Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) In a significant move towards meeting the country’s growing energy demands, Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), the leading exploration and production company in Pakistan, has revived Jhal Magsi Gas project.

The state-of-the-art gas processing plant, with a daily capacity to produce 13.7 MMSCF process gas and 45 BBL/day condensate, will mitigate escalating energy needs of Pakistan. The installation of this plant is a testament to OGDCL’s commitment to furthering the exploration and production of oil and gas resources in the region.

Besides the commercial operations, the company has underscored its dedication to transforming the lives of the local community in Jhal Magsi through a series of social welfare initiatives in the areas of education, health, water, and infrastructure.

As part of its efforts to enhance healthcare facilities, OGDCL has provided ambulances to the District Headquarter Hospital (DHQ) in Jhal Magsi.. Additionally, OGDCL has installed a Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant, recognizing the importance of clean drinking water.

Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) is actively contributing to the socioeconomic development of Jhal Magsi district by combining their commitment to meeting the country’s energy requirements with community-focused initiatives. Their multifaceted approach, dedicated to securing a reliable energy supply and enhancing the quality of life for residents, is a significant milestone in Pakistan’s pursuit of energy security and sustainable progress. OGDCL’s installation of the gas processing plant, along with their community development endeavors, showcases their dedication to the welfare of the local population and sets an example of responsible corporate citizenship in the country.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Joining the mission of connection and care, Sehat Kahani has brought convenience and wellness to its customers through its partnership with Telenor Pakistan. Now Sehat Kahani is integrated with My Telenor App where its online doctors will be available to My Telenor App users. The users of My Telenor App will not only get the first three consultations free upon signing up but will also get the subscription plans at a subsidized rate. Under this partnership, Telenor users will be able to pay for the consultation using their mobile balance.

Commenting on the development, CEO Sehat Kahani, Dr. Sara Saeed Khurram said, “Our partnership with Telenor Pakistan has been a success as it has enabled us to deliver on our mission to democratize healthcare, and is all set to transform the digital healthcare industry for good.”

COO Sehat Kahani, Dr. Iffat Zafar Aga added, “It is our firm belief that healthcare access should get easier for everyone, and digitalization and partnership like this one are going to do just that.”

Velocity and Sehat Kahani partnership has impacted many lives just in the pilot phase as around 711 individuals consulted the doctors using this service and 1,705 sign-ups were made from this service. Sehat Kahani was part of Velocity’s 7^th Cohort. Velocity is Telenor Pakistan’s Digital Accelerator which helps scale startups via its digital assets, expertise, data analytics, marketing outreach, APIs, retail network, and $10,000 pilot investment per startup. Successful pilots are then offered partnership opportunities, case in point Sehat Kahani here.

 

Zong 4G Announces Innovative Partnership with MCB Bank, Enhancing User Experience through Direct Integration.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Zong 4G, Pakistan’s leading telecom operator, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with MCB Bank, one of the country’s most renowned financial institutions. This collaboration brings together the expertise of two industry leaders to offer customers an unmatched level of convenience and simplicity in managing their mobile services.

The focus of this partnership is the direct integration of Zong 4G’s bundles and recharge services into the user-friendly MCB App. This integration empowers Zong users to conveniently access and manage their mobile service bundles directly from the MCB App, eliminating the need for multiple platforms and simplifying their mobile service experience.

By integrating Zong 4G’s services into the MCB App, customers will be able to effortlessly recharge their accounts, and activate new bundles, all within the familiar and secure environment of the MCB App. This collaboration truly exemplifies Zong 4G’s commitment to delivering exceptional services and enhancing the overall customer experience.

Zong 4G’s official spokesperson talking about the partnership said, “We are thrilled to partner with MCB Bank to offer our valued customers a seamless and user-friendly experience in managing their Zong 4G services. Through this integration, we aim to provide our users with a convenient, secure, and efficient platform to access and control their mobile bundles, further strengthening our commitment to delivering unmatched services in Pakistan.”

MCB Bank has long been recognized for its innovative banking solutions, and this collaboration marks a significant milestone in the bank’s digital transformation journey. The integration of Zong’s services into the MCB App further amplifies MCB Bank’s commitment to offering its customers a comprehensive range of services under one roof.

