The Legend of Maula Jatt received standing ovations

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The Legend of Maula Jatt received standing ovations, mesmerized the audience with great performances and brilliant production.

Film fratanity, Artist community, trade circles and movie lovers showered praise for befitting tribute to classic film.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Bilal Lashari’s most ambitious project and biggest film in the history of Pakistan film Industry, The Legend of Maula Jatt have finally released in cinemas after a long wait of years.

The film have truly revived the glory of Pakistani film industry and Lollywood is celebrating the grand arrival and landmark success of biggest film of Pakistani Industry at the same time. The larger than life premiere of the film held at Que Cinemas Lahore previous evening and it was a occasion of evergrean memories. All the industry guests present to witness the magic of Maula Jatt on the celluloid and it was a dream come true with blockbuster written all ovet it.

TLOMJ is Pakistan’s most expensive production to date and the filmmakers have focused on every little detail. Leveraging VFX expertise from global cinema production and an international stunt team to train the cast, the film has audiences brimming with anticipation for a movie that has established many “firsts” in the Pakistani cinema.

The Legend of Maula Jatt also boasts the biggest star cast for a Pakistani film including Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Humaima Malick, Mirza Gohar Rasheed, Faris Shafi, Shafqat Cheema and Ali Azmat. The film has been directed by Bilal Lashari, known for his directorial debut with ‘Waar’ and produced by Ammara Hikmat under the joint venture of Encyclomedia & Lashari Films in association with AAA Motion Pictures. The screenplay is by Bilal Lashari and the dialogues have been penned by the icon screenplay writer Nasir Adeeb. The filmmakers have partnered with Geo Films as their presenting partner.

The film will be locally distributed by Mandviwalla Entertainment and internationally by the Movie Goers Entertainment. A few days ago special screening was also held for ‘The Legend of Maula Jatt’ at Cue Cinemas, Lahore. Cinema exhibitors from all over Pakistan were in attendance at the screening and have acclaimed the movie as the ‘perfect blockbuster’ and have predicted it to have a huge box office opening.

Govt needs sustained support to overcome flood-related human crisis

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ISLAMABAD (Muhammad Yasir) Ensuring the Government’s commitment and full support towards rehabilitation of flood affected communities, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said “Government is moving all available resources to get out of this natural crisis caused by the devastating floods and for this purpose we desperately need sustained and regular support of all kinds from the international community”.

These thoughts were expressed during a meeting with a delegation of international humanitarian organization Save the Children (SCI) here on Thursday.

The delegation comprised Country Director SCI M. Khurram Gondal and Global Humanitarian Director, SCI Gabriella Waaijman and Usman Aslam, Director Policy, Advocacy & Communications.

The delegation also held separate meetings with Federal Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman and Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt Gen Akhtar Nawaz Satti in Islamabad.

Purpose of these meetings was to further strengthen collaboration in the government’s efforts towards protecting flood affected population especially children from water-borne diseases like diahorrea, eye infection, skin problems and their rehabilitation along with resolving nutritional issues of children, lactating mothers and expecting women including taking measures to prevent climate induced disasters such as the recent mega-floods.

During their meeting with the NDMA Chairman, the SCI delegation briefed him about the sustained support as well as projects their organization has launched for the rehabilitation of affected population especially children.

The NDMA Chairman said that we are strategizing to drain out the stagnant flood water from affected areas as it is the major cause of diseases spread. He also said that other projects like nutritional issues of pregnant and lactating mothers, building resilient communities, recovery of agriculture and farming and ensuring long-term psycho social support of children are at different stages of execution.

Country Director SCI M. Khurram Gondal assured his support and said that SCI has established temporary learning centres (TLCs), Child Friendly Spaces (CFS) and rural health centres in various flood-hit districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan. He also informed that SCI is collaborating with the Sindh government to establish over 600 TLCs in most affected districts of Dadu, Sanghar, Shikarpur and Khairpur to promote education and provide most critical psycho-social support to the affected children, so that children could be children again.

