Category: Pakistan

Karachi takes its first stride on the global running stage with the
historic ONE RUN Half Marathon.

Karachi made history by hosting the world’s largest half marathon, ONE
RUN, for the first time, thanks to a landmark partnership with the
Hero League that propelled Pakistani sports onto the global stage,
drawing an impressive 1200+ runners to the starting line!

In the vibrant city of Karachi, a thrilling running event took place,
as enthusiasts embarked on the picturesque Emaar Route. Nestled
serenely by the seaside, the starting point at the Emaar Sales
unfolded like a canvas of wonder, boasting stunning vistas,
immaculately maintained streets, and ample space to unfurl their
stride. The route guaranteed a memorable experience for everyone
involved. Participants had the opportunity to overcome one of four
distances: 1, 5, 10, or 21.1 kilometers.

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 21 KM category:

Female Category:

– First Position: Mumtaz Naimat (Time: 01:17:17)

– Second Position: Sehrish (Time: 02:01:49)

– Third Position: Qandeel (Time: 02:06:07)

Male Category:

– First Position: Israr Khattak (Time: 01:17:17)

– Second Position: M Sajjad (Time: 01:19:12)

– Third Position: Adnan (Time: 01:21:21)

Sports in Pakistan and the Hero League congratulate the winners and
all participants for their remarkable achievements and sportsmanship.

“We were thrilled to partner with «One Run» to put Pakistan on the
global sports map,” said Shoaib Nizami, CEO, of Sports in Pakistan.
“This event not only promoted our sports talent but also showcased our
country’s beauty and warm hospitality to the world, setting a
benchmark for future events on an international platform.”

Sports in Pakistan had the privilege of bringing pride to Pakistan by
being among 15 other countries to participate in the historic half
marathon, alongside Kyrgyzstan, Russia, China, Brazil, Egypt, Serbia,
Belarus, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Cameroon, Nepal, Armenia, Tajikistan,
and Uzbekistan. This global event drew an impressive turnout of over
180,000 people worldwide, and we are honored to have played a role in
putting Pakistan on the international sports map.

The One Run International Half Marathon in Karachi was an
unforgettable experience, uniting runners, and sports enthusiasts from
around the globe. We celebrated a historic moment for sports in
Pakistan.

Multan (Muhammad Yasir)

LADIESFUND launched in Multan with a who’s who of Southern Punjabi women. LADIESFUND President Tara Uzra Dawood came from Karachi to grace the occasion, which was hosted by SOS Multan founder Mahnaz Fareed Sheikh at the beautiful SOS Children’s Village Multan.

Inaugural LADIESFUND Multan members include include aforementioned Mahnaz Fareed Sheikh, Rahat Bano Multanikar T.I, Dr. Shafqat Abdullah Samtia, Saima Faisal, Filza Mumtaz, Anam Tajjamul, Sarah Danish, Dr. Mehnaz Khakwani, Rameen Anis, and Muneeza Manzoor Butt. Sarah Danish, founder of Sarah’s Cakes, created a stunning and delicious LADIESFUND Multan cake for the occasion which was cut and enjoyed by all. She also gifted Ms. Dawood a gift basket of her signature French maccarroons, Multani Sohan Halwa, and chocolate brownies with edible pictures of Ms. Dawood on them. Nighat Misbah’s Depilex was Beauty Partner for the event.

