Category: Business

Multan (Nut Desk)  The leading Home-Appliances manufacturers of Pakistan – Dawlance with its initiative of empowering women, has inaugurated the first Women Led Authorized Workshop. Women who are leading the workshop have been a part of Dawlance’s special female internship program.

As a wholly owned subsidiary of Arcelik, Dawlance aligns with Arcelik’s Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity policies to drive impactful initiatives. The “Grit-to-Great” program empowers over 100 women annually through comprehensive development workshops, mentorship, and skill-building.

Keeping up with its legacy of strengthening different segments of the society, Dawlance undertook its ‘Dawlance Customer Care’ initiative three years ago. The program aims at encouraging women participation in technical fields. It has inducted female technical interns all over Pakistan, hoping to transform them into successful entrepreneurs and this workshop is the resultant of such efforts.

At the inauguration, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Umar Ahsan Khan spoke at length about the first female led Authorized Workshop which is an industry first, and Dawlance’s plans for more such workshops in the future, he stated: “We are thrilled to be inaugurating the first women led Authorized Workshop in Multan. This is an effort on the part of Dawlance to help women play an integral role in the economic prosperity of the country. Because, at Dawlance, we believe that women are as competitive as their male counterparts in technical fields,”.

He also took the opportunity to announce that Dawlance will be opening five more such workshops in the country this year.

At a time when the female labor participation rate stands at a meager 23.8 percent in Pakistan, the opening of an all-female Authorized Workshop is a welcome step. Dawlance, under the wings of Arcelik, has once again taken the lead among its peers by ensuring that the stereotyping of women’s profession is done away with, and more and more women are afforded the space in technical fields.

Security Papers Limited (SPL) signs MoU with Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) to support lifesaving dialysis treatment.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  Security Papers Limited (SPL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN), a not-for-profit organization providing quality healthcare to those in need.

The MoU was signed by Mr Imran Qureshi, CEO, Security Papers Limited, and Dr Abdul Bari Khan, President, Indus Hospital & Health Network. Under the terms of the MoU, SPL will make a donation of PKR 5,000,000/- towards the purchase of two dialysis machines for IHHN, increasing its capacity to provide lifesaving dialysis treatment to patients suffering from chronic kidney disease.

This partnership reflects SPL’s commitment to its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, aimed at giving back to the community and supporting healthcare initiatives.

Imran Qureshi, CEO at SPL, commenting on the partnership said, “We are proud to partner with IHHN and contribute to their noble mission of providing quality healthcare to those in need. We believe that this partnership will make a positive impact on the lives of many individuals and families.”

Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, President, IHHN, applauded the collaboration saying, “We are grateful to Security Papers Limited for their generous support. This donation will enable us to expand our dialysis services and provide critical care to even more patients. We appreciate SPL’s commitment to giving back to the community and look forward to a successful partnership.”

The MoU signing ceremony was attended by representatives from both organizations, and marks the beginning of a collaborative effort to improve healthcare outcomes in Pakistan.

Pakistan Cables, the nation’s pioneer wires and cables manufacturer, has completed the successful commissioning of its 2MW captive solar power plant located at its new manufacturing facility in Nooriabad, Sindh.

The project was executed by Atlas Energy Limited for Pakistan Cables within stipulated timelines and has commenced operations as of April 23, 2024. The installed capacity of solar power plants is an investment in renewable energy initiatives by the Company. “We are committed to pursuing environmentally friendly initiatives in the future at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Nooriabad, Sindh. We actively advocate use of renewable energy sources that save cost and contribute to the circular economy”, said Fahd K. Chinoy, Chief Executive Officer – Pakistan Cables Ltd.

Pakistan Cables is the first and only building material Company in Pakistan to have science-based emission reduction targets validated by SBTi. The Company’s new state of the art manufacturing facility spread across 42 acres of land in Pakistan, is equipped with cutting edge technology and equipment, set to transform the industry.

