Category: Pakistan

CDCSRSL conducts awareness session for SECP’s amendments in Code of Corporate Governance Regulations & Postal Ballot Regulations.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) SECP has recently introduced the concept of categorized voting for the election of directors to address the practical challenges faced by Listed Companies, during the election of directors by way of amendments in Companies (Postal Ballot) Regulations, 2018 and Code of Corporate Governance Regulations, 2019. Being an Industry Leader, CDC Share Registrar Services Limited (CDCSRSL) took the initiative to provide a comprehensive understanding and practical knowledge of these amendments among the stakeholders by arranging a seminar. It was attended by a large number of representatives of listed companies, whereas some invitees participated in the event virtually via zoom. The session, hosted by CDCSR representatives, included a detailed presentation with examples of real-world scenarios and a Q&A session. The audience engaged interactively in the session and appreciated CDCSR move for translating technical terminologies into easy language for the concerned stakeholders.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

In compliance with the directive from the Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi, CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, reviewed initiatives of the authority to curb smog and air pollution. Imran Amin, accompanied by a distinguished team, embarked on a thorough inspection of various sites, including CBD Punjab Quaid District, Ghora Chowk Flyover, and Walton Railway Crossing. The collaborative effort included the esteemed presence of CBD Punjab’s Chairman of the Board, Fazeel Asif Jah, along with the 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, and Director Architecture CBD Punjab, Sameer Aftab. CBD Punjab Technical Team, Nespak representatives, and the official contractor actively participated during the visit. One of the notable measures observed during the inspection was the efficient utilization of rainwater harvested from the tank at Saint Mary Park for sprinkling water on construction sites, which is helpful in curbing dust pollution, actively participating towards controlling smog and showcasing CBD Punjab’s commitment to water conservation. Furthermore, in a bid to enhance the region’s green cover, CBD Punjab has initiated a large-scale plantation drive, contributing to the overall environmental sustainability efforts in the area. While expressing his views during the visit CEO CBD Punjab, Mr. Imran Amin, stated, “Our concerted efforts to tackle air pollution and promote eco-friendly practices are in line with our commitment to sustainable development and a healthier environment for all.” CBD Punjab, being a responsible authority, is taking all necessary measures to control smog and air pollution. These precautions are a stepping stone towards a healthier and greener Punjab.

Lahore (Qasim Ali)

Lahore Digital Arts Festival held its opening ceremony at the one of its main venue historic Lahore museum on Wednesday evening. Four Days. Digital Arts Festival is a city-wide celebration of emerging digital art scene of Pakistan commencing from October 12 at 9 different venues in the cultural capital of Pakistan. In the inaugural ceremony the organizing team introduced the participating international artists and talked about the ambition behind unique initiative which is to celebrate the realm of art, technology and everything in between.

Muhammad Usman, director Lahore Museum formally welcomed all the guests and shared the blend of Art with technology surely will open new avenue for the future endeavors. Renowned Artist Rashid Rana appreciated the organizing team for immense hard work in collaborating with international artists and best local talent and presenting them together. This creativity, innovation, and technology will expand the dialogues and art accessibility in Pakistan and South Asia.

Najam Ul Assar, Festival Founding Curator said that will festival also serve as a launchpad for our extensive research report, which will be made public during four day proceedings. The joint festival is possible through the support of EUNIC , the EU delegation in Pakistan and the embassies of Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Germany and Italy. “Culture needs spheres and spaces for experimentation empowerment and activities, as in the happiest case made possible here in Lahore by the many platforms of the Digital Arts Festival 23.” Simone Lenz, Director Goethe-Institut Pakistan The Four Days Festival run from 12 to 15 October 2023, and aims to explore the dynamic intersection of art and technology.

74 digital artists from 14 countries will showcase their cutting-edge work, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and interactivity. The festival will feature immersive digital installations, allowing attendees to experience art in new and innovative ways at 9 venues across the city. MikroPOM is an international conference that is hosted in Pakistan, in collaboration with Beaconhouse National University. MikroPOM Lahore is part of the festival and centres its attention towards the multifaceted aspects of technology in the city. Four Days – Lahore Digital Arts Festival was conferred with Award of Excellence last night by the The Governor of Punjab Muhammad Baligh Ur Rehman for SDG goal 17, partnerships for the goals. on tuesday evening at the Giverner house Lahore .

The Festival is working with 23 national and international partners. The award was received by Sarah Rajper (Co-curator) and Umair Mushtaq (Head of Production).

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Justice Project Pakistan (JPP), a renowned human rights organization, has once again joined forces with Olomopolo to present a groundbreaking event titled “Caught!” – an escape room experience designed to shed light on the intersection of the death penalty and torture. Coinciding with World Day Against the Death Penalty (October 10), this three-day event aims to engage, educate, and inspire attendees by immersing them in the complexities of the criminal justice system and the consequences of capital punishment.

