Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir) MOL Pakistan Oil and Gas Company B.V. donates laptops to local school in Margala Block.
MOL Pakistan donated laptops to support the education of students in Margalla Block at a small handover ceremony. The company continues to prioritize education in communities located in the company’s areas of operation by donating IT equipment such as laptops and computers, as well as academic books to schools and universities for the benefit of underprivileged students of all ages and backgrounds.
Appreciating the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, the students, principal, teachers, and staff of the school expressed their sincere gratitude to MOL Pakistan, noting that these laptops are very needed and will be an asset in providing quality education.
Speaking on the occasion, the headmistress Ms Samra thanked the MOL Pakistan and said, “The support will help the school enhancing the quality of education of the students, making them more equipped and competitive”.
MOL Pakistan is a fully owned subsidiary of MOL Group, operating in the country since 1999. MOL Group Regional Vice President Middle East, Africa, and Pakistan, Mr. Ali Murtaza Abbas said, “As a responsible corporate entity, we recognize that education is a priority in the sustainable development of Pakistan. MOL Group supports these development efforts through our corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. In particular, we believe that education brings positive change to our communities located in our areas of operations such as Margalla Block.”
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Pakistan cricket team’s talismanic wicketkeeper batsman and one of the nation’s most loved cricketers, Muhammad Rizwan has announced a scholarship for up to 100,000 deserving students across Pakistan who are studying in Matric and Intermediate classes. Earlier in the year, Muhammad Rizwan after winning ‘Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year’ by ICC and ‘Most Valuable Player’ by PCB announced to become the Brand Ambassador of Abwaab by taking the first step towards building a solid future for Pakistan.
Sharing his thoughts and motivation behind the scholarship Muhammad Rizwan said, “I dedicate this scholarship to my grandfather who played a key role in making me become what I am today. He always focused on my education and with this scholarship, we will be able to provide the highest quality education to 1 Lakh students across Pakistan through Abwaab’s platform. Abwaab is a game changer and I am honored to be a part of this great journey.’’
Speaking on the occasion, Country Head Abwaab, Pakistan – Raja Ahmed Shuja said “For the past one year, we have been building content tailored for the Pakistani student with a focus on making learning fun and engaging through our product which offers a gamified experience, allowing students to test themselves through the assessments engine and learn from bite sized lessons with the biggest lessons and assessments bank in Pakistan. Students have been giving us extremely encouraging feedback and we intend to reach each and every corner of Pakistan. This partnership is the first step of doing that where we would be providing scholarships to 100,000 deserving students and thus starting the journey of unleashing the human potential of Pakistan.”
CEO and Founder Saya Corporation Global Sports Group, Talha Rehmani added “I am extremely delighted to announce this collaboration with Abwaab as it gives us the opportunity to build a solid foundation for the future generations of Pakistan. This is a very significant and impactful development that fits in perfectly with Saya Corporation’s vision of investing into the education needs of Pakistani youth.”
Abwaab is a learning app that has the largest lesson & question bank for Matric, Intermediate, Entry Tests & Cambridge curriculum, offering on demand video lessons, full book tests, practice exercises along with a gamified learning experience through Abwaab League.
Through strategic partnerships with development partners, donors and the private sector, Abwaab aims to reach 10 lakh vulnerable children across the region with access to its online platform, through its impact initiative, EQUAL.
*Principal Kinnaird College for Women Dr Rukhsana David Nominated for Ordinary Board Member of ICOM ASPAC (Asia Pacific Regional Alliance*.
Lahore (Qasim Ali) International Council of Museums (ICOM) has announced the country Chair of ICom for Pakistan Dr. Rukhsana David as an Ordinary Board Member of ICOM ASPAC (Asia Pacific Regional Alliance).
ICOM recognizes the efforts and dedication for the work of Dr. Ruksana David to promote intangible cultural heritage and the preservation of material heritage in Pakistan.
ICOM Pakistan is the national Committee of ICOM in Pakistan. It is a gateway to the global museum community and the only Pakistan Museum Association with a dedicated international focus. It offers access to 20,000 museums in 172 countries, 32,000 museum colleagues throughout the world and 31 professional committees. It is an organisation which promotes intangible heritage and the preservation of material heritage. It develops best practice standards for the world- wide museum industry and, through its global reach and events programme, contributes to the international agenda of museums in Pakistan.
