Category: Business

Saudi expects to welcome 2.7 million visitors from Pakistan this year

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)   Saudi, one of the top international destinations for Pakistani travellers, has eased tourist visa requirements with immediate effect, where applicants can now submit a bank statement showing a minimum monthly credit amount of USD 750 or its equivalent.

Pakistani tourist arrivals to Saudi grew 43% in 2023 compared with the previous year. Saudi is aiming to welcome 2.7 million Pakistani visitors in 2024. To accommodate this growing demand, Saudi is making it easier for Pakistani travellers to obtain the visa prior to travel through one of six Tasheer offices established across Pakistan in Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and Multan.

The Tasheer offices offer a convenient and user-friendly experience, including visa application guidance, biometric enrolment, status tracking, and passport delivery. Travellers can schedule an appointment on the Tasheer website prior to their visit.

 In addition, Saudi has introduced the transit visa which is available for travellers arriving in Saudi via Saudia and Flynas, where they can transit and explore Saudi for up to 96 hours. Visa on arrival is available for those travellers who hold a valid and used UK, US or Schengen visa.

In the past year, Saudi introduced the one-year multiple entry visa for Pakistani travellers. This is a specific visa for those coming for personal visits such as attending weddings or functions or visiting friends or family. Holders of this visa can enjoy multiple visits to Saudi within a 12-month period, allowing them to explore the country’s vibrant cities, cultural richness, and natural wonders all year round.

Pakistani travellers with the one year multiple entry visa can also perform Umrah, underscoring Saudi’s commitment to fostering spiritual journeys and cultural exchanges.

 Making it easier to get a visa will encourage more Pakistani travellers to not only visit their friends and family and perform Umra but will also encourage them to explore Saudi; from Riyadh’s vibrant cityscape, Jeddah’s cultural richness, hidden treasures of the Red Sea, to the ancient marvels of AlUla. Saudi is a year-round destination with several regions offering a cooler escape in summer while the busy calendar of events through winter is attracting more and more tourists each year.

  

 

  

TECNO and Careem Announce Partnership for Exciting WIN TECNO Campaign MoU Signing Ceremony Held in Karachi.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) TECNO Pakistan, a leading smartphone brand, and Careem, the pioneer of ride hailing in Pakistan, are joining forces for an exciting Raffles Campaign, offering users the chance to win a CAMON 30 smartphone by TECNO. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony recently took place in Karachi.

TECNO Pakistan was represented by Shiekh Mahad Arif, PR Manager TECNO Pakistan, and Pernia Rathore, Marketing Supervisor TECNO Pakistan. Representing Careem Pakistan was Saad Qadeer, Head of Commercial and Special Projects, and Talha Noman, Sr. Commercial Manager.

To participate in the campaign, simply book as many rides as possible on Flexi Ride through the Careem platform using the promo code “WINTECNO.” Each ride booked with this promo code will increase your chances of winning the contest. This exciting opportunity allows users to enjoy convenient transportation while vying for the chance to own one of the latest, cutting-edge smartphones from TECNO.

The excitement doesn’t stop there. In addition to the primary campaign, there is another thrilling contest designed specifically for Careem Captains. Participants who take the highest number of Flexi Rides during the campaign period will also have the chance to enter the lucky draw and win exciting gifts. This collaborative campaign not only rewards customers but also incentivizes Captains to actively participate and be a part of this contest.

Imran Saleem, General Manager Ride Hailing at Careem Pakistan stated: “We are super thrilled to partner with TECNO Pakistan to bring this raffle to our mutual customer base. At Careem, we are adamant on providing exceptional service as well as value to all our customers and Captains. We are always looking for such partnerships that enhance the overall experience of taking a ride with Careem. Similarly, it will also give our Captains a chance to win exciting prizes that will enhance their everyday journey with Careem.”

The campaign will commence on July 1st and run through July 21st. During this period, there will be opportunities for both Careem customers and captains participating in the campaign to win a brand new CAMON 30.  Winners will be chosen through a lucky draw. This initiative aims to engage and reward participants throughout the campaign duration, offering multiple chances to win these smartphones.

