Category: Pakistan

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

A flag hoisting ceremony was held by Punjab Central Business District Development Authority to celebrate Pakistan Day with great fervor and patriotism. The ceremony was held at Central Business District house Punjab to commemorate the day when All-India Muslim League moved a resolution that led to the establishment of Pakistan. The event was attended by the COO of CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Directorate heads and staff members of CBD Punjab. The flag hoisting was followed by the singing of the national anthem, which filled the atmosphere with an aura of national pride and honor. While addressing the ceremony COO of CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua said, “Today is a momentous day in our nation’s history. As an authority, CBD Punjab has a crucial role to play in the development of Punjab and Pakistan. We remain committed in supporting the growth of our country by providing innovative business solutions thereby contributing to an overall development of the country”. The event showcased the passion and dedication of CBD Punjab, towards betterment of the nation. It highlighted the importance of the day and how it is deeply embedded in the country’s history. CBD Punjab has been instrumental in promoting modern business practices and infrastructure development in Punjab, by establishing Pakistan’s first business district on vertical principles, which has contributed to the economic development of the region.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Tara Uzra Dawood held her “Saturday” birthday party, this year themed after Netflix’s smash show “Wednesday.” Almost 300 guests attended including Senator Khushbakht Shujaat, Sharmila Faruqui, Amin Gulgee, Oman CG Engr. Sami Abdullah Salim Al Khanjari, Russian Consul Dmitry Petrov and his wife, Rukaiya Adamjee, Nadya Mistry, Shallum Xavier, et al. Tara Uzra did the iconic “Wednesday” dance that became a flash mob.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

HABIBMETRO BANK, held a grand event in celebration of International Women’s Day on March 13, 2023, at Area 51, Karachi. The event, which was themed “Embrace Women, Embrace Equity,” aimed to empower and showcase the talent and potential of women in all aspects of life.

In a true celebration of women’s skills and abilities, the event was completely led by women – from photography to music and entertainment programs. The event was a remarkable reflection of the immense talent and leadership qualities of women and truly shone a spotlight on their capabilities.

One of the highlights of the event was the musical performance by the “Bhit Shah” girls, which captivated the audience and left a lasting impression. The stand-up comedy by “The Khawatoons” created an ambiance of humor and frankness which the attendees enjoyed.

This event was a true testament to the power of women in various fields and demonstrated that women can lead, inspire, and entertain with unparalleled enthusiasm. It also provided an opportunity for home-based female entrepreneurs to showcase their skills and promote their businesses whilst supporting various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Thar Education Alliance, Rana Liaquat Crafts Colony, FESF Deaf Reach, and Hunar Foundation to achieve their humanitarian welfare goals. The stalls cumulatively created an immersive experience of inclusion and empowerment, by placing women in the limelight and highlighting their needs and their skills. 

Distinguished personalities such as Bismah Maroof, Masarrat Misbah, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Muhammad Malick, Syed Salim Raza, Shireen Anwar, Suhai Aziz Talpur, Dr. Zeelaf Munir, Jehan Ara, Zeba Bakhtiar, Rizwan Beyg, and Faiza Saleem graced the event with their presence and participated in multiple panel discussions on pertinent topics related to women’s issues such as; gender bias in the workplace, recognizing unconscious biases and discussed how and what truly empower women.

HABIBMETRO Bank’s event has proven to be an extraordinary success, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees and sparking conversations regarding the need for more events like these for women across Pakistan. The event showcased the possibility of a self-sufficient and empowered society which is only possible through women’s empowerment and sustainable development. HABIBMETRO Bank’s unwavering commitment to advancing women’s development is a commendable step towards a more equitable and inclusive society. This event serves as a reminder that when we invest in women, we invest in the future of our country.

 

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)   Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan Limited (SCBPL) in partnership with the British Deputy High Commission (BDHC), Karachi organised an event to celebrate International Women’s Day with clients, partners and employees.

A panel discussion was held to focus on “DIGITALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality” led by Khadija Hashimi – Head, CABM AME and Country Head Pakistan SC, Ziana Sakhia – CEO Bechlo.Pk, Sarah Khurram – CEO Sehat Kahani, Azima Dhanjee – Founder ConnectHear, and was moderated by Nida Athar – Director Innoventures Global Private Limited. The key focus of the discussion was on how bringing technology closer to women and other marginalised groups results in more creative solutions and can lead to innovations that meet women’s needs and promotes gender equality.