 Earlier the Company also announced installation of Pakistan’s first 69kV CCV line also at its manufacturing facility in Nooriabad, Sindh.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

In the mobile gaming era, the choice of control layout can significantly impact the performance of a player, especially in intense fighting games like PUBG Mobile. Among the many control schemes available, the 3-finger claw and 4-finger claw layouts come out as popular choices and both have advantages and disadvantages.

In both layouts, players simultaneously use multiple fingers on their device’s screen to control game actions. In the 3-finger claw, the player uses three fingers for the three crucial actions: movement, aiming, and shooting. The left thumb controls movement, the left index finger handles shooting, and the right thumb is used for aiming. While the 4-finger claw layout involves using both thumbs and both index fingers. Thumbs typically manage movement and aiming, while index fingers control shooting, jumping, and other actions.

The 3-finger claw control technique is excellent for beginners as it is relatively easy to learn and adapt to. It is one of the most popular control techniques. However, the 4-finger claw is mostly used by professional gamers as it provides superior control over multiple actions, allowing for quicker responses and more complex maneuvers.

Compared to the 4-finger claw, the 3-finger setup offers less control over complex maneuvers and quick actions. Moreover, the 3-finger technique is more comfortable in reducing strain during long gaming sessions. In terms of aiming, the 4-finger claw has the upper hand due to the additional finger dedicated solely to aiming. While In the 3-finger claw technique, aiming while shooting can be slightly challenging as one finger handles both tasks. When it comes to movement, both layouts offer fairly good control, but with a little difference in flexibility.

Ultimately, it comes down to your comfort level.  Many players utilize both of these control layouts. However, if you’re new to the game it’s advisable to use 3-finger claw technique before venturing into the 4-finger claw setup. Whether you choose the 3-finger or 4-finger claw, you should practice regularly as it will help you adapt to the control layout and improve your muscle memory.

To improve the performance, adjust the in-game control settings to suit your hand size and preferences. This can enhance your comfort and efficiency. Also, to excel in games and get insights on claw techniques you can learn from experienced players through tutorials and gameplay videos.

However, the claw technique can only yield favorable outcomes when using a high-powered gaming phone. Notably, these advanced controls are not universally compatible with all devices. The Infinix GT 20 Pro stands out as the sole phone offering a 120 fps PUBG gaming experience, ensuring rapid frame changes that facilitate quick enemy detection and response. Furthermore, the device boasts a dual chipset comprising the Dimensity 8200 Ultimate 4nm 5G processor and a dedicated gaming display chip. The Dimensity 8200 chip, operating at high speed and utilizing cutting-edge 4nm technology, delivers optimal performance without excessive battery consumption. This results in seamless, high-quality graphics and rapid response times.

Infinix GT 20 Pro can amplify your gaming experience with its top-tier performance and features. With Infinix you can adjust sensitivity settings to match your preferred control layout and playstyle. With its powerful hardware and software enhancements, Infinix GT 20 Pro ensures smooth gameplay and minimal input lag. Efficient battery management of GT 20 Pro ensures long gaming sessions without interruptions with any claw technique that you like.

 

Visa Reinvents the Card, Unveils New Products for the Digital Age at Visa Payments Forum CEMEA 2024.

• New payment innovations introduced at annual Visa Payments Forum for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
• Products will advance digital identity, seamless checkout, flexible payments, nano-merchant acceptance, and faster, smarter account-to-account payments.
• Launches Visa Pay, a payments-as-a-service platform, providing world-class, mobile-first experiences for digital payments and interoperable send-and-receive money movement.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  Today at the annual Visa Payments Forum for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Visa unveiled a suite of new products and services that will ­revolutionize the card and address the future needs of consumers, merchants and the financial institutions that serve them across the region.  The way people pay and get paid has changed more in the past five years than in the last 50, and the latest innovations will bring new payment experiences to transform commerce and money movement spanning eCommerce, face-to-face in-store shopping, and seamless money transfers.

