Category: Pakistan

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) 

Celebrated fine-dining restaurant, Fuòco, brings its signature rendition of modern European cuisine to the culinary landscape of Lahore, following much acclaim in Islamabad.

With a keen focus on rich Italian food and located in the heart of Gulberg, the introduction of Fuòco in Lahore marks the culmination of its co-owner and executive chef Shamaz Sandhu’s vision of creating an exceptional, multi-city, dining experience in Pakistan.

In his journey to understand the essence of traditional European cuisine, Shamaz travelled to iconic culinary hotspots in Spanish Catalonia, the Tucson highlands and the French Riviera, while also sampling their modern evolutions in the United States.

After spending half a decade immersed in the local cuisines to develop an appreciation for the rich cultures from across the world, Shamaz returned to Pakistan to bring that palate to Pakistan, as true to its roots as possible.  

“I try not to approach Fuòco as a business. Cooking is an art form, a shared experience. It’s how a chef can communicate with the diner through their palette. I feel that a perfect menu is a balanced mix of familiarity, technicality, modernity and tradition,” says Shamaz Sandhu.

Explaining the philosophy behind the process, he added that Fuòco believes in sourcing the highest quality of ingredients available, and creating recipes that allow each ingredient to shine. “For some dishes, we stay as true to tradition as possible. For others, we approach them with a spirit of innovation and freedom.”

He is joined by his brother, Shahbaz Sandhu, who has an extensive background in architecture and construction, in creating an ambiance that is in perfect harmony with the food.

“We obsess over every single detail, no matter how small or trivial it may seem. The materials that we use, the colour palette we employ, the seating arrangements that we put in place; it is all done to create a cohesive experience that hits the trifecta – food, service and ambiance.”   

Beyond culinary excellence, the restaurant has set ambitious long-term sustainability goals, striving to minimize waste and prioritize the use of locally sourced produce in its delectable recipes.

Fuòco is now open in Lahore.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Both parties recognized the importance of the tourism and aviation sectors in regional economic development. The Minister highlighted Sindh’s natural attractions and tourist sites, emphasizing the need for increased promotion of tourism in Sindh.

The Sindh Government’s forward-looking approach and the passionate leadership of Minister Arshad Wali Muhammad aims to propel the province into the international spotlight, attracting tourists and investments, and making Sindh a coveted destination for explorers and entrepreneurs alike.

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Chief Minister Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, conducted a site visit to the Ghora Chowk Flyover construction site to evaluate the development progress.

The Ghora Chowk flyover project is initiated by the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA) also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab). CM Punjab was received by CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, accompanying CM Punjab were Provincial Minister Housing & Urban Development Punjab, Syed Barrister Azfar Ali Nasir, Provincial Minister Information Punjab, Amir Mir, Commissioner Lahore, Muhammad Ali Randhawa and other government officials.

Executive Director Commercial CBD Punjab, Mohammad Omer, Executive Director Technical CBD Punjab, Riaz Hussain, Director Project Management CBD Punjab, Asif Iqbal, along with technical staff of CBD Punjab and staff members of the National Logistics Cell (NLC), the official contractor for the project were also present during the visit.

During the visit, CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin and Executive Director Technical CBD Punjab Riaz Hussain provided a comprehensive briefing to CM Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi regarding the project. The Chief Minister emphasized the need to utilize all available resources efficiently to ensure the timely completion of the Ghora Chowk Flyover.

CM Punjab Mohsin Naqvi stated, “Our top priority is the public’s relief and the development of Lahore. The Ghora Chowk Flyover will significantly alleviate traffic congestion in the area”. CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin added, “In line with the directives and vision of CM Punjab, we are working tirelessly to meet the stipulated project timeline.

This project will be a new jewel in Lahore’s crown. This project will improve all over traffic flow in the area.” The Ghora Chowk flyover is being constructed with an estimated cost of Rs 1.5 billion PKR, the three-lane, 450-meter-long flyover will be completed within 90 days and will accommodate 200,000 vehicles daily. The project holds great promise for Lahore’s infrastructure, and CBD Punjab remains committed to enhancing the city’s connectivity and overall development.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) 

Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has announced a comprehensive traffic diversion plan for the construction of Ghora Chowk flyover. This diversion plan has been developed in close collaboration with the City Traffic Police (CTP) Lahore, to ensure the smooth flow of traffic during the construction phase.