Dr David is committed to Strengthening the Potential of Museums in Promoting the Principles of the UNESCO 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
Prominent scholars , academicians and architects from Pakistani & India salute the legacy of master architect.
Canadian Zameer TV dedicated exclusive Documentary on Bhai Ram Singh’s 164 Birthday.
Lahore (Qasim Ali)
An enriched informative documentary highlighting the marvelous contribution of Punjab’s foremost architect Bhai Ram Singh is getting rave reviews in culture circles of global Punjabi Diaspora. Directed by Canadian Punjabi Scholar Sardar Jaiteg Singh Anant, the documentary was recently released on the occasion of 164th birth anniversary of master architect and is available on YouTube and other platforms of digital media. The enlightening production is decorated by original images and videos of illustrious monumental buildings and traces the life history and spectacular construction work of Bhai Ram Singh in detail. Leading architects and scholar from Pakistani and Indian Punjab including Prof. ® Sajida Haider Vandal, Mohammad Pervaiz Vandal, Prof Balvinder Singh, Dr, Jatinder Kaur and Ripu Daman Singh have thoroughly discussed the work and thought provoking contribution of Bhai Ram Singh in architecture landscape of British India.
Bhai Ram Singh, inventor and master of Sikh architecture also remembered as architect of Modern Lahore, dominated the pre-partition architect landscape of sub continent for two decades. Bhai Ram Singh designed some most prolific historical buildings in Lahore, Amritsar, Shimla and royal states of British India. Lahore Museum, Mayo School of Arts, Aitchison College Lahore, Islamia College Peshawar, Khalsa College Amritsar, and Governor House Shimla are amongst some of the Bhai Ram Singh’s most famous work. He also designed Darbar room in Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s summer home on the Isle of Wight in the UK. All the scholars agreed that most of Bhai Ram Singh’s work fits under the Indo-Saracenic architecture, but his signature elements and innovations are visible in every building in the form of beautiful arches, domes, brackets, pavilions, Jalis etc.
The documentary commenced with the brief introduction of Bhai Ram Singh. It revealed that recipient of Royal Victorian Order, Bhai Ram Singh hailed from an artisan family of carpenters in Risalpur near Batala eastern Punjab. Prof. ® Sajida Haider Vandal former principle of National College of Arts Lahore (a building formerly known as Mayo School of Arts, where Bhai Ram Singh got formal education of design and drawing and also served as principal for 3 years later in life) shed light on Bhai Ram Singh’s early life.
She mentioned that Bhai Ram Singh was a true Ramgarhia, hailing from Ramgarhia Virasat who was born after 1 year of independence war in 1958. Bhai Ram Singh carried the legacy of his family and proved his talent at an early age. In 1873, Young Bhai Ram Singh stunned everyone by repairing the damage piano of Amritsar’s deputy Commissioner’s wife. At the time no artisan was agreed or has courage to repair the piano’s leg but Bhai Ram Singh despite being unfamiliar with the instrument, came in notice of everyone by repairing the piano.
The British deputy commissioner William Young got highly impressed by Bhai Ram Singh’s talent. Due to this work, Bhai Ram Singh’s got enrolled in Mayo School of carpentry and became a protégé of principle John Lockwood Kipling on the recommendation of deputy Commissioner. He learnt English, basic drawing, geometry, mathematics and basics of everything related to his profession in Mayo school of Arts beside the carpentry art, in which he was already a master. Learning under the guidance of principle John Lockwood Kipling, Bhai Ram Singh soon surpassed his peers and emerged as a first prominent architect of British India in coming years.
Sardar Jaiteg Singh Anant, Canadian Sikh Scholar told that Bhai Ram Singh was a proud descendant or Ramgarhia Virasat, he learned basic work of carpentry from his father Mistry Aasa Singh. His most distinct work is the construction of Darbar Hall which he completed on 31 March 1893. Queen Victoria got highly impressed by Bhai Ram Singh’s architectural work and gifted him one gold pen and her portrait with Autograph. Queen Victoria also honored Bhai Ram Singh by ordering her official painter to prepare a portrait of Bhai Ram Singh which is still present in Darbar Hall in Queen Victoria residence. He was first Sikh who got title of Kaiser-e- Hind in 1905 from Viceroy of British India, Bhai Ram Singh earned title of Sardar sb 1907 and Sardar Bahadur in 1911. Bhai Ram Singh also served as principal of his alma mater Mayo School of Arts from 25 September 1910 to October 1913. Bhai Ram Singh’s buildings have a unique blend of Mughal architect and Indian Saracenic style with beautiful arches dooms, umbrellas etc.
