Author: Ali Qasim

Pak Suzuki to discontinue its minivan Bolan in Pakistan

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (But-Desk)

Bolan holds a special place in the heart of many people from the 1990s and has been used by many for carrying big families or pick and drop services. Eight people including the driver can sit in the vehicle.

It is, however, being speculated that Pak Suzuki may discontinue Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) 800cc Bolan by next year, which will mark its 40th year in Pakistan.

“Suzuki Bolan was launched as Hi-Roof in 1982/83,” said auto sector expert Usman Ansari, who runs an auto blog carspiritpk.com. “It was later renamed Bolan and its pickup version Ravi in 1991 when its local assembly started in 1991 at Karachi’s Bin Qasim plant.”

“Suzuki localised the names of all of its cars, including Margalla (Swift sedan), Mehran (Alto), Khyber (Swift hatchback), and Potohar (Jimny),” he added.

At least four independent sources, who are privy to the matter, said that the eleventh-generation 660cc Suzuki Every is on Pak Suzuki’s cards to replace the seventh-generation Bolan.

This was denied by the company, which is a listed entity and required by the law to first inform the stock exchange about any such plans.

“Yes, we have been told that the newest sixth-generation minivan Every will be launched next year and Bolan will be discontinued,” said an official at a Suzuki dealership.

An official of an auto part company also said that they have gotten orders from Pak Suzuki to manufacture parts that are supposed to be used in Every minivan.

In 2019, after 30 years of its launch, Pak Suzuki also discontinued Mehran, which was actually the localized version of Alto. Suzuki later launched Alto again in the year 2000 and manufactured older second-generation Alto (Mehran) and newer fifth-generation Alto side by side.

“But Pakistan officially adopted Euro-2 fuel standards in 2012, which forced production of Alto and Coure to be stopped as they cannot be upgraded to new standards. Mehran was upgraded with the EFI system and is adapted to Euro 2 standards,” said Usman Ansari.

Pakistani artist designs breastplate for Cardi B’s music video

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Misha Japanwala, a Pakistani artist known for sculpting women’s bodies, has designed a gold breastplate for US rapper Cardi B’s new song, Rumours, which released last week. This is Misha Japanwala’s second wearable sculpture for Cardi.

“You thought I was finished?” Misha wrote, sharing a clip from the video. Cardi is wearing a gold breastplate and arm cuff designed by her.

This is the second time the rapper has worn a breastplate by Misha. Cardi first donned Misha’s creation, a white armour-like accessory, in June when she announced her second pregnancy. The photo had gone instantly viral and has since crossed 14 million views on Instagram.

Misha believes her art enables women to appreciate and reclaim their bodies. She said her Pakistani identity is “deeply woven” into everything she creates.

“In South Asia, women’s bodies are seen in a certain cultural context, and it’s difficult for women to have agency over their own bodies,” Misha said in an interview .

“I’ve been trying to establish myself in the art and fashion scene for the last few years, but I think my work was noticed by Colin Carter, Cardi B’s stylist, because of Reva Bhatt, an Indian-American stylist who had assisted him before, and [who] wanted to give more opportunities to South Asian designers like me.”

But not everyone is pleased with or appreciates what has, according to Misha, enabled many women to embrace their bodies. She finds the backlash and hate “overwhelming” sometimes.

“But I’ve realised that getting this kind of reaction only confirms that the work I’m doing and narrative I’m creating is especially important.” It only shows that people are threatened by women taking charge of their bodies, she added.

“I get comments and DMs daily that my work goes ‘against our culture’ or that ‘how dare I create such designs as a Muslim woman’.”

Misha made it to the Forbes ’ 30 under 30 Asia List in April, 2021 and is known for her collaboration on a sculptural mask with model Gigi Hadid for V Magazine.

Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong released from Jail on parole.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUt-DESK)

Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong has been released from a South Korean prison and is now on parole. He served 207 days in jail – just over half the sentence he received after being convicted of bribery and embezzlement in January.

The case involved the country’s former President Park Guen-hye, who is also in jail for bribery and corruption. Samsung Electronics was founded by Lee’s grandfather and he has been the de facto head since 2014. Lee made a brief statement to reporters outside the prison.

“I’ve caused much concern for the people. I deeply apologise,” Lee said. “I am listening to the concerns, criticisms, worries and high expectations for me. I will work hard.”

The 53-year old was sent to prison for two-and-a-half years by a high court in January.

He was accused of paying 43bn won ($37.7m; £26.7m) to two non-profit foundations operated by Choi Soon-sil, a friend of Park’s, in exchange for political support – alleged to include backing for a controversial Samsung merger which paved the way for Lee to become eventual head of the conglomerate.

The deal needed support from the government-run national pension fund. At the time of his verdict, the court said that Lee “actively provided bribes and implicitly asked the president to use her power to help his smooth succession” at the head of Samsung.