“At MCB Bank, we are constantly exploring opportunities to meet the evolving needs of our customers and to provide them with innovative solutions. This strategic partnership aligns with our mission to create a comprehensive and seamless digital ecosystem for our customers. We are excited about the possibilities this collaboration brings and the positive impact it will have on our customers’ lives”, said Syed Jaffar Abbas Shirazi, Division Head Digital Channels & Branchless Banking, MCB Bank at the signing ceremony held at MCB House, Lahore.

Zong 4G and MCB Bank’s partnership set a new benchmark in the industry, highlighting their commitment to harnessing technology to improve customer satisfaction and streamline processes. This collaboration will undoubtedly revolutionize the way Zong 4G users interact with their mobile services, making it more convenient and accessible than ever before.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA) also known as CBD Punjab, is an executing authority, core responsibility of whom is to develop and operate Pakistan’s first, state of the art Central Business District (CBD), to boost the economic activities in Punjab.

Kalma Chowk underpass is a gateway towards CBD Punjab’s main entrance. The authority has taken a leading step to revamp the entire Kalma Chowk underpass for smooth flow of traffic. The Kalma Chowk underpass has been designed with the consultation of all government stakeholders, may it be related to traffic, water and sanitisation, electricity, and others.

The recent heavy rain spell created a havoc situation in the entire city of Lahore, where most of the main arteries have been flooded with rainwater. Kalma Chowk underpass also observed a similar situation. Water & and sewerage channels across the city have blocked water ways, creating large puddles and ponds, which is the main obstruction cause for the water to clear away. We once again wanted to clarify that we are only responsible for operational activities within the PCBDDA’s domain. For the infrastructural projects we have delivered or are in the pipeline, we can act only as an executing agency.

The rainwater at the said underpass was not just direct rainfall but was also the accumulative water flow of adjoining localities overflowing the Saint Marry’ Park Pond.

Despite the shortage of electricity, 8 water pumps mostly on generators are operational at this moment. It is estimated that traffic flow will be clear by later tonight. We regret this inconvenience and hope to clear underpass for traffic as soon as possible.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Synite Digital, a resourceful venture of the Synergy Group and one of Pakistan’s largest integrated media communication companies has been named Pakistan’s Digital Agency of the Year for 2022-23 at the prestigious Pakistan Digital Awards (PDA) ceremony, marking their second consecutive win. The PDA engages a highly distinguished panel of experts to evaluate and rank the best campaigns in the country. This jury comprises many Digital Transformation experts, Marketing chiefs, leading executives in corporate communications and social media management, along with Chief Technology Officers from the most prestigious enterprises. Ahmed H. Kapadia, Chairman and CEO of Synergy Group, congratulated the Synite team and stated, “Synite has continued its winning streak, as it also won multiple accolades at last year’s Pakistan Digital Awards ceremony in 2022. The work speaks for itself – the ideation capabilities, brand-building mindset, digital expertise, and executional excellence are what make Synite stand out from the others. We are committed to quality and excellence, and I thank all the local and multinational brands for trusting Team Synite.” At the Pakistan Digital Awards, Synite Digital achieved outstanding success, receiving a total of eight awards. Their accomplishments ranged from winning Best Digital Agency of the Year and Best Digital Media Team of the Year to securing victories in various campaign-specific categories. They demonstrated their creative prowess with awards for Best Social Media Campaign on Instagram, for Suzuki Pakistan’s “My Suzuki My Story,” and on Twitter, for KFC’s “Feel Good.” Synite’s strategic initiatives were recognized with the Best Accelerator Program award for the Standard Chartered Bank Women in Tech campaign and the Best Digital Trading Team Award for Domino’s Pakistan. Furthermore, their innovative solutions were acknowledged with the Best Payment Technology/Solution Provider award for Faysal Bank’s Payoneer campaign. In a remarkable dual triumph at the Pakistan Digital Awards, Synergy Group’s creative powerhouse, Synergy Advertising, received two prestigious accolades. As one of Pakistan’s pioneering ATL agencies that has successfully undergone digital transformation, the agency stood out with its exceptional work. Their creativity shone through in the Short Form Web Video category with a compelling campaign for HABIBMETRO Bank during Pakistan’s Independence Day, and they showcased their global influence by winning the Best Global Reach category with the State Bank of Pakistan’s Roshan Digital Account Campaign. Last year, at the PDA 2022 ceremony, Synite won seven coveted awards, including Digital Agency of the Year, Best Social Media (for Shell Pakistan’s campaign), Best Digital Trade Award (for Domino’s), Best CSR Campaign (for KFC), Best Short Web Video (for Suzuki), and Best Small Budget Digital Campaign and Best E-Commerce Award (for Faysal Bank). Over the years, Synite has also received two Effie Awards and other significant honors.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

General Secretary, Pakistan Footwear Association, Ahmad Fawad Farooq as the keynote speaker at the International Summit on Consumer Trends and Supply Chain, held at Expo Riva del Garda in Italy on June 18, 2023, highlighted the strength and potential of Pakistan as a prime sourcing destination for leather footwear.

