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24th ITCN Asia: Govt is encouraging investments in ICT, says Shaza Fatima Khawaja

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Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Shaza Fatima Khawja said the government is encouraging investment in
information and communication technologies (ICTs) through its multiple
flagship projects such as Special Technology Zones (STZs), the
national plan of fiberization across the country, and facilitation for
the affordability of fast broadband internet and smart digital devices
to the masses.

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the 24th edition of ITCN Asia,
“Declaring Pakistan as the Regional ICT Hub,” she said the government
intended to expand its efforts for local manufacturing of laptops
through policy to provide affordable access to digital devices to the
masses and its exports to different countries in the future.

The government is eager to provide an ecosystem to foreign and local
IT companies and investors through policymaking, legislation, skill
development, and infrastructure to tap into the host of opportunities
in Pakistan, she added. Additionally, the government is working
exclusively for inclusivity for the female population to enhance their
participation in the economy through opportunities in education and
IT.

State Minister said that the Special Investment Facilitation Council
(SIFC) has a crucial role in providing trust to stakeholders in the IT
industry, helping to improve hurdles and barriers, and achieving goals
to facilitate business and the growth of the IT industry.

She mentioned that the government formulated the National Digital
Commission to drive the digital ecosystem across the country in three
verticals, including economy, governance, and society, which will also
provide unimaginable opportunities for the private sector.

I am looking forward to IT companies enhancing their contribution to
the global footprint with the support of the government to make
Pakistan a regional and global tech hub, she remarked.

State Minister praised the role of ITCN Asia for providing a
resourceful platform to the public sector institutions, local and
multinational IT companies, foreign investors and delegates to shape
up the direction of IT and telecom sector for the past 24 years

Pakistan has become a member of the Digital Corporation Organization
(DCO), aiming to be a leading partner in the global IT ecosystem
through its high-end services and products.

Deemah Al Yahya, Secretary General of the of the Digital Cooperation
Organization (DCO), said Pakistan has been proactively at the
forefront of harnessing digital transformation to strengthen its
digital economy, which is projected to add $5.9 billion by 2030 to its
economy.

She lauded Pakistan’s initiatives in the digital FDI alliance and its
efforts to set up a conducive environment, infrastructure, and skilled
development of human capital for investors and tech giants.

Pakistan has a crucial role in its region as well as the western
region when it comes to software export as well as the right framework
for collaboration and digital transformation, she said and added.
Pakistan is positioning itself as a magnet for global capital as it is
one of the leading countries for freelancers to thrive in the in the
global gig economy.

Secretary DCO urged Pakistani stakeholders for mutual efforts to
achieve a digital realm that serves humanity worldwide under the
platform of the DCO that connects governments, civil societies, and
academia to gain economic dividends.

Additional Secretary IT and Acting CEO Pakistan Software Export Board
(PSEB), Ayesha Humera Morani, said Pakistan is a lucrative destination
for local and foreign IT companies with its talented human resources,
strategic location, and investor-friendly policy.

The Pakistani IT sector has the potential to serve east and west, as
its workforce could work in double shifts. 24/7. The country could
provide a digital corridor that could connect the Middle East to
Europe and Africa, she said and added. Our country provides
opportunities to multinational companies to save 70% of operational
costs annually.

Chairman PASHA Muhammad Zohaib, Country Education Lead Microsoft
Jibran Jamshed, Adeel Aijaz Sheikh, CEO Ignite, Chairman Netsol Salim
Ghori, Secretary General Islamic Chamber of Commerce Industries and
Agriculture Yousef Hasan Khalawi, and Vice President Ecommerce Gateway
Muhammad Umair Nizam also spoke on the occasion.

Celebrated Actress Naimal Khawar Launches Personal YouTube Channel

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Celebrated Actress Naimal Khawar Launches Personal YouTube Channel to Connect Directly with Fans.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Naimal Khawar, renowned for her captivating performances on screen, is excited to announce the launch of her personal YouTube channel, ‘Naimal Khawar Abbasi.’

The esteemed actress, also known for her prowess in the world of fine artistry, aims to foster a deeper connection with her loyal fanbase by offering an intimate glimpse into her daily life, including her routines, experiences, and personal reflections.

With the advent of her YouTube channel, Naimal Khawar is set to break barriers, inviting fans into her world like never before. From sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of her latest projects to showcasing her artwork and studio endeavors, Naimal Khawar promises an authentic and engaging experience for viewers.

