Category: Business

Experience Zong’s ‘Apna Sheher Hybrid Bundle’ with International Direct Dialing (IDD) customized for local communities dialing internationally.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Zong 4G, Pakistan’s leading telecom operator, is proud to announce the launch of IDD (International Direct Dialing) for USA & Canada to the Apna Shehr Jhelum Hybrid Bundle, exclusively for its customers in Jhelum.

This game-changing offer allows Jhelum residents to Direct Dial to USA and Canada at an incredibly affordable rate of just Rs. 0.06/s + T. The Apna Shehr Jhelum offers consists of 5 GB Data, 30 Off-net Mins, 1000 On-Net Mins and 1000 SMS in Load Price of Rs 150. Now with the introduction of IDD to USA & Canada, customers of Jhelum can connect with their loved ones at the most affordable rates.

The Apna Shehr Jhelum Offer is part of Zong’s innovative regional bundle initiative, designed specifically to meet the unique needs of customers in Jhelum. Recognizing that a significant number of people from Jhelum have families residing in the USA and Canada, Zong has combined international calling with local benefits to offer unmatched convenience.

Khurram Ishaq, Director of LDI & IR at Zong 4G, stated, “The Apna Shehr Jhelum Offer is specially designed for our valued customers in Jhelum. As the first telecom network in Pakistan to introduce such a localized bundle, Zong reaffirms its commitment to delivering personalized solutions that enhance the communication experience for all users.”

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Zindigi, powered by JS Bank, has contributed majorly towards the eco system of freelancers in Pakistan by introducing the launch of its US Dollar-Based Freelancer Account, designed to empower Pakistan’s burgeoning freelancer community. With an estimated 4 million freelancers in the country, this initiative addresses the significant financial management challenges faced by freelancers and those aspiring to join this dynamic workforce.

Zindigi remains committed to prioritizing customer feedback and addressing the concerns they raise to enhance their experience. Despite their large numbers, freelancers often encounter obstacles in managing and receiving payments from clients worldwide. Instant conversion to local currency has also been a pressing issue. The Zindigi US Dollar-Based Freelancer Account aims to bridge this gap by providing seamless global transactions, allowing payments in US Dollars to be deposited directly into the account, with conversion to PKR available as needed.

This account is designed to be a gateway to global earnings, offering the ability to instantly open and maintain a USD account, enjoy the most competitive conversion and international transaction fees with the Zindigi debit card, obtain in-app account certificates, and easily receive payments from freelance platforms via an IBAN account number. Additionally, users can schedule and initiate recurring payment requests from clients, further simplifying their financial management

Noman Azhar, Chief Officer of Zindigi, stated, “Our US Dollar-Based Freelancer Account exemplifies Zindigi’s commitment to empowering freelancer community of Pakistan. Freelancers will no longer need to visit branches, deal with unnecessary questions, or navigate lengthy processes. With the Zindigi US Dollar-Based Freelancer Account, they receive best-in-class service tailored to their unique financial needs, including the ability to hold dollars in their accounts. By addressing these gaps with specialized financial solutions, we aim to boost the global earning potential of Pakistani freelancers while contributing to the country’s economic growth.”

Zindigi US Dollar-Based Freelancer Account is set to make a substantial impact, serving and appreciating the vital contributions of Pakistan’s freelancer fraternity, which is increasingly becoming a cornerstone for the nation’s economic revival and sustainability.

To get your Zindigi US Dollar based freelancer account download Zindigi App now.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Finance teams have just five years to transform or risk becoming irrelevant, according to a new report by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) and Chartered Accountants ANZ in association with PwC. The report, Finance evolution: Thriving in the next decade, stresses the vital role finance teams play in building sustainable businesses and urges CFOs and finance leaders to take immediate action.

Drawing on insights from over 150 finance professionals and 2,300 survey responses, the report shows that businesses now demand a broader skill set from their finance teams, as retrospective reporting and traditional approaches to planning and forecasting alone no longer meet key decision-makers’ needs. Being pre-emptive is the order of the day. 

The report highlights some ongoing concerns raised by survey respondents:

• A lack of clarity on how finance can add value to the business (38%)
• Finance being seen mainly as a cost centre (32%)
• Current technology not meeting the needs of the organisation (30%)

Finance teams must embrace technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics, to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. These technologies help finance teams reduce manual tasks, boost efficiency, and be recognised as key drivers of growth rather than merely number crunchers. The role of finance has also expanded to include leadership on long-term value creation including sustainability issues.