His presentation captivated industry leaders, who enthusiastically expressed their intention to visit Pakistan this year for further exploration and collaboration opportunities.

With a dynamic and rapidly growing economy, Pakistan has emerged as a powerhouse in the manufacturing sector, particularly in the realm of quality footwear.

Ahmed Fawad Farooq emphasized two key factors contributing to Pakistan’s appeal as a sourcing destination: low labour costs and the abundant availability of raw materials.

He said that the cost advantage offered by Pakistan’s labour market has garnered significant attention from international brands. The country’s skilled workforce is capable of producing high-quality footwear at competitive prices, making it an attractive option for fashion brands seeking cost-effective manufacturing solutions without compromising on quality.

Further, he said, Pakistan’s abundance of raw materials, especially in the leather industry, further enhances its appeal as a sourcing destination. The availability of premium-quality leather enables manufacturers to produce footwear of exceptional quality and craftsmanship.

This advantage, he said, positions Pakistan as an ideal choice for fashion brands looking to procure superior leather footwear for their discerning customers.

The endorsement of Pakistan as a promising sourcing destination for leather footwear by top fashion brands’ sourcing management is a testament to the country’s growing prominence in the global supply chain.

Their keen interest in visiting Pakistan this year demonstrates a strong commitment to exploring and leveraging the vast potential that Pakistan has to offer.

Ahmed Fawad Farooq expressed excitement regarding the fashion brands’ recognition of Pakistan’s strengths and potential. He stated, “I am thrilled to announce that top fashion brands’ sourcing management has acknowledged Pakistan’s appeal as a sourcing destination for leather footwear. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Pakistan’s skilled workforce and the abundant resources we possess. We look forward to welcoming these esteemed brands to Pakistan and showcasing the immense potential and quality that our country offers.”

The visit of these renowned fashion brands to Pakistan will not only open new avenues for collaboration but also provide an opportunity for knowledge exchange, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable growth in the footwear industry. Pakistan’s manufacturing sector stands ready to embrace this influx of interest and deliver excellence in quality and efficiency to meet the needs of global fashion brands.

U.S. Soybean Export Council’s AquaCon Invest brought together key aquaculture industry stakeholders to help boost investments and boost the industry in South Asia.

(Zahid Chughtai)

Colombo (Sri Lanka) The U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) successfully concluded AquaCon Invest which was held recently in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event served as a platform dedicated to connecting aquaculture start-ups from South Asia with venture capital and private equity firms. While the primary objective was to foster collaboration and co-creation among over 40 aquaculture start-ups from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, the entrepreneurs showcased next-generation sustainable aquaculture systems and innovations that were appreciated collectively by the audience. The gathering enabled potential investors to gain deeper insights into their ventures and potentially form partnerships. It featured a wide range of activities, including keynote speeches, panel discussions and networking sessions. Distinguished speakers from the aquaculture industry shared their expertise and insights on the use of technologies in soybean farming, initiatives by USSEC in training manpower for scientific aquaculture practices, an overview of global shrimp aquaculture, the status of aquaculture in Bangladesh, U.S. Soy Sustainability, the role of nutrition in aquaculture to name a few. Commenting on the success of the event, Jim Douglas, Director of – United Soybean Board & Chair – of Indiana Soybean Alliance Executive Committee, USA, said, “AquaCon provided a unique platform for start-ups and investors to meet, exchange ideas, and foster valuable connections. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and the fruitful discussions that took place underscored the event’s significance in driving the growth and advancement of the aquaculture industry. USSEC should pride itself to have played a pivotal role in bringing together key stakeholders and facilitating meaningful collaborations. AquaCon Invest has set a new benchmark for future endeavours, and we look forward to seeing continued efforts towards the commitment to fostering innovation and driving success in the aquaculture domain.” One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity for start-ups to pitch their aquaculture idea in 5 minutes which received overwhelming participation. Companies like Indian Fisheries Company and Aqua Hatch impressed investors with their innovations and well-thought-through, scalable business plans. “Through this event, we have taken a significant step towards building a sustainable future for the aquaculture industry in South Asia. Globalization and innovation in this industry will play a key role in accelerating and elevating the sector. South Asia has a massive geographical advantage, thanks to the huge coastal line shared by the different countries. Therefore, with the use of the latest best practices, technology and collaboration the future of the aquaculture industry holds immense potential. We are dedicated to continuing our efforts in making a meaningful impact, reinforcing our commitment to innovation ecosystem, and creating a better future for this sector”, added Kevin Roepke, Regional DirectorSouth Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, USSEC.