Meanwhile, the SCI delegation called on Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman.

On the occasion, Global Humanitarian Director SCI assured Save the Children’s support & collaboration in addressing the climate related issues faced by Pakistan to prevent disasters such as the recent flood which has caused havoc.

SCI has already initiated response in flood affected Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh. It is expanding operations to address the immediate survival needs in the worst-hit districts to minimize the adverse effects of flooding on health, food & security, and nutrition of children, women, and their families. Global Humanitarian Director said that Save the Children has so far reached out to over 69,000+ people, including 36,000 children through the life-saving activities under the flood response 2022.

Sherry Rehman appreciated the SCI’s humanitarian support and said the government and military along with international community’s support are ensuring to address this human crisis.

M.Khurram Gondal said that, nine-month rehabilitation is being executed under which over 2000 shelters have been established in worst hit districts across Pakistan for displaced population to protect them during winter season.

Fiji Muslim League donates USD 50,000 for flood relief in Pakistan

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Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) The Fiji Muslim League (FML) has made a collection of Fijian Dollars 100,000.00 (USD50,000) to assist the Pakistani communities, who have been severely affected by the recent floods.

FML launched the Pakistan Flood Appeal in September to raise funds for the affected families.

Speaking on behalf of FML, Mr. Saud Minam said the Fijian community understands the impacts of such disasters and the need for assistance in the aftermath of the devastating weather conditions.

“Climate change related impacts such as tropical cyclones and devastating floods are common for Fiji. Hence, we realize the immediate need for humanitarian assistance for impacted families,” said Mr. Minam.

“We stand together with our Pakistani families during this difficult time and with these funds, we hope to make a difference in the life of those affected by the floods.”

“Our prayers are with all who have been impacted by the severe weather conditions”, Mr. Minam added.

Founded in 1926, the Fiji Muslim League is a religious and social organization based in Suva, Fiji. It has contributed extensively to the education system in Fiji, in particular helping deserving Muslim students for tertiary studies through loans.

CBD PUNJAB ADVOCATES DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES TO PUNJAB ACADEMIA THROUGH DEV TALK.

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District (CBD Punjab), is committed in uplifting the economic well-being of Punjab and believes the youth to be the driving force of this commitment. The authority is working on the agenda of national development and the authority has initiated multiple projects for youth to polish their professional skills, as an affirmation of its commitment CBD Punjab, conducted its first-ever Development Discussion Forum called the “Dev Talk” at The Beaconhouse National University Lahore. The reason behind Dev Talk was to Involve the academia of Punjab to become advocates for ongoing projects of CBD Punjab and provide them with sought-after insights behind the creation of Pakistan’s first business district and development landscape in Punjab. The keynote speakers for Dev Talk were Executive Director Commercial PCBDDA, Mr. Mohammed Omer, Executive Director Technical PCBDDA, Mr. Riaz Hussain and Director Business Development PCBDDA, Mr. Ali Waqar Shah and Director Architecture, Mr. Sameer Aftab. Mr. Mohammed Omer Executive Director, Commercial PCBDDA, started the session by highlighting the core need for the establishment of Pakistan’s first and most anticipated business district. He told the attendees that CBD Punjab was formed by an act of Parliament in February 2021, to put Pakistan on the global economic map by attracting domestic and foreign investment for the development of Punjab. In his address, he stated “CBD Punjab is working on the business model to use the barren government-owned land for wealth generation to raise capital for the development of Punjab. We have secured an investment of Rs 58.89 billion in a short time span. CBD Punjab is a room full of opportunities for a secure investment in Punjab, it is a business hub that will reform the urban regeneration and development landscape of the province.” He further added that the vertical expansion of cities is the future, promotion of vertical architecture and modern urban planning is the solution to many problems. CBD Punjab’s core mission is to transform the future for a better tomorrow. Executive Director Technical PCBDDA, Mr. Riaz Hussain said “CBD Punjab is introducing new and modern construction practices. Infrastructure development is gaining pace day by day and soon we will witness some great architectural masterpieces in CBD Punjab. We have almost completed the base work for a state-of-the-art parking plaza along with that 25% of the infrastructure work is also completed. We have ensured that high-quality modern techniques are implemented in the district.” He also shed light on the issue of fire fighting in hi-rise buildings, water scarcity and the authority’s plan to counter them. He also told the audience that CBD Punjab is the only LEED-certified real estate project in Punjab. While talking about investment potential opportunities in CBD Punjab, Director Business Development PCBDDA, Mr. Ali Waqar Shah said, “Authority has successfully registered the project as an epitome of secure investment in the region due to its unique, favorable and endless possibilities. We have promoted vertical construction and high-rise buildings which no other real estate project has done. CBD Punjab is the face of the city and the center of attraction for domestic and international investors, with the expansion in the jurisdiction of authority to all over Punjab, we are no more restricted till establishing business districts. We are working on new business models like JV, PPP and REIT to get maximum investment for the development of Punjab. The session was concluded with a question-answer session which cleared many queries and ambiguities about CBD Punjab at the end of the session Executive Director Commercial PCBDDA, Mr. Mohammed Omer presented an honorary shield to Mr. Shahid Hafeez Kardar, Vice Chancellor Beaconhouse National University. The audience applauded this initiative taken by CBD Punjab and appreciated the steps taken by the authority for the development of the province. The attendees also emphasized that such informative sessions should be organized frequently as they are a fruitful source of passing on information about development projects in the region.