The event, featuring creative design and direction by the esteemed Ryan Van Winkle, is set to captivate participants while delivering a powerful message about the urgent need to reduce the application of the death penalty. “Caught!” will take place at Lahore’s historic Bari Studios from October 6 to 8 (Friday to Sunday). Participants entering the escape room will find themselves thrust into a high-stakes scenario reminiscent of capital punishment cases. Through solving puzzles and unraveling clues, they will grapple with the moral, ethical, and legal dilemmas that permeate these life-and-death decisions. This immersive experience serves as a poignant metaphor for the race against time faced by individuals on death row, heightening the tension and urgency that characterizes these cases.

More than mere entertainment, JPP’s escape room event serves as an educational tool and a call to action. By participating, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the flaws and injustices inherent in the death penalty system. They will be encouraged to contemplate the irrevocable consequences of wrongful convictions and the profound impact on the lives of those condemned. Ultimately, this innovative initiative strives to raise awareness, promote empathy, and galvanize public support for limiting the use of the death penalty.

In a world where the pursuit of human rights and justice remains paramount, JPP’s escape room for World Day Against the Death Penalty stands as a testament to the plight that criminal defendants experience daily. Through immersive storytelling and interactive engagement, this event seeks to foster a society that questions the morality and efficacy of capital punishment, paving the way for a more just and compassionate world. This three-day event at Lahore’s Bari Studio will see active participation from influencers, socialites, celebrities, and media, and will be open to the public. JPP will collaborate with social media influencers who share their experiences through live streaming, shedding light on the intersection between torture and death penalty convictions.

Ryan Van Winkle, an American poet, live artist, podcaster, and critic, has played a pivotal role in crafting the script for the escape room. He has enlisted the expertise of a game designer from the UK to develop the games for the escape room. Ryan has been a valued collaborator with JPP since 2016 on various projects, including ‘Bus Kar Do,’ ‘No Time to Sleep,’ and ‘We’ve Been Waiting For You.’ Justice Project Pakistan has a history of impactful collaborations with Olomopolo Media, dating back to 2014. These collaborations have included community awareness campaigns that utilized live theatre, film, radio, and various other mediums to address critical human rights issues.

Notable examples include: “LIMBO” – A dramatic reading of letters from prisoners on death row, performed by renowned actors Erfan Khoosat, Sarmad Khoosat, and Samiya Mumtaz. This powerful performance provided a glimpse into the lives of death row inmates, fostering a deeper understanding of their challenges. “No Time to Sleep” – A groundbreaking 24-hour live performance by actor Sarmad Khoosat, based on the life and case history of JPP’s first client who spent 17 years on death row. This performance received a staggering 1.4 million views.

Justice Project Pakistan and Olomopolo invite the public to join them on this transformative journey to challenge the use of the death penalty and advocate for a more humane and just society.

CIRCLE AND L’ORÉAL FUND FOR WOMEN COLLABORATE TO EMPOWER 1500 YOUNG WOMEN WITH INNOVATIVE CIRCLE NANO INFLUENCER ACADEMY FOR WOMEN.

 

• CIRCLE and L’ORÉAL FUND FOR WOMEN have partnered to empower 1,500 young women under CIRCLE Nano Influencer Academy for Women to create sustainable living income and achieve financial independence through influencer marketing.

• Launched in September 2023, this program has trained 20 nano influencers through a hands-on 18-hour curriculum.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  The women-led not-for-profit tech startup CIRCLE, in collaboration with L’Oréal Fund for Women program,  which  aims to support women in vulnerable situations through digital literacy and entrepreneurial skills, announces a groundbreaking partnership with the launch of pioneering CIRCLE Nano Influencer Academy for Women, aimed at equipping 1,500 creative women with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age, gain a strong footing in the online world, and achieve financial independence.

In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, social media has become an influential platform for personal expression and entrepreneurship. Embracing digital is not just an option: it has become an indispensable part of people’s lives and an even more integral tool for businesses to increase their customer base. The power of social media to influence consumer buying is therefore undeniable. Considering this current landscape, CIRCLE’s Nano Influencer Academy for Women, in collaboration with L’Oréal Fund for Women, aims to equip aspiring nano influencers with detailed, practical knowledge of social media platforms.

The program also encompasses essential training in effective monetization strategies on popular social media platforms. The program is designed to nurture the potential of young Pakistani women, providing them with insights that they can utilize to become successful nano influencers in their chosen niches. Therefore, by empowering women, this initiative aims to bridge the existing gender divide and pave the way towards a more inclusive and empowered society.

