Category: Business

KTC has raised concerns over the recent decline in its cigarette sales, attributing it to a sharp rise in the smuggling of international cigarette brands in Pakistan. This surge in illicit trade poses a significant threat to the company’s operations and the local market.

The tobacco manufacturing entity emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and collaborative efforts among policymakers and enforcement agencies to combat the smuggling of cigarettes effectively. Addressing this issue is crucial not only for safeguarding the interests of legitimate businesses like KTC but also for protecting consumers from potentially harmful counterfeit products.

Despite facing challenging circumstances, KTC remains steadfast in its commitment to providing quality products to its customers while complying with local fiscal regulations. The company’s dedication to upholding standards and contributing to the local economy underscores its resilience in the face of adversity.

Khyber Tobacco Company Limited (KTC) was the first tobacco manufacturing company to implement track and trace tax stamps on its products and is committed to be truly compliant to all applicable health and fiscal regulations and to contribute to community development through our robust CSR program.

In a statement, the company said that implementing the track and trace stamps not only enhanced traceability but also signified the company’s dedication to upholding fiscal responsibilities within the country.

KTC being a leading publicly listed national company in the tobacco industry in Pakistan acknowledged the efforts of the Federal Board of Revenue in its crackdown on illicit sectors. However, a lot more needs to be done to get rid of the cigarettes smuggling menace in Pakistan. The unchecked increase in smuggling does not only jeopardize the government revenue but also kills the national companies which are finding it hard to sustain in such an environment.

Furthermore, KTC takes pride in its progressive stance as the first-ever tobacco company in Pakistan to be led by a woman CEO. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity in its leadership ranks.

“Empowering Commuters: Zindigi, Sindh Govt, Mastercard, & People Bus Service First Open Loop Transit Solution in Pakistan”.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Embarking on a transformative journey, Zindigi, powered by JS Bank, in collaboration with the Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA), People Bus Service, and Mastercard, has reshaped Karachi’s public transportation landscape. Together, they’ve introduced an advanced digital payment system aimed at elevating urban travel in Pakistan’s largest metropolis to international standards. This initiative promises unparalleled ease and convenience for the city’s millions of commuters.

A significant milestone for Karachi’s transit system, the initial rollout will see over one million Zindigi Mastercard Travel cards distributed along with enabling existing Zindigi Card users to go cashless. These cards are designed to seamlessly transition commuters from cash-based transactions to a digital format, thereby reducing wait times and simplifying fare payments across the city’s bus networks. Moreover, beyond travel, the card will also cater to recipient’s banking needs, offering a comprehensive solution for everyday transactions.

Noman Azhar, Chief Officer at Zindigi, shared his thoughts on the initiative: “It’s truly inspiring to contribute to the progressive initiatives of the Sindh government. Zindigi, driven by its visionary approach, aims to enrich the lives of the masses by offering simplified solutions to all their unmet needs. We provide banking service in the most unconventional way; we’re dedicated to transforming entire journeys from start to finish for creating a positive impact. This is first of its kind open loop transport card in Pakistan which will give customers access to entire banking system and will be used in buses for commute as well as a normal debit card on all ATM and POS machines across Pakistan. “

You can get this card from any booth across the enabled routes or by simply downloading Zindigi app and ordering your Sindh Mass Transit Card. In addition to this, existing Zindigi Debit Card customers will also be able to use them in these buses.

A spokesperson from the Sindh Government also expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “ People’s Bus Service is once again ahead in making history. Automated fare collection system is being introduced today. This will be Pakistan’s first automated fare collection system in a mixed traffic bus.”

Mike Jones, Senior Vice President EEMEA Public Sector Lead at Mastercard, said: “At Mastercard, we have served as an architect of pioneering urban mobility solutions for over a decade. We are delighted to bring our state-of-the-art open-loop transit payment system from cities including Singapore, Sydney, and London to Karachi. Together with our agile and innovative partners, we will redefine the way Pakistan commutes, help to increase ridership and assist the country’s transit ecosystem in going fully-digital.”