Commuters traveling from Walton Road to destinations like Cavalry, Gulberg, and Firdous Market are advised to use Street No. 6, 5, and 2 Cavalry Ground as their route.

Those heading from Gulberg and Firdous Market to Walton Road should follow the route via Khurshid Alam Chowk, turning left at RA Bazar, and continuing onto Ahmed Bakhsh Road for access to Cavalry under the Jinnah Flyover. Additionally, those traveling from Walton Road to Lahore Cantt. and DHA are encouraged to take a detour within the project area towards Cantt, where a new temporary U-turn towards DHA will be provided at the end of the proposed flyover.

For those moving from Cantt. to Walton Road, the designated route directs them to utilize a detour route beside the project area towards Walton Road. Residents traveling from Cantt. to Gulberg and Firdous Market should consider the route via Shami Road and Jail Road. Conversely, those traveling from Gulberg and Firdous Market to Cantt. have two options. They can either choose the Jinnah Flyover route, passing through Khalid Butt Chowk and Khurshid Alam Chowk, or opt for the Jail Road route. For easy access to the CSD and PSO Pump on Masood Anwari Road, commuters should use Street No. 5 or Street No. 2, linking Link street 7 of Cavalry Ground towards the CSD and PSO Pump. CBD Punjab and CTP are committed to minimizing disruptions and ensuring the safety of all road users. This traffic diversion plan will be in effect throughout the construction period, and commuters are urged to follow the designated routes and exercise caution while driving through the areas.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

U.S. Ambassador Donald A. Blome, accompanied by a delegation from the U.S. Consulate, paid a visit to CBD Punjab to acknowledge and commend the authority’s forward-looking approach in promoting economic growth and collaboration. The delegation, led by Ambassador Blome, included Ms. Kristin Hawkins newly appointed Consul General in Lahore along with the team members from the Economic, Public Diplomacy & Management Office. Imran Amin, CEO of CBD Punjab and Commissioner Lahore, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Blome.

The esteemed guests were introduced to key figures, including the Chairman Board CBD Punjab, Fazeel Asif Jah COO of CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Executive Director Commercial Mohammed Omer, and teams from Business Development, Architecture, Project Management, Human Resources & Commercial. In productive discussions facilitated by representatives from the U.S. Consulate, both sides underscored the pivotal role of women in driving societal and economic progress.

These dialogues delved into initiatives, policies, and practices fostering women’s advancement, aiming to exchange insights for an inclusive society. Ambassador Blome applauded CBD Punjab’s strides in women’s leadership, recognizing the platform it provides for women to showcase their talents. An insightful presentation highlighted CBD Punjab’s diverse projects, impressing the Ambassador.

The presentation showcased the authority’s visionary initiatives that bolster infrastructure and economic growth in Punjab. Ambassador Blome commended the Authority’s dedication to these goals. CEO Imran Amin said, “Ambassador Blome’s recognition of our commitment to making Punjab an economic excellence hub is very encouraging. His visit strengthens our pursuit of sustainable economic growth. We appreciate his acknowledgement as we transform our vision into reality.” During their visit, the U.S. Ambassador and his delegation toured the CBD Punjab project site, witnessing tangible progress.

This visit signifies escalating bilateral cooperation and highlights potential business avenues and investments between the two regions.

Etihad Garden Phase II – Rahim Yar Khan Hosts Spectacular “Grand Fireworks and Family Gala” Celebrating Independence Day.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Etihad Garden Phase II, Rahim Yar Khan, the premier residential community, proudly presented an awe-inspiring event, the “Grand Fireworks and Family Gala,” to mark the celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day. The event, held at Phase 2 of Etihad Garden, showcased an evening of joy, togetherness, and patriotism.

The event, which took place on 13th of August, illuminated the night sky with a breathtaking display of fireworks that left attendees mesmerized. Families and individuals from across the city gathered to partake in the festivities, creating a vibrant atmosphere of unity and national pride.

Attendees were treated to a delightful array of activities, including a food court offering a diverse range of culinary delights, a dedicated kids’ area to keep the younger guests entertained, and a public event with free entry, ensuring that the celebrations were accessible to all members of the community.

The Managing Director, Chaudhry Muhammad Munir along with Group Directors, Chaudhry  Faisal Munir, Chaudhry Sohail Munir and Chaudhry Raheel Munir, extended their heartfelt wishes for a joyous Independence Day celebration and congratulated management upon making the event a success. 