SITE OFFICE INAUGURATED FOR GRAND SOUQ LAHORE

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

In a significant stride towards realizing the vision of Pakistan’s first Souq, The Grand Souq Lahore (GSL), Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), in collaboration with Star Marketing, proudly inaugurated the site office for GSL. This development marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards establishing a landmark destination for commerce, culture, and community in Lahore. The inauguration ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of COO CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua. Joining him were distinguished personalities including Director Business Development CBD Punjab, Ali Waqar Shah, Director Marketing CBD Punjab, Waseem Siddiq, Ali Habib, Regional Director Punjab, Star Marketing, Faisal Butt Manager Sales & Marketing, star Marketing, Danyal Hassan Manager Sales & Marketing, Star Marketing and Murtaza Imran, Senior Manager, Star Marketing. Designed to international standards by renowned architects, GSL is set to occupy 68 kanals on LOS Morr Ex-Rescue 1122 Depot, Ferozepur Road, Lahore. This sprawling project promises to redefine the local business landscape, offering a comprehensive one-stop shopping solution for residents and visitors alike. While addressing the ceremony COO CBD Punjab Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua said, “The Grand Souq Lahore represents a bold and innovative approach to urban development in Lahore. As a dynamic retail destination, GSL will not only cater to the diverse needs of residents but also serve as a catalyst for economic growth and social cohesion. We are committed to realizing this vision and contributing to the socio-economic development of the city.” Ali Habib, Regional Director Punjab, Star Marketing, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating “This project is not just about bricks and mortar. We have envisioned The Grand Souq Lahore, more than just a marketplace it’s about creating a vibrant space where commerce, culture, and community converge to enrich the lives of residents of Lahore.” GSL’s strategic location will serve as a hub for residents from diverse neighbourhoods, including Icchra, Samnabad, Shama, Shadman, Mozang, and Muslim Town. By providing convenient access to a wide array of retail options, GSL aims to enrich the lives of individuals and families across the city. The Grand Souq Lahore promises to be a catalyst for economic growth, tourism, and social cohesion in Lahore. As stakeholders and partners come together to realize this ambitious vision, GSL emerges as a symbol of progress and prosperity for the city and its resident

Two leading charities offer to new federal, provincial govts to help them adopt efficient systems to spend education budgets.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

The chiefs of non-profits Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) and Green Crescent Trust (GCT) have offered to the new federal and provincial governments in the country to fully assist in the formation of a mechanism to ensure maximum accountability and transparency in spending the massive budgets for school education.
SAF Chairman, Shahid Afridi, and GCT CEO, Zahid Afridi, extended this joint offer to new governments formed in the centre and provinces after the 2024 general polls while speaking at the joint SAF-GCT fundraiser.

Both were of the consensus view that greater accountability and transparency in spending education budgets of federal and provincial governments could turn around the lives of millions of underprivileged students enrolled in government schools.
“Every year billions of rupees are spent on running government schools with very unsatisfactory output as the enrolled students from deprived communities don’t get quality education,” said GCT CEO Zahid Saeed.

He said the government schooling system in Sindh spent around Rs 4,000 per month to educate each of its students. “Whereas merely Rs 1,500 are spent on a student enrolled in the charitable schools jointly run by the SAF and GCT,” he said.
He said that despite this decreased spending up to 60 per cent of the students who passed out from these charitable schools obtained A-1 grades in matriculation examinations.

“We have created this low-cost model for running a quality schooling system and we are fully ready to replicate the same for the federal and provincial governments to transform their schools,” he said.

He told the audience that with the active support of the concerned philanthropists and donors, the SAF and GCT through a network of charitable schools in Sindh had been transforming the lives of 35,000 children from impoverished families.
He said the GCT was well on track to expand the number of its charitable schools in Sindh to 250 having the combined capacity to enrol 100,000 children from needy families by the end of 2025.

Speaking on the occasion, SAF Chairman, Shahid Afridi, reiterated the resolve of his non-profit to fulfill the basic needs of the underprivileged communities in the remotest parts of the country where other NGOs generally don’t serve due to lack of resources.

He informed the audience that enrolling out-of-school children was a massive undertaking, but with the sincere involvement of charities, government agencies, and philanthropists, this noble cause could be achieved.

He said that one of the noble missions being pursued by the SAF was daughters’ education as ensuring female literacy means ensuring the education of the rest of the family members.

Shahid Afridi, on the occasion, flashed his iconic “Hope not out” sign to express firm determination to accelerate the SAF-GCT joint charitable drive to end illiteracy in Sindh.

Sindh Education Foundation Managing-Director, Abdul Kabir Kazi, said the public-private partnership was the way forward for the concerned quarters including the governments, NGOs, private sector, and philanthropists, to build new educational facilities for enrolling out-of-school children in the province.

He said the SEF was the arm of the Sindh government, which in partnership with committed non-profits like SAF and GCT opened new educational facilities in the remotest parts of Sindh at an accelerated pace.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

As Pakistan prepares to celebrate Eid-ul-Adha, one of the largest festivals in the Islamic calendar, preparations have begun for the grand opening of Asia’s Largest Cattle Mandi 2024 on May 10^th Northern Bypass in Taiser Town. This year’s Mandi promises to offer additional facilities to the buyers and sellers, while simultaneously featuring sacrificial livestock from across Pakistan. Belonging to various breeds from various farms across the country, the Mandi this year will offer millions of sacrificial animals for the performance of Sunnat-e-Ibrahimi.