“Having Careem as our partner in this exciting campaign is definitely going to be an amazing experience! Together, we are giving our customers a fantastic chance to win the popular CAMON 30 Smartphone just by using a promo code. At TECNO, we love coming up with exciting gifts, promotions, and high-quality products. I hope that in the future, we will continue our strategic relationship with Careem and come up with more collaborations”, says Shiekh Mahad Arif  .

 

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  The Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED), in collaboration with the U.S. Consulate in Peshawar, honoured its Climate Action Fellows and showcased their groundbreaking action plans at an event in Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).  The top 10 plans will receive funding for implementation, a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and resilient future. This marks a significant milestone in the “Raise Awareness and Inspire Action on Environmental Protection” project.

KP is inhabited by 30 million people and is categorized by hot summers and mild winters in the southern part and extreme cold climate in the northern part. Climate change has intensified extreme events like forest fires, water scarcity, sanitation issues, and urban flooding in the province. Furthermore, the rapid melting of ice and snow caps, along with erratic weather events, is severely impacting agriculture and livelihoods.

The project, running from September 2023 to October 2024, aims to equip educators in KP with the knowledge and skills necessary to nurture a culture of environmental stewardship. Through scholarship and inquiry-based learning, teachers are implementing action projects within their schools and communities, encouraging hands-on approaches to environmental education.

“When I envisioned a long-term action fellowship for the climate crisis through the training of teachers, I had little knowledge of the degree of awareness teachers held,” said Dr Fozia Parveen, Assistant Professor and Project Lead at AKU-IED. “Their motivation, reflected in their willingness to participate in a non-stipendiary fellowship, their action plans, and their commitment to implementing these action plans, has also motivated me to do more work in the future. I hope that we can all bring about the much-needed systemic change required for a sustainable planet through collective action.”

The fellowship received an overwhelming response with 500 applications, out of which 50 exceptional educators were selected through a rigorous process. The programme commenced with a series of workshops in Chitral and Peshawar, training teachers to lead climate change education and sustainability efforts. These workshops laid the foundation for ongoing mentorship and support as fellows developed and implemented their action plans.

U.S. Consul General Peshawar Shante Moore said the AKU-IED partnership underscores the U.S. commitment to environmental protection and education in KP.   “By empowering teachers, we are fostering a generation of environmentally conscious individuals who will drive positive change in their communities,” he said.  “Through the U.S. Embassy’s Green Alliance initiative, we aim to create a more sustainable future.”

One of the key elements of the project is the engagement of key stakeholders and policymakers in KP to support and promote climate change education. Mr Abdul Akram, Additional Secretary Education, Government of KP, remarked: “Teachers in our country hold the key to unlocking knowledge and a sustainable future. Through climate change education, they can motivate the next generation to act, innovate, and solve pressing environmental issues.”

As the project progresses, AKU-IED remains dedicated to building a network of environmentally conscious educators. Through continuous support and collaborative efforts, this initiative aims to make a lasting impact on environmental protection and climate resilience in KP

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has successfully completed the fastest land transfer in its history, closing a transaction worth 6.9 billion PKR for plots Lahore Prime 4 & 5. Taxes deposited for this transfer exceeded 310 million PKR to the government treasury through the Board of Revenue (BOR), marking the largest plot transfer at auction price in Punjab. This significant transfer, involving a 23-kanal plot owned by the Pakistan Corporate Consortium REIT fund, is a milestone for both CBD Punjab and the Pakistan Corporate Consortium (PCC). It represents the first plot to be transferred by CBD Punjab to PCC, with the BOR recording its largest transfer fee on a single purchase for the year 2023-2024. In a groundbreaking move to boost investor confidence and streamline business operations, CBD Punjab has fulfilled its promise of transferring land to investors within record 24 hours of full payment. This achievement underscores CBD Punjab’s dedication to creating an efficient, investor-friendly environment. CBD Punjab has committed to providing a one-window operation for its investors, simplifying processes and ensuring a hassle-free experience. Demonstrating this commitment, CBD Punjab recently completed the transfer of ownership for two amalgamated plots in Lahore Prime CBD Punjab Quaid District to the Pakistan Corporate Consortium (PCC) following their full payment. PCC emerged victorious in the competitive auction for these plots, marking a significant milestone in their investment journey. Commenting on the swift transfer process, CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin said, “This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to providing our investors with the best possible experience. At CBD Punjab, we believe in creating an environment where investors can thrive and contribute to the economic development of the region. Our one-window operation is designed to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible, and we are proud to see it in action.” With the land transfer completed, the next phase of development is set to commence. CBD Punjab will provide full support in building design and other formalities required for the construction of its first skyscraper. This landmark project is expected to set new standards in urban development and further reinforce CBD Punjab’s position as a premier investment destination.