The court found Lee guilty of bribery, embezzlement and concealment of criminal proceeds worth about 8.6 billion won ($7.8m; £5.75m).

The Justice Ministry said it made the decision to release Lee after considering the effects of the pandemic on South Korea’s economy and global markets.

In a statement, President Moon Jae-in’s office said his release was made in the national interest and asked for understanding.

“We are well aware that there are supporting and opposing views on Vice-Chairman Jay Y Lee’s parole. The views of the people who are opposed are also right,” it said.

“On the other hand, there have been many people who called for his parole in this severe crisis, hoping that he will help the country with respect to semiconductors and vaccines.”

However, Lee’s parole conditions include five years of business restrictions – it is unclear if he will be able to run the company unless he gets an exemption. He will also need approval for any trips abroad.

Microsoft protests against Amazon’s win of big US cloud contract.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

US Tech Giant, Microsoft is challenging a decision to award a multi-billion-dollar cloud computing contract to its rival Amazon. US media reports said the contract valued at $10 billion is for modernizing storage of classified data at the National Security Agency (NSA).

“Based on the decision we are filing an administrative protest via the Government Accountability Office,” Microsoft said in response to an AFP inquiry.

“We are exercising our legal rights and will do so carefully and responsibly.”

NSA spokesperson said that it “will respond to the protest in accordance with appropriate federal regulations,” while Amazon declined to comment.

A post on the Government Accountability Office website showed that it is considering a protest filed by Microsoft in July concerning the NSA, but provided no details.

The move came as payback of sorts for Amazon successfully protesting a different $10 billion cloud computing contract that had been awarded to Microsoft.

The Pentagon in July scrapped the deal, known as the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI) contract, sidestepping a bitter dispute between Amazon and Microsoft over allegations of political bias that swayed the bidding.

Microsoft in late 2019 won the JEDI contract, sparking a challenge by Amazon on grounds that then president Donald Trump may have improperly influenced the outcome.

Amazon alleged it was shut out of the deal because of what it called Trump’s vendetta against the company and its chief executive Jeff Bezos.

Samsung unveils new foldable smartphones with lower prices to expand market

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (Nut-Desk)

Samsung Electronics unveiled its latest high-end foldable smartphones with lower prices than last year’s offerings in a push to expand foldable demand beyond niche devices.

The tech giant priced its 5G-enabled Galaxy Z Fold3 with 7.6-inch main screen to start at $1,799.99 in the United States, and clamshell Galaxy Z Flip3 at $999.99 – down from the launch prices of last year’s models at $1,999 and $1,380, respectively. The Galaxy Z Fold3 and Z Flip3 will launch on August 27 starting in markets such as the United States and Europe.

“There’s definitely demand for bigger screens as people consume more media content, and foldables are the only form that makes big screens very portable… the price hurdle is the issue,” said Park Sung-soon, an analyst at Cape Investment & Securities.

Foldable phones, with about 8.6 million units expected to be shipped this year, are expected to account for just 0.6% of estimated 1.447 billion smartphones to be shipped.

However, that is more than double the 3 million foldables shipped in 2020, and Samsung will lead the market with over 88% market share, according to Counterpoint Research.

Besides price drops that analysts said could help capture more demand in the United States and perhaps China, Samsung’s foldable unveiled on Wednesday touted lighter, thinner and improved design, durability, and compatibility with a stylus, which could absorb users of Samsung’s Galaxy Note phablets whose key feature is the “S Pen”.

Samsung has said it is not discontinuing the Note, and mobile chief Koh Dong-jin said in March that the company is preparing a Note product launch for next year.

In order for foldable smartphones to expand beyond niche models, prices of flagship models must drop to around $1,000-1,500, there must be more offerings from firms besides Samsung, and Apple’s (AAPL.O) entry, which is expected around 2023, would be needed, Counterpoint analysts said in a report this year.

Samsung also unveiled new smartwatches and earbuds on Wednesday with fresh designs and functions. Brisk sales of such high-margin accessories have added to the mobile division’s profitability in recent quarters.

PTA gives Kia-Lucky license to manufacture Samsung smartphones

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (Nut-Desk)

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has given Lucky Motor Corporation Limited the license to manufacture Samsung smartphones in the country and Production facility will become functional by December 2021.

The Lucky Motor Corporation is a subsidiary of Lucky Cement Limited and assembles Kia cars in Pakistan.

“In accordance with Mobile Device Manufacturing (MDM) Regulations 2021, PTA has issued MDM authorization to Lucky Motor Corporation Limited for manufacturing of Samsung brand mobile devices,” the PTA announced on Tuesday.

The company had applied for authorization to set up a mobile device manufacturing plant in Karachi where it will manufacture Samsung mobile devices.

“The manufacturing of Samsung mobile devices in Pakistan is a landmark achievement and will further revolutionize the vibrant mobile manufacturing ecosystem in the country by ensuring presence of major local and foreign players in the market,” PTA said in a media release.