Speaking at the event Rehan Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer at Standard Chartered Bank, said, “We are delighted to partner with British Deputy High Commission once again as the BDHC supports the Bank’s efforts to address the social and economic challenges being confronted by Women.”

He further added, “Attaining digital knowledge is fundamental to empowering women in today’s age. It supports them shape their own future using technology and enables them to address life’s challenges themselves which in turn has an incredible inter generational multiplier effect on communities and societies. We also applaud the State Bank for adopting a gender-responsive approach to financial inclusion and technology. At Standard Chartered, almost half of our global workforce is women with strong representation in our management team. Similar focus in Pakistan has fortunately led to improvement in our gender diversity from 21% to approximately 30% in 5 years and we have bigger plans going forward because financial inclusion for the Bank is not just about providing access to financial services, but also about ensuring that women have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to effectively use these services to improve their lives and businesses.”

Martin Dawson, Deputy Head of Mission, BDHC said, “You cannot understand development if you don’t see it through the eyes of girls and women, and you cannot achieve development unless you unleash their full potential. Women and girls should have control over their choices and their future. Put simply, women and girls should face no constraints on realising their full potential. Harnessing the opportunity that digital inclusion provides will be transformative”.

As the largest International Bank in the country, Standard Chartered is an integral part of Pakistan’s financial landscape. Through its sustainability and community investment agenda the Bank has demonstrated its commitment to the community. The Bank’s sustainability strategy seeks to strengthen relationships between our business, community, Government and clients. SCBPL is also continuously working to improve gender balance, developing senior leaders, and creating an inclusive environment that equally supports different genders, abilities, background, race and ethnicities.

Karachi (Nut Desk)

Dawood Global Foundation held the 14th LADIESFUND Women’s Awards for Pakistan 2023 at Sindh Governor House, Karachi, honouring the nation’s most distinguished and significant women of the year, and aligning Pakistani women and businesses to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori was Chief Guest, Sima Kamil Lifetime, Shamaeel Ansari Momentum, Shafaq Sewani Trailblazer and Parveen Rizvi (Sangeeta) Woman of the Year.

Sastaticket.pk Celebrates International Women’s Day by Honoring Its Hard-Working Wome.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  Sastaticket.pk, a leading e-ticketing platform in Pakistan, is proud to celebrate International Women’s Day by recognizing the incredible achievements of its hard working female call center staff. These women play a vital role in making ticket booking easy and hassle-free for customers, and their dedication and commitment have helped propel Sastaticket.pk to the forefront of the travel industry.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Sastaticket.pk is taking this opportunity to highlight the incredible work of its female staff. These women work tirelessly every day to provide excellent customer service, helping travelers book flights, hotels, and other travel accommodations. They are the backbone of our company, and we are proud to recognize their contributions.

“We are proud to have a team of strong and capable women who work hard every day to ensure that our customers have a smooth and hassle-free travel booking experience,” said Mohib Hassan, COO of Sastaticket.pk. “Their contribution to our company is invaluable, and we want to show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication.”

“Working at Sastaticket.pk has been a wonderful experience, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry. It’s amazing to work for a company that values and supports its female workforce. I’m grateful to be a part of such a dynamic team and look forward to continuing to contribute to the growth and success of Sastaticket.pk,” said Alia Mehboob, Manager Partnerships & Marketing.

In recognition of their hard work, Sastaticket.pk has organized a special event for these women on International Women’s Day. The event aims to celebrate their achievements, encourage them to continue their hard work, and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

As a platform that works closely with airlines, Sastaticket.pk is proud to support the travel industry’s efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusivity. The company firmly believes that women have the potential to excel in any field, including the aviation industry, and is committed to providing them with equal opportunities to succeed.

Sastaticket.pk encourages other companies in the industry to follow in their footsteps and recognize the contributions of their female workforce, by acknowledging and celebrating their achievements, we can empower more women to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

The number of women entering the healthcare workforce has increased rapidly over the last decade. However, women remain underrepresented in the leadership positions in medicine globally.