Mr. Adnan Khalil, Project Head Sales at Etihad Garden Rahim Yar Khan, remarked, “As we celebrate the spirit of independence, Etihad Garden takes immense pride in providing a platform for families to come together and enjoy a wonderful evening filled with excitement and entertainment. Our ‘Grand Fireworks and Family Gala’ is a testament to the unity and harmony that defines our community.”

 

Principal KC & UN’s Global Youth Ambassador & Social Entrepreneur Rizwan Anwar Conferred with Commendation Awards by Governor Punjab.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) In a momentous celebration of Pakistan’s 76th Independence Day, Governor Punjab Muhammad Baleeg ur Rehman bestowed the prestigious commendation award upon the distinguished global youth activist and entrepreneur, Mr. Rizwan Anwar. The commendation ceremony, held at the illustrious Governor House Lahore.Dr. Rukhsana David, Principal of Kinnaird College for Women and Ms. Maha Jamil, Co-Chair of Youth Revolution Clan also received the awards in the ceremony. Dr. Rukhsana David, Principal of Kinnaird College for Women, has been honored for her exceptional dedication to promoting education and facilitating access to quality education for women across Pakistan. Her visionary leadership has also been instrumental in championing peace, social justice, and sustainable development to combat climate change through a multitude of impactful initiatives. Rizwan Anwar, a UN Global Ambassador, accomplished entrepreneur, and esteemed academician, has been chosen for this exceptional honor in recognition of his remarkable contributions and unwavering commitment to advancing youth development and engagement across Pakistan. An advocate for the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, Rizwan Anwar has played a pivotal role in engaging Pakistani youth in various developmental initiatives, having represented Pakistan in over 60 countries through his youth-led initiatives, which have been duly acknowledged by the United Nations. Maha Jamil, Co-Chair of Youth Revolution Clan, and Director at Kinnaird Centre for Learning and Cultural Development, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, has been instrumental in empowering women through education they skill-building activities aimed at fostering economic growth. Expressing his gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for this esteemed recognition, Rizwan Anwar vowed to continue his tireless efforts with renewed commitment and passion. He expressed his determination to utilize this award as a source of inspiration to further propel his work towards equity and focused endeavors in the realm of youth development. Rizwan Anwar‘s multifaceted role also encompasses dedicated efforts towards uplifting underprivileged segments of society through his entrepreneurial ventures. His overarching aspiration is to see Pakistan ascend as a developed and prosperous nation on the global stage. With unwavering dedication and integrity, he pledges to persistently contribute towards realizing this vision.

CBD PUNJAB TAKES THE LEAD IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ON WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY CBD PUNJAB EXPRESS COMMITMENT TO BEAT PLASTIC POLLUTION AND PROMOTE SUSTAINABILITY CBD PUNJAB CELEBRATES WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: COMMITMENT TOWARDS A GREENER FUTURE.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), proudly joins the global community to celebrate World Environment Day with great enthusiasm, aiming to raise awareness and promote positive actions for environmental protection. This year’s theme for World Environment Day is “Beat Plastic Pollution,” which highlights the urgent need to address the detrimental impact of plastic on our environment. CBD Punjab has consistently championed the cause of reducing plastic usage and promoting the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives. Under the visionary leadership of CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, the authority remains at the forefront of various environment-friendly initiatives, further solidifying its commitment to a greener future. By embracing modern urbanization on vertical principles, CBD Punjab is actively contributing to the economic development of Punjab while prioritizing sustainability. Speaking on this occasion, the CEO of CBD Punjab, Imran Amin expressed the authority’s unwavering dedication to environmental protection, stating, “At CBD Punjab, we firmly believe that safeguarding the environment is not merely an option but a responsibility. We have to take collective action to combat plastic pollution and protect our planet for future generations. World Environment Day serves as a reminder to all individuals to protect and preserve our planet.” CBD Punjab takes immense pride in its ongoing efforts to enhance the green landscape of Punjab. With a strong focus on sustainable development, the authority has dedicated 40% of the land to open areas including green areas, which is more than the good standard of the city’s sustainable open areas which is 15%. Moreover, CBD Punjab has allocated a substantial amount to the relevant government authorities for the plantation of the Miyawaki forest and new green spaces within the city. As part of modern infrastructure development practices, the authority has also introduced Asia’s first Blue Road. These initiatives not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the area but also contribute to cleaner air quality and a healthier ecosystem. Promoting clean, green, and sustainable energy sources is a key aspect of CBD Punjab’s environmental commitment. The authority actively advocates for the use of renewable energy and strives to increase the green cover throughout Punjab. By encouraging the adoption of solar panels and other environmental-friendly technologies, CBD Punjab aims to reduce the carbon footprint and foster a sustainable lifestyle. CBD Punjab extends its invitation to everyone to join hands in celebrating World Environment Day and play an active role in preserving our natural resources. By taking small yet significant steps in our daily lives, such as reducing plastic usage, conserving water, and planting trees, we can collectively make a lasting impact on our environment.