However, the report also emphasises that as finance teams undergo this transformation, the importance of ethics must remain at the forefront. With the increasing reliance on technology and data, maintaining a strong ethical foundation is crucial to building and sustaining trust.

Helen Brand OBE, Chief Executive of ACCA, said, ‘For finance teams to stay relevant, they need to look ahead. CFOs and finance leaders must ensure they are measuring both the long-term and short-term goals of sustainable business models effectively. The role of the CFO is fast evolving beyond finance to encompass wider value creation and management.’

Ainslie van Onselen, Chief Executive Officer of Chartered Accountants ANZ, stated, ‘While the arrival of new technology presents exciting opportunities to radically transform and improve the way we work, the one thing that must never change is our profession’s strong ethical standing.  While we upskill and future proof our technology capabilities, we must also remain firmly focused on the ethical role that financial professionals – especially Chartered Accountants – must play.’

Moreover, the report highlights significant skill deficits in the areas of digital, data, and sustainability. Addressing these gaps is essential for finance teams to lead effectively in the next decade.

Simon Seymour, Partner at PwC, noted, ‘Respondents highlighted their biggest skills gaps as digital skills, data skills and sustainability skills.  A critical question for the industry, as a whole, is why these skills gaps remain so pronounced and how far organisations should go to own the skills agenda, and not just rely on traditional training.’

The report is a clear call for action: finance teams must embrace new technologies, develop critical skills in digital, data, and sustainability, and uphold the highest ethical standards to ensure they remain integral to their organisations’ success in the years to come.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The inaugural Dragons of Pakistan Awards came to a thrilling conclusion at the Pearl Continental Marquee, attended by Mike Da Silva, Director of Dragons of Asia who came from Australia as a guest of Pakistan , and surrounded by industry dignitaries and professionals. The event was organised by AdStreet a unique marketing place known for its brave initiatives founded by Syed Saad Hashmi.

This prestigious event marked a significant milestone in the marketing and advertising landscape of Pakistan.

As a part of the esteemed Dragons of Asia, these awards recognize and celebrate marketing effectiveness across the APAC region. The winners in 10 categories were honored in grand fashion, acknowledging their outstanding achievements and contributions to the industry.

The journey of bringing the Dragons of Pakistan Awards to life was made possible by Syed Saad Hashmi Founder and CEO of AdStreet, on the occasion Saad Hashmi said AdStreet will continue to work on local and and international collaboration with Industry support invaluable support from key sponsors Kashmir, Bisconni, FoodPanda,  Faysal Bank and Torani Drinks lately.

Winners List includes

1. Best Integrated Marketing- have  gold  winners – client  Friesland Campina and agency Starcom Worldwide Pakistan,  another one was PSL 2024 for Delivery Hero.
2. Best Digital Campaign- client Nestle Pakistan – Agency Publicis media Pakistan.
3. Best Innovative Category – Continental Biscuits -Agency  Grey Pakistan.
4. Best Brand Building and Awareness campaign – Shell Pakistan – agency – Synite Digital.
5. Best Event or experiencial.

Marketing -Pepsi Cola International- Agency BBDO and Grey Density

6. Best Brand Loyalty 2 golds

 Client Kurkure – PepsiCola- Agency – grey Density

 National food – agency – Digitz Digitas

7. Best Social Media and word of mouth  Honda Atlas – Agency Golden Circle.
8. Best use of Public Relations  Samsung Electronics- Agency Adcom Leo Burnett.
9. Best Cause / Charity  – Jazz Cash – Agency Fishbowl.
10. Best Small Budget Campaign – Mediavest ( Brain Child) for Dawlance Pakistan.

Other prominent awards of silver and bronze  in each category won by clients and  agencies Special red dragons awards awarded to Client.

Rifah Qadri Head of Corporate Communications Easy Paisa / Telenor.

Agency – Ahmed Kapadia – CEO – Synergy Group.

Young Dragons awarded to Shiza Imran – Asst Manager Planning  from Starcom Worldwide.

Additionally, the event was supported by key industry partners including ARY group, FM 91,  Myco,  KAMN, Skale Interactive, I/O Digital, Brand Synario, Runway Pakistan, TCM, Vibe Tibe, TFA events and others.