Renowned architect and academician Mr. Pervaiz Vandal explained the alliance of Bhai Ram Singh and John Lockwood Kipling was equal to a landmark partnership. He expressed that Bhai Ram Singh was a brilliant young creative mind, having great expertise in sub continent’s cultural designs, carpentry and heritage work whereas Kipling was an expert British art teacher, illustrator and curator. When eastern art meets with western craft, the result was nothing less than a wonder. He added that Kipling gave special attention to young Bhai Ram Singh and with every passing year he nourished his skills, enhanced his talent and got recognition for inimitable architecture work in coming years. Bhai Ram Singh competed with English engineers, architectures and earned applause for his innovative pattern and designs. He designed the building of Lahore museum, Punjab University, Aitchison College in Lahore. Later on he worked of every royal, Nawabs and British govt. buildings.
While analyzing Bhai Ram Singh design work, Pr. Sajida Vandal shared that during research a report piece written by John Lockwood Kipling was found which revealed that architect of Lahore’s museum is Bhai Ram Singh. While designing the Mayo school of arts Bhai Ram Singh added corridors along with halls, rooms and decorated the walls and rooms with beautiful jails. She added that keeping in the mind the climate scenario Bhai Ram Singh designed big class rooms like halls with high roofs.
In Lahore museum building Bhai Ram Singh selected a unique pattern designed a lobby having beautiful fresco paintings on its walls. He commissioned an expert graduate of Mayo School of Arts for this unique work. Pr. Pervaiz Vandal shared that Mr. Kipling was a great admirer of Lahore’s famous Wazir khan Mosque’s art work and he used to send his students there to learn about detailing of design work. These study tours helped his students especially Bhai Ram Singh a lot, who enriched his aesthetics and added detailing elements in his architectural work.
The Documentary also has interviews of leading academicians of Indian Punjab. Professor Balwinder Singh from Guru Nanak Dev University stressed there is a dire need to preserve and promote the creative treasure of Bhai Ram Singh. He shared that Bhai Ram Singh designed the iconic building of Khalsa College Amritsar at a very distinct location near GT Road. When we pass through G T road near college the grandeur and beauty of Khalsa College building instantly grabbed attention and cast a spell. The arches, dooms, umbrellas and walnut woodwork inside the building are highest level of craft ship. He added that one can easily trace Bhai Ram Singh’s signature style in all his buildings which he designed in states like Kapur Thala, Nabha and others. He mentioned that Bhai Ram Singh also added religious elements in his work also designed some Gurdwaras who have their own significance.
Dr. Jatinder Kaur associate professor school of planning and architecture New Delhi highlighted the cultural elements of buildings designed by Bhai Ram Singh. From Kashmir to South India, in all the buildings designed by Bhai Ram Singh, one can see the merger of Mughal, Indian and British architecture in its finest form. The windows, doors, walls, arched and dooms all have Indian elements in its designs, formations and grandeurs. She mentioned that Bhai Ram Singh was a carpenter by birth so he brought new patterns in the creation of Jalis and jharokas for walls and doors. She regretted that it is very unfortunate that despite having a rich architectural legacy there is no significant research work is available on Bhai Ram Singh’s excellent contribution. She stressed that students should take interest in this regard and should explore that how Bhai Ram Singh succeeded to create his name as foremost architecture is era of British engineers without modern knowledge and resources.
Ripu Daman Singh, academician from Maharaja Ranjit Singh Technical University Bhatinda is doing his PHD on Bhai Ram Singh’s work. He acknowledged the creative superiority of Bhai Ram Singh and said that he will disclose the more details of his work contribution in his research work. He added that Bhai Ram Singh artistically presented the Indian heritage in his building designs and achieved a significant place in all his peers. He was a master in his art and his legacy has enormous sociocultural impact.