“With rapidly accelerating digital payments growth across Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, we have seen a transformation in how consumers and merchants want to pay and be paid both online and in-store,” said Andrew Torre, Regional President, Visa CEMEA.  “As we continue to shape the future of commerce, we are excited to announce a next generation of truly digital-first payment experiences to support consumers, merchants and our clients and partners.  Today we are unveiling new card features and digital innovations that will bring consumers and merchants into a more customized, convenient, secure and inclusive future.”

Visa is introducing a portfolio of innovative new solutions that support digital identity, seamless checkout experiences, flexible payments, nano-merchant acceptance and protecting the security of account-to-account payments.  In addition, Visa is announcing Visa Pay, a new payments-as-a-service platform that provides world-class mobile-first experiences for digital payments and interoperable send-and-receive that has been developed for the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region.  The Visa Pay platform brings together extensive payment capabilities and provides a range of services for banks to quickly deploy new innovative solutions including digital issuance, payment initiation, tap-to-pay, fraud and risk management, wallet platforms, and more.

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has solidified a pivotal partnership with Odoo Middle East DMCC. Odoo is an integrated software, which offers a full suite of business applications including CRM, accounting, inventory, and other software for more efficient work, will provide digital transformation services and support small and large companies’ growth. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marks a significant milestone in fostering innovation within Pakistan’s premier IT hub, the CBD NSIT City. Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, the Government of Punjab has entrusted CBD Punjab with the prestigious NSIT City project. NSIT City is envisioned to provide essential knowledge infrastructure and foster an enabling ecosystem for driving innovation and technology advancement in the region. Through this MoU, CBD Punjab will facilitate Odoo’s advancement into the local market leveraging the NSIT platform. The collaboration between CBD Punjab and Odoo will mutually support the identification and realization of business opportunities in Punjab. The MoU was officially signed by CEO of CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, and Khalid Khan, Country Manager of Odoo, Pakistan, underscoring the commitment of both entities towards advancing technological capabilities in Punjab. The signing ceremony was attended by Director Business Development CBD Punjab, Ali Waqar Shah, Director Marketing CBD Punjab, Waseem Siddiq; Director Project Management CBD Punjab, Asif Iqbal, Director Architecture and Planning, Sameer Aftab Sial, along with other senior officials from CBD Punjab and Odoo Pakistan. As Pakistan embarks on its digitalization journey with the launch of NSIT City as a regional hub of IT and education, Odoo extends its support as a transformation partner through strategic public-private partnerships. While expressing his views on the signing ceremony CEO of CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, said, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our efforts to drive technological innovation and economic growth in Punjab. By leveraging Odoo’s expertise and our robust infrastructure at NSIT City , we aim to create a thriving ecosystem for businesses to flourish.” Khalid Khan, Country Manager of Odoo, Pakistan, shared his optimism, saying, “We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration presents for Odoo to expand its footprint in Pakistan and especially in Punjab. Together with CBD Punjab, we look forward to empowering businesses and driving digital transformation across various sectors.” This strategic collaboration between PCBDDA and Odoo Middle East DMCC underscores their shared commitment to fostering innovation, technology, and economic development in Pakistan, paving the way for a brighter and digitally empowered future.

If you have contemplated the purchase of a gaming phone but have been hesitant, we aim to guide you to help make an informed decision. Gaming phones represent not merely a passing trend, but a significant evolution in mobile technology, offering features that are advantageous to both gamers and regular users. While the term “gaming phone” might suggest a niche product, these devices offer significant advantages beyond just excelling at high-performance games.  They are engineered with top-tier processors and hardware, resulting in exceptional responsiveness and smoother operation in comparison to a regular phone. A gaming phone serves as an all-encompassing device, catering to a wide user base. Presented below are five compelling reasons why investing in a gaming phone is a prudent choice for all individuals, not solely limited to mobile gamers.

