Category: Business

With travel restrictions still in place due to the pandemic, many people are looking for alternative ways to escape the monotony of daily life. One such option is a staycation, where you can enjoy a relaxing getaway without having to travel far from home. Whether you’re looking for an affordable or luxurious staycation, there are plenty of options to choose from in different cities across Pakistan, and Sastaticket.pk can help you plan the perfect staycation. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best staycation options in Pakistan with Sastaticket.pk.

Affordable Staycation Options:

1. Hotel Mehran, Karachi:

Sastaticket.pk recommends Hotel Mehran in Karachi as a great option for an affordable staycation. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and a range of dining options, all at an affordable price. The hotel is conveniently located near popular attractions like the Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum and the National Museum of Pakistan.

1. Regent Plaza Hotel & Convention Centre, Karachi:

Another affordable staycation option in Karachi recommended by Sastaticket.pk is the Regent Plaza Hotel & Convention Centre. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a range of dining options, as well as a fitness center and spa services. The hotel is located near popular attractions like the Karachi Zoo and the Mohatta Palace.

1. Hotel One, Lahore:

Sastaticket.pk recommends the Hotel One in Lahore as a great affordable staycation option. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a range of dining options, and a fitness center, all at an affordable price. The hotel is located near popular attractions like the Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque.

Luxurious Staycation Options:

1. Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi:

For a luxurious staycation, Sastaticket.pk recommends the Pearl Continental Hotel in Karachi. The hotel offers spacious rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, and a range of dining options, as well as a fitness center and spa services. The hotel is located near popular attractions like the Frere Hall and the Clifton Beach.

1. Avari Hotel, Lahore:

Another luxurious staycation option recommended by Sastaticket.pk is the Avari Hotel in Lahore. The hotel offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and a range of dining options, as well as a fitness center and spa services. The hotel is located near popular attractions like the Lahore Fort and the Badshahi Mosque.

1. Serena Hotel, Islamabad:

Sastaticket.pk recommends the Serena Hotel in Islamabad as a luxurious staycation option. The hotel offers spacious rooms, a swimming pool, and a range of dining options, as well as a fitness center and spa services. The hotel is located near popular attractions like the Faisal Mosque and the Pakistan Monument.

Whether you’re looking for an affordable or luxurious staycation, Pakistan has plenty of options to choose from in different cities, and Sastaticket.pk can help you plan the perfect staycation. A staycation is a great way to relax and unwind without having to travel far from home, and it’s a more sustainable and affordable option than traditional travel. So why not plan your next staycation today with Sastaticket.pk and enjoy all that your own city has to offer?

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Pakistan’s leading cement manufacturer Lucky Cement Limited is pleased to announce its strategic move to enhance clinker production capacity in Iraq. In line with the increasing demand for cement in Iraq, driven by the resurgence of economic activity and a surge in construction projects, Lucky Cement’s joint venture company with Al-Shumookh group, Najmat-Al-Samawah (NAS), has resolved to add a new clinker production line in Samawah, Iraq.

This expansion will boost the clinker production capacity by an additional 1.82 million tons per annum (MTPA), reinforcing Lucky Cement’s commitment to meet Iraq’s growing cement requirements and ensure a sustainable supply of clinker for the Joint Venture cement grinding facility in Basra, Iraq.

NAS has recently entered into an Engineering & Procurement Contract for the expansion project. The construction activity is slated to commence within the first quarter of FY24 and is expected to be completed within 18 months, showcasing the efficiency and promptness of Lucky Cement’s execution capabilities.

With the inclusion of this new clinker line, Lucky Cement’s overall domestic and international capacities will be significantly enhanced. The updated capacities are as follows:

• Lucky Cement Limited, Pezu, Lakki Marwat: 10.25 MTPA (Fully integrated cement plant).
• Lucky Cement Limited, Karachi: 5.05 MTPA (Fully integrated cement plant).
• Nyumba Ya Akiba, Democratic Republic of Congo: 1.31 MTPA (Fully integrated cement plant).
• Al-Mabrooka Cement Company, Basra, Iraq: 1.74 MTPA (Cement grinding plant).
• Najmat-Al-Samawah, Samawah, Iraq: 1.31 MTPA (Fully integrated cement plant).
• Najmat-Al-Samawah, Samawah, Iraq: 1.82 MTPA (New clinker line).