PTA has so far issued MDM authorizations to 25 foreign and local companies for the production of mobile devices (2G/3G/4G) locally.

Earlier, LMC announced it had entered into an agreement with Samsung Gulf Electronics Co. for producing the brand’s mobile devices in Pakistan.

Muhammad Rizwan, the president of the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, who also has stakes in the retail business of mobile phones, says one can expect a 10% to 15% decrease price of Samsung cell phones after local assembling begins.

Seven months ago, Chinese smartphone maker Vivo also announced its plan to establish a manufacturing facility in Pakistan. Q-Mobile, G-Five, Infinix, and Tecno among other companies are already manufacturing mobile phones in Pakistan.

 

Monsoon Tree Plantation Drive by PTA

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (Nut-Desk)

 

In line with Prime Minister of Pakistan’s vision of Clean & Green Pakistan, PTA organized a tree plantation drive in the vicinity of PTA Headquarters in Islamabad.

Chairman PTA, Major General Amir Azeem Bajwa (R) inaugurated the eco-friendly drive by planting a sapling along with Members of the Authority.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman said that trees are an invaluable asset of a country and for future generations. He encouraged PTA officers & officials to participate in the monsoon tree plantation drive and extend its scope to their neighborhoods to increase green cover.

 

Smart Phones Exports Start From Pakistan

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (Nut-Desk)

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) Authorization holder Inovi Telecom has started exporting smart phones to other countries. The first consignment of 5500 units of 4G smart phones carrying “Manufactured in Pakistan” tag has been exported to UAE.

PTA congratulates the company for this landmark achievement. This is the result of concerted efforts for the development of mobile device manufacturing ecosystem in the country. The successful implementation of Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS) and enabling government policies including the Mobile Manufacturing Policy have created a favorable environment for mobile device manufacturing in Pakistan.

As a part of this policy, Inovi Telecom Pvt. Ltd was issued mobile manufacturing authorization by PTA on 9th April 2021. Within 4 months, the company has managed to achieve exporting ‘Manufactured in Pakistan’ phones.

Unique Celebration for 1st tooth Loss for Ayeza’s Khan‘s daughter

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (Nut-Desk)

Ayeza Khan is truly setting the standard for her kids by making sure all their milestones, big or small, are celebrated!

Ayeza and Danish Taimoor’s house had another reason to celebrate and have a little party after daughter Hoorain Taimoor lost her first tooth on Aug. 12. The couple made sure to make the moment special for little Hoorain, prompting her to pen a sweet message to the ‘tooth fairy’ who also wrote back to her… or so we’ll believe!

In Hoorain’s adorable note addressed to the tooth fairy, she wrote, “I lost my tooth today on 12 August 2021. I was brushing my teeth then my tooth fell out. Please take care of my tooth. Love from Hoorain.”

As if that wasn’t adorable enough, her mama (or so we assume!) wrote back to her as the tooth fairy, complete with a present! “Thank you for giving me your pretty tooth. Enjoy your surprise and don’t forget to brush your teeth twice a day! Love, tooth fairy,” read the note.

We’re all up for Ayeza and Danish’s style of parenting, and we can’t wait to see what more sweet celebrations they have in stock for their two little kids Hoorain and Rayan Taimoor.

 

Pak vs WI: West Indies beat Pakistan by one wicket in first Test.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (Nut-Desk)

In a nerve-wracking Test match, West Indies defeated Pakistan by one wicket in the first game played at Sabina Park Jamaica.

Chasing 168 for victory, Kemar Roach hit the winning runs late on the fourth day as the veteran seam bowler ended undefeated on 30.

“I just stayed positive and was just trying to take on every ball as it came,” said 34-year-old Roach. “I was just trying to pick the gaps and run hard. Just believing and backing myself.”

Shaheen provided a perfect start from Pakistan as he removes top three West Indies batters, including Captain Kraigg Brathwaite.

The hosts put up a great show Jermaine Blackwood taking the charge and scoring fifty. He added 66 for fourth wicket with Roston Chase (22). West Indies lost four wickets for 20 runs before team courtesy double-strikes by Faheem Ashraf and Hasan Ali. Faheem removed Chase and Kyle Mayers (0) while Hasan dismissed Blackwood (55) and Holder (16).

After tea, keeper Joshua da Silva and pacer Kemar Roach put up a fight, adding 28 runs. Silva was dismissed by Shaheen with the hosts still needing 26 more.

Mohammad Rizwan produced a spectacular catch as Jomel Warrican tried to hook Hasan’s short ball. Meanwhile, Roach continued to chip in singles with the 19-year-old Seales. The duo guided West Indies to an emphatic one-wicket win.

For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah bagged four wickets for 59 while Hasan Ali took three. Faheem Ashraf picked two wickets. The second Test will commence from August 20 at the same venue.