‘I’ve always cherished the unwavering support of my fans,’ says Naimal Khawar. ‘Through my YouTube channel, I’m thrilled to bridge the gap between us, offering a more personal connection and sharing aspects of my life beyond the screen.’

As an artist renowned for her versatility and dedication, Naimal Khawar’s YouTube channel promises to be a hub of inspiration and creativity, inviting fans to embark on a journey alongside her.

Subscribe to ‘Naimal Khawar Abbasi’ https://www.youtube.com/@naimalkhawarr  On YouTube to join Naimal Khawar on this exciting new venture and experience firsthand the magic of her artistry and life.

 

 

SHARMEEN OBAID-CHINOY TO OPEN TRIBECA FESTIVAL

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SHARMEEN OBAID-CHINOY TO OPEN TRIBECA FESTIVAL WITH WORLD PREMIERE OF “DIANE VON FURSTENBERG: WOMAN IN CHARGE”.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  Pakistani filmmaker and two-time Academy Award winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy will headline the opening night of the 2024 Tribeca Festival in New York City, with the world premiere of “Diane von Furstenberg: Woman In Charge”, co-directed by Sharmeen and Trish Dalton.

The documentary chronicles the life of iconic fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, who redefined power dressing for women, and will feature interviews with Oprah Winfrey, Marc Jacobs, and Hillary Rodham Clinton to name a few. The documentary will also premiere on Hulu on June 25th, 2024.

This film dives deep into von Furstenberg’s remarkable career, from the creation of the iconic wrap dress in 1974 – a design that continues to flatter women of all shapes and sizes – to her ongoing role as a cultural icon. “Woman in Charge” promises an unprecedented look at von Furstenberg’s world, capturing both the triumphs and struggles that shaped her journey.

foodpanda and CIRCLE join forces to empower women entrepreneurs

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

foodpanda, Pakistan’s leading delivery platform, is excited to announce its strategic partnership with CIRCLE, a tech organisation dedicated to promoting women’s economic empowerment through digital literacy, technology, and entrepreneurship.

As part of this collaboration, CIRCLE will be providing training to female chefs on using social media, leveraging smartphone capabilities, understanding payment gateways, and utilising tech-based solutions for financial inclusion.

Raafay Munir, Head of Strategic Verticals at foodpanda, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, ” This collaboration has been achieved with the goal of advancing our commitment to supporting diversity, inclusion, and innovation in the food industry. We believe that by providing training, resources, and strategic support, we can unlock the potential of talented female chefs and create new opportunities for growth and success.”

Sadaffe Abid, CEO of CIRCLE, shared her thoughts on the partnership, saying, “By combining foodpanda’s platform with CIRCLE’s expertise in digital literacy and entrepreneurship, we aim to create a positive impact and open doors for women to thrive and succeed in the culinary industry. This partnership highlights our shared commitment to advance economic empowerment and create a more inclusive and equitable society.

In line with its commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, foodpanda will be offering relief on commissions and special concessions to new HomeChefs onboarded through CIRCLE’s training programs. The telesales teams at foodpanda will work closely with each newly onboarded HomeChef, providing them with 30 days of incubation support. This support will include strategic assistance with menu mapping, deals and combos, pricing strategies, regional cuisine popularity, and working hours, acting as trusted business advisors throughout the initial stages of their venture as HomeChefs.

Additionally, foodpanda will conduct dedicated speaking sessions for each specialised batch of trained HomeChefs graduating from CIRCLE’s training programs. These sessions will highlight the value proposition of joining foodpanda’s platform, emphasising the benefits for HomeChefs, ease of business, one-stop solution offerings, and the 30-day incubation support.

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Fly Jinnah Expands International Network

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Fly Jinnah Expands International Network with New Route Connecting Islamabad and Muscat.

  • Starting with a frequency of two weekly flights, the new launch is the second international route from Islamabad and third across the network.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Fly Jinnah, Pakistan’s low-cost carrier, has announced the launch of its new non-stop flights between Islamabad and Muscat in Oman, starting from 10 May 2024. The new route will initially start with a frequency of two weekly flights connecting both cities.

Flight Schedule between Islamabad International Airport and Muscat International Airport, effective 10 May,2024: 

Commenting on the airline’s third international route, Fly Jinnah’s spokesperson said: “Following the successful launch of our international flights connecting Islamabad and Lahore to Sharjah, Fly Jinnah is proud to mark another milestone with the introduction of our third international route from Islamabad to Muscat, the capital city of Oman. This expansion aligns with our commitment to providing our customers with new options for affordable and value driven air travel domestically and internationally.”  

