Category: Business

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) TCL, Pakistan’s no. 1 LED TV brand, announces the launch of its first-ever Experience Lounge in Pakistan. This launch demonstrates TCL’s dedication to introducing cutting-edge technology and immersive entertainment experiences to Pakistani consumers. TCL’s Experience Lounge marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey in Pakistan.

The TCL Experience Lounge offers an entertainment destination where visitors can take part in top-quality visual experiences. With state-of-the-art audiovisual technology and TCL screens, the Cinema Experience gives the guests a full cinematic experience, while the Gaming Zone, equipped with the latest gaming technology and TCL LED screens, provides an immersive gameplay environment. Complementing these experiences is the emphasis on Quality Sound, ensuring that every auditory detail is faithfully reproduced, enhancing the overall entertainment journey for consumers.

“Our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction drives us to create groundbreaking initiatives like the TCL Experience Lounge,” stated Sunny Yang, General Manager of TCL Middle East and Africa. “This immersive destination encapsulates TCL’s vision to provide unparalleled entertainment experiences to consumers in Pakistan.”

Positioned as the best LED TV brand in Pakistan, TCL’s Experience Lounge offers a unique and exclusive environment. Visitors can indulge in an array of entertainment options, from experiencing breathtaking visuals on top-quality displays, all powered by TCL LED screens.

Majid Khan Niazi, Director of Marketing TCL Middle East and Africa, commented, “The launch of the TCL Experience Lounge represents a significant step forward in our mission to elevate the entertainment landscape in Pakistan. Our amazing interior design, usage of cutting edge technology and adherence to international standards ensure that visitors enjoy a world-class experience.”

Strategically located for easy access at 24XX DHA Phase 3 Lahore, the TCL Experience Lounge promises to be a beacon for entertainment and technology enthusiasts across the country. TCL has a global presence in more than 160 countries and is one of the leading manufacturers of LED TV globally. With its global brand recognition and reputation for innovative technology, TCL continues to set new standards for excellence in Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Zong 4G, Pakistan’s telecommunication leader, proudly reaches a new pinnacle in propelling the nation’s digital evolution. With the exhilarating introduction of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) partnerships especially for its esteemed corporate clientele, Zong 4G unleashes a wave of innovation aimed at enhancing revenue streams and elevating the customer journey.

In today’s dynamic digital landscape, Information and Communication Technology stands as the cornerstone for every corporation, shaping communication channels and revolutionizing business operations. Recognizing its pivotal role, Zong 4G has taken a bold step forward, offering cutting-edge digital platforms and services tailored for corporate clients. This initiative not only enhances Zong’s DICT portfolio but also injects it with a thrilling blend of cost efficiency and diverse solutions, propelling businesses into an electrifying era of innovation and connectivity.

In order to create ease for its corporate users, Zong 4G is offering the following services Network and Cyber Security: CMPak helps its customers to leverage the intelligence of wide-range security network. it includes firewalls (Virtual and physical), WAF, Cloud based security Solutions, IDS, IPS, Email security solutions, Secure VPN, Connectivity Solutions, Real time Antivirus, data leak Checkers. Major Partners include: Fortinet, Sangfor, Sophos, TrendMicro, Kaspersky.

IT Infrastructure: A diverse selection of products is available, encompassing routers, switches, WiFi devices, data center racks, industrial-grade UPS, on-premises cloud services, and smart screens, among other offerings. Major Partners include: Huawei, ZTE, Rujie, Ruckus, Fiberhome, Raisecom, Attom.

Information Management: Zong 4G provides its customers with comprehensive data protection solutions encompassing backup, recovery, and safeguarding of files and applications. This suite includes services for data protection, backup, and recovery. Major Partners include: VeeAM.

Automation and Surveillance: CMPak showcases a premier array of Automation and Surveillance solutions, achieved through collaborations with top international industry players. CMPak extends AMS, Surveillance solutions, Dash Cam solutions, and IP Phones to its customers, encompassing surveillance cameras, facial recognition solutions, ANPR solutions, and video security solutions. Major Partners include: Dahua, HIKVision, Grandstream.

Workplace Technology: This includes UPS from 4KVA to 500KVA, Micro modular Data center indoor racks, Data Center Containment, Solution Indoor Racks, Precision cooling Racks, outdoor cabinets, Rectifiers and metered PDU racks.