Karachi (News Desk)

Over the weekend, AAA Associates unveiled its most ambitious project to date – the AAA Octa 2 Karachi. This state-of-the-art development, located on the strategic M9 Karachi Motorway, was launched in a grand event including a dazzling array of celebrities from the entertainment industry. These celebrities included Mehvish Hayat, Mikal Zulfiqar, Faisal Qureshi, Bushra Ansari, Yunas Khan, Sheharyar Munwar, , Ijaz Aslam, Hira Mani, Shehroz Sabzwari, Jannat Mirza,  Ahmed Ali Akbar, Nida Yasir, Syed Jibran, Muneeb Butt, Momal Sheikh and Fatima Hassan. The shows were hosted by Ayesha Omer, Syed Shafat, Amna Malik, Ahmed Ali Butt, Zainab Abbas and Dino. The launching event had performances by Pakistan’s globally renowned names as Ali Azmat, Ahmed Jahanzaib, Hadia Hashmi, Aima Baig & Faisal Kapadia.
AAA Octa 2 Karachi brand ambassador Shahid Khan Afridi was also spotted on both days. Apart from the celebrities of tinsel town, it was attended by a diverse mix of people from all walks of life. The files were given to the nominees by their favourite actors who also interacted with the attendees at the event.
“We are proud to announce the launch of AAA Octa 2 Karachi, a testament to our commitment to not only enhance the living standards of the people but also contribute to the economy of our beloved city.” Chairman AAA Associates Sheikh Fawad Bashir expressed his gratitude to the attendees and assured that AAA Octa 2 Karachi will redefine premium living standards in Pakistan. “Karachi is the vein of Pakistan, a city that pulses with life and contributes significantly to the nation’s GDP. Our goal with AAA Octa 2 Karachi is to reflect that energy and contribute to the city’s prosperity,” he quoted. “We assure you that AAA Octa 2 Karachi will be the best premium project you will see in Pakistan.”
MD AAA Associates Lt. Col. Shahzad Ali Kiani (r) echoed the Chairman’s sentiments, adding, “AAA Octa 2 Karachi is not just a testament to luxury living; it’s a project rooted in the community. As we continue to develop and innovate, we keep the city’s essence and our residents’ well-being at the heart of our project. This project will not only offer a luxurious lifestyle but also create meaningful employment opportunities for the people of Karachi.””
The AAA Octa 2 Karachi is the first building adjacent to the gate of Bahria Town Karachi on the M9 Motorway. This luxurious property raises the bar for premium accommodations in the city and is set to redefine the residential living experience. The M9 Motorway, a vital artery that connects Karachi to the rest of Pakistan, brings AAA Octa 2 Karachi into prime focus as a destination for both investors and future residents.
This project, featuring serviced apartments managed by a five-star hotel for the first time, introduces a new level of opulence to residential living. It is equipped with world-class amenities, including exclusive executive clubs, infinity pools offering panoramic views of the Karachi skyline, and vibrant food courts catering to diverse culinary preferences.
Starting from an accessible 2.5 lac, AAA Octa 2 Karachi presents unique investment opportunities in its food courts, making this extraordinary project a possibility for many.
With the successful launch of AAA Octa 2 Karachi, AAA Associates continues its commitment to excellence and innovation, ensuring that the future of residential living in Karachi is bright, luxurious, and inclusive.

realme Soars 29 Places in the Top 50 Kantar BrandZ Chinese Global Brand Builders 2023 Ranking by Google and Kantar.

 Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Google and Kantar published the Top 50 Kantar BrandZ Chinese Global Brand Builders 2023 report. realme secured the 21^st position, a remarkable jump of 29 places compared to last year. Despite being the youngest company on the list, realme has swiftly gained a foothold in the global market due to its sharp market insights, continuous product innovation, clear product positioning, and strong brand influence.