Spread over an expansive 1000 acres and divided into multiple blocks, the Cattle Mandi 2024 will set a new standard in modernization and convenience. Buyers and sellers alike will benefit from well-planned infrastructure, ample vehicle parking space, enhanced in-mandi security featuring comprehensive camera surveillance, accessible banking services, medical inspections for the animals, and various other additional facilities. Additionally, there will be abundant provisions for food and clean water to ensure the well-being of the livestock coming over for Qurbani from across the nation.

Ensuring the safety of the buyers visiting Cattle Mandi, robust security measures will be implemented with establishing additional Rangers and Police pickets right from the outset.

The traditional and nostalgic for many enthusiasts, Cattle Mandi had been established at Sohrab Goth since many years. However, due to rapid expansion of residential societies, and the need to ensure citizen safety amidst increasing traffic on the superhighway, the decision to shift the market from its previous place to Taiser Town Northern Bypass was implemented previous year for the larger benefit of public. As per the news reports, the Cattle Mandi generated business activity worth PKR 08 Billion during the previous year’s Eid ul Adha season, despite its new location.

The Cattle Mandi 2024, referred to as Maweshi Mandi, is all set to attract thousands of buyers and sellers this year due to increased facilities and amenities by the authorities. This further solidifies its traditional crucial role in fostering economic growth, and supporting thousands of households including the seasonal and mainstream livestock owners, transporters, growers, and thousands of suppliers and vendors providing their services to organize this annual fair.

As preparations reach their final stages, excitement is palpable among citizens eagerly awaiting the opportunity to partake in this cherished tradition. The Cattle Mandi 2024 promises to be a beacon of joy, unity, and celebration, embodying the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha and the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan.

Lahore (Qasim Ali)

The eagerly awaited book titled “The Raj, Lahore, and Bhai Ram Singh” is poised to captivate a global audience as it prepares for its launch on Amazon. Authored by the esteemed Prof. Pervaiz Vandal and Prof. Sajida Vandal, this monumental work sheds light on the life and legacy of Bhai Ram Singh, a preeminent architect of the colonial period in Punjab.

During his ongoing visit to North America and Canada, Prof. Pervaiz Vandal had the honor of meeting with Sardar Jaiteg Singh Anant, prominent Sikh Scholar, head of the Canadian Hardarshan Memorial International Trust, and Sardar Surinder Singh Jabbal, Public Relations Officer Canadian Ramgarhia Society. At this gathering, held at the residence of Sardar Jaiteg Singh in Surrey, Canada, Prof. Pervaiz Vandal graciously presented a copy of his book to both esteemed individuals.

The meeting proved to be a pivotal moment as Canadian organizations expressed their eagerness to host a grand launch event for the book in North America, recognizing its profound historical significance.Prof Vandal agreed and book will be launch in North America after the annual THAAP conference (scheduled to held in Lahore in November 2024) at the end of this year. “The Raj, Lahore, and Bhai Ram Singh” delves deep into the life and career of Bhai Ram Singh, showcasing his monumental architectural contributions during the British Punjab era. From his humble beginnings in Amritsar to his illustrious career in Lahore, the book traces Bhai Ram Singh’s journey, illuminating his association with luminaries like John Lockwood Kipling at the Mayo School of Arts and his emergence as a trailblazing architect of his time.

With its rich tapestry of perspectives on Bhai Ram Singh’s character, works, and professional journey, the book promises to be a treasure trove for students of architecture, history, and Punjabi culture alike. Prof. Pervaiz Vandal also revealed that THAAP is diligently working to ensure the book’s availability on Amazon, thereby facilitating easy access for the global Punjabi diaspora, academics, and students keen to delve into the legacy of the architectural maestro, Bhai Ram Singh.

Mobilink Bank carries out nationwide plantation drive to boost safeguards against climate change.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Living up to its standing as a responsible corporate entity, Pakistan’s leading digital microfinance bank, Mobilink Bank, carried out a nationwide plantation drive to help enhance the country’s forest cover as well as mitigate the looming impacts of climate change. Mobilink Bank’s teams from all 109 branches nationwide participated in the drive with remarkable enthusiasm and planted approximately 5000 saplings to protect the environment and hand down a serene and greener Pakistan to future generations.

