make significant
strides towards realizing the bold aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030
and creating a more prosperous future for all.” said Omair Ansari, CEO
and Co-founder of ABHI.

ABHI’s entry into the KSA market represents a significant step towards
advancing financial inclusion and expanding access to credit for
underserved communities. The partnership between Alraedah Digital
Solutions and ABHI exemplifies the power of collaboration in driving
meaningful change and unlocking new opportunities for growth and
prosperity.

Alraedah Digital Solutions is a leading technology company
headquartered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With a focus on
innovation and digital transformation, Alraedah empowers businesses
and individuals through cutting-edge solutions in finance, technology,
and beyond.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Innovative Pvt Ltd (IPL) and Diebold Nixdorf (DN) are delighted to announce the celebration of their 25-year partnership milestone, marking a quarter-century of collaborative success in revolutionizing the self-service banking landscape.

Since the inception of their partnership in 1999, IPL and DN have embarked on a journey of innovation, growth, and excellence. IPL, the undisputed market leader in Pakistan and trailblazer in self-service banking solutions, has consistently pushed boundaries to deliver cutting-edge solutions to its clientele.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Naveed Ali Baig, CEO Innovative Pvt Ltd, said, “It is with immense pride and gratitude that we celebrate 25 years of partnership with Diebold Nixdorf. Our collaboration has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of self-service banking in Pakistan and Afghanistan. DN’s constant support and innovative solutions have enabled us to deliver unparalleled value to our customers.”

DN, a world leader in transforming the way people bank and shop, has provided state-of-the-art products and services, enabling IPL to achieve unprecedented milestones in the industry.

Sharing his thoughts on this significant milestone, Mr. Habib Hanna, Managing Director, Middle East & Turkey, Diebold Nixdorf, said, “The enduring partnership between IPL and DN is a testament to our shared commitment to excellence and innovation. Over the past 25 years, we have witnessed remarkable achievements and overcome challenges together. IPL has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance, selling the highest number of ATMs pan-Pakistan for the past three years. Additionally, their recent recognition with the Best Market Penetration Award further highlights their dedication to delivering exceptional value to their customers. We look forward to continuing our journey of collaboration and driving transformative change in the industry.”

IPL and DN’s partnership has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, a customer-centric approach, and a shared vision for the future of self-service banking. As they commemorate this milestone, both companies remain dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and exceeding customer expectations.

Mashreq and Paysys Labs Partner for Innovative Digital Payment Solutions in Pakistan.

• Set to introduce a digital payment solution, integrating instant payment systems including RAAST, RTGS, to improve payment convenience, reliability and speed for customers.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  Mashreq Pakistan, a part of Mashreq which is the leading financial institution in the MENA region and Paysys Labs Pvt Ltd, a leading payment technology provider, today announced a strategic partnership to transform Pakistan’s digital payments landscape.

The collaboration aims to develop an innovative digital payment solution integrating real-time payment systems such as RAAST, RTGS, and various other solutions. Paysys Labs, renowned for its expertise in developing innovative payments technologies, will play a pivotal role in assisting Mashreq in enhancing its digital payment offerings and ensuring that its customers enjoy seamless, secure access to an expanded universe of digital banking functionalities and services.

Muhammad Hamayun Sajjad, Chief Executive Officer, Mashreq Pakistan, highlighted the significance of this partnership, stating, “At Mashreq Pakistan, we are committed to support Pakistan’s growth by empowering its people through banking innovation, superior customer experience and financial accessibility for all. We are not just establishing a digital bank, but are here to introduce a comprehensive banking solution that resonates with today’s digital-first world. This partnership is a major milestone on our journey to realize that vision in Pakistan. Collaborating with Paysys, a leader in Pakistan’s vibrant fintech scene, we are poised to deliver a next-generation payment experience that sets new standards for convenience, speed and reliability.”

Karim Jindani, Chief Executive Officer, Paysys Labs, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This partnership reflects Paysys Labs’ commitment to innovation and excellence in the fintech sector. We are excited to work with Mashreq to enhance digital payment solutions in Pakistan, ultimately creating a more inclusive and efficient payment ecosystem.”

This innovative partnership aims to enhance digital payment solutions for customers across Pakistan. Mashreq’s customers will enjoy an end-to-end digital onboarding and experience real-time instant payments backed by Paysys’ unified payments platform.

With over 50 years of banking excellence across the Middle East and North Africa, Mashreq is at the forefront of transforming emerging markets through inclusive finance. Mashreq is actively progressing towards acquiring a restricted license from the State Bank of Pakistan to initiate pilot digital retail banking operations in Pakistan.

 

 

 

 

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Coca-Cola received Governor’s Appreciation Certificate at a ceremony in Lahore.

This certificate, the highest form of appreciation from the Governor’s office, was awarded in recognition of Coca-Cola’s vision and its innovative approach to adopt principles of sustainability throughout its operations. Director Public Affairs & Stakeholder Management, Dr. Faisal Hashmi received the award on behalf of the company.

The recognition is for the company’s initiatives on environmental and social sustainability as part of its portfolio for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), in particular to honor the company being the first to receive rPET approval, Pakistan’s first plastic road initiative that Punjab is adopting and being part of awareness building on plastic circularity.

“This recognition of our role as a thought leader reinforces our commitment to work cross-sectionally and streamline collections, as most of our bottling partner plants are located in Punjab province.,” said Faisal Hashmi. Coca-Cola’s bottling partner, Coca-Cola İçecek a Turkish investor with operations nationwide employing about a million people along the chain.

Coca-Cola has pledged that it to work towards recycling about 6000 MT of plastic in 2024 and is working with the government and packaging alliance, CoRE, to formulate a regulatory path for Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET).

This year, Coca-Cola along with its partners, Capital Development Authority (CDA) and National Incubation Center (NIC), will mark the three-year anniversary of the first-ever plastic road of Pakistan. This 1 KM road, thrice as durable, was built in Islamabad under a public-private partnership, using 10,000 tonnes of recyclable plastic and demonstrates scalable ways to reuse un-recyclable plastic.