This strategic capacity expansion aligns with Lucky Cement’s core value of entrepreneurship, as the company seeks to diversify its portfolio of products and businesses. In addition to cement operations, Lucky Cement has a well-diversified business portfolio encompassing automobiles, chemicals & agri sciences, mobile phone assembling, and energy, including captive power plants. This diversification not only enhances the quality of earnings but also delivers sustainable value to its shareholders.

Lucky Cement Limited remains committed to providing superior products, driving economic growth, and meeting the evolving needs of its customers and partners. The expansion of clinker production capacity in Iraq further reinforces Lucky Cement’s position as a trusted and reliable partner in the cement industry.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

International Industries Limited (IIL), Pakistan’s largest manufacturer & exporter of steel and polymer pipes, proudly announces the successful commissioning of a state-of-the-art 1 MW solar power system at IIL Factory 1 in Karachi.

This initiative marks a significant step towards IIL’s larger commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint by installing a total of 4MW of renewable energy across all its factory locations.

“We are thrilled to unveil our new solar power system, which represents our strong commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship,” said Mr. Sohail R. Bhojani, CEO of International Industries Limited. “By harnessing renewable energy, we are not only reducing our carbon footprint but also demonstrating our dedication to responsible business practices and to contributing towards a greener future for Pakistan and the world at large”, he further added.

Aside from the significant contribution to carbon footprint reduction, the solar power system is expected to generate substantial cost savings for International Industries Limited over its operational lifespan. By relying on solar energy, the company will significantly reduce its dependence on conventional power, thereby mitigating the impact of rising energy costs and enhancing its long-term financial sustainability.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Pakistan Basmati Heritage Foundation (PBHF), a consortium of Basmati rice exporters, arranged seminars to create awareness amongst the growers and other stakeholders of the rice value chain for improving productivity and food safety through the usage of certified seeds and judicious application of pesticides. The seminars held at Narowal and Mandi Bahauddin were attended by the farmers, exporters and representatives of Ebro Foods (an international grain company) and Eurofins providing testing, certification and other facilities to exporters. Juan Parious Soto Commercial Director of Ebro Foods speaking on this occasion said that better crop productivity for higher volumes through certified seeds & monitoring of pesticides residue was very important since Import Tolerances (IT) were being revised periodically by the European Union (EU), USA & Gulf countries. He said that our products are going to the high-end market and we have to keep the pesticide residue below the IT standards. Antonio Hernandez Chairman of Ebro Foods (Ebro, Herba & Tilda) told the audience that being the world’s largest importer of basmati rice he was ambitious to double the Basmati rice import. Tariq Mahmood Focal Person of Ebro Foods &CEO of GRS added that Compliant Exportable Basmati rice means purity, quality, traceability & food safety. Dr Alexander Zahm MD Eurofins Germany along with Dr Werner Nadder Former MD Eurofins shared the comparison of export dynamics of Basmati rice between India & Pakistan including rapid alerts generated for pesticides & aflatoxin. Sh. Adnan Aslam Co-convener of PBHF and Executive Director of MAP Rice welcomed the foreign guests for visiting Pakistan & shared a snapshot of the rice sector, particularly basmati rice. He apprised the participants regarding the potential of exports by boosting rice productivity while keep ensuring food safety. Imran Sheikh & Raja Arslan Khan National Coordinators of PBHF moderated both seminars & explained the context of the visit of international buyers. He underlined the usage of certified seed & responsible use of pesticides to meet import tolerance standards. REAP Senior Vice Chairman Haseeb Khan and MC member Ali Narang shared their insights for increasing the share of basmati rice exports in the global market through new seeds and pesticide stewardship. Samee Ullah Naeem Former Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan threw light on the importance of agriculture and advised the policymakers to devise farmer-centric policies for transforming the agriculture sector. He said that we need to focus on producing more food including rice per unit of land. Address the water & agrochemicals in the challenging scenario of the scarcity of above with added climate change & multiple risk factors, he emphasized. Dr. Anjum Ali Buttar DG Agri. Ext. briefed about the insights & outcomes of the PM Emergency Rice Productivity project for promoting mechanization, & certified seeds. Dr Ihsan ul Haq, Dr Amir Mumtaz & Dr Farrrukh Mehboob Program Leaders of IPM, Post-Harvest & Ecotoxicology respectively from the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC) sensitized the participants on the safe & responsible use of agrochemicals in rice production for ensuring food safety & quality. Shahid Tarer Convener (PBHF) & MD Galaxy Rice explained about the vision of PBHF in bringing together all supply chain actors for better integration of forward & backward basmati rice value chain through solution-oriented strategies to address underlying challenges of the rice sector. He briefed the participants about the role of PBHF in establishing the National Chapter of SRP in Pakistan. Javed Iqbal & Dr Irfanullah Warraich Divisional Directors Agri. Ext Gujranwala & Gujrat addressed farmers on good agriculture practices for obtaining better yields & income. He appreciated the PBHF for implanting SRP standards & digitization of traceability from farm to fork. Rana Faqir Ahmed DG of Pest Warning & Quality Control sensitize farmers on the importance of the right application timing based on pest ETL (Economic threshold level) & PHI (Pre-harvest interval) to keep rice grains free from pesticide residues. Dr Hiz Jamali from Asian Development Bank & Dr Kashif Salik from Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) also participated.