To address this gap and support women in leadership roles, Prof. Lubna Kamani,  President of Pakistan GI &  Liver Diseases Society and Director of  the  Gastroenterology residency program at  Liaquat National Hospital, has launched the “Women in Leadership League in Medicine” (Will-Med) forum, with the support of founding partner Ferozsons Laboratories Limited, on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

Pro Lubna Kamani, Patron and founding chair of Will-Med said, “The objective of this forum is to encourage women enrolled in medical colleges to join the medical workforce and realize their full potential.”

The Will-Med forum will provide mentorship, training and support to emerging women leaders in medicine and surgery. It will also arrange, webinars, symposia, and workshops to promote the network’s objectives.

Osman Khalid Waheed, CEO Ferozsons Laboratories Limited, stated “Pakistan is  blessed to have exceptionally talented women in the health sector. Yet, despite having outstanding role models, women remain underrepresented in positions of leadership. The launch of the WILL-Med forum reaffirms our belief that patient care in Pakistan can improve dramatically if we address the leadership gap for women in healthcare.”

Initiatives such as Will-Med are crucial for promoting gender diversity and inclusion in the healthcare workforce. By providing a supportive network for mentorship, training, and guidance, Will-Med aims to empower women in medicine and surgery and help them overcome the challenges they face in their professional careers.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The two-day international conference, organized by Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) in alliance with the US Embassy and Pakistan US Alumni Network (PUAN) with the purpose of reducing trafficking in persons and increasing direct referrals of victims for services or rehabilitation and advocating for prevention and prosecution of Trafficking in Persons came to an end with participants and panelists sharing collectively developed ideas and recommendations.

Mushahid Hussain Syed, Member of Senate, spoke at the Closing Ceremony where he articulately explained the intricacies of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) coupled with narcoterrorism, developing into a dangerous dimension of this issue to the point that it is becoming a national security threat.
The Senator also stressed the need for regional, national, and global partnerships and thanked the US Embassy for collaborating in this initiative with SSDO.

During opening of the conference Mr. Donald Blome, US Ambassador to Pakistan reminded that trafficking in persons is a centuries old problem that requires everyone to play a role and create innovative approaches to combat perpetrators who remain a threat due to continuous development of new trafficking techniques. His message was further addressed by Chief Guest, Ms. Shehla Raza, Deputy Speaker of Sindh Provincial Assembly by adding that human trafficking is a disaster of its own kind which severely impacts women and children in particular. There is a law-and-order imbalance, alongside poverty and illiteracy, which makes trafficking in persons easier to execute. Ms. Raza stated that her ministry is working on legal aid and provision of rehabilitation for victims.

Mr. Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director SSDO emphasized the necessity of developing understanding among law makers and implementers to sensitize them towards and mainstream the issue of trafficking in persons. Since 2015, Pakistan appeared five times in the Tier II Watchlist countries in the US Department of State’s annual report on TIP. The reason for Pakistan getting moved up to Tier II in the 2022 US report, is attributed to the development of trafficking prevention legislation, particularly the “Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018” and the increased efforts of the government and coordination between stakeholders.

US Embassy members responded with their input including guest of honor, panelist Ms. Terresa Chang who appreciated Pakistan’s efforts towards tackling Trafficking in Persons via legislation, awareness-raising, and initiatives such as this International Conference.

Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew Schofer of the US Embassy expressed the utility and impressive depth of knowledge presented across plenary sessions. He highlighted that TIP undermines national security, distorts markets and endorses terrorism.

Further, the participants showcased their collectively developed ideas and recommendations to tackle Trafficking in Persons in Pakistan prepared after the first day breakout working group sessions moderated by experts such as Dan Nash, Founder Human Trafficking Training Centre USA and Kevin Metcalf, Founder National Child Protection Task Force USA, participants presented their findings on day two.

Some recommendations produced by participants were developing understanding and sensitizing relevant stakeholders such as law enforcers, government officials and civil society. They stressed on the need that everyone is responsible for spreading awareness and reporting any suspicious TIP related activities that they see. Investing in resources for rehabilitation and protection of Trafficking victims was considered an important need.