This collaborative effort is exemplary of how public-private partnerships can effectively drive technological advancement and improve public services. It marks a progressive step towards digital transformation aimed at enhancing the public transportation network in Karachi to better meet the needs of its growing population and foster a more connected and sustainable urban environment.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The collaboration between industries and academic
institutions is indispensable under the emergent educational policy
for developing human capital and industries of different sectors
across the country, said Federal Minister for Science and Technology
Dr Khaliq Maqbool Siddiqui.

Speaking as a chief guest at the 4th PEC International Deans
Conference held at Muhammad Ali Jinnah University on Monday, Khalid
Maqbool said that the government is constating a task force with the
Pakistan Engineering Council to address the issues of engineers’
fraternity and train the new engineers by latest technological trends
in their fields.

We must empower our young generation with technological education and
skills so that they can serve the institution of the country and
abroad after acquiring in-demand skillsets, he remarked.

Chairman Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) Engr Najeeb Haroon said
the council is endeavouring to create opportunities for experienced
and new engineers in various public and private sector projects.

The association is also working to establish relations with
engineering universities to improve professional education in
engineering.

Dr Zubair Shaikh, President of Muhammad Ali Jinnah University, said
the PEC international conference is a testament to efforts to foster
relations among local and international academia and engineering
professionals, which will result in positive and sustainable outcomes
in the future.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The Center for Executive Education (CEE) at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi hosted a seminar on ‘The Mediator’s Magic: Transforming Conflict into Collaboration’ at the IBA City Campus. Distinguished guests and participants from the judiciary, corporate sector, academia, and international institutions attended the event.

The seminar delved into the transformative power of mediation in resolving conflicts and fostering collaboration in diverse settings. Eminent speakers and panelists from various sectors shared their insights and experiences on the significance of mediation in today’s world. The event commenced with a welcome address by Kamran Bilgrami, Director IBA-CEE, followed by a welcome address by Justice (R) Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, Former Chief Justice of Pakistan.

Dr. Ishrat Husain, Professor Emeritus, IBA, delivered the keynote address on ‘The Power of Mediation in Conflict Resolution,’ discussing the significance of mediation and the role of IBA in promoting its use.

Special addresses by Zmarak Khan, Chief Legal Counsel, CLDP and Siddharth Jha Counsel, SIMC focused on ‘US Government Support and International Mediation Landscape, and Prospects for Pakistan.’ The seminar also featured a discussion on ‘Mediation in Pakistan – Future Prospects,’ with insights shared by esteemed judges, and a panel discussion moderated by SIMI Qualified Mediator, Syed Bulent Sohail, explored ‘The Landscape of Mediation.’

Justice Junaid Ghaffar gave the closing remarks, emphasizing the importance of fostering mediation skills for a more peaceful society. Muhammad Sohail, CEO Topline Securities, delivered the vote of thanks. The seminar concluded with a networking reception.

 

Bank of Punjab Join Hands with Google Cloud & Tech Valley as Strategic Partner for Google Cloud Startup Competition Pakistan 2024.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Bank of Punjab (BoP) has joined hands with Google Cloud Startup Competition 2024 as its strategic partner which is being organised at national level by Google Cloud Partner Tech Valley and supported by Google Developers Group throughout Pakista. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the journey to uncover and nurture Pakistan’s most promising tech startups, positioning them prominently on the regional innovation map.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Bank of Punjab as a strategic partner for the Google Cloud Startup Competition,” said Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley Pakistan. “This collaboration strengthens our mission to empower Pakistan’s most innovative startups and propel them onto the global stage.”

Bank of Punjab (BoP), a champion of Pakistan’s fintech and startup scene, partnered with LUMS and NIC in 2022 to set up the innovation centre and last year launched the nationwide “Sprint Pakistan Powered by digiBOP Program”. BOP sponsored trips of the top 10 Winners to Singapore to participate in Singapore Fintech Festival 2023, which gave them immense pitching, networking and partnering opportunities with Global VCs, Tech companies and Financial Institutions.