Raqami Islamic Digital Bank Selects BenchMatrix for the Implementation of RiskNucleus® Anti-Money Laundering Solution.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  Raqami Islamic Digital Bank, one of the most prominent upcoming Islamic digital banks in Pakistan, has selected BenchMatrix’s proprietary solution, RiskNucleus® as its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) transaction monitoring solution. This selection will empower Raqami to leverage innovative technology and advanced automation for a more intelligent approach to financial crime detection.

The Transaction Monitoring solution by BenchMatrix is a comprehensive and robust platform designed to monitor and detect financial, digital, and non-financial transactions originating from suspicious locations and multiple currencies, while monitoring deviations in behavior, and transactions from new accounts. The solution also offers a streamlined investigation process for faster resolution of alerts and increased efficiency and cost-savings through automation.

On the occasion, Umair Aijaz, CEO Raqami Islamic Digital Bank Ltd. stated, “Raqami’ s foremost mission is to incorporate the Islamic ethos of wellbeing, accuracy and security in its digital operations and products. We have taken a momentous stride by collaborating with BenchMatrix for the best security and confidentiality of all operations and transactions. We hope to lead the market with excellence in all our endeavors in future.”

Javaid Sher Ali, Head of Engineering at Raqami Islamic Digital Bank Ltd. stated, “This partnership between Raqami and BenchMatrix will play a key role in Raqami’s mission to provide seamless and secured digital financial services to its targeted customers. By investing in advanced monitoring tools, digital banks can enhance their security measures, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect both their assets and customers from the growing threat of digital fraud.”

The AML suite comprising modules of Watch-list screening, Transaction monitoring, AML / CFT Risk assessment, and Governance and Reporting Tools, is a robust AML solution that helps banks comply with regulations set by the State Bank of Pakistan and international bodies like the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). RiskNucleus® AML helps banks identify and mitigate risks associated with money laundering and terrorist financing. The solution provides real-time transaction monitoring, allowing detection of suspicious activities more efficiently than manual processes. Being a proprietary solution, RiskNucleus® AML can be tailored to the specific needs of a financial institution and the regulatory environment in which it operates.

Taimur Kaleem, CEO BenchMatrix, shared his excitement on RiskNucleus® becoming integral to Raqami’s digital infrastructure, stating: “Pakistan has a developing digital financial sector, and BenchMatrix is focused on making it one of the most dependable and sound systems globally. With the layered security and shields provided by BenchMatrix, we look forward to helping Raqami Bank achieve its goal of providing secure digital financial services to Pakistan’s large population.” 

Together, Raqami and BenchMatrix stay strongly committed to continuously enhance and provide secure and compliant digital banking experience for their customers.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Bank Alfalah is proud to announce that its credit rating has been elevated to ‘AAA’ by the Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA). This accolade is a testament to the bank’s financial strength and commitment to excellence.

Bank Alfalah extended heartfelt gratitude to its esteemed customers, loyal stakeholders, regulatory authorities and especially it’s committed colleagues, whose relentless dedication and hard work have made this achievement possible. Together, we continue to forge a path of enduring success and financial empowerment.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s member companies have invested Rs 13 billion in 2022-2023 in local communities, positively impacting 40 million individuals across the country.

In collaboration with over 290 social sector organisations, the OICCI members have extended their CSR initiatives to all the four provinces of Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, to build a legacy that transcends profits and inspires progressive change in Pakistan.

The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI)’s 2023 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report has highlighted the profound impact of over 210 foreign investors who are not just pursuing profits but are actively enhancing lives across Pakistan, aligning their efforts with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Commenting on the CSR initiative, OICCI President Rehan Shaikh said, “True leadership in business is measured not only by financial success but by the positive impact one makes on the society.
Our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility reflects the belief that sustainable business success and social good are inseparable.