Punjab’s Spirit of Opportunity Unveiled: CBD Punjab Showcases Heritage and Modernization in Revolutionary TVC “Discover the Spirit of Opportunity in Punjab with CBD Punjab’s Unique TVC and Mega-Projects”.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), an authority working on modern urbanization and vertical expansion has taken a unique approach in showcasing the legacy of the province, Punjab. Whilst Punjab is shown as a vibrant mix of subcontinental culture in popular media, CBD Punjab has rekindled the spotlight on Punjab’s excellent development-rich history. From the ancient Punjab being a pivotal trade route in the grand scheme of the world, to the Mughals era creating architectural wonders and engineering marvels, to the key infrastructural developments of the 1800 and 1900s; the developmental excellence and legacy of Punjab has been carried forward by CBD Punjab by coining Punjab as the ‘Spirit of Opportunity’. CBD Punjab is taking the land of five rivers into its next era of development via sustainable and modern mega-projects. The TVC also features visual representations of CBD Punjab’s future projects, including the tallest skyscraper ‘Sirius’, the medical facility ‘Sano’, the IT hub ‘Node’ in the Special Technology Zone being established in the near future, the branded residential tower ‘Regalia’ and much acclaimed retail district ‘Runway’. These projects aim to transform Lahore’s economic landscape and provide new opportunities for growth and development. The TVC has been aired on national and global media and has been praised by viewers for its quality production, camera work, and visuals. Speaking about the TVC, the CEO of CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, said, “We are delighted to launch this unique TVC, it portrays our commitment to advancing economic and national development and creating a brighter future for all. Punjab being the largest province in terms of economy and population with a huge pool of skilled workforce always has immense potential of investments and CBD Punjab at this moment is driving the said potential. We have investment opportunities not just in vertical development but also in energy, health, hospitality, entertainment, and retail infrastructure. This initiative aims to inspire and seek benefits of the opportunities that Punjab has to offer.” With the launch of this TVC, CBD Punjab has set a new benchmark for the government sector in Pakistan. The authority aims to continue to lead the way in promoting economic and national development and inspiring people to take advantage of the opportunities that Punjab has to offer. The TVC is part of a broader campaign by CBD Punjab, to promote economic and national development in Punjab. The authority is working on several projects aimed at upgrading the infrastructure, promoting business growth, and creating new job opportunities. The development of the Central Business District is a crucial part of this initiative, aimed at making Punjab a hub for global business and commerce.