“Looking forward to collaborating with Google on cutting-edge technologies like AI and cloud to empower Pakistan’s startups. Besides conventional digital banking products we have a great focus on Banking As A Service, API based banking, Super App journey, Embedded Finance, and developing a Sandbox, which makes Integration and collaboration with Startup & Fintechs easy. Supporting the startup ecosystem is BOP’s key strategic pillar and is also very close to my heart.” Said Imran Ashraf, Head Digital Banking, at Bank of Punjab.

The Google Cloud Startup Competition Pakistan 2024 invites startups to compete in five key areas: AI, E-commerce, Fintech, Frontier Technologies, and Sustainability. Winners in each track will receive PKR 1 million and connect with VCs.

“Bank of Punjab has a long-standing track record of nurturing Pakistani startups and bringing them to regional markets. We look forward to working together to unearth new talents and enable them with resources to thrive.” said Farhan Qureshi, Country Director, Pakistan, Google. 

The Google Cloud Startup Competition Pakistan 2024 has additionally garnered support from various key stakeholders in the startup ecosystem, including sponsors Alethea AI, Tridorian, Aspire, OPEN Silicon Valley and Bookme. 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Cheezious, a renowned and customer-centric Pakistani fast-food brand, partners up with Cola Next Pakistan in order to support and promote local Pakistani enterprises.

Cola Next, a fairly-new beverage venture by Mezan Beverages Private Limited, which also provide a wonderful range like Fizup Next, Rango Next, they also have some really original and great tasting fruity flavors like lychee Next and Anar Next, storm for energy as well.

To assist Cola Next in reaching its goals and advancing Pakistani-led enterprises, Cheezious Pakistan has collaborated with the company. As part of this partnership, Cola Next beverages are now accessible at every Cheezious branch, displacing international beverages. Cheezious is deeply committed to fostering Pakistani enterprises across the nation, prioritizing the sustenance and growth of local businesses.

Through strategic partnerships collaborations, and initiatives, similar to that with Cola Next, Cheezious strives to provide a platform for local businesses to thrive and succeed. This includes showcasing their products, offering marketing support, facilitating networking opportunities, and providing access to resources and expertise. By championing the growth and sustainability of local businesses like Cola Next, Cheezious aims to contribute to the overall prosperity and well-being of Pakistan and its people

Zohaib Hassan Head of Marketing for Cheezious Pakistan stated that, ‘As a well-established Pakistani household name, Cheezious recognizes the importance of nurturing and supporting local businesses in Pakistan. This commitment stems from a desire to contribute to the economic development and prosperity of the nation by empowering homegrown enterprises. Cheezious understands that local businesses play a crucial role in driving innovation, creating employment opportunities, and fostering a sense of community pride.’

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

TECNO, Pakistan’s  No 1 selling smartphone brand, just launched its much-awaited series of the year CAMON 30 in a grand fashion show called “Vogue Night” on 30th April in Karachi.

The Camon 30 Series, comprising the TECNO CAMON 30, CAMON 30 Pro, and CAMON 30 Premier, represents a leap forward in smartphone technology. With their sleek and captivating designs, these devices catch the eye from the moment you see them. But it’s not just about looks; these phones are packed with high-performance specifications, ensuring smooth multitasking, gaming, and media consumption experiences. However, what truly sets the Camon 30 Series apart is its advanced camera capabilities. From crisp portraits to breathtaking landscapes, they cater to the demands of modern smartphone users who prioritize imaging excellence. By introducing this series to Pakistani users, TECNO is committed to redefining the imaging experience in the region.

“We’re incredibly excited about this new series, as it represents the culmination of dedicated effort in crafting a truly groundbreaking product. The standout feature of this series is our collaboration with Sony, leveraging their IMX890 sensor and the Sony CXD5622GG Imaging Chip to deliver an exceptional imaging experience. We’re confident that this smartphone series will surpass all existing phone photography records set by other brands in Pakistan,” says Adeel Tahir, Director Sales at TECNO.

This marks the first occasion in Pakistan’s history where a smartphone was launched at a fashion show. The lavish event drew Pakistan’s top celebrities and models, including Sajal Aly, Urwa Hussain, Kinza hashmi, Zaviyar Ejaz, Dananeer, and many others. The atmosphere in the event hall was fully charged with excitement, and the icing on the cake was a mesmerizing musical concert by Aima Baig, making the night even more unforgettable.