The campaign was part of Mobilink Bank’s Climate Action Program, Change to Sustain, which envisions a sustainable and prosperous Pakistan that is resilient and effectively shielded against the far-reaching impacts of climate change. Sustainability is at the heart of the Bank’s corporate philosophy, which it seeks to replicate through impactful social responsibility initiatives for the broader societal benefit.

Mobilink Bank is part of the VEON group, a global digital operator that provides converged connectivity and digital services to nearly 160 million customers in six dynamic markets that are home to 7% of world’s population.

Apart from the teams from Mobilink Bank branches, senior officials from district administration, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), faculty members of various educational institutions, and members of civil society also attended the plantation drives in multiple cities and towns. They expressed hope that the endeavor will boost environmental protection, besides improving air quality and the natural beauty of the urban and rural centers, thereby positively impacting the lives of citizens.

Sharing his thoughts regarding the plantation drive, Chief Operating Officer of Mobilink Bank, Haaris Mahmood Chaudhary, said, “Mobilink Bank is proud to achieve the remarkable milestone of planting approximately 5000 trees nationwide under its Climate Action Program, Change to Sustain. The program stems from our organizational values of sustainability and social responsibility, where we seek to create shared value for the communities we serve. The need for aggressive plantation cannot be overstated, as Pakistan is amongst the top eight countries most affected by climate change. Our program strengthens the safeguards against climate change to protect the livelihoods, natural resources, and lives of vulnerable communities, mainly women. We firmly believe we can build a sustainable and prosperous future for our country.”

Mobilink Bank recognizes that environmental responsibility is not just about external impact but also about fostering a culture of sustainability within its workforce. Through engaging in environmental initiatives, the Bank empowers employees to become active agents of change. This focus on environmental stewardship fosters collaboration and teamwork as employees work together towards a common goal. It strengthens civic responsibility, encouraging employees to translate their eco-conscious practices into their daily lives beyond the workplace. 

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

A high-profile delegation from Punjab’s premium development authority, the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab, (CBD Punjab), led by COO Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, along with Director of Business Development Ali Waqar Shah and Director of Architecture and Planning Sameer Aftab Sial, recently embarked on a significant visit to Karachi. The purpose of the visit was to project the upcoming auction of three commercial and three residential plots in CBD Punjab, Nawaz Sharif IT City (NSIT) and other pivotal projects spearheaded by the authourity. The delegation actively participated in a seminar organized by the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD), the prestigious event was graced by Governor Sindh Kamran Tesori and other distinguished dignitaries, including Chairman of ABAD Asif Sam Sam, Ibrahim Habib, Senior Vice Chairman of ABAD, and Mohsin Shekhani. During the seminar, COO CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, provided valuable insights into the forthcoming auction of CBD Punjab, highlighting the offering of six plots, including three commercial and three residential plots. He emphasized the significant potential investment opportunities present in CBD Punjab, underscoring the role of such investments in reshaping the urban and economic landscape of the country. CBD Punjab stands as the custodian of the establishment of the country’s largest and premier IT district, the Nawaz Sharif IT City. Notably, CBD Punjab has already orchestrated two of the most extensive auctions in the history of Punjab, solidifying its position as a key player in the region’s development landscape. Governor Punjab Kamran Tesori emphasized the pivotal role of the construction industry and the IT sector in bolstering Pakistan’s economy. He stressed the urgent need for legislative action to further propel these sectors forward. Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, COO of CBD Punjab, remarked, “We are excited to present these unparalleled investment opportunities to the business community. CBD Punjab is committed to driving sustainable growth and development, and we invite investors to join us in this transformative journey.” The visit to Karachi marks a significant milestone for CBD Punjab, signifying its commitment to fostering strong partnerships and promoting investment opportunities that will contribute to the socio-economic advancement of Punjab and Pakistan at large.