Lahore (Qasim Ali) Pakistan’s distinguished scholars joined eminent artists to celebrate cultural resistance and resilience at a special event held at Alhamra on Friday 12 August. Organised by Ajoka Theatre, in collaboration with the Lahore Arts Council and Samosa Media UK, the event included scholarly presentations on the resilience of writers, poets, musicians, dancers, theatre activists and visual artists as well spectacular performances by dance guru Sheema Kermani and the radical Laal Band.
Ajoka Executive Director Shahid Nadeem, and Ajoka Chair spoke about the purpose of the event and said that Pakistani artists have shown remarkable resilience in the face of challenges such as military rule and religious extremism. 75th anniversary of Independence provides an occasion to pay tribute to the heroes of cultural resistance and celebrate their achievements. Anwar Akhtar of Samosa Media UK, talked about keen interest among British Pakistanis in the 75th anniversary of independence and 1947 Partition. He said South Asian culture is now significant part of British society, reflected by recently concluded Commonwealth Games ceremony revolving around Bhangra performances. Mariya Afzal of British Council spoke about Council’s plans for the 75th anniversary and congratulated Ajoka for organising such a meaningful event. After introductory remarks, a video compilation “Ushaq Ke Qaflay” was screened which paid tribute to artists and writers who continued freely creating despite imprisonment and bans. They included Faiz, Faraz, Jalib, Daman, Sadeqain, Ajmal Khattak, Shaikh Ayaz, Gul Khan Naseer, Fehmida Riaz , Yousaf Lodhi, Kishwar Naheed, Sheema Kermani and Madeeha Gauhar.
In the next session, scholars made presentations. Asghar Nadeem Syed and Nasir Abbas Nayyar discussed resistance and socio-political criticism in Urdu literature. Academic-musician Taimur Rahman spoke about the role politically aware musicians have played in struggle for freedom and social justice. Dancer and social activist Sheema Kermani shared her experiences as a dancer and dance teacher in carrying on with her work in defiance of pressures from authoritarian rulers and extremists. She also recited revolutionary Latin American Pablo Neruda’s poem about resistance to oppressive forces. Playwright Shahid Nadeem, in his presentation on theatre of resistance, said though theatre suffered an irreparable loss at the time of Partition, groups like Ajoka and Tehrik i Niswan picked up the pieces and developed a potent theatre for social change movement. He said though Ajoka is now permitted to perform at arts councils, challenges of censorship and thought control have not gone away. The last presentation of the session was by visual artist and former Principal of National College of Arts, Naazish Ata-Ullah, who discussed the political and social critique by Pakistani artists, showing their work on slides.
The last session of the evening consisted of performances. Noted Punjabi Poet Afzal Sahir and poet-activist Khalid Javed Jan of “Main Baghi Hoon” recited inspiring poems, followed by songs from Ajoka plays. A very well- performed dramatic reading of the English translation of Shahid Nadeem’s play “River of Sorrow” was the next item of the programme. The play was translated by Amena Chima and recently published by Sahitya Akademy in an anthology titled “ Plays from a Fractured Land. Editor of the anthology Playwright Atamjit Singh spoke from US and praised the play as a major contribution to Punjabi drama, Popular TV and theatre actor Samiya Mumtaz read the lead role and was ably assisted by Fizza Jamal, Yusra Irfan, Naseem Abbas. Qaiser Khan, Sameer Afzal, Qurrat Taj, Fizza Tirmizi, Faizan Sukhera, Saira Salman and Rizwan Riaz. The highlight of the session was a spectacular dance performance by Sheema Kermani, based on a Fehmida Riaz poem. The event ended at a high note with an energizing performance by Laal Band, led by Taimur Rahman.
Ajoka Director at the end, thanked the artists and scholars for their valuable participation and Lahore Arts Council, Punjab Council of Arts and British Council for their support. The event was attended by a large number of young people and artists from various disciplines.
Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The Young Leadership Conference’ 2022 on the theme “Pehchaan” started bright and finished on a brighter promising future. The immense 6-day conference loaded with knowledge, information and new experiences come to an end.