Kelvin Zeng, CEO of TECNO Pakistan says, “TECNO is dedicated to offering state-of-the-art experiences to users through innovative and user-friendly products. Our ethos revolves around making life easier for its customers by providing them with access to the latest smartphone solutions at competitive price points. With the arrival of our new series, we aim to revolutionize the market yet again by incorporating advanced technology into our products, setting a new standard for what users can expect from our brand just as our brand slogan “Stop at Nothing”.”

Presenting an impressive setup featuring up to 12 GB of memory and 512 GB of storage, this powerhouse of a smartphone is an absolute marvel, priced between the range of PKR 62,999/- and 158,999/-.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

foodpanda, Pakistan’s leading delivery platform, proudly sponsored and participated in the Women in Business and Leadership Conference (WIBCON) ’24, organised by the Pakistan Society for Training and Development (PSTD). This influential event, attended by an estimated 1200-1500 participants, provided a positive platform for advancing inclusivity and empowering women leaders.

As a title sponsor, foodpanda’s presence at WIBCON ’24 spotlighted the significant contributions and achievements of its female workforce. Through an engaging exhibit, foodpanda highlighted the pivotal roles women play in driving innovation, excellence, and growth within the company and the biases that we need to break in order for women to grow and succeed.

Muntaqa Peracha, Managing Director of foodpanda, lent his insights to a compelling panel discussion comprising of Male Champions in the C-Suite of leading companies. The discussion centred on creating inclusive and equitable workplaces that empower women to thrive and succeed. The theme of this year’s conference, “Rise in Sync”, resonated throughout the conversation, emphasising collective empowerment, bridging gaps, and rising together as a society.

Muntaqa Peracha shared his enthusiasm about the successful conclusion of WIBCON ‘24, stating, “We are deeply honoured to have contributed to this esteemed gathering, which highlights the importance of nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment. At foodpanda, we are committed to championing women’s leadership and empowerment, and events like WIBCON serve as great motivation for meaningful change and progress.”

WIBCON ’24 provided an enriching platform for participants to engage in thought-provoking discussions, gain valuable insights from industry experts, and create meaningful connections. The event’s agenda focused on inspiring and empowering women leaders to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future.

Alongside the male champion panel discussions and themes of collective empowerment, foodpanda shared the inspiring story of Rukhsana Mehak, a female rider who rose above challenges to support her family through her food delivery work. Rukhsana’s journey exemplifies the spirit of empowerment and resilience, showcasing the impact of inclusive opportunities in the workforce. 

foodpanda’s active involvement in WIBCON ’24 reflects its ongoing commitment to creating diverse and inclusive workplaces, driving positive change, and empowering women to reach their full potential.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  IGATEX PAKISTAN – Country’s Largest Garment, Textile & Digital Printing Machinery and Accessories Exhibition organized by Fakt Exhibitions (Pvt.) Ltd. opened its doors on 1st May 2024 at Expo Centre Lahore.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Guest of Honors Mr. Zaki Aijaz, Regional Chairman – The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry, H.E. Mr. Ladislav Steinhübel – Ambassador of Czech Republic, Dr. Salvatore Parano – Trade Commissioner of Italy, Mr. Saleem Khan Tanoli – CEO Fakt Exhibitions (Pvt.) Ltd. and other renowned names of the industry.

On this occasion, the Guests stated that “Fakt Exhibitions (Pvt.) Ltd. has taken a wonderful initiative by organizing IGATEX PAKISTAN Exhibition, which provides a worthy opportunity for the textile industry to showcase their innovative technology and services. The event has played a pivotal role in strengthening the economic ties between Pakistan and rest of the world”.  

Speaking on the occasion, Saleem Khan Tanoli, CEO of Fakt Exhibitions (Pvt.) Ltd. stated, “We are glad to see such an overwhelming response for IGATEX PAKISTAN 2024. The massive turnout and positive feedback from exhibitors and visitors reaffirm the importance of this event as a catalyst for innovation and growth for the textile industry. IGATEX PAKISTAN has brought together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders to unlock unlimited opportunities for growth and collaborations.”