While discussing the importance DICT in Pakistan, the official spokesperson for Zong 4G stated, ‘ICT holds a central position in reshaping how we engage with the world around us, transforming communication, access to information, and the very fabric of business operations. The strategic collaborations with OEMs mark a monumental endeavor for Zong 4G, ensuring that its users are equipped with unparalleled resources at their fingertips, sourced directly from the pinnacle of the market’.

BNU STUDENTS DIVE INTO CBD PUNJAB’S SKYLINE.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Punjab Central Business District Development Authourity (PCBDDA) also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), invited students of Beaconhouse National University’s Razia Hasan School of Architecture and Design for a study tour of CBD Punjab. The tour aimed to enlighten students about the complexities and features of high-rise building design. Director of Architecture and Planning CBD Punjab, Sameer Aftab Sial, briefed the students about high-rise design and building construction methodologies. He emphasized the importance of such initiatives stating that students are the architects of the future. He highlighted CBD Punjab’s commitment to providing opportunities for professional development to students, with this tour being a part of that endeavour. While addressing the students Director Architecture and Planning CBD Punjab, Sameer Aftab Sial said, “The design of high-rise buildings encompasses various complexities and features. It is essential to familiarize students with these aspects through their degree programs so that they can shine in the future with modern knowledge,” During the tour students also visited CBD Punjab’s site and showed keen interest in the various ongoing projects of CBD Punjab. The tour served as a platform for students to explore and express their enthusiasm for the diverse projects undertaken by CBD Punjab. CBD Punjab continues its tradition of fostering students’ professional growth, with this tour being a testament to its commitment to providing practical exposure alongside academic learning.

Mohammad Ali Jinnah University (MAJU) recently hosted a seminar on
Pakistan’s economic situation and the latest agreement with the
International Monetary Fund (IMF) at the campus.

Speaking at a seminar, Director at the Center for Excellence in
Islamic Finance (CEIF)-IBA Ahmed Siddiqui underscored the crucial role
of the IMF in stabilizing the country’s current account and the option
of utilizing the international lender’s Islamic financing program.

He mentioned that Islamic institutions are taking the lead in the
banking and financial sectors, having a strong potential to transform
the economy from interest-based elements to Shariah-compliant
mechanisms within five years.

He further added that the masses are choosing Shariah-compliant
financial products and services in the country as their preferred
choice, depicting the promising future of Islamic financial system in
Pakistan.

Economist Muhammad Farrukh Ahmed discussed various issues and
challenges facing the economy and its critical solutions through
restructuring and reforms of macroeconomic indicators.

He said agriculture and IT are highly potential sectors for economic
growth, foreign direct investment, and the generation of employment
across the country. On the other hand, the government should adopt
strict austerity measures to cut down on luxury items from import
bills, focusing on promoting localization of the economy.

He added that the reforms in tax authority are a much-needed step to
generate funds for public sector projects and curb on smuggling across
the country. The digitization of the financial sector and governance
will greatly help to end corruption.

The seminar was also addressed by noted speakers, including Chairman
Employees Federation of Pakistan, Mehmood Arshad, and Faculty Members
at MAJU, Dr. Hina Fatima and Dr. Umar Rafiq.

Mastercard report finds human connections and technological innovation are key for Cities of the Future.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Three in four people would be happier living in a smart and connected city, according to a new report by Mastercard, which features insights related to human aspirations and technological progress for smart cities in the Middle East. By 2050, two-thirds of the world’s population will be living in urban areas, which places a renewed focus on urban living to ensure that the cities of the future are secure, sustainable and inclusive.

Mastercard Cities of the Future Report revealed that respondents in Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the UAE overwhelmingly agree that living in a smart city would make them happier (76%).

Priority innovations span connected buildings, smart travel and AI-powered services

The majority (62%) of respondents in Middle East and North Africa identified smart and connected buildings and homes as the highest priority innovation, followed by smart travel services (61%). Technological advancements widely generate more optimism than worry. Becoming less physically active is the top concern, followed by reduced human interaction and the loss of traditional jobs. AI and machine learning (58%) are considered the most important technologies for future cities.

Increased sustainability emerges as an aspiration

Public awareness of the need for climate action is high, and smart solutions to transform to clean and renewable energy (59%) emerged at the top of the list of anticipated outcomes across the MENA region. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, 85% of respondents believe their cities are ‘maturing’ or ‘mature enough’.

