Category: Pakistan

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

LADIESFUND Networker was held with 75 diverse, dynamic women across ages and sectors, attended this event. #LFNetworker is a forward-thinking networking platform designed to connect professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders across various industries. The platform aims to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and catalyze innovation to drive positive change in the world.

Spotted at the event were Masarrat Misbah, Dr. Huma Baqai, Professor Nausheen Anwar, Saira Habib, Talat Hashmi, Pomme Gohar, Sana Pirzada, Faryal Asif, Sana Sultan, Sadaq Kazmi, Naushaba Zafar, among others.

The #LFNetworker was hosted by Tara Uzra Dawood, President, LADIESFUND. Depilex was Beauty Partner, News One Media Partner and FM91 was radio partner.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

A momentous event took place at The Buraq Center in Karachi. LADIESFUND Energy Private Limited and Dawood University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), Karachi, joined hands for a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony.

This collaboration marks a pivotal step toward mutual growth and advancement in the energy and environment sectors. This collaborative MoU outlines a shared commitment towards learning, empowerment, and sustainable development. Both parties showed commitment to organize trainings, workshops and short courses designed to empower women and young girls in crucial areas such as Sustainable Practices, Environmental Management, Carbon Footprint Reduction, and more.

While talking to the media, Dr. Samreen Hussain (T.I), Vice Chancellor, DUET, Karachi expressed her excitement about the partnership with LADIESFUND Energy and the opportunities it brings for students. “This collaboration is a step towards a more sustainable and inclusive future”, she added. Ms. Tara Uzra Dawood, CEO, LADIES FUND Energy Private Limited expressed her commitment to empowering women in the energy and environment sector.

She further added that together with Dawood University, we aim to create a positive impact through education and sustainability initiatives. “We are thrilled to be able to collaborate with such an esteemed educational institution to train and empower future female leaders in renewables and sustainability.” Shireen Naqvi was the witness for LADIESFUND Energy and Abdul Sami was the witness for DUET. VIPs included Seema Taher Khan.

In line with the MoU signing ceremony, 80 female students of DUET will participate in certified courses, including on “Carbon Footprint reduction”, and “Diversity and Inclusion”, showcasing a commitment to broadening their understanding and contributing to a sustainable future. These trainings will be sponsored by LADIESFUND Energy Private Limited and organized by Educate a Girl, a project of Dawood Global Foundation.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Imran Amin, CEO of CBD Punjab, led a delegation on Thursday to inspect the final stages of the Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed Flyover, formerly known as Ghora Chowk. Accompanied by Brigadier Amir Rao, Director Land 4 Corps, Mohammad Omer, Executive Director Commercial CBD Punjab, Riaz Hussain, Executive Director Technical CBD Punjab, and other senior officials, the visit marked the culmination of efforts to enhance Lahore’s infrastructure and pay tribute to the heroic legacy of Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed. This landmark initiative, spearheaded by Punjab Central Business District Development Authority, also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), is set for a prestigious inauguration officiated by Chief Minister Punjab, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi. CEO Imran Amin conducted a thorough review of the project’s final elements, ensuring its readiness for public access. In line with honoring Captain Karnal Sher Khan Shaheed, the Ghora Chowk flyover has been officially renamed, a proposal graciously approved by Chief Minister Punjab.

Speaking about the project’s completion, CEO Imran Amin expressed, “We deeply honor the sacrifices of our martyrs, and their bravery will forever resonate in our hearts. The project is now finalized and will be accessible to the public shortly.”

The successful and timely completion of the project, under the directive of Chief Minister Punjab, reflects the relentless commitment and round-the-clock efforts of the technical teams from CBD Punjab, NLC, and Nespak.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

The Ghora Chowk Flyover Project in Lahore is on the brink of successful completion, with 95% of the project work already accomplished. This significant milestone includes the completion of NJ barriers and drains on both slopes of the flyover. The project was initiated by Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punab (CBD Punjab). Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, the project has been meticulously executed to ensure high quality.

Chief Minister Punjab is actively overseeing the project to ensure it aligns with technical specifications and timely completion. The flyover is poised to open for traffic soon, marking a significant step forward in enhancing transportation infrastructure in Lahore.