Extended power with a high-capacity battery
Gaming phones prioritize longevity with robust batteries, typically ranging from 5,000mAh to 6,000mAh. This translates to significant benefits for both gamers and regular users. For gamers, these high-capacity batteries ensure uninterrupted gameplay sessions. Whether engaged in an intense battle royale or traversing vast open worlds, you can expect up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge. This eliminates the worry of your phone dying mid-match, allowing you to focus on the game without scrambling for a charger. Moreover, beyond gaming, these batteries offer extended life for everyday tasks as well. Regular users can enjoy worry-free streaming, browsing, and general phone use for up to two days without recharge. This translates to a more convenient and productive experience, freeing you from the constant search for a charger and allowing your phone to integrate with your demanding schedule seamlessly.

Optimized gameplay for top mobile game titles

To maintain compatibility with the ever-evolving landscape of mobile applications, particularly those incorporating advanced AI features, gaming phones are undergoing continuous advancements. The mobile gaming industry thrives on constant innovation, and popular titles like PUBG showcase the seamless experiences achievable on high-performance gaming phones. These devices are equipped with top-tier processors, such as the Snapdragon 888 or MediaTek Dimensity 1200, and benefit from software optimizations specifically designed to deliver smooth performance across any application. As a result, gaming phones excel not only in demanding games but also in everyday tasks, ensuring an efficient and enjoyable user experience.

Experience seamless speed and responsiveness
Prioritizing raw performance, gaming phones boast a combination of powerful hardware to deliver an exceptional user experience. High RAM capacity (8GB-16GB) allows for faster app loading and smoother multitasking by readily accessing frequently used data. Powerful CPUs and GPUs tackle demanding tasks like complex games with ease, while optimized screen setups with high refresh rates ensure a buttery smooth and responsive viewing experience. These features extend beyond just gaming. Regular users benefit from effortless handling of demanding apps, seamless multitasking due to efficient switching between apps, and a lag-free experience in everyday tasks thanks to the optimized hardware. While the specific performance increase varies, a gaming phone with 12GB RAM and a high-end GPU could offer a significant boost, potentially reaching up to 35% improvement compared to standard smartphones in demanding applications

Specialized features to power your gameplay

Prioritizing peak performance, gaming phones boast features that elevate the user experience for everyone. Customizable triggers, often placed on the sides of the phone, can be programmed for in-game actions, mimicking a console controller and potentially offering a significant 21% improvement in response time. This translates to faster, more precise in-game control, giving gamers a competitive edge. But the benefits extend beyond gaming. Advanced cooling systems, employing heat sinks or even active fans, efficiently dissipate heat during intense use. This keeps the phone running at optimal temperature (up to 10°C cooler), preventing performance drops and ensuring smooth operation for demanding applications, multitasking, and media consumption. In short, these features don’t just enhance gameplay; they create a smoother, more responsive experience for all users.

High-resolution displays for an immersive experience
Gaming phones prioritize stunning visuals with their high-resolution, high-quality displays. These are typically bezel-less AMOLED panels, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and high contrast for an immersive viewing experience.  Beyond aesthetics, high refresh rates (120Hz-144Hz) ensure smoother visuals by refreshing the image on the screen more frequently. This minimizes lag and screen tearing, not just in fast-paced games, but also during everyday tasks like web browsing and scrolling.  Finally, high pixel density (400-500 PPI) packs more pixels into each inch, resulting in sharper images and clearer text – ideal for anyone who consumes a lot of multimedia content or requires precise visuals.  In short, these display features go beyond enhancing gameplay; they elevate the viewing experience for all users.