2nd Annual edition of Huawei Innovation Day

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2nd Annual edition of Huawei Innovation Day discussed how collaboration can unleash innovation for a sustainable digital future in Middle East and Africa

Sustainable development, ICT talent cultivation and empowering women in technology was a key highlight of Huawei MEA Innovation Day 2022 Jawad Abbasi, Head of MENA, GSMA, highlighted how mobile connectivity and technology solutions can enable global savings of around 11 gigatonnes of carbon emissions by 203.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Huawei, a leading global provider of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure and smart devices, today held the second annual Huawei Innovation Day with customers, partners and technology experts from the Middle East and Africa. Held in parallel with GITEX GLOBAL 2022, the Huawei MEA Innovation Day 2022 was organized in partnership with the Arab ICT Organization (AICTO) under the theme of “Collaboration to Unleash Innovation for Sustainable Digital Future”. The annual event gathered the region’s government leaders from different sectors, industry analysts, ICT ecosystem partners and international standardization, and Huawei’s senior leadership team. Jeff Wang, Global President of Public Affairs and Communications Huawei, delivered the opening keynote speech to highlight Huawei’s commitment to supporting the MEA digital transformation and ICT sustainability future. “Today, we have heard from customers and partners from the Middle East and Africa who are leveraging our technologies to enable new business models, boost competitiveness and spur sustainable economic growth.” Wang said, adding, “We also heard amazing stories of how technology is being applied to solving some of the greatest challenges facing humanity such as climate change, energy transition, inclusion and women empowerment. Such outcomes inspire us to continue innovating to power a better future for all.” H.E. Eng. Mohamed Ben Amor, Secretary General of the Arab ICT Organization (AICTO), the event partner, delivered the keynote speech, highlighting the importance of collaboration between various regional stakeholders and global partners to build an integrated ICT ecosystem for a sustainable digital economy. “We are delighted with this collaboration with Huawei around an insightful topic increasingly becoming the keystone for sustainable technological development,” H.E Ben Amor stated, adding, “If “innovation” was always and will remain the engine of economic and social progress with a profound transformational impact on our lives, technological innovation will be, without any doubt, the compulsory way towards a better digital future. Therefore, we highly trust that technological innovation will help transform challenges into opportunities and shorten the path to achieving our common goals. This requires, in particular, a strong regional and international cooperation framework to strengthen national and regional innovation systems and models leading to innovative and sustainable technological initiatives.” Steven Yi, President of Huawei Middle East & Africa, added: “We are honored with the distinguished audience in our Innovation Day MEA 2022. Our mission remains to bring the broadest ICT ecosystem together to inspire change and deliver socioeconomic growth. We are hopeful the lessons we take from the event today will help bring us closer to an open, intelligent world that has been our mission from Day 1.” Additionally, various keynotes were also delivered by H.E. Zhang Yiming, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to UAE, H.E. Dr. Fadia Kiwan, Director General of Arab Women Organization, H.E. Dr. Khaled Wali, Director of the ICT Department at the League of Arab States, H.E. Eng. Mohamed Ben Amor, Secretary General of the Arab ICT Organization, , H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al-Ohali, President of KFU (King Faisal University) and Jawad Abbasi, Head of MENA, GSMA. From his side, Jawad Abbasi, Head of MENA, GSMA, said, “Mobile connectivity is bringing endless potential to all business sectors and also making possible partnerships between sectors. From automotive to aviation, education to entertainment, manufacturing to the metaverse, mobile connectivity has a massive enablement effect. In climate action, last year at COP26, the GSMA called on business leaders and policymakers to start using smart technology to achieve net zero by 2050, and limit global warming to 1.5C. For example, if four main sectors (energy, transport, buildings and manufacturing) expand their use of mobile technology solutions, this would enable global savings of around 11 gigatonnes of carbon emissions by 2030; equivalent to roughly 40% of the total required reduction!”  .