IGATEX PAKISTAN the pioneer event of its kind has continually set the benchmark for excellence over its 22-year history. This year’s edition has surpassed all expectations, showcasing cutting-edge garments, textiles, digital printing machinery, and technology. Over 500 companies from 30 countries, including Austria, Belgium, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Pakistan, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK, and the USA are showcasing their latest innovations, technologies, and next-generation solutions aimed at transforming the textile industry.

Alongside the exhibition, IGATEX PAKISTAN Conference will take place on 2nd May 2024 at Expo Centre Lahore. The conference will provide a platform for industry stakeholders and thought leaders to exchange insights and explore innovative solutions, sustainability and technological advancement in the textile industry.

The opening day of the exhibition received an overwhelming response as a huge number of visitors turned to the exhibition and showed keen interest in the technology and cutting-edge machinery on showcase. From state-of-the-art textile machinery models to sustainable applications, visitors were treated to a wide range of innovations and services poised to revolutionize the textile industry.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Emphasizing the vital importance of creating conducive conditions for women to flourish in the realms of business and entrepreneurship, the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OICCI) held its 6th Women Empowerment Awards ceremony on Tuesday.

Addressing the members, OICCI Vice President Rehan Shaikh said, “Pakistan’s ranking on the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law Index has remained dishearteningly low, with a score of 58.8 for two consecutive years. Against this backdrop, empowering women isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s also an economic necessity.” He stressed the significant returns on investment in women’s education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, underscoring their pivotal role in driving economic growth and societal development.

The top honors of the 6th OICCI Women Empowerment Awards were bestowed upon three distinguished companies: Procter & Gamble Pakistan claimed the title of Champions, with Nestle Pakistan and Unilever Pakistan securing the first and second runners-up positions, respectively. An independent jury evaluated the performance of companies across various categories, recognizing excellence and innovation in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Expanding the scope of recognition beyond organizations, Shazia Syed, Global EVP – Beverages at Unilever, was honored with the Iconic Corporate Women Leaders Award, acknowledging her outstanding contributions to corporate leadership.

Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, former caretaker finance minister and recipient of the Nishan-i-Imtiaz for outstanding public service, honored the ceremony as the chief guest. In her address, she highlighted the critical importance of providing women with access to finance and education, emphasizing that these opportunities are fundamental for women to excel in all spheres of life.

In addition to celebrating achievements, the event served as a platform for the launch of the ‘Increasing Women’s Inclusion in the Pakistani Economy’ handbook, a comprehensive resource developed by OICCI. This policy paper consists of key themes emphasizing critical aspects of gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, including promoting equal opportunity, addressing the gender pay gap, ensuring workplace safety, fostering inclusivity, promoting economic inclusion, and supporting work-life balance.

Launching the handbook, Andrew Bailey, a member of the OICCI Managing Committee, emphasized the importance of implementing recommendations stated in the paper to realize Pakistan’s vision of a more equitable and prosperous society.

Closing the ceremony, M Abdul Aleem, CE/Secretary General of OICCI, said “Women empowerment has been a cornerstone for OICCI members, represented by ‘OICCI Women’, our flagship initiative to enhance women’s inclusion in the economy.”

The event not only celebrated overall corporate achievements but also recognized special category awardees. Notable among these were Pepsi Co for Organization Commitment on Women Empowerment, Total PARCO Pakistan Limited for Leadership and Strategy, Engro Corp for Conducive Workplace Environment for Women, Shell Pakistan Limited for Work-Life Balance and Integration, Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan Ltd. for Women Leaders’ Development, Jazz for Notable Growth in Women Empowerment, and Chevron Pakistan Lubricants Private Limited for SME Champions.

As Pakistan continues its journey toward gender equality and economic inclusivity, events like the 6th Women Empowerment Awards serve as catalysts for progress, inspiring collective action and fostering a more equitable and prosperous future for all.