Thus, entering the arena of mobile gaming is the Infinix GT 20 Pro, created to redefine the user experience.  This powerhouse is equipped with the cutting-edge MediaTek Dimensity 8200 Ultimate 4nm 5G processor, delivering unparalleled speed and responsiveness – a gamer’s dream.  But the GT 20 Pro goes beyond raw power. For discerning mobile gamers, frame rate is a paramount factor influencing in-game performance.  The support for 120fps gameplay in PUBG mobile in Infinix GT 20 Pro significantly elevates the visual experience by doubling the number of frames displayed per second compared to the standard 60fps.  This translates to incredibly smooth visuals and a remarkable reduction in lag.  Every in-game action, from aiming with precision to navigating complex environments, feels remarkably responsive. 

Speaking of PUBG Mobile, the GT 20 Pro is the official gaming phone for the PUBG Mobile Super League for a reason.  With its optimized performance and display, the phone ensures every tap, swipe, and shot registers with precision, giving you a competitive edge.  Further enhancing the experience is a dedicated gaming display chip that fine-tunes the visuals for an even smoother and more responsive experience.

Do mark your calendars for the much-anticipated launch of the GT 20 Pro in Pakistan starting in June.

SUPER AWARDS by TECNO ARE HERE AND WE CANNOT CONTAIN OUR EXCITEMENT!!!!!

Leading the pack with innovative gifts and unique ideas to captivate its users, TECNO, Pakistan’s renowned global smartphone brand, has come up with yet another grand surprise.

The brand never fails to amaze us, does it? Each time they outdo themselves with something even more impressive. This time, however, the surprise is bigger and more spectacular than you can imagine, promising to exceed all expectations with an exciting competition and incredible line of prizes.

TECNO Pakistan just announced the year’s biggest competition: the SUPER AWARDS. The contest is called “SHOT ON CAMON”!

This year is mostly all about the new CAMON30 Series, which is the ultimate game-changer. With its top-notch features and awesome giveaways, it’s been winning over users and followers left and right.

This contest offers a variety of categories attuned to your expertise and interests. First up is “Colourful Discovery”, inviting submissions that depict the vibrant hues of nature or anything fitting the category’s theme. Next is “Poetic Portrait”, where art, beauty, and depth intertwine with your personal touch of imagination. Then there is “Super Night”, about portrayals of the mesmerizing beauty of the night, from starry skies to scenes that evoke the essence of nighttime. Following that is “Creative Perspective”, providing a platform to exhibit your unique creative angle. Lastly, there is “Life in Motion”, a special category for vloggers to show dynamic aspects of life and surroundings. The possibilities are endless, as long as you incorporate aesthetics into your content.

With Super Awards, always come the super prizes.

First up, we have the “TECNO Photography Master” award, where one lucky winner will walk away with a whopping $5,000 cash prize. Next, we have the “London Photography Tour Award”, offering a thrilling three-day photography tour for seven participants.

Moving on, we have the prestigious Gold Award with a generous winning amount of $3,000. The Silver Award winner isn’t far behind, with a chance to snag $2,000. And last but not least, the Bronze Award winner will take home a cool $1,000. In total, there will be 15 winners across the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Award categories.

But wait, that’s not it! There’s also an exclusive award category reserved for non-CAMON or non-TECNO users.

Non-TECNO and Non-Camon 30 users can join the fun by resharing their favorite works using the same hashtags on their Instagram. Out of all the entries, 10 participants with the most likes stand a chance to win a CAMON 30 Series phone.

Global TECNO users can select any submission category, share their best work captured with TECNO CAMON30 Series phones on Instagram using the specific hashtags #ShotOnCAMON and #TECNOCAMON30Series, while also submitting high-quality entries along with personal information to the official email address (shotoncamon@tecno-mobile.com) in this format:

Subject: [Country Name] + @IG Username + ShotOnCAMON

Body: Name of Submission Categories and Title of Work. Specify the category for each submission.

Please note that you cannot submit the same work to multiple categories.

Attachments:

• High-res images with TECNO watermarks (short edge ≥1000px, <30MB, JPG).
• Screenshots of complete EXIF information.
• Videos shot with TECNO phones (<500MB, ≤90s, MP4), with cover image (short edge ≥1000px, <30MB, JPG).