As the curtains closed on this year’s event, the audience was left with a promise to return in 2025, bigger and better. The Dragons of Pakistan Awards have set a new benchmark for excellence in marketing effectiveness, and the entire marketing fraternity looks forward to witnessing the continued growth and success of this prestigious platform.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank and Mastercard, have announced the renewal of their strategic partnership. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Syed Amir Ali – Deputy CEO of Meezan Bank, and Mr. J. K. Khalil – Regional President of Mastercard, aims to enhance Meezan Bank’s debit cards portfolio, transforming the banking experience for its customers across Pakistan. Also present at the occasion were Mr. Irfan Siddiqui – President & CEO, Meezan Bank, Syed Iftikhar ul Haq – Group Head Consumer Finance, Meezan Bank among other senior representatives from both the organizations.

As part of this renewed partnership, Meezan Bank, with the fastest growing debit cards portfolio powered by Mastercard, will further expand its premium card offerings. The Bank will introduce a range of exclusive benefits designed for the evolving needs of its affluent customers. This includes enhanced convenience, access to bespoke travel and lifestyle benefits and an elevated digital banking experience.

The announcement builds on a long relationship between the partners, which recently saw Meezan Bank becoming the first bank in Pakistan to host a Mastercard-led cyber security workshop, marking the launch of Mastercard’s new cybersecurity service in Pakistan.

“The partnership between Meezan Bank and Mastercard is driven by a shared vision to transform the payment landscape in Pakistan,” said Mr. Irfan Siddiqui, President & CEO of Meezan Bank. “We are pleased to forge this strategic collaboration, which builds on our longstanding relationship and promises to further strengthen the country’s payment solutions infrastructure.” He added, “Together, we aim to deliver secure, convenient, and Shariah-compliant debit card products that will significantly enhance the customer experience.”

At Mastercard, we are committed to empowering our partners through innovative financial products and solutions that build confidence, convenience and trust. We’re excited to partner with Meezan Bank on its phenomenal growth journey, expanding our alliance, with bespoke and customized solutions to meet the ever-evolving needs and aspirations of affluent Islamic Banking consumers in Pakistan, while keeping transactions safe, secure and seamless,” said Arslan Khan, Country Manager, Pakistan at Mastercard.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

SI Global Solutions, a leading Pakistani system integration
and IT company, has signed a strategic agreement with the global tech
firm, ProDevice, to become its exclusive partner in Pakistan. This
partnership was formalized during a recent signing ceremony in Poland,
where CEO of SI Global, Dr. Noman Said, and CEO of ProDevice Global,
Tomasz Filipów, signed the partnership agreement.

Through this agreement, SI Global will introduce a diverse range of
high-tech solutions to assist companies in strengthening their
information security and data protection capabilities. This
partnership is poised to bring cutting-edge technologies to Pakistan,
enabling businesses to enhance cybersecurity practices in a rapidly
evolving digital landscape.

Commenting on the occasion, Dr. Noman Said stated, “Hi-tech systems
and hardware are equally important as software solutions for adopting
modern technologies. The presence of a global leader like ProDevice in
Pakistan will facilitate the transfer of advanced technologies into
the country. This partnership will provide companies in Pakistan with
access to innovative solutions for bolstering their information
security, safeguarding valuable data, and ensuring customer
protection.”

With SI Global’s recent success in spearheading the Karachi Safe City
Project and being the only Pakistani consultant to provide local and
international solutions in both system integration and cybersecurity,
this partnership will further enhance its ability to offer
comprehensive cybersecurity solutions. The collaboration with
ProDevice allows SI Global to expand its service offerings in the data
destruction and cybersecurity space, providing clients with
cutting-edge tools to protect sensitive information from ever-growing
cyber threats.

In light of the growing global demand for cybersecurity solutions, as
projected by Gartner, Inc., with worldwide end-user spending estimated
to reach $183.9 billion in 2024 and $212 billion in 2025, this
partnership will position both companies to capitalize on this
increasing market demand.

ProDevice is a fast-growing tech company with a global footprint in
over 50 countries, including Europe, North America, South America,
Asia, and Africa. It specializes in advanced technologies for data
removal from various types of storage media, producing top-quality
degaussers and shredders that meet stringent international standards
and data protection regulations like GDPR.