Unilever Pakistan Champions Renewable Energy Relieving National Grid with approx. 2.3 Million kWh Annual Production.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Unilever Pakistan has announced its partnership with K-Solar, a subsidiary of KE, to transition its operations to solar energy in Rahim Yar Khan and Karachi. This initiative represents a significant step towards achieving Unilever’s ambitious sustainability goals, including net zero emissions in its operations by 2030. Simultaneously, the firm will shed close to PKR 84 million a year in energy costs, facilitating the local economy by considerably reducing the strain on the national grid collectively generating approx. 2.3 million Kwh through renewable sources.

Unilever Pakistan’s Solar Captive Power Plant Phase 2 installation demonstrates their dedication to renewable energy solutions, leading to significant savings and CO2 reductions. At Futehally Chemicals Limited (FCL), the factory that manufactures Surf Excel for Unilever, the 362 kW system will save 496,035 kWh annually, reducing costs by approximately 18 million PKR and CO2 emissions by 233 metric tons.

The 1000 kW installation at Rahim Yar Khan Factory will save 1,430,886 kWh, saving approximately 53 million PKR and a CO2 reduction of 662 metric tons per year. The 250 kW system at Rahim Yar Khan Estate will save 357,721 kWh, resulting in cost savings of 13 million PKR and a CO2 reduction of 165 metric tons annually. Unilever Pakistan’s investment in these projects reinforces their commitment to sustainability.

While Unilever’s own factories, offices, research labs, data centers, warehouses, and distribution centers account for only 2% of its total greenhouse gas footprint, the company acknowledges the significance of these emissions and is committed to eliminating them entirely.

Abdul Hannan Ahmed Khan, Head of Supply Chain at Unilever Pakistan, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating, “Unilever Pakistan is deeply committed to sustainable practices and minimizing our impact on the environment. This solar project is a testament to our dedication to combat climate change and create a brighter, cleaner future. By investing in renewable energy, we are not only reducing our carbon emissions but also driving positive change in the communities we operate in.”

Hashim Raza, CEO of K-Solar, emphasized the significance of joint efforts in realizing a sustainable energy future. He stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Unilever Pakistan on this journey. By combining Unilever’s leadership in sustainability and K-Solar’s expertise in renewable energy solutions, we are confident that we can make a substantial impact in reducing carbon emissions and promoting the use of clean energy sources.”

Unilever has been at the forefront of climate action for decades, consistently working towards reducing its carbon footprint. Recognizing the urgent need to eliminate fossil fuels entirely and transition to renewable energy sources, Unilever Pakistan has been well on its way with its proactive approach to address its greenhouse gas emissions.

Careem launches mass-commute service; helping businesses in Pakistan save up to 40% on corporate travel.

 

• Careem’s C4B provides corporate travel services to over 550 companies across Pakistan.
• Offers customized value-added features like optimized mapped routes, dedicated POC’s, prescheduled bookings, bill-to-company option etc.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Careem, the pioneer of ride-hailing services in Pakistan, introduces mass-commute services for corporate clients across all major cities in Pakistan as part of Careem for Business (C4B).

In light of the sharp rise in inflation, Careem’s mass-commute service helps make corporate travel more affordable for companies and businesses, enabling them to save up to 40% cost. The mass-commute service differs from the car-pooling service Careem introduced in 2022, as it allows up to 22 people to share a full-sized vehicle for their daily commute.

The service consists of all types/size of vehicles including Hiaces, Coasters, Hijets and is ideal for companies that offer transportation services for their employees’ daily commute as well as companies that arrange corporate events both inside and outside the city. Careem also provides a host of value-added features including; optimized mapped routes, dedicated points of contact to address any queries or concerns, prescheduled bookings according to pick/drop locations, days, and timings and a bill-to-company option.