Landmark Memorandum of Understanding Marks Significant Milestone Towards Creating Pakistan’s Premier and biggest IT city, Fostering Innovation and Economic Growth – Minister for State IT & Communication Shiza Fatima Khawaja.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also recognized as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), and the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) have solidified a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster the inception of Pakistan’s premier IT hub, Nawaz Sharif IT City as per the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The signing of this MoU marks a significant stride towards the establishment of Nawaz Sharif IT City, slated to be the country’s foremost and largest IT precinct. By joining forces, CBD Punjab and PSEB pledge to fortify the global competitiveness of the provincial IT sector and propel sustainable growth within Punjab’s burgeoning IT industry. CBD Punjab and PSEB are committed to curating comprehensive databases encompassing entrepreneurs and freelancers across the province. This concerted effort aims to bolster support structures and opportunities for local talents, positioning Punjab as a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The MoU signing ceremony took place at the closing ceremony of ITCN Asia and was attended by prominent figures from the IT and corporate world, including H.E. Dima Yahya, Secretary General, Digital Corporation Organization, Minister for State IT & Communication Shiza Fatima Khawaja, Director Business Development CBD Punjab, Ali Waqar Shah, Director Marketing CBD Punjab, Waseem Siddiq, Director Architecture & Planning CBD Punjab, Sameer Aftab Sial, Director Project Management CBD Punjab Asif Iqbal, and others. The MoU was signed by Imran Amin, CEO CBD Punjab, and Humera Ayesha Moirani, CEO PSEB. Moreover, CBD Punjab and PSEB will collaborate to fortify the vital nexus between academia and the IT industry. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, both entities seek to bridge the gap between academic institutions and the dynamic demands of the IT landscape, nurturing a symbiotic relationship that fuels innovation and talent development. Furthermore, PSEB will extend facilitative support to CBD Punjab in fostering collaborations between local IT enterprises, registered with PSEB, and their counterparts both domestically and internationally. By facilitating partnerships, the MoU aims to catalyze knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and market expansion opportunities for local IT firms. While addressing the ceremony Imran Amin, CEO CBD Punjab, said “The signing of this MoU signifies a pivotal moment in Punjab’s trajectory toward becoming a nucleus of technological innovation and economic prosperity. I extend my gratitude to Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, trusting the capabilities of the authourity and entrusting CBD Punjab with the establishment of Nawaz Sharif IT City. Through strategic collaborations with PSEB, our goal is to unlock the complete potential of Punjab’s IT ecosystem, fostering inclusive growth and prosperity for all stakeholders.” This partnership between CBD Punjab and PSEB underscores their shared commitment to fostering a conducive environment for the growth and flourishing of the IT industry in Punjab. Together, they are poised to propel Nawaz Sharif IT City to unprecedented heights, ushering in a new era of technological advancement and economic vitality in the region.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA)], also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), is set to accomplish a significant milestone in its infrastructure development project.

According to CEO Imran Amin, CBD Punjab is on track to complete placement of 23 girders within an ambitious timeframe of three working days at the Walton Railway Crossing. With 120 girders already in place, CBD Punjab is poised to intensify its efforts to swiftly conclude the remaining structural components of the flyover. Following productive discussions with Pakistan Railways, it has been mutually agreed upon that CBD Punjab will undertake construction activities during the window of midnight to 6 am for three consecutive days. This strategic decision allows CBD Punjab to focus on the most complex section of the flyover, the Walton railway crossing, ensuring expedited progress while minimizing disruptions to daily commuter traffic and train schedule.

Emphasizing the urgency of the project, CEO Imran Amin affirmed CBD Punjab’s commitment to working tirelessly, even during nighttime hours, to meet project deadlines and deliver on its promises. The dedication of the entire CBD Punjab team underscores their determination to enhance the region’s infrastructure and address pressing transportation challenges. In addition to the progress on the flyover, CBD Punjab has achieved another milestone by completing the asphalt work on CBD Route 47 up to the MSC wall slope, which will seamlessly connect the flyover to CBD Punjab Route 47. This crucial development will provide a direct and efficient route from Walton Road to the Main Boulevard Gulberg, significantly alleviating traffic congestion and improving the overall flow of vehicular movement in the area.

CEO Imran Amin expressed his optimism about the positive impact of the project’s completion, stating, “The successful culmination of the Walton Railway Crossing Flyover will facilitate swift access from Walton Road to the Main Boulevard Gulberg, effectively mitigating traffic congestion and enhancing traffic flow in the region.” CBD Punjab remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering infrastructure projects that foster economic growth, enhance connectivity, and improve the quality of life for residents and commuters alike.