Through this strategic collaboration, SI Global and ProDevice aim to
revolutionize Pakistan’s data security landscape, offering businesses
world-class solutions and contributing to the country’s overall
transformation.

IBA Delegation Visits Singapore and Kuala Lumpur Enhancing Global Partnerships, Regional Collaborations and Advancing ADR Initiatives for Pakistan.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Center for Executive Education (CEE), at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi successfully concluded a pivotal visit to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur by its esteemed delegation, led by Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director, IBA Karachi, along with Mr. Kamran Bilgrami, Director, Center for Executive Education (CEE) and Mr. Bulent Sohail, Head of Program and Partnerships, ADR International Center (ADRIC).

The visit’s highlight was the delegation’s participation in the Singapore Convention Week and the 10th Anniversary of the Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC). These landmark events brought together global leaders in mediation and ADR, providing a unique platform for the IBA team to engage with international experts and reinforce their commitment to advancing ADR practices.

The delegation commenced its visit with a distinguished evening with insights by Dr. Zaidi and hosted by Mr. Sajjad Akhtar, Executive Chairman, PKF-CAP LLP, on August 25. The event was graced by Ms. Rabia Shafiq, High Commissioner of Pakistan in Singapore, along with Mr. Farhan Waheed, IBA Alumni Chapter Head in Singapore, and key members of the Pakistani diaspora. Fruitful discussions on enhancing business ties and fostering collaboration between Pakistani professionals and institutions abroad ensued.

From August 26-27, the delegation engaged in meetings with senior representatives of the National University of Singapore (NUS), including Prof. Susanna Leong, Vice Provost Masters’ Programs and Dean of the School of Continuing and Lifelong Education (SCALE), and Prof. Irene Lye Lin Heng, Former Director, Asia-Pacific Centre for Environmental Law (APCEL). They also met Prof. Andrew Simester from the Faculty of Law, and Prof. Umakanth Varottil, Vice Dean of Graduate Studies, where the dialogue centered on legal education and potential joint research initiatives. Additionally, the team met Jumana Zahalka, Associate Professor & Deputy Dean, NUS Business School, to discuss the importance of leadership development and the role of business schools in shaping the future of ADR practices.

On August 26, the delegation met with Mr. Wee Meng Chuan, CEO, Singapore International Mediation Centre (SIMC), and Mr. Siddharth Jha, Counsel for International Partnerships. These discussions revolved around strengthening mediation practices and exploring avenues for collaboration between SIMC and IBA’s ADRIC. The delegation also met HE Rabia Shafiq, High Commissioner of Pakistan in Singapore, underscoring the importance of enhancing diplomatic and educational ties between Pakistan and Singapore.

The visit also included important meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. On August 29, the delegation met Ms. Mary Lim Thiam Suan, Director, Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC), along with Bryan A. Richard, Head of Business Development, and Ms. Heather Yee Jing Wah, at AIAC. The delegation also met H.E. Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, High Commissioner of Pakistan to Malaysia, and Mr. Ameer Hassan Butt, Head of Chancery at the High Commission of Pakistan in Malaysia, to discuss enhancing educational and ADR collaborations between Pakistan and Malaysia.

On August 30, the IBA team engaged with Mr. Jashveenjit Singh and Ms. Samrith Kaur at the Asian Institute of Alternative Dispute Resolution (AIADR) in Kuala Lumpur, exploring potential partnerships in ADR training and development. The visit concluded on August 31, with a meeting with Dato’ Abdul Farid, Chairman, Malaysian International Mediation Centre (MIMC), underscoring the importance of strengthening ties between IBA and MIMC to further regional ADR initiatives.

This visit to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur marks a significant step forward in IBA Karachi’s mission to enhance global collaborations and promote ADR education. The engagements and discussions held at various institutions in Kuala Lumpur are expected to benefit both institutions and the broader community.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Simpaisa is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Eastnets, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to enhanced fraud protection and compliance. Through the integration of Eastnets’ cutting-edge Safewatch Screening (SWS) and Safewatch AML (Anti-Money Laundering) products, Simpaisa is elevating the security and integrity of its payment ecosystem to new heights.

Kamil Shaikh, COO of Simpaisa, remarked, “The addition of Eastnets’ Safewatch Screening and AML technology boosts our security and compliance across digital payments. This upgrade enhances our fraud and cybersecurity defences, solidifying our role as a trusted leader in emerging markets.”