The report details that OICCI members have been particularly active in education and skill development, responding to the crisis highlighted by UNICEF which states that around 23 million Pakistani children aged five to 16 are not in school—the world’s second highest figure. Ahmad Zahid Zaheer, member of the OICCI management committee, highlighted that “In 2023 alone, our members contributed Rs2.3 billion towards SDG 4, supporting education and skill development for vulnerable children in collaboration with organisations such as The Citizen Foundation, Akhuwat Foundation, STEM Pakistan, SOS Village, and public sector schools”.

OICCI CE/Secretary General M Abdul Aleem, expressing gratitude towards members of OICCI, stated, “Our members have also been exemplary in their support for access to affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) with a contribution of Rs2.2 billion, decent work and economic growth (SDG 8) with Rs2.6 billion, and Rs2.1 billion contribution towards improving the life on land (SDG 15).”

 These funds supported a variety of key activities, including the provision of solar panels to farmers and flood-affected communities, vocational training, tree planting, and effective waste management skills.

“The OICCI CSR 2023 Report not only showcases the financial commitment of MNCs in Pakistan but also their role in driving positive social change and sustainable growth throughout the country,” Aleem concluded.

The OICCI is the collective voice of major foreign investors in Pakistan, with over 200 members, from more than 30 countries. OICCI members contribute over one-third of Pakistan’s total tax revenue and are involved in 14 sectors of the economy. They facilitate the transfer of technology and skills and provide employment to a significant number of people. About a third of OICCI member companies are listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange, and many are associates of Global Fortune 500 companies. OICCI members also engage in corporate social responsibility activities benefiting 46 million persons from underprivileged communities.

“realme Introduces Comprehensive Screen Care Protection for Its  12 Series Smartphones“

12 Series Smartphones

In an innovative move to enhance customer satisfaction and ensure unparalleled user experience, realme has announced its new Screen Care Protection plan for its recently launched realme 12 and realme 12+ 5G smartphones. This new initiative underlines realme’s commitment to delivering high-quality after-sales services and strengthening customer trust in its products.

What is Screen Care Protection?

Starting from July 1, 2024, any realme 12 series phone activated within the first week of July (from July 1 to July 7, 2024) will come with an exclusive Screen Care Protection plan. This means that if the screen of your realme 12 series phone breaks within the first six months of purchase, you are eligible for a free screen replacement at any authorized realme service center in Pakistan. This offer is valued at Rs. 18,000/-.

How to Avail the Offer?

To benefit from this offer, customers need to purchase their realme 12 series phone from any authorized realme dealer. Once purchased, simply insert the SIM card and connect to the network. The phone will be automatically activated, and the Screen Care Protection plan will be linked to the device’s IMEI number.

In the unfortunate event that the screen of your device gets damaged within six months, customers can visit any authorized realme service center in Pakistan to get a free screen replacement. No additional registration is required post-purchase, making the process straightforward and hassle-free.

realme 12+ 5G: Advanced Technology for the Modern User

The realme 12+ 5G is quickly being recognized by the media as a formidable competitor in the 5G smartphone market. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 7050 5G chipset, featuring an 8-core 64-bit architecture with 2 ARM® Cortex-A78 @2.6GHz and 6 ARM® Cortex-A55 @2.0GHz cores, along with a Mali-G68 GPU, it delivers robust performance while maintaining ultra-low power consumption.

Available in two variants, 12GB RAM+256GB ROM and 8GB RAM+256GB ROM, the realme 12+ 5G has scored over 580,000 on the AnTuTu Benchmark, setting a new standard in its price bracket and proving its capability to handle more than the average user’s needs.

Inspired by renowned French watchmaker Ollivier Savéo, known for his collaborations with luxury Swiss watch brands like Rolex and Breitling, the realme 12+ 5G features a polished sunburst dial design, premium vegan leather, and PVD polished edges. It offers an ultra-light and slim form factor with just 7.87mm thickness and 190g weight.

realme 12: Performance and Style

On the other hand, the realme 12, powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 685 chipset, stands as a formidable force in its segment. This powerhouse chipset ensures a comprehensive performance boost, enhancing every aspect of the user experience, especially when compared to other devices utilizing the same Snapdragon 685 processor. The realme 12 is available with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal storage, ensuring ample space for all your apps, photos, and videos.