In this year’s theme, “Pehchaan” participants learned and experienced various topics and aspects. Starting from “Realization & Personal Leadership” to “History, Politics & Religion” participants aimed to embark on a journey of finding themselves and pushing themselves to unlearn the complexities, focused on how to be set free from the chains of stereotypes and taboos. They also explored how art is regardless and plays a significant role in bringing people together and how to avail opportunities whenever there is a problem. They also came to explore different aspects of history, politics & religion.
The last of YLC’22 is meant to be not the conclusion of learning but the start of the journey as independent and responsible individuals. Those who recognize their responsibility towards society as a Young Leader and carry forward the impact of the conference to a larger community through the Social Action Projects. The goal of the day is to instill active citizenship by conscious, thoughtful, critically engaging and practically responsible action.
After the participants were given the time to get ready and have breakfast, day 06 day started with a day briefing session by Ali Haider and Khushboo Dahri as day champs!
A detailed panel discussion was conducted by DKT where important issues like family planning and family health were discussed and how such awareness is important as a healthy individual can raise a healthy family and only a healthy family can contribute to building a healthy society.
Ali Haider then briefed about the SoL programs and their offerings while Kamran Rizvi shared the YLC Alumni Success Stories Documentary and Social Action Programs where he explained SAP is about individuals working together to address critical issues in their communities. It involves people contributing their time, effort and resources for the betterment of their society as a whole.
Later, a generous and delicious lunch was sponsored by participants’ favorite chain KFC Pakistan which they enjoyed a lot.
The fruitful 6-day program had a lot to serve its participants. We witnessed them learning, exploring and enjoying the once-in-a-million experience yet this was not the end since the motive of this conference was about recognizing and releasing “Pehchaan” it meant to unlock that consciousness of humans which encourages us to be aware of our responsibility as humans, showing humility and spreading love.
The productive conference concluded on high notes and participants were seen greeting and appreciating before bidding farewell to YLC!
Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The Young Leadership Conference on developmental and leadership skills is on its high measures in terms of flourishing the individuals and eager learners will still get themselves fruitful with knowledge and experience at Dreamworld Resort, Karachi. The conference is about to enter its concluding phase where participants will have more avenues to explore.
With this year’s theme “Pehchaan” our honorable speakers had initially talked about “Realization & Personal Leadership” followed by “Reconstruction & Developmental Leadership” and then “Rejoicing Art & Culture” where we aim to embark on a journey of finding ourselves and pushing ourselves to unlearn the complexities, focused on building a conversation on personal development and how to be set free from the chains of stereotypes and taboos. We also explored how art is regardless and beyond paintings and drawings, it is a way of bringing people together and moving beyond their differences as they build a deeper connection.
YLC’ 2022 – the agenda of day 04 was “Revive – Enterprise and Employment” moderated by Waqar Ali as the day champ! The participants were engaged in an activity in which they had to prepare their own breakfast with limited resources and had to sell it to different teams, after this session the day started on a high note with a session by Shabbar Zaidi on the Current Economic Crisis from the Opportunistic Eye where he defined in times of crisis we instantly think of downfall, we think of inflation and cut downs. However, when there is a problem there is always an even bigger opportunity. In this session participants learned how to view a crisis through an opportunistic lens, to not give up hope but rather to find the silver lining and take action.
Followed by an immensely focused segment on Professional Excellence from the Eyes of Masters where notable speakers like Roofi Jamil, Mazhar Valjee and Sibtain Jiwani enlightened us that we frequently head and see our youth complaining about the lack of job opportunities and lack of assistance for their startup businesses, but is this truly the case? The expert panel went through great details about what is required to succeed in your career. The section exclusively covered the resources that can assist participants in launching their professional careers.
After a tea break, Arsal Fahim honored us with his session on Money Matters: Money Matters where he explained unlike the first world economies, the youth in Pakistan are often not concerned and consequently not well equipped to make smart financial decisions. To develop financial literacy, a facilitator conducted a simulation, Money Matters, in which teams were allotted individual profiles and corresponding budgets. They were presented with multiple scenarios to practice budgeting, investing their money and witnessing the outcomes of their decisions to make them more comfortable making financial decisions.