Fly Jinnah remains steadfast in offering convenient and affordable service to its passengers. With its modern fleet of five Airbus A320 aircraft, the airline serves five major cities in Pakistan: Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta. This new route adds to Fly Jinnah’s growing list of international destinations, complementing the existing flight route to Sharjah, UAE.

In addition to the extra comfort provided by the most generous seat-pitch of any economy cabin, the carrier offers affordable and value-driven travel experiences through “SkyCafe” onboard menu where passengers can enjoy a wide variety of delicacies between snacks, sandwiches, and meals at affordable prices. The aircraft is also equipped with “SkyTime”, a free in-flight streaming service that allows passengers to stream a wide selection of entertainment directly to their devices. 

Customers can now book their flights by visiting Fly Jinnah’s website (www.flyjinnah.com), by calling the call centre (111-000-035) or through travel agencies.  

CEO CBD Punjab Strees Walton Railway Crossing Flyover Project Toward Triumph

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA)], also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), is set to accomplish a significant milestone in its infrastructure development project.

According to CEO Imran Amin, CBD Punjab is on track to complete placement of 23 girders within an ambitious timeframe of three working days at the Walton Railway Crossing. With 120 girders already in place, CBD Punjab is poised to intensify its efforts to swiftly conclude the remaining structural components of the flyover. Following productive discussions with Pakistan Railways, it has been mutually agreed upon that CBD Punjab will undertake construction activities during the window of midnight to 6 am for three consecutive days. This strategic decision allows CBD Punjab to focus on the most complex section of the flyover, the Walton railway crossing, ensuring expedited progress while minimizing disruptions to daily commuter traffic and train schedule.

Emphasizing the urgency of the project, CEO Imran Amin affirmed CBD Punjab’s commitment to working tirelessly, even during nighttime hours, to meet project deadlines and deliver on its promises. The dedication of the entire CBD Punjab team underscores their determination to enhance the region’s infrastructure and address pressing transportation challenges. In addition to the progress on the flyover, CBD Punjab has achieved another milestone by completing the asphalt work on CBD Route 47 up to the MSC wall slope, which will seamlessly connect the flyover to CBD Punjab Route 47. This crucial development will provide a direct and efficient route from Walton Road to the Main Boulevard Gulberg, significantly alleviating traffic congestion and improving the overall flow of vehicular movement in the area.

CEO Imran Amin expressed his optimism about the positive impact of the project’s completion, stating, “The successful culmination of the Walton Railway Crossing Flyover will facilitate swift access from Walton Road to the Main Boulevard Gulberg, effectively mitigating traffic congestion and enhancing traffic flow in the region.” CBD Punjab remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering infrastructure projects that foster economic growth, enhance connectivity, and improve the quality of life for residents and commuters alike.

Lawrence at Lawrence Hall, History recreated at Lahore’s Lawrence Hall

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Lahore (Qasim Ali)
The fabled Lawrence Hall of the Old Gymkhana (now Quaid i Azam Library) was filled with the air of history and a jam-packed audience on Wednesday evening when Ajoka’s new play had its staged reading. . It was a “Lawrence hat-trick”: a play titled “Lawrence in Lahore” was presented in the Lawrence Hall, located in the famous Lawrence Gardens. Written by leading Pakistani playwright Shahid Nadeem, with US- based Professor and author Professor Fawzia Afzal Khan, the play was labelled as a “decolonial spy thriller”. 
Based on little-known presence of legendary British spy T.E. Lawrence (also known a ‘Lawrence of Arabia’) in the present-day Pakistan, the play begins with the post-World War I dismemberment of the Ottoman Empire into a number of Arab states and Western Allies’ victory celebrations at Versailles. It then moves to RAF base at Drigh Road, Karachi where Lawrence is known to have been posted in the late 1920s. 
The ambit of the play includes the mullahs-led movement against secular Afghan king Amanullah, the conversion of Kashmiri freedom struggle on communal grounds and the Western policy of dividing new Arb states and paving the way for the creation of Israel. The turbulent period of political struggle in India is spiced up with the short-lived romance between Lawrence and Akbar Jahan, daughter of the owner of Hotel Nedou’s (where now Avari Hotel stands). The presentation was a hybrid between a reading and a performance, with sporadic but effective use of period music and visuals. 
The event was a collaboration between Ajoka Theatre, Safdar Mir English Literary Club of Govt College University and the International Centre for Pakistani Writers in English at the Kinnairds College University. The Quaid-i- Azam Library hosted the event.
The actors included Dr Sameer Ahmad, Yusra Irfan, Dara Hashmi, Sameer Afzal, Ahsan Karim, Sohaib Nasir, Fatima Abbas, Uswa Javed, Hassan Atif, Jazib Ali,  Ahmad Tajy, Hammad Ali, Hassan and Waqas. Noor Khalid and Fatima Ismail handled the multi-media and sound
While introducing the play, Professor Fawzia spoke about her collaboration with Shahid Nadeem and the political context of the play. Dr. Waseem Anwar welcomed the guests on behalf of the ICPWE. Shahid Nadeem said the play gad already received international attention and has had dramatic readings at New York University Abu Dhabi and Mont Claire University, New Jersey. He also thanked the Quaid i Azam Library for its support for the event. He also announced that Ajoka is having a 5-day festival at Alhamra to mark its 40th anniversary from 2-6 May. 
Among the audience were noted scholars, faculty members, students, including Mr. Kamran Lashari, Dr Rukhsana David, VC Kinnairds College, Arts Council Chairman Razi Ahmad, Professor Shaista Siraj, senior artist and educationist Naveed Shehzad, Secretary Women’s Development Sumaira Samad, DG Quaid i Azam Library Mr Kashif Manzoor, TV anchor and actor Noor ul Hassan and Ajoka Institue director Nirvaan Nadeem.
Mrs. Naveed Shehzad and Professor Shaista Siraj-ud-din, in their comments after the play, appreciated the brilliant handling of a complex theme and the impactful presentation by the actors from Ajoka and GCU. They congratulated Ajoka on its 40th anniversary and commended its contribution to the cause of socially-meaningful, quality theatre.