Both the realme 12 and realme 12+ 5G come with a 50MP Sony LYT-600 primary camera with OIS, designed to capture clear shots from any distance. The 2X In-sensor zoom and Cinematic 2X Portrait Mode offer flexible shooting with DSLR-like bokeh. SuperOIS technology ensures stable video and image capturing, ideal for fast-paced scenarios.

The realme 12 is priced at PKR 59,999, while the realme 12+ 5G is available for PKR 74,999. Both devices are now available in the market. For further updates and to explore realme’s extensive range of products and services, visit the official realme website or contact your nearest realme authorized dealer.

 

Delivery platform launches expanded range of products to capture growing customer demand for high-quality and affordable groceries.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) foodpanda users can now shop from a new, expanded range of groceries under its private house label, bright. 

Available exclusively on online grocery store pandamart, bright offers over 200 items across three sub-brands: brightfarms for fresh produce, brightyums for pantry staples, ready-to-eat meals, snacks and beverages, as well as brightspots for household essentials. Items under the bright range will be available in all pandamart stores across Pakistan. 

The new bright product range follows a successful introduction of foodpanda’s house brand offerings on pandamart, which debuted as brightfields in 2021. Product offerings started with a handful of pantry necessities, including eggs, tissues and mineral water, and have since been expanded to cover a wider range of products, from fresh fruits to cleaning products like wet wipes. 

“The introduction of bright’s expanded range of products, exclusively on pandamart, highlights our commitment to providing high-quality and hand-picked fresh products to our customers,” commented Director Q-Commerce foodpanda Pakistan, Syed Taha Magrabi. “By working directly with suppliers, we ensure that our products not only meet strict quality standards but are also competitively priced. As we continue to expand our offerings, we aim to make pandamart the go-to platform for online grocery shopping, delivering value and convenience, straight to our customers’ doorsteps.” 

bright products are procured directly from suppliers, resulting in cost efficiencies that enable items to be priced competitively. foodpanda also has full supervision of the manufacturing process and implements strict quality control to ensure consistency in product standards including hygienic packaging. 

The launch of bright is part of foodpanda’s efforts to become the go-to platform for online grocery shopping, especially at a time when customers seek value and transparency in terms of product information, sourcing and nutritional facts. With bright, customers can enjoy high-quality products at any time of the day – conveniently delivered within the hour. 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

A significant humanitarian initiative unfolded in the districts of Dera Bugti and Jhal Magsi, Balochitan where a total of 196 wheelchairs were distributed to individuals with disabilities, as identified by PPHI and Social Welfare Department of the Government of Pakistan. This noble effort was spearheaded by the Dawood Global Foundation, with generous donation from the Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL). The events were facilitated by local authorities and organizations, and with the presence and endorsement of Chief Guests Mr. Ejaz Sarwar (Deputy Commissioner Dera Bugti) and Mr. Rehmatullah Shah Hashmi (Deputy Commissioner of Jhal Magsi). The in person distribution ceremony in Dera Bugti were hosted by Deputy Commissioner, despite storms and floods that led to disaster relief efforts and the ceremony being split between two days. Each of the 140 recipients came from across the district to personally receive his or her wheelchair from the Chief Guest Mr. Ejaz Sarwar and Mr. Husnain Ahmed (Assistant Commissioner, Dera Bugti). A similar ceremony was held in Ghandawa, Jhal Magsi hosted by PPHI, where 56 handicapable individuals received wheelchairs from Chief Guest DC Rehmatullah Shah Hashmi. Both ceremonies were presided over by Mr. Muhammad Ali (Regional Coordinator, Dawood Global Foundation) and Mr. Muhammad Arshad (Senior CSR Officer of OGDCL), and in the presence of representatives from PPHI, the Social Welfare Department, local dignitaries, media representatives, and security personnel. This wheelchair initiative is part of Dawood Global Foundation’s project to distribute 10,000 wheelchairs across Pakistan, as spearheaded by DGF CEO Tara Uzra Dawood.