A chain of breakout sessions was conducted on Business Communications Unzip, Rich Vs Wealthy, Brand Yourself and Freelancing by Faizan Arafat, Ammar Sabzwari, Arsal Fahim and Saad Bakhtiar respectively.
After the second tea time coaching by the partners, Segment speaker Kamran Rizvi graced his session on Investing in Relationships where he highlighted the importance of building and maintaining long-lasting relationships in the industry and brushing up on the participants’ networking skills.
Later Shireen Naqvi & Team YLC conducted a session on Hunger Banquet where participants were invited to attend a meal where they learned about world hunger and poverty. What they didn’t know before the meal is that they were going to be placed in randomly assigned groups to perform certain assignments.
Day Champ Waqar Ali concluded the day with a very in-depth conversation in which he highlighted how one should own themselves and should never let anything down their guards. He further talked about “Shukr” and “Sabr”. The session was named “Kun-Faya-Kun” which participants thoroughly enjoyed and ended the day with lots of love, hugs and well wishes!
Justice Nasira Iqbal, Dr. Amjad Saqib, Birdit Lamm, Nisha Rao, Bilal Hasan and Zafeer Khan informed about the experiences.
Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) YLC’ 2022 – the agenda of day 02 was “Reconstruct – Developmental Leadership” moderated by Umair Jaliawala as the day champ! After the participants were given the time to get ready and have breakfast, the second day started with a healthy exercise of meditation to encourage the participants to adopt a habit of morning meditation. This practice can be a life-altering experience in the most constructive way as it helps a person to be patient, be present and have control over their thoughts.
JusticeNasira Iqbal honored the segment on Developing Pakistan Justice. In this session, she addressed what a developing Pakistan looks like, and identified what areas we must focus on and what attitudes we must maintain.
Followed by an immensely focused Panel discussin on Breaking Stereotypes where notable speakers like Birgit Lamm, Nisha Rao, Bilal Hassan and Zafeer Khan enlightened us that we are often guilty of associating certain roles and responsibilities with a specific gender as a result of reinforcing gender-based stereotypes. This session taught participants that regardless of the sex they were born with, every person is equal, experiences the same things, and is equally capable.
Later, Dr Amjad Saqib conducted a session on How Developmental & Sustainable Ideas Are Born where he explained how individuals must be observant of their surroundings, learn to identify problems and be vigilant in finding a solution rather than waiting for someone else to come to the rescue, making the case that the most successful business ideas are the ones that fixed the problems and add value.
Then a tea break was conducted with one on one coaching and interactionin which our partners who joined us at the conference coached the Participants with their own experience followed by the segment moderatorsession on Unlearn Problems & Relearn Solutions – The Process to Design Developmental Ideas by Umair Jaliawala.
After the lunch sessions on Self-defense, Stress Management and First Aid Awareness were conducted by Amir J Khan, Munira Safdar in her session Developmental Drama talked about the significance ofdevelopmental drama skills and how one can express and advocate their goal for societal change in an effective way rather than just providing entertainment only.
Our Dilemmas – Hypocrisy, Double Standards, & Un-synced Behaviors were depicted by a powerful performance by ZAHRSSS to help us realizethe negative effect these practices have on our development as a society and understanding of self-responsibility in this matter.
After all this, Waqar Ali concluded the day with Extra corpsegment in which participants were blindfolded, few of them were hand tied and half’s legs were tied up, they were asked to have their dinner in this situation only. Through this session the participants realized the power of gratefulness and how one should always be thankful for all the blessings we are blessed with. There are people out there who are differently abled, there are people who can’t see, can’t listen, can’t walk properly and we are, crying over things that aren’t event relevant to live a life. This session made everyone realized how we should never judge anyone who are specially-abled.
Pakistan (Nut Desk) Management Science Alumni Association of Superior University Met with the Dean of Business Administration Mr Sami Bajwa to discuss and Plan Activities at the Launch of Chaudhry Abdul Rehman Business School . These activities are planned to acknowledge and present a tribute to the legendary academician and serial entrepreneur Prof. Dr. Ch. Abdul Rehman and Dr Sumaira Rehman. Addressing the meeting, Vice President of the Association Mr. Rizwan Anwar ensured all the support for a tribute to the visionary Superior Leaders and said that Superior Alumni Association under the patronage of Mr Sami Bajwa will set an Example of excellence in which the best brains of all the fields would be mustered for the welfare of university as well as Superior Pakistan and society. Mr Bajwa , Dean of Business Studies said that the vision and efforts of Superior University are highly applauded and appreciated. We are committed towards Excellence In Education Through a fusion of Superior values and principals with an exemplary leadership. Superior is now Top Ranked University and our alumnus are serving in all fields for the Prosperous Pakistan. Meeting was attended by President and Vice Presidents of the Association.