Urban residents seek digital access to services, strong data security and super-app convenience

MENA residents would like to see digitization make their living environments, workplaces, and payment experiences, more efficient. Digital access to services like banking, utilities, and transportation tops (59%) the list of aspects that would enhance their daily living experience in a city. This is followed by strong privacy and secure personal data (58%) and a single digital platform (super-app) that integrates all services and information (53%).

Partnership crucial for urban innovation

Over the past year Mastercard has embarked on several initiatives with government entities, including the development of urban mobility. It is involved in the Riyadh Metro project, and also partnered with the Greater Amman Municipality to roll out Jordan’s first transit payment ecosystem, paving the way for seamless digital payments across the public transport network. In Dubai, alongside the UAE government, Mastercard is establishing a global Centre for Advanced AI and Cyber Technology to accelerate generative AI research. Mastercard partnered with the Administrative Capital for Urban Development to build the efficient digital infrastructure that will enable the New Administrative Capital to become Egypt’s first cashless city. Through working with public and private sector partners, Mastercard helps develop solutions to advance sustainability, small business success, digital transformation, tourism development, education, and urban mobility.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Pakistan Banks’ Association (PBA) announces the retirement, with effect from, March 31, 2024, of its longstanding CEO & Secretary General, Mr Tawfiq A. Hussain. After more than a decade of meritorious service to the Association, Tawfiq Hussain leaves behind a legacy marked by notable achievements and substantial growth of the organization. His strategic vision and unwavering commitment to excellence have raised the profile of the PBA and positioned it as a leading industry body in Pakistan.

Following Tawfiq Hussain’s retirement, the PBA Executive Committee unanimously selected Mr Muneer Kamal to be his successor and assume the role of the new CEO & Secretary General, effective April 1, 2024. Possessing over four decades of extensive banking experience, Muneer Kamal brings a wealth of expertise and insight to the role. His career in banking and financial services started with Citibank Pakistan and since then Muneer has assumed both local and international positions in various financial entities, including as President & CEO of Faysal Bank and Union Bank. Muneer Kamal holds an MBA degree from the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi.

Muneer’s diverse Corporate Governance experience includes having served as Chairman – Pakistan Stock Exchange, Chairman – National Bank of Pakistan, Director – Engro Corp, and Director – DH Corp. He is a member of the Board of Directors at Infra Zamin Pakistan, GSK Pakistan, Jubilee Life Insurance, National Clearing Company of Pakistan (NCCPL) and also serves as a member of the Board of Governors of the National University of Medical Sciences.

In light of the recent management changes, Mr Zafar Masud, Chairman – PBA commented, “On behalf of the PBA Executive Committee, I would like to welcome Mr Muneer Kamal as the new CEO & Secretary General of the Pakistan Banks’ Association. Muneer’s demonstrated leadership and deep understanding of the banking landscape over the years position him to lead the organization forward, advancing PBA’s mission of promoting banking excellence. The Executive Committee would also like to extend its profound gratitude to Mr Tawfiq Hussain for his years of meritorious service and wishes him success in his future endeavors.”

Four journalists from Urdu, English and Pushto language-media receive awards for excellence in climate reporting after field reporting boot camps in Swat and Rahim Yar Khan

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) The Centre for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi conferred awards upon four journalists for their outstanding contributions to the field of climate reporting at the ‘Climate Reporting Awards’. This measure is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

The Awards, held for the first time, were organized to highlight and promote journalistic expertise in the areas of environment and climate change after 24 journalists across the country attended five-day Green Media Initiative boot camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and South Punjab.

Dr. Rüdiger Lotz, Consul General, Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, gave welcome remarks at the event. He stated, “To the journalists we honor today, my heartfelt congratulations and deepest gratitude. I encourage you to continue your invaluable contributions to the climate change discourse, knowing your voices enable climate action. Your stories have not just informed the public, they have demonstrably made a difference.”

The awards were conferred to four journalists – two from each province – for news stories written or produced after the successful completion of the Swat boot camp in November and the Rahim Yar Khan boot camp in December.

The winners and runners-up are as follows:

Rahim Yar Khan

Winner: Irfan Ulhaq, Correspondent, Dawn Media Group

Story title: Salinity control plan reclaims 1.3 acres farmland

Runner-up: Mahjabeen Abid, Producer/ Anchor, PTV National Multan

Story title: Air pollution: A big reason of complications during pregnancy

 

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Winner: Arif Ahmad, Reporter, Zama Swat

Story title: An entire village in Swat flooded due to climate change

Runner-up: Laiba Hussan, Reporter, Aaj News

Story title: Solar energy’s unintended impact: Peshawar’s silent drought crisis

Winners and runners-up were selected by two senior journalists from a total of 20 entries from the alumni of Green Media Initiative boot camps. The jury included Shahzeb Jillani, Senior Journalist and Host of Zara Hut Kay at Dawn News and Afia Salam, Freelance Journalist.