Imran Amin, CEO of CBD Punjab, emphasized the commitment to quality standards during the project’s development. While expressing his view he said “Ghora Chowk Flyover Project stands as a testament to our commitment to unwavering quality standards. As per the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi, we’ve meticulously orchestrated every detail to ensure not just completion but a standard that exceeds expectations. This milestone marks a significant leap forward in elevating Lahore’s infrastructure, . Rigorous tests are underway to assess the strength of the recently poured concrete.

The completion of water-bound, top base, and asphalt on the slopes of the Ghora Chowk Flyover, along with the finished slip roads, signifies a comprehensive achievement. These developments contribute to the overall improvement of traffic flow and infrastructure in the city.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Muhammad Zohaib Khan, Chairman of Pakistan Software Houses Association
(P@SHA), has informed that Pakistani IT firms have won major awards on
Friday in the Asia-Pacific Information & Communication Technology
Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2023 held in Hong Kong.

As per details, Pakistani IT companies have won 8 awards in APICTA
2023 in total; and, most notably, Superwomen Pakistan won the Gold
award in Superwomen category. The girls have made Pakistan proud,
Zohaib Khan added.

Other merit awards won by Pakistani companies include: Dermavision by
NUST; SSGC Automated Reader by FAST NUCES; FlowHCM by Impetus Systems;
Koyal by F9; Brainbox by Excellence Delivered; Socialchamp by Social
Champ and Collision Resilient Caged Quadcopter by Ace Aeronautics.
APICTA comprises of 16 countries; including economies like China,
Japan and Australia. The Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) is an
association of ICT communities nominated by member economies in the
region; who come together in the spirit of collaboration – forming a
cooperative network to promote technology innovation and development
of indigenous ICT solutions for the global market via an annual awards
program known as the APICTA Awards.

P@SHA Chief apprised that 16 member economies in APICTA include
Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong,
Indonesia, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri
Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

Zohaib Khan highlighted that P@SHA is the sole trade body of
Pakistan’s IT industry and a registered association with DGTO under
the Ministry of Commerce. It was founded in the year 1992 to
represent, promote and develop the software & IT services industry in
Pakistan. It works closely with the Ministry of Information Technology
and Telecommunication (MoITT) and Pakistan Software Export Board
(PSEB).

Mr. Khan added that P@SHA is the only Pakistani entity globally
registered with and recognized by top industry institutions; such as
WISTA (World Information Technology and Services Alliance); ASOCIO
(Asian Oceanic Computing Industry Organization) and APICTA
(Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance).

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Mohammad Aamir, a courageous resident of Karachi, displayed tremendous bravery during a harrowing fire incident at R.J. Shopping Mall near Dalmia on Rashid Minhas Road. As the blaze engulfed the fifth and fourth floors of the building, nearly 25 individuals were trapped inside, including Aamir’s son, Abdul Subhan. Fortunately, Subhan managed to contact his father and informed him about the fire, pleading for help.

Aamir, an air conditioner technician, quickly summoned the fire brigade and offered to unlock the lift to access the upper floors. Alongside a firefighter, he ascended through the fire brigade’s ladder and swiftly opened the lift door, breaking the glass with a hammer to facilitate the rescue. Using an axe, he broke the grill and rescued a girl, assisted by a cutter.

Upon reaching the fourth floor, thick smoke surrounded them, making it increasingly challenging to breathe and see. Despite the perilous conditions, Aamir and the firefighter persisted in their efforts. They managed to escort all the individuals trapped on that floor, utilizing the same route they had arrived through.

Aamir recounted the ordeal, mentioning that the smoke had become overwhelming, making it difficult even with their masks on. In a panic-stricken situation, the route they took was initially sealed, but they broke through and finally led everyone to safety outside the building.

Amidst the chaos and turmoil of the fire, Mohammad Aamir’s quick thinking and bravery emerged as a beacon of hope. His selfless actions and determination to rescue those trapped inside the blazing building showcased an extraordinary level of courage. Despite the immense danger posed by the smoke and flames, Aamir’s unwavering resolve to save lives stood as a testament to his heroism, earning him praise and admiration from the local community and authorities alike. His heroic efforts in the face of adversity serve as a reminder of the extraordinary valor that can emerge from ordinary individuals in times of crisis.