Pakistan (Nut Desk) Pakistan’s startup ecosystem showed remarkable growth when it recorded venture capital funding of around $350 million in 2021. Things got off to a healthy start in 2022 with Q1 funding at $143 million. The situation was looking promising for the rest of the year until an unprecedented global economic crisis forced its most valuable startup Airlift to shut down. While this situation sent shockwaves of panic across the local startup scene, encouraging news has come from Karachi as Oware Technologies marks its first year with positive growth.
Founded by Raza Kazmi and Adil Nisar, Oware is a logistics tech startup that aims to revolutionize Pakistan’s supply chain and logistics industry. Its integrated solutions & services enable smart warehousing, intelligent distribution, and fulfilment with transparency that help businesses achieve better logistics flexibility and minimize capital costs.
Starting on the right foot
Established last year in June 2021, Oware began with renting a single 4,500 square feet warehouse in Karachi. After their services were received well in the commercial capital of Pakistan, they expanded to Lahore, Islamabad, and Multan. In doing so, they have created a network of warehouses in strategic locations across Pakistan with further expansions in the pipeline.
Earlier in April, Oware secured $3.3 million in pre-seed funding from global investors. Today, its team of over 300 professionals is working to offer a whole suite of smart logistics solutions & services consisting of:
15 warehouses across 4 major cities (Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Islamabad) offering over 380,000 square feet of rental space, giving businesses the option to lease the required space in either of these facilities rather than investing in their own warehousing space.
Distribution service for transportation of goods from a warehouse to customers such as retailers and fulfilment centres based on their orders.
An integrated cloud-based Customer Portal that provides businesses with intuitive dashboards to enable real-time visibility into inventory levels and shipments. A technology-enabled Internal Ops team provides 24/7 support to the on-ground staff, has complete fleet visibility, and tracks warehouse operations – all in real time.
Driving the industry forward
Pakistan’s B2B logistics industry is crippled with outdated systems that are hindering growth for businesses at large. Not only are they struggling to acquire additional warehousing capacity to store inventory, but also facing difficulty monitoring that inventory, which is making way for more complex distribution issues. And while this problem can be countered with modern systems, only the large multinationals have access to such sophisticated systems.
With Oware, the team wants to level the playing field for Pakistani businesses with a solution that’s cutting-edge, accessible, and affordable. This, they believe, will not only usher in a new era of resilience for Pakistan’s logistics industry, but pave the way for the country’s sustainable economic growth.
According to Adil Nisar, supply chain digitization was already well underway before COVID-19 struck, but the pandemic and its attendant disruptions have rapidly accelerated the process. “It did so because crisis-hit organisations realised that building resilience and agility in their supply chains was a matter of urgency; indeed, the war in Ukraine has only served to stoke the coals of this reality. Integrated supply chain solutions like ours will provide businesses with data-driven visibility to help them predict disruption and plan around it,” he added.
A vision driven by innovation
Scoring remarkable achievements within its first year, Oware has exhibited the potential to be recognized among the key players in Pakistan’s startup scene in the coming times. The company’s leadership plans to use its recent funding to invest in developing its robust product & service portfolio, bolster its innovative capabilities with the right talent, and scale to newer geographies to achieve its vision of simplified yet resilient supply chains across and beyond Pakistan.
Celebrating Oware’s first anniversary, Raza Kazmi said, “This is just the beginning. We are on a mission of empowering thousands of businesses to grow to the next level through flexible warehousing and intelligent distribution which will ensure faster and more affordable delivery of goods.”
“The current scenario makes us more ambitious and we still plan to pursue the insight, process, and curiosity that keep us inspired and steadfast on our goal of empowering businesses to grow by building the operating software for distribution,” an optimistic Adil Nisar added.