In Pakistan, over 87 million people use the Internet, while 72 million people utilize various social media networking platforms. The widespread use of the Internet and social media has amplified the reach of influencers, leading to an ever-increasing surge in influencer marketing.  Brands recognize influencers as effective tools for engagement with their target market as influencers have substantial influence over purchasing decisions, making them crucial for augmenting their customer base.

In September 2023,CIRCLE Nano Influencer Academy for Women kicked off with a pilot phase, training 20 enthusiastic nano influencers. The inaugural event, held at CIRCLE’s Lahore office, featured dynamic participants, guest speakers, and trainers. The comprehensive 18-hour curriculum provided hands-on knowledge of the rapidly evolving social media terrain.

During the ceremony, the U.S. Consul General, Ms. Kristen Hawkins highlighted the United States’ commitment to supporting women’s participation in Pakistan’s economy at every level. Through the U.S.-Pakistan Women’s Council, U.S. and Pakistani companies are working with the governments of the two countries to empower women through mentorship, hiring, and diversity initiatives to bring more women into the work force and into leadership roles. Appreciating the initiative taken by CIRCLE and L’Oréal Fund for Women Ms Hawkins noted, “Women’s participation in the economy benefits not only themselves – but their families, their communities, and their country.  Women contribute directly to sustainable, inclusive economic growth in Pakistan.”.”

Sadaffe Abid, CEO and founder of CIRCLE, expressed her vision, saying “We firmly believe in the potential of every woman to become a financial force. Through CIRCLE Nano Influencer Academy for Women, we are taking a significant step towards economic empowerment and inclusivity for women in Pakistan.”

Qawi Naseer, Country Manager, L’Oréal Pakistan shares his thoughts on the partnership, “L’Oréal Pakistan is excited to collaborate with CIRCLE in empowering women in Pakistan. The CIRCLE Nano Influencer Academy for Women aligns with our commitment to promoting Diversity, Equity & Inclusionas well as advancing opportunities for women in the digital age, reflecting our dedication to creating a more inclusive and empowered society.”

TheCIRCLE Nano Influencer Academy for Women, is an incredible initiative for not only empowering our women but also promoting gender equality in Pakistan.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

To commemorate World Tourism Day, Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), invited children from Darul Sukoon, a charitable organization dedicated to the care of individuals with special needs, to visit the magnificent Keenjhar Lake Resort on 27th September 2023.

The initiative was made possible through the generous invitation extended by Mr. Feyaz Ali Shah, the Managing Director of Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC). Mr. Feyaz Ali Shah, Managing Director of STDC, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Tourism should be an experience that is open to everyone. It is heartening to see the joy and excitement on the faces of these children as they explore the wonders of Keenjhar Lake Resort. This event is just a small step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible tourism industry.”

The Ministry of Tourism recently hosted World Tourism Day at Mohatta Palace; an event which was organized by STDC.

QUETTA (NUT DESK)

The six-year European Union funded Balochistan Rural Development and Community Empowerment (BRACE) Programme successfully concluded with a final dissemination workshop at the office of Balochistan Rural Support Programme.

BRACE has been the largest EU investment (Euro 45 Million) for community empowerment in Balochistan, directly working with 300,000 families in 10 districts of Balochistan namely Jhal Magsi, Kech, Khuzdar, Killa Abdullah, Chaman, Loralai, Pishin, Washuk, Duki and Zhob. The EU-funded programme was implemented by the Balochistan Rural Support Programme (BRSP), National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) and Rural Support Programmes Network (RSPN) encompassing one-third of Balochistan and employed a mix of transactional and transformational approaches for social mobilisation, capacity building, and civic oversight, creating agency and voice for the vulnerable communities, with a particular emphasis on empowering women. “Income Generating Grants: PKR 668 million has been disbursed to 13,968 extremely poor participants, 72% of them women.”

The Programme mobilised 300,000 households, half of which were categorised as economically disadvantaged.

The initiative established a cohesive network of approximately 26,375 Community Organisations, 5739 Village Organisation and 237 Local Support Organisations across ten districts in Balochistan. The programme was implemented in collaboration with the Local Government and Rural Development Department (LGRDD), Government of Balochistan, (GoB).

The Final Dissemination Workshop was attended by esteemed guests including Sardar Ejaz Jaffer–Interim Minister for Public Health & Population Welfare, Captain (R) Zubair Jamali–Interim Minister for Home & Tribal Affairs, senior government officials and representatives of the civil society attended the event. “BRACE Programme provided Technical & Vocational Education and Trainings to 3,187 youngsters, 58% of them women. 51% of these skilled graduates have pulled their families out of poverty”. “357 Community Physical Infrastructure schemes are benefitting roughly 42,000 families. Improved sanitation and clean drinking water has reduced household health expenditures by 50%.”. Dr Tahir Rasheed, CEO of BRSP highlighted the remarkable contributions of BRACE programme across 10 districts that improved the socio economic conditions of communities, particularly women made majority of the beneficiaries across all programme interventions. “The most visible legacy of this programme that I am proud of is that we have evidence through third-party that women have a larger role as decision-makers in their own households.”, he added.