Our Aim Foundation Distributes Essential Ration Packs to 400 Deserving Families in Tharparkar

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Our Aim Foundation, a humanitarian organization dedicated to alleviating hunger and poverty, has undertaken a significant initiative to support vulnerable communities in Tharparkar, Pakistan. In response to the dire conditions faced by many families in the region, Our Aim Foundation has conducted a comprehensive ration drive, providing essential food items during Ramazan to 400 deserving families that have impacted the lives of 2,000 people.

Tharparkar, known for its harsh climatic conditions and persistent challenges, has long struggled with food insecurity. The recent drought exacerbates the situation, leaving many families without access to an adequate and nutritious food supply. Recognizing the urgent need for assistance, Our Aim Foundation has stepped in to offer support and relief to those most in need.

The ration packs distributed by Our Aim Foundation are carefully curated to provide sustenance and nourishment to families facing hunger. Each pack includes essential food items such as wheat flour, rice, lentils, tea, sugar, cooking oil, ghee, salt, vermicelli, sharbat, and milk powder. These items are vital for meeting the nutritional needs of families and ensuring their well-being during challenging times.

The distribution took place in March and  April during Ramazan, with 400 deserving families from Village Karangri and its vicinity being selected based on their urgent need for assistance. Our Aim Foundation remains committed to ensuring that no family in Tharparkar goes hungry, and this ration drive demonstrates our commitment to the cause.

“We are deeply committed to extending compassion and support to communities in need,” said Nisha Mandani, Founder & President at Our Aim Foundation. “Through initiatives like the Tharparkar Ration Drive in Pakistan, we aim to provide essential relief to families facing hunger and hardship, empowering them to overcome their challenges with dignity and resilience.”

Our Aim Foundation acknowledges the generous support of donors and partners who make initiatives like the Tharparkar Ration Drive possible. With the collaborative support of partners, Our Aim Foundation is making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable populations and ensuring that no one is left behind in the fight against hunger and poverty.

Spotify reunites with Coke Studio to continue elevating local artists globally

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Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Two of Pakistan’s most influential music powerhouses, Spotify and Coke Studio Pakistan, have teamed up for the second consecutive season to celebrate local music, talent and culture. On 14 April, Coke Studio Pakistan kicked off Season 15 with another star-studded line-up producing some sensational tracks, and Spotify is ready to offer fans an immersive audio journey with new releases and special curated playlists on the Coke Studio in-app destination, a signature highlight of this partnership on Spotify.

“Spotify is thrilled to continue our partnership as the official music streaming partner of Coke Studio Pakistan for Season 15”, said Khan FM, Spotify’s Artist and Label Partnerships Manager for Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.  “Building on our past success, we’ve created a unique ‘Coke Studio Pakistan’ destination that offers our more than 600 million active music fans a diverse collection of popular songs from all seasons including the latest, taking the Sound of the Nation to the entire World. We’re committed to bringing the rich tapestry of Pakistani music to our global audience, reaffirming Spotify’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive music experience”

As the official audio streaming partner of Coke Studio Season 14, Spotify has set new benchmarks for the Pakistani music industry and achieved remarkable results in the process. In 2022, the fruitful partnership generated an impressive 430 million streams across all 13 tracks of Season 14. This feat easily eclipsed the combined 15 million streams for Seasons 12 and 13, demonstrating the powerful synergy of this collaboration.