C4B provides a range of augmented features and corporate travel packages that deliver value to corporate companies. The most commonly preferred services opted by corporate clients include: commute to and back to non-service/remote areas, 24/7 vehicle rentals, Premium5 (half day) and Premium10 (full day) rentals, promos and discounts to corporates for personal use, intercity rides with complimentary refreshments, field visits, and customized solutions according to company’s requirements.

“We understand the challenges that companies face in terms of providing safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation for their colleagues. We have developed customized mobility solutions keeping in mind the evolving needs of our corporate customers. Solutions like mass commute, car pool, inter-city and premium rides enable us to offer the best experience and value for money to our clients”, said Imran Saleem, General Manager Ride Hailing at Careem Pakistan.

Currently, C4B provides corporate services to over 550 companies across Pakistan, offering tailor-made services to fit the specific needs of its clientele. Notable companies that use the mass-commute service are: Daraz, Fly Jinnah, Hamdard Labs, Tri Pack, TATA Pakistan, Gerrys Dnata, Mindstrom and PHI. Similarly, the carpooling service has been used by companies including: Nestle, House of Habib, AirSial, Packages, BASF, SadaPay, Sapphire, Enfrashare, YAP etc.  Other notable C4B clients include: Jazz, PTCL, Fly Jinnah, Engro, Khaadi, Ufone, Philip Morris, LCI, Maersk, IBA, AKU, Descon and K-Electric.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Pakistan Single Window (PSW) has extended the scope of its operations to all dry ports (except Quetta) with effect from May 3, 2023, a move that will further facilitate the country’s cross-border trade operations.

With the new development, goods and commodities clearance of commercial consignments classified under Chapters 1 to 50 of the Pakistan Customs Tariff has been completely switched to PSW, allowing clearance of imported consignments via submission of a Single Declaration (SD). The Single Declaration is a core feature of the PSW system which enables parties involved in international trade to lodge standardized information and documents at a single-entry point to meet the regulatory requirements of multiple government agencies simultaneously. Currently PSW facilitates the clearance of imported items regulated by the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), Animal Quarantine Department (AQD), Federal Seed Certification and Registration Department (FSD&RD), and Pakistan Standards & Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) through the electronic issuance of import permits, release orders, and export certificates.

As the leading public sector entity responsible for the digital transformation of cross-border trade and the notified operator of the Pakistan Single Window (PSW) system, this development is a significant milestone in improving the ease of doing business through the streamlining and digitalization of clearance processes.

The CEO of Pakistan Single Window Syed Aftab Haider commented on the initiative, saying “The extension of PSW’s digitalization initiative to up-country dry ports is the latest in our steady effort to enable an increasingly seamless clearance process and improve trade facilitation in the country. As partners of the traders’ community, we believe that availing this new hassle-free, cost-effective, and harmonized system will expedite trade processes significantly.” He assured traders that the services of PSW at dry ports are easy to leverage and encourage reaching out to PSW via designated channels for information and ready assistance.

To stay effective, stakeholders must embrace digital platforms and services that make it easier for stakeholders to work together to promote the efficiency of the overall ecosystem. PSW views the dry ports as intricate partner networks that include terminal operators, trucking and logistics companies, clearing agents, freight forwarders etc. and fully supports the modernization of the customs and regulatory processes implemented at the dry ports. It intends to develop and implement a dry port community system to fully integrate all public and private sector stakeholders associated with dry port operations onto a single platform and provide traders end-to-end visibility on the movement of cargo. Application of real-time container and other cargo tracking systems based on information technologies can increase the reliability and security of goods’ transport operations between dry ports and seaports, thus allowing simplification of customs and other control formalities and reducing the time and cost.