No Leap, No Launch

Amidst global economic fluctuations and consumer transformation, the report highlights innovation, quality enhancement, and brand communication as key tactics for Chinese brands seeking to expand internationally. “Focusing only on affordability can weaken a brand’s competitiveness and lead to lost chances of winning new customers. Chinese global brands now aim to change their image from being affordable to offering meaningful value,” said Doreen Wang, Kantar Greater China CEO and Global Chair of Kantar BrandZ.

Upholding the philosophy of “Dare to Leap” since its inception, realme has been devoted to empowering youth to be more daring through leap-forward technology and design. As it enters its second stage of growth as a startup, realme introduces its “Simply Better” strategy. At this year’s product launch, the company promised that every realme product will come with a noteworthy leap in innovation, or else they would not launch it based on the “No Leap, No Launch” principle. By continuously innovating and delivering superior experiences, realme has caught the fancy of young people, which propelled the brand’s healthy and sustainable growth.

Leading with Technology in Two Major Hit Series

This year, realme launched two smartphone series: realme GT Neo5 and realme 11. Both offer excellent value for money and quickly became popular. The GT Neo5 series sets the standard for a phone with 1TB of storage, delivering exceptional performance and superb gaming experience in its price range. It was chosen as the official device for the 2023 Honor of Kings National Competition. With a 240W fast charging solution, it is also the world’s fastest charging smartphone.

Known for its revolutionary imaging technology, the realme 11 series has become the most anticipated product from realme over the past five years. It became a global hit upon its launch. With its 200-megapixel single-lens zoom camera, the realme 11 series offers unmatched value for its price range. It was chosen as the official video recorder for the popular Chinese reality show “Back to Field,” and endorsed by Leo Wu, a famous young Chinese actor. The series also achieved remarkable success overseas, generating the highest brand buzz in five years. Its sales surged by 262% compared with the realme 10 series, and it topped Twitter’s trending list six times in a row. The realme 11 series has become a global sensation.

In the current wave of globalization, Chinese brands are moving from an era of aggressive expansion to an era of pursuing exquisite craftsmanship and excellent quality. realme will prioritize core products in its global expansion and consistently build up its brand value and influence through differentiation.

In Pakistan, realme has launched the realme Narzo 50, targeting young gaming enthusiasts and millennials seeking an affordable yet high-performance smartphone. Key features include the Helio G96 Gaming Processor for seamless gaming and multitasking, up to 11GB Dynamic RAM for smooth operations, a 16.7cm FHD+ Fullscreen for an immersive experience, 33W DartCharge technology for fast charging, a 5000mAh battery for extended usage, and a 50MP AI Triple Camera for impressive photography. The smartphone’s price point of PKR 39,999/- make it an attractive choice for gaming enthusiasts.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Xiaomi today announced the Redmi 12C, the latest all-around entry-level smartphone, which is equipped with versatile features and aims to provide an excellent experience at a massively affordable price.

Powered by the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, the Redmi 12C allows for up to 6+5GB of extended RAM and 1TB of storage extension for smoother day-to-day operations, quicker app starts, and more storage for your content. The device has a large 5,000 mAh battery and enough power to last through the day. Equipped with an advanced and responsive fingerprint sensor, the Redmi 12C further allows users to unlock the phone, open an app, or authenticate a mobile payment just by placing their finger directly on the display.

With its large 6.71″ HD+ display and a sleek 20.6:9 aspect ratio, the Redmi 12C brings a better and more immersive experience when reading, watching videos, and gaming. Moreover, the reading mode helps relieve eye strain that may come with extended screen time. This bigger and better display is packed into a stylish and recognisable design, along with a flat edge and a unibody curved back, which improve overall aesthetics and grip feel. The Redmi 12C comes in four colours: graphic grey, ocean blue, mint green, and lavender purple.

On the camera front, the Redmi 12C can capture vivid moments with greater details in everyday scenes with its 50 MP main camera. With the help of powerful HDR and Night Mode, the Redmi 12C can take clearer city nightscape pictures with greater details, even in challenging situations.

Market Availability

The Redmi 12C is now available at Mi Store, Corecart, and Daraz. pk.

It comes in 2 variants:

4GB+64GB:  Rs. 30999

4GB+128GB:  Rs. 33999

Device Specifications

Display	6.71’’ HD+ Dot Drop Display
Rear Camera	50MP main camera with Auxiliary Lens
Front Camera	5MP Selfie Camera
Battery	5000 mAh Battery
Processor	MediaTek Helio G85