Sustainable Social Development Organization is implementing a project with the support of US Mission, and contributing in capacity building, strengthening coordination, and spreading awareness about human trafficking among all relevant stakeholders. This conference was one of the initiatives for this cause where participants and panelists alike developed an in-depth understanding of trafficking of persons in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s First-Ever Digital Census – Largest Digital Census Activity of its kind in South Asia Launches with Great Success .

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Pakistan Bureau of Statistics started the 7th Housing and Population census process on February 20, 2023, with an option to self-enumerate through the specially designed https://self.pbs.gov.pk portal. The response from the public has been great with over 4 million people visiting the portal in just a few days. This is the first if it’s kind digital census in South Asia. The self-enumeration option will continue till March 3, 2023, while the field enumeration will start on March 1, 2023.

While speaking at a press conference held today in Islamabad, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, Mr. Muhammad Sarwar Gondal, Member (Support Services/Resource Management), shared that “Pakistan is making history with the first-ever digital census and  Pakistan is the first country in South Asia who is conducting not only the digital activity of  huge level but also taken initiative of launching of self-enumeration portal ( first country of south Asia to launch portal) Pakistan Bureau of Statistics shares with great pride that the people are participating actively and stakeholders are appreciating and supporting the exercise.”

He explained the digitised census approach and methodology extensively. He informed that extensive system for the Digital Census has been devised after comparative studies of region/ globe and all stakeholders have been taken in to confidence. PBS has worked with different government organizations and provincial governments for successful activity of this exercise of  paramount importance.  He informed  that PBS has established 495 census support centres all over Pakistan fully equipped with IT facilities and trained staff of PBS and NADRA for technical assistance to the enumerators. 121000 field staff provided from provincial governments have been extensively trained and 126000 tablets with SIMs with compatible network have been provided for secure transformation of data. He said that as with any first-time technology initiative, there are some minor issues that are being reported, which have been communicated to NADRA, who is taking care of the technology solutions behind the census. Mr Gondal was grateful for the positive feedback as it is helping NADRA improve their systems.

Responding to a question regarding concerns being raised on the process from Sindh, in particular Karachi, Balochistan and a few other quarters, Mr Sarwar Gondal, Member SSRM, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics shared that prior to the census extensive and intensive consultations were held at levels, especially with provincial stakeholders to explain the complete digital process. The apprehensions being raised are due to a lack of understanding of what the census process entails. Pakistan Bureau of Statistics is once again engaging with the stakeholders to explain the facts and clear all misunderstandings to ensure that the census is being held in a transparent manner, counting each and every one living in Pakistan, at the location they are living in for provision of services as per requirement for policy planning. He informed that traditionally census is decennial activity,           however keeping in view the rapidly changing realities and digital transformation, worldwide now census is being conducted every 5 years for provision of updated data for policy & Planning. It is for this reason that a digitized methodology with geo tagging of every structure was chosen for this census for provision of timely and credible data with broader acceptability.  He also informed that this census will also provide the frame for conducting Pakistan first ever Economic Census which will provide basis for Economic planning of country.

Further explaining the census objective, Mr Gondal shared that “as per the General Statistics Reorganization Act 2011 and UN Conventions, census is a national duty to inform policymaking, future planning and development for the progress of the country. Participation in the census is mandatory and providing reliable information is a civic duty for everyone living in Pakistan.”

Mr Gondal emphasized people should be careful of fake news and misinformation. Any slander to the national census is dishonesty to the country and to the people. Census is our national duty and together we have to make this first-ever digital census a global success.

While responding to questions, Mr Gondal also shared the details of how the safety and security of the data has been secured. He assured that over 100,000 fully trained enumerators will be using tablets to fill out census information visiting door to door, while geo-tagging the structures.

He said that “we urge each and every one to actively participate in the census either through self-enumeration at https://self.pbs.gov.pk or with the help of enumerators who will be visiting door to door from March 1, 2023.”

Staying true to the principles of honesty and integrity, fulfilling its main mandate and the decision of the Council of Common Interest (CCI), Pakistan Bureau of Statistics is conducting the first-ever digital census with the objective of providing credible, transparent and timely data for decision-making. The digitization of the census guarantees transparency, accountability and efficiency.