During the occasion, a resource book titled ‘Pakistan: On the Frontline of Climate Change’ authored by Rina Saeed Khan and edited by Farahnaz Zahidi was launched. The book provides journalists with an overview of the impact, governance and legal structures, and tips to improve climate change journalism in an easy-to-understand format.

Amber Rahim Shamsi, Director CEJ, highlighted the Centre’s efforts for providing opportunities to journalists to learn climate reporting on ground: “CEJ-IBA has been at the forefront of capacity-building for stimulating climate journalism”.

“We are honored to partner with the like-minded GIZ, which shares our vision for high quality and high impact reporting,” she said.

In his keynote speech, Ahmad Shabbar, Founder and CEO, GarbageCan, emphasized the ‘corrective mechanism’ of nature and stated, “If something in Nature goes wrong, it corrects itself. I am of the firm belief that you and I are a part of that corrective mechanism. We have been made to realize that we need nature or a certain climate to survive. And there is something very wrong going on. Now it is for us to decide how we want to live. And for the media to tell it as it is so that people can decide for themselves.”

·      Three new AI-powered solutions are added to Visa Protect suite to help block fraud

·      Among the newest services: a cutting-edge immediate payment fraud solution and expanded capabilities to mitigate fraud, agnostic to payment network

·      Growing usage across global services portfolio – Visa’s largest 265 clients now use an average of 22 of Visa’s value-added services products

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Today, Visa (NYSE:V), a leader in digital payments, announced continued expansion of its global value-added services business with the addition of three new AI-powered risk and fraud prevention solutions. The new products, part of the end-to-end Visa Protect suite, are designed to reduce fraud across immediate account-to-account and card not present (CNP) payments, as well as transactions both on and off Visa’s network.

 Visa Protect is part of a broad suite of Visa value-added services that have grown to nearly 200 products, spanning five high-demand categories: Acceptance, Advisory, Issuing, Open Banking and Protect. To help clients navigate a growing number of complexities, Visa has combined decades of expertise and significant investments in both AI and fraud prevention, with $10 billion over the last five years alone in technology and innovation, to help reduce fraud and increase network security.

“Digital payments go far beyond completing a sale – we are entering an era of modern commerce where winners move fast, AI is essential, experiences are flexible and security is native,” said Antony Cahill, Global Head of Value-Added Services, Visa. “Businesses are looking for partners that can enable their ambitions to compete and win and we’re proud to be the trusted partner helping a growing number of clients do exactly that in today’s highly competitive environment.”

Security and fraud prevention are fundamental to Visa. Last year, Visa helped block $40 billion in fraudulent activity, nearly double from the year prior[2]. Today’s announcement focuses on three Visa Protect solutions that are intended to address client needs and utilize the company’s deep expertise in AI:

 

·         Expansion of Visa Advanced Authorization (VAA) and Visa Risk Manager (VRM) for non-Visa card payments: Visa’s extensive, AI-powered fraud risk management solutions are now network scheme agnostic, allowing issuers to simplify their fraud operations into a single fraud detection solution that help strengthen fraud protections while reducing costs.

·         Visa Provisioning Intelligence (VPI): While tokenization is one of the most secure ways to transact, fraudsters use social engineering and other scams to illegitimately provision tokens and commit fraudulent transactions. VPI, an AI-based product, is designed to address this challenge and combat token fraud at its source by using machine learning to rate the likelihood of fraud for token provisioning requests. VPI, accessible through Visa Risk Manager, helps financial institutions prevent fraud in a targeted way and enable more seamless and secure transactions across device, ecommerce and card-on-file tokens.

·         Real-Time, Account-to-Account Payment Protection: Visa’s first fraud prevention solution built specifically for immediate payments, including P2P digital wallets, account to account transactions, and central banks’ instant payment systems. Powered by deep learning AI detection models, this new service provides a risk score in real time that helps financial institutions prevent fraud by automatically blocking bad transactions before they happen.

 Each product will be accessible to clients in 2024, with different release dates depending on the product and market.