The significance of Spotify’s role in this partnership shines brightly with the resounding success of “Pasoori,” which has achieved over 330 million streams to date and counting. This chart-topping track has not only emerged as the #1 Pakistani track on Spotify but has also found its way into more than 3 million user playlists across the globe, solidifying its global appeal. The top five most streamed countries for “Pasoori” are India, the United States, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, and Canada.

“We’re excited to continue our successful partnership with Spotify for Coke Studio Season 15. This collaboration transcends borders, engaging the universal language of music to connect Pakistani artists and stories with a global audience on Spotify. Together, we aim to foster a deeper appreciation for Pakistani culture and its vibrant music scene”, said Zeeshan Sikander, Senior Coke Studio and EPICS Manager Eurasia and Middle East.

Listen to Coke Studio Season 15 here.

Mashreq Pakistan strengthens its operations with top Leadership Appointments

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Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Mashreq Pakistan, a part of Mashreq which is the leading financial institution in the MENA region, has further solidified its commitment to Pakistan by announcing three key leadership appointments. Shamsulhaq Niaz has been appointed the Chief Digital Officer and Head of Payments, Khurram Mumtaz has been appointed as Head of NEO, and Rabia Atlas will serve as the Head of NEOPAY for the market.

These strategic appointments reflect Mashreq’s dedication to strengthening its presence in the Pakistani market and its focus on delivering innovative digital banking solutions to its customers.

Commenting on these strategic appointments, Muhammad Hamayun Sajjad, CEO, Mashreq Pakistan, said: “As a trusted international digital leader, Mashreq brings with it a rich legacy of innovation and a profound commitment to catalyse Pakistan’s future growth. We are here to empower Pakistan’s people through banking innovation, superior customer experience and financial accessibility for all. Shamsulhaq, Khurram, and Rabia bring a deep understanding of the national market and a wealth of experience that are well-aligned to contribute to this strategic vision. Their leadership will provide us with a clear roadmap for the continued evolution of digital banking in the country and help us consolidate our position as a leading international digital innovator bank.”

Shamsulhaq Niaz, Chief Digital Officer and Head of Payments

In this pivotal role, Shamsulhaq will be responsible for establishing the Digital Payments and Channel verticals for the Bank, in addition to driving product development across all business streams. 

Shamsulhaq has over 16 years of experience in the Pakistan and UAE financial services landscape, focusing primarily on digital payments and product development. He rejoins Mashreq after having previously managed the Bank’s acceptance portfolio and having served in a range of roles covering online payment gateways, card acceptance, loyalty programs, dynamic currency conversion, DLL/E-socket integration, and hospitality solutions. He holds an MBA from INSEAD in France and a BSc in Computer Sciences from Lahore University of Management Sciences.

Khurram Mumtaz, Head of NEO

Khurram has taken charge of driving the expansion of Mashreq NEO’s offerings into the market, a critical component in the strategic development of the brand and implementation of Mashreq’s digital agenda in the country.

Khurram is a seasoned consumer banking and digital transformation practitioner with 23 years of experience in financial services. He has held various national roles, spanning distribution, operational risk, products, asset lending, employee banking, strategy and transformation, data analytics, and digital banking. Khurram’s senior financial leadership experience includes 11 years at Standard Chartered in Pakistan, where he served in a range of strategic and digital transformation positions, and nine years at Citibank. He holds an MBA in Finance from Washington International University.

Rabia Atlas, Head, NEOPAY

Rabia, in this strategic role, will be responsible for developing the framework for acquiring business in Pakistan and identifying areas of business profitability and growth. She will also work to redesign the Bank’s merchant ecosystem by building value-added partnerships that enhance financial inclusion.

Rabia has worked in the banking and telecommunication sectors for 16 years. During this time, she has been responsible for developing and leading multiple digital payment products and applications. Prior to joining Mashreq, Rabia headed Digital Proximity and E-commerce Payments at Bank Alfalah. Previously, she has also worked as the Assistant Director for the Retail Payments vertical at easypaisa. Rabia has an MBA from the Institute of Business Management in Pakistan and has completed the INSEAD Telenor Strategy Execution Online Programme.