Submission dates are from May 15th to September 30th, 2024. With competition heating up, time is precious, so act fast.

How to apply for the SUPER AWARDS?

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  Keeping in mind the global trends and commitment to climate action, the construction industry of Pakistan is moving towards the adoption of modern and sustainable construction materials, according to an Institute of Architects Pakistan (IAP) official.

To showcase the construction sector’s potential and create awareness about these modern construction materials, such as value-added PVC products, the IAP recently organized three-day IAPEX 2024. The event attracted a strong footfall of architects, interior designers, students, experts, and industry players.

Mishaal Merchant, Chairman of IAP highlighted that the construction sector plays a pivotal role in the overall economic development of any country.  According to a report by the Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA), in 1QFY24, the sector contributed ~11.5% in industrial activities and around ~2.7% to the GDP. The destructive floods of 2022 and changing global trends have necessitated the local construction industry to embrace international standards and promote the use of sustainable materials.    

Among the modern and cost-effective construction materials displayed at the event, downstream PVC products garnered a lot of interest from the visitors.  ThinkPVC, a retail outlet owned and operated by Engro Polymer & Chemicals (EPCL), showcased downstream PVC products ranging from pipes and fittings to doors, windows, roofing, and wall panels, at the IAPEX.

Talking about the much-needed change to modernize Pakistan’s construction sector, Muhammad Idrees, Chief Commercial Officer at EPCL said, “Resolving the urban housing crisis demands a balanced approach — enhancing existing housing, while also embracing modern, sustainable materials for new construction.  ThinkPVC offers innovative and cutting-edge solutions that not only surpass aesthetically but also offer cost-effectiveness, while meeting evolving climate demands. We work closely with architects and developers to ensure our products uphold our commitment to sustainability, thus elevating the construction landscape.”

He added that PVC is the material of choice by architects and developers across the world due to its longevity against the changing climate needs, as well as aesthetics and cost-effectiveness compared to other materials. ThinkPVC also unveiled Vero, a new and advanced range of kitchens and vanities, at the IAPEX with the aim to redefine the benchmarks of quality and craftsmanship in the Pakistani market. The superior quality Vero products will also encourage import substitution and development of the local market in line with global standards of excellence.

Meezan Bank Strengthens Foothold in Forex Services, Launches its wholly owned Subsidiary – Meezan Exchange.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)   Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank has officially commenced operations of Meezan Exchange Company Limited (MECL), its wholly-owned subsidiary in Karachi. MECL will offer remittance and forex services to all customers. As an initial step in its journey, MECL will expand to 10 outlets nationwide within the first month of its launch with accelerated plans to launch 50 outlets within a year.

The first Meezan Exchange branch, located at the Trade Tower, Karachi, was recently inaugurated by Mr. Irfan Siddiqui, Founding President & CEO of Meezan Bank, along with Mr. Zia Ul Hassan, Chairman of the Board MECL, Mr. Faisal Sarwar, CEO MECL, and senior management from Meezan Bank and Meezan Exchange.

Meezan Exchange’s rapid roll out comes with the State Bank of Pakistan’s structural reforms in the exchange sector that aim to create local forex powerhouses with licenses to operate in the country. MECL has joined the country’s growing list of exchange companies and specializes in offering transparency and cost-effectiveness in every transaction, building upon its core strengths of offering efficient currency exchange rates, swift service, and a superior customer experience.

Mr. Irfan Siddiqui remarked, “The launch of Meezan Exchange reinforces our commitment to delivering seamless financial solutions. We are on the path to building best-in-class financial solutions based on our Core Values of Shariah-compliance, Integrity, and Service Excellence. Meezan Exchange is a testament to the rapid strides we want to make in providing outclass remittance and multi-currency exchange services to both our corporate and individual customers.”