 “In today’s digital-first society, Visa remains focused on enabling an advanced suite of risk and fraud solutions to ensure consumer data is protected wherever transactions take place,” said Walter Lironi, SVP, Head of Advisory and Value-Added Services, CEMEA, Visa. “These three new AI-powered solutions are built on Visa’s unmatched technology, innovation, and 30-year heritage in AI, as well as our expert risk advisory and managed services practice. We look forward to supporting and accelerating our clients’ and partners’ growth across Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.”

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) OPPO’s groundbreaking flagship, the Reno11 Series 5G, has captured the nation’s fascination since its launch, cementing its status as Pakistan’s premier choice for premium smartphones. Consisting of the OPPO Reno11 5G and OPPO Reno11 F 5G, this series exemplifies OPPO’s unwavering dedication to excellence, now available at an introductory price of PKR 79,999/- for the Reno11 F 5G which goes on sale today.  

The buzz surrounding the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G has been electric, with unprecedented pre-order numbers showcasing overwhelming support. This fervor solidifies the series as the top contender in the premium smartphone market, delivering unrivaled value to consumers. The OPPO Reno11 F 5G is now accessible across Pakistan at authorized retailers, dealers and Naeem Electronics.

#RenovatorIsBack: A New Era of Premium Smartphones

Under the banner of #RenovatorIsBack, the OPPO Reno11 Series 5G has emerged as the pinnacle of smartphone innovation, offering unparalleled features and performance. With its Ultra-Clear Portrait Camera System led by a 64MP Main Camera with OIS, and a design that seamlessly blends elegance with functionality, the Reno11 Series redefines expectations for premium smartphones priced under PKR 79,999/-.

OPPO Reno11 F 5G: The Reno11 F 5G introduces a distinctive Magnetic Particle Design in Palm Green and Ocean Blue, accompanied by a 64MP Ultra-Clear Triple Camera and a 120Hz AMOLED display. Beyond its aesthetics, the device features a MediaTek Dimensity 7050 chipset, 8GB RAM, and a 5000mAh battery with 67W SUPERVOOC™ Flash Charging, ensuring a seamless blend of performance and style – The best you can get in this category.

Embracing the Future with ColorOS 14 Both devices operate on ColorOS 14, seamlessly integrating beauty, security, productivity, and efficiency. Enhanced features like File Dock, Smart Touch, and Smart Image Matting provide users with seamless and productive experiences for both work and play. The resounding success of the Reno11 Series underscores OPPO’s profound connection with its audience and its revered status as a beloved brand in Pakistan. As the series continues to break records, OPPO remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering innovative and user-centric technology to its consumers.

Fly Jinnah inaugurates second international flight connecting Lahore and Sharjah in the UAE.

• The carrier launched its international operations on 18 February 2024, with  first flight connecting Islamabad and Sharjah.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  Fly Jinnah, Pakistan’s low-cost carrier, today celebrated the inaugural flight of its second international route connecting Lahore, Pakistan with Sharjah, UAE. The carrier commemorated the start of its new route with a pre-departure inaugural ceremony at Lahore International Airport and followed by an inaugural program planned for guests in Sharjah.

Commenting on the launch of the second international route, Fly Jinnah’s spokesperson said: “Just a month following the launch of our international operations with the inaugural flight from the capital city Islamabad, today we celebrate the inaugural of our second international route into the UAE connecting Lahore with Sharjah. This step not only highlights the importance of strengthening air connectivity between Pakistan and the UAE, it also reflects our commitment to offering our customers new options for affordable and value driven air travel domestically and internationally.”

Fly Jinnah remains steadfast in offering convenient and affordable service to its passengers. With its modern fleet of five Airbus A320 aircraft, the airline currently connects five major cities in Pakistan, namely Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, and Quetta, in addition to the newly launched international destination to Sharjah in the UAE.

In addition to the extra comfort provided by the most generous seat-pitch of any economy cabin, the carrier offers affordable and value-driven travel experiences through “SkyCafe” onboard menu where passengers can enjoy a wide variety of delicacies between snacks, sandwiches, and meals at affordable prices. The aircraft is also equipped with “SkyTime”, a free in-flight streaming service that allows passengers to stream a wide selection of entertainment directly to their devices.

Customers can now book their flights by visiting Fly Jinnah’s website (www.flyjinnah.com), by calling the call centre (111-000-035) or through travel agencies.