In his remark, Mr. Arshad Rashid Chief of Programmes – PPAF lauded the efforts of all the RSPs in successful completion of BRACE Programme which impacted positively in the lives of over a million people. He urged the need for continued support by Balochistan government in its mission to strengthen its local governance systems as the Balochistan province has promulgated its Community Led Local Governance (CLLG) Policy, paving the way for community’s engagement in planning and implementation of development schemes at the village level.

A community leader from district Pishin also presented his achievements.   

Sponsored by BARD Foundation, Naila Kiani has successfully climbed Mount Manaslu, the world’s 8th highest peak

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  Naila Kiani, a talented and determined young female climber from Pakistan, has achieved another milestone by scaling Mount Manaslu, the eighth tallest mountain in the world, soaring to 8,163 meters above sea level. This time again, the expedition was fully funded by BARD Foundation.

Right after the summit, Naila spoke to the media about her recent achievement. “This wonderful journey I’m currently on has given me the chance to realize my lifelong dream. I intend to make the most of this opportunity to inspire and encourage other girls like me who might be looking for someone to guide them as they begin writing their own stories of success.” She also thanked BARD Foundation for their constant support in her endeavors. .

Next on her ambitious list are Mount Cho Oyu and Mount Shishamangma, standing at 8,021 meters and 8,012 meters above sea level, respectively. Naila has already made history by becoming the first Pakistani woman to successfully climb all five of Pakistan’s 8000-meter peaks and 8 highest peaks in the world. With this recent expedition, she now holds the distinction of being the first Pakistani woman to summit the nine highest peaks in the world.

Naila is a strong and accomplished woman who is not only enhancing Pakistan’s global image but also paving the way for other aspiring women to follow their dreams and passions in the same field.

Mehreen Dawood, the Managing Director of BARD Foundation applauded the news and said, “Naila’s inspirational journey is drawing positive attention to our country. She is a true example of resilience and strength. Such achievements will further boost tourism and the sport of mountain climbing in Pakistan and globally .It is a proud moment for BARD Foundation and our nation, and we firmly believe that with her strong determination, she will also set the precedent for other women to step up and achieve their dreams.”

BARD Foundation has always played a vital role in promoting talent and paving the way for successful careers for many. The initiative undertaken by Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawoodbelieves in changing fortunes by helping competent individuals realize their potential as champions in their chosen fields. The purpose of the Foundation is to develop strong and confident individuals, with a special emphasis on skill construction and improvement. The Foundation extends assistance to anyone who has the spirit of adventure by becoming a part of their transformative journey.

TECNO organized a night photography workshop in collaboration with the Photography Society at LUMS.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  TECNO Pakistan, the leading premium smartphone brand, hosted a night photography workshop in partnership with PhotoLUMS, the Photography Society at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) on the otherday.

The panel discussion at the workshop was led by Adeel Chishti and Saboor Akram about the future of photography and the role of artificial intelligence in image processing. Adeel Chishti is a prominent figure in street photography and portraiture his work has gained international recognition in various exhibitions and publications. Saboor Akram is one of the leading voices in the emerging field of AI-generated art and is also known for his AI-generated images of celebrities and superheroes in the context of Pakistani culture.

“Photography is advancing with time, and artificial intelligence is bringing further evolution to this industry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. It’s not about replacing the photographer; it’s about empowering their creativity and expanding the horizons of visual storytelling.” – Says Saboor Akram.

The workshop was made more interesting and engaging with experience zones set up to allow attendees to explore the various products of the Camon 20 series and gain firsthand exposure. There was also a night photography competition held for the audience, and the winner received a TECNO Camon 20 phone. The event saw the enthusiastic participation of over 200 students.

Adeel Chishti expressed his delight in addressing a vast gathering of young, aspiring individuals who represent the future of Pakistan. He said, “I am happy to see your keen interest in this subject matter and I’m hopeful that this zest will pave the way for a new generation of talented professionals who could potentially spark a significant transformation within the field of photography.”

The night photography workshop provided a valuable opportunity for students to explore the latest advancements in camera technology and the transformative impact of mobile phones on the photography landscape in our country. The workshop also encouraged students to pursue photography not just as a passion but as a profession as well, and it included an in-depth conversation about the future of photography in Pakistan.