Shahid Afridi announces special food ration drive for supporting deprived families to prevent dropouts from charitable schools in Sindh.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Global Celebrity, sports star and charity leader, Shahid Afridi, has announced the launching of a special food ration program for the destitute families of the students enrolled in the charitable schools supported by his non-profit in Sindh so that these children shouldn’t be forced to leave the classroom to earn a living for their households.

Afridi, who is also Chairman of the Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF), made the announcement to this effect as he spoke as the chief guest at the inauguration of the new block at First Floor of his combined charitable school in Wangi Goth in Karachi’s suburbs. The school is jointly run by the non-profits Shahid Afridi Foundation SAF and Green Crescent Trust (GCT).

“The economic conditions have become so much adverse that the underprivileged families whose children are admitted to the charitable schools would soon think about the food shortage they are going to face as these students are no longer doing any labour work to earn money to feed their household members,” said Afridi on this occasion. The star cricketer said the special ration drive would be launched with his vision that charitable work by him in the education sector should become sustainable as the out-of-school children once enrolled wouldn’t be compelled to leave school at any time in future due to the economic compulsions. He also announced the adoption of government-run schools in Sindh, whose buildings are in a dilapidated state so as to secure the academic future of hundreds of students studying in each one of these educational institutions in poor shape. Afridi said that he would go to the feudal lords in Sindh to actively seek their help for the schooling of millions of children from deprived families in the rural areas of the province. The celebrity cricketer said that he was hopeful that the influential families in the province would fully support his drive to enroll out-of-school children.

“Up to 25 million to 30 million children are out of school in the country. It is a very alarming number so I call upon all the concerned charities and NGOs like as Green Crescent Trust to join hands with SAF, to combine their efforts for tackling this issue in the shortest possible time,” he said. He reiterated his resolve that the SAF would continue to do charitable activities in such remote areas where neither the government, any charity, nor any non-governmental organisation was available to help out the underprivileged people. Afridi expressed gratitude to all the donors, supporters, and well-wishers of the SAF for helping it to build charitable schools in Sindh.

He also thanked GCT for properly maintaining the Wangi Goth School and for its hard work to build spacious exterior and interior of the building of first floor and especially, classrooms with a very appealing environment in the new block. He said the bonding between the SAF and GCT continuing for the past five years had emerged as the best living example for other charities to work jointly to educate children in the least developed parts of the country. He also thanked Ansas Masood for attending the ceremony while informing the audience that Masood’s late mother, Nikhat Masood, generously donated all the expenses required to build Wangi Goth School some nine years back.

In his message, read out on the occasion, GCT CEO Zahid Saeed, acknowledged the unwavering support provided by the SAF, especially by its Chairman and CEO for running charitable schools in the underprivileged parts of Sindh.

Zafar Malik, SAF CEO, said that only quality education would enable the children from the deprived communities to transform not just their own lives but that of their family members and enable them to come out of the vicious cycle of poverty. He said the SAF would further strengthen its partnership with the GCT to educate a greater number of children in Sindh whose parents couldn’t afford quality schooling. He said the alliance between the SAF and GCT had emerged as an example for other concerned charities and NGOs to combine their efforts and resources for building charitable schools for children from impoverished areas.

GCT Trustee, Saad Zia, expressed gratitude to the SAF, for supporting the construction of the new block at Wangi Goth School on its first floor enhancing its capacity to enroll a total of 500 students, from destitute families in the area, in up to Class 10th. He said that together GCT and SAF had been running eight charitable schools in the underprivileged areas in Karachi’s suburbs having a total enrolment of over 3,000 students as 50 per cent of them are female students. He acknowledged exceptional philanthropy on the part of the Masood family as they had already supported for two more charitable GCT schools to renew their commitment to the cause of education for children from deprived families in Pakistan.