Pakistan Single Window is an initiative led by Pakistan Customs, aimed at reducing the time and cost of doing business by digitalizing Pakistan’s cross-border trade and eliminating paper-based manual processes. The institution is working towards providing an integrated electronic platform that allows parties involved in international trade and transport to lodge standardized information and documents with a single-entry point to fulfill all import, export, and transit regulatory requirements.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Telenor Microfinance Bank (TMB), operator of Pakistan’s leading digital financial services platform, easypaisa, has reported its financial results for Q1 2023, showcasing a strong performance despite challenging economic conditions. TMB’s unaudited financial statements indicate a significant increase in its revenue, with the bank achieving Positive EBTDA during the quarter and Profit after tax for the month of March 2023 becoming the first digital platform in Pakistan to achieve Scale and Profitability.

TMB’s strong performance was also reflected in EBTDA of PKR 227M for Q1 2023 which has shown YoY increase of 113%.TMB’s revenue for Q1 2023 increased by 52% YoY. This growth was largely driven by the Bank’s strong emphasis on digital first initiatives, value creation for users and improved unit economics which enabled the Bank to reach exponential scale and generate sustainable growth.

TMB’s mobile accounts also witnessed rapid growth, with a 3x YoY increase in net revenue. During the first quarter of 2023, TMB achieved an impressive YoY increase of 45% in lending revenue backed by PKR 7B disbursements through a completely digital, cashless, and paperless process.

Commenting on the Bank’s performance, M. Mudassar Aqil, CEO of TMB, said, “We are thrilled to have achieved the elusive feat of scale and profitability together. The strong results in Q1 2023 are a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering innovative and inclusive digital financial solutions that cater to a diverse customer pool. We remain focused on contributing to the growth and development of the economy while serving our customers with the utmost dedication.”

TMB’s customer-centric banking approach, which emphasizes seamless and user-friendly banking services, has resulted in the customer base to cross 34M registered users and more than 15M App active users. The Bank’s success is attributed to its ability to leverage its state-of-the-art technology infrastructure which has enabled TMB to harness its digital banking and financial expertise.

TMB’s innovative products and services that cater to the unique needs of all segments of Pakistan is evident from the fact that every 1 in 4 adults in Pakistan has a registered easypaisa account.

With an easy and accessible digital financial services portfolio, TMB strives to provide convenient and reliable banking services to millions of Pakistanis. TMB’s success serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how undivided focus on customer satisfaction and financial inclusion can lead to sustained growth and profitability.

Lahore (Nut Desk)

Welcoming the tripartite dialogues between China, Pakistan and Afghanistan, Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) Lahore President and Executive Committee member of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Muhammad Ejaz Tanveer said these parleys are very significant due to the strategic location of these countries and their complementary economic strengths.

In a statement issued here on Monday, Muhammad Ejaz Tanveer said Pakistan shares a border with both China and Afghanistan, making it a key trade hub between the two countries. This proximity makes the transportation of goods faster and more cost-effective.

Similarly, China is a major exporter of manufactured goods, while Afghanistan and Pakistan have abundant natural resources, such as minerals, precious stones, and agricultural products. This creates opportunities for trade in both raw materials and finished goods, he added.

China has been investing heavily in infrastructure development in Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. This includes the construction of highways, railways, and ports that will improve connectivity and trade between the three countries.

He said that China and Pakistan have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that has been in effect since 2006, which has resulted in increased trade between the two countries. Pakistan and Afghanistan are also working towards a bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) that would further reduce trade barriers and collaboration of these three countries will lead to new avenues of economic prosperity in the region, Ejaz observed.

Greater trade between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan could facilitate greater regional integration and cooperation, which could lead to increased trade with other neighbouring countries.

Overall, the potential for trade between Pakistan, China, and Afghanistan is significant. Greater trade and economic cooperation between the three countries could lead to increased economic growth, job creation, and regional stability.
These dialogues will also promote peace and stability in the region. The dialogue can help to reduce tensions between the countries, increase mutual trust, and facilitate cooperation on security issues, PBF President Ejaz Tanveer concluded.