This collaboration reinforces Simpaisa’s dedication to providing strong protection against fraudulent activities while ensuring strict adherence to global standards. By leveraging Eastnets’ advanced technology, Simpaisa is not only safeguarding its operations but also delivering peace of mind to its customers and partners by ensuring their transactions are secure, transparent, and compliant.

Khalil Sharawneh, Eastnets GCC Director, commented, “Remittances from the GCC are vital to many fast-growing economies and transformative to the lives of millions. Given our mission, Eastnets is delighted to have on-boarded Simpaisa, enabling safe and secure payments across their markets. Eastnets’ Safewatch Screening and Anti-Money Laundering compliance solutions will help streamline Simpaisa’s ability to monitor and manage risks efficiently in transactions and adhere to the highest global AML standards.”

Together with Eastnets, Simpaisa is building a more resilient and secure future for payments, positioning itself as a leader in the industry. This partnership enables Simpaisa to meet the evolving demands of the global financial landscape while continuing to innovate and extend its cutting-edge payment technology to merchants with rock-solid global regulatory standards. Simpaisa looks forward to the new opportunities this collaboration will bring as it strengthens its foundation for long-term success.

Lahore (Nut Desk)

The Solar Technology Excellence Awards 2024, a prestigious event celebrating innovation and leadership in the solar energy sector, was held at a local hotel in Lahore. The ceremony, organized by Energy Update in partnership with the Ministry of Energy (Power Division), Private Power Infrastructure Board (PPIB), and Pakistan Solar Association, recognized 28 companies for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of solar energy in Pakistan. The event was graced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, who served as the Chief Guest. In his address, Governor Kundi highlighted the significance of solar energy in alleviating the burden of rising electricity costs on the Pakistani populace. He emphasized the government’s commitment to expanding the use of clean energy to reduce the nation’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. Managing Editor of Energy Update and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Naeem Qureshi, welcomed attendees and outlined the rigorous criteria and transparent nominations process that led to the selection of award winners. He highlighted that the nominations underwent careful scrutiny by a panel of esteemed judges to ensure fairness and merit. Mr. Qureshi praised the exceptional achievements of the honorees, noting their pivotal roles in driving innovation and sustainability in the solar industry. Shah Jahan Mirza, Managing Director of PPIB, echoed these sentiments, expressing confidence that the efforts recognized at this conference would significantly contribute to Pakistan’s clean energy goals. He congratulated the award recipients for their leadership and ingenuity in various sectors of the solar power industry, including domestic, commercial, and industrial applications. Governor Kundi presented awards to representatives from 28 leading companies, including: SOLIS Inverters, Shenzhen Growatt New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Huawei International Co., Limited, GoodWe Technologies Co., Ltd., Inverex Solar Energy, Huasun Energy Co., Limited, Ziewnic Pvt Limited, Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd., Enercap Energy Holdings Ltd, Astronergy Solar, Sogo Group of Companies, Dyness Digital Energy Technology Co., Ltd., ESL Renewables (Pvt.) Limited, Albario Engineering Pvt Limited, Crown Solar Energy, Voltaic Power Private Limited, Netline Group of Companies, AMA Energy Services Pvt Limited, Meezan Bank Ltd, ACM Group of Industries, Decent Solar, New Rabia Enterprises, Landmark Energy, Universal Cables Industries Limited, Tri Angels Electronics (Pvt.) Ltd, American Solar, Solar Power 99 and NRTC Energies Pvt Ltd. These companies were recognized for their excellence in various categories, reflecting the diverse and innovative landscape of solar energy in Pakistan. The event was generously sponsored by industry leaders including SOLIS Inverters, Shenzhen Growatt New Energy Technology Co., Ltd., Huawei International Co., Limited, GoodWe Technologies Co., Ltd., Inverex Solar Energy, Huasun Energy Co., Limited, Ziewnic Pvt Limited, Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd., Enercap Energy Holdings Ltd, Astronergy Solar, Sogo Group of Companies, Dyness Digital Energy Technology Co., Ltd., and Sustainable Development Policy Institute. The Solar Technology Excellence Awards 2024 underscored the critical role of renewable energy in Pakistan’s future and celebrated the companies that are leading the charge toward a more sustainable and energy-secure nation.