It’s essential to note that the FIR for this fire incident at Gulshan-e-Johar Shopping Mall has been filed by the government. According to the FIR, 11 individuals lost their lives in the tragedy, while five others sustained injuries.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), a leading development entity in the province of Punjab, also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has marked a significant leap towards combatting smog and environmental conservation with the initiation of a Miyawaki Forest plantation with the collaboration of Carbonwise and Deliver Tree.

The ceremony hosted esteemed guests, including the top leadership of CBD Punjab, Carbonwise, and Deliver Tree, alongside government dignitaries such as CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, COO CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Additional Secretary Environment, Additional Secretary Transport, Managing Partner Carbonwise, Deliver Tree, Arif Paraha, and representatives from the Forest department. Among those in attendance were also the Executive Director, Directors, and senior officials from CBD Punjab. The designated site for the forest, spanning 4 kanals within the CBD Punjab Bab District, is poised to become a beacon of sustainability, set to accommodate nearly 12,000 plants.

Already, 800 plants have found root in the rich soil, laying the foundation for a thriving green ecosystem. The Miyawaki Forest, known for its dense and diverse vegetation, aligns with CBD Punjab’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility. The initiative not only contributes to carbon offsetting but also fosters biodiversity and strengthens the local ecosystem. While sharing his views on the occasion CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, said “CBD Punjab recognizes the pivotal role businesses play in environmental stewardship. Our Miyawaki Forest is a testament to our dedication to sustainable practices and a greener future. This initiative will also play an important role in combating smog. We believe in the power of collective action for a healthier planet.”

Arif Piracha stressed the critical importance of increasing green spaces in Lahore to tackle smog-related issues and enhance the city’s air quality. He highlighted the necessity for constructing eco-friendly buildings that are self-sufficient. Additionally, he requested the CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, to allocate additional land, enabling increased efforts in carbon offsetting initiatives. CBD Punjab’s venture into eco-friendly endeavors reflects a growing trend among businesses to integrate sustainability into their core values.

The authority’s multifaceted approach, encompassing environmental, social, and economic aspects, underscores its holistic commitment to responsible business practices.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Two day 12th Thaap Conference on the Legacy and Relevance of Harappa Culture, starts on Friday, 17 November with inauguration at 10 am. Dr. Saif ur Rehman Dar (Tamgha e Imtiaz), renowned historian and archaeologist, has kindly agreed to be the chief guest. There will be five sessions concluding with a Round Table on the current and future state of research on the wide spread ancient culture.

The Conference shall comprise paper reading sessions, an exhibition, a research and investigation program on the Ganweriwala dig, and round table sessions with historians, architects, archeologists, and social scientists.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

Imran Amin CEO of Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA) also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), visited ongoing projects of the authority including Ghora Chowk Flyover and infrastructure development works at Lahore Prime, CBD Punjab Quaid District.

The visit aimed to ensure the timely and efficient completion of the projects. COO CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Executive Director Commercial CBD Punjab, Mohammed Omer, Executive Director Technical CBD Punjab, Riaz Hussain, Director Project Management CBD Punjab, Asif Iqbal, Director Construction CBD Punjab, Asif Babar, Director Architecture CBD Punjab, Sameer Aftab, officials of NLC and Nespak were present during the visit.

Speaking on the occasion, CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, emphasized the importance of adhering to the directives of Chief Minister Punjab Syed Mohsin Naqvi, he further added that “completion of these projects will open new development avenues. We are modernizing Lahore’s infrastructure which will serve as a sound foundation for modern urbanization”. Regarding the Ghora Chowk flyover, Imran Amin was briefed about the significant progress achieved, with the completion of retaining piles, pile caps, piers, abutment walls, and the ongoing steel fixing for span 1 and 5.

Additionally, the water-bound and subbase of slip roads, geogrid of msc wall, and drainage work are currently in progress. At Lahore Prime, CBD Punjab Quaid District, the technical team of CBD Punjab reported the completion of key milestones, including the asphalt of roads, drainage systems, and the establishment of electricity and water supply infrastructure. Furthermore, the landscaping and plantation phase has also been successfully accomplished, demonstrating substantial strides in the development of the area.

With the concerted efforts and support from the Punjab government, CBD Punjab remains committed to delivering these projects within the specified timelines, contributing significantly to the economic and infrastructural advancement of the province of Punjab.