foodpanda_pakistan, in collaboration with Chughtai Labs

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Pakistan (Nut Desk) foodpanda_pakistan, in collaboration with Chughtai Labs, recently held a breast cancer awareness session for its employees. Being one of the most prevalent forms of cancer especially in women, the purpose of this session was to educate and initiate healthy conversations around it. After the session, physical examination and 1-1 consultation was also held for female employees.

Discount vouchers were later distributed by Chughtai Labs, offering Mammogram screening tests at half the price.

Save The Children Committed USD 50 million for Relief and Rehabilitation post Floods 2022

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) As the post-flood rehabilitation of damaged schools infrastructure across Sindh will take a long time to complete, the provincial government and Save the Children has planned to set up 600
Temporary Learning Centers (TLCs) in four districts of Dadu, Sanghar, Shikarpur and Khairpur  with an aim to resume students’ educational activities stalled following the devastating floods.
In order to ensure the smooth and effective relief and rehabilitation process, Save the Children has committed USD 50 million for the floods response 2022. In this regard, Save The Children has signed a Letter of Understanding with Sindh Government’s Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) and Legal Rights Forum (LRF) to establish 600 Temporary Learning Centers (TLCs) besides scaling up the response and support for flood affected children on immediate basis. To witness the development and ensure continuous support, Country Director Save the Children, M. Khurram Gondal, Global Humanitarian Director Save the Children, Gabriella Waaijman and Director Advocacy, Policy and Government Liaison, Usman Aslam visited temporary learning centers and children friendly spaces being managed in Dadu and also provided Food/ Non-Food Items, dignity kits and other necessary relief items to the flood affected communities in district Dadu.

 “We are ensuring resumption of students’ education despite the damage caused to the schools due to the recent flood,” Khurram Gondal said on the occasion.

Gabriella Waaijman expressed deep sorrow and offered her condolences over the losses and expressed solidarity with Pakistani government. She said that Save the Children is putting in all resources and efforts so that students’ education activities are resumed to recover education loss as much as we can.

The Sindh government has already declared Save the Children as its strategic partner for the Pakistan Flood Response 2022, following the permission by federal interior ministry to carry out humanitarian activities in all floods-affected districts of Pakistan, in coordination with NFRCC, NDMA, and respective PDMAs.

Main objective of this partnership is to strengthen public private partnership for Education in Emergency in Sindh. All the three signatories will initially work together to respond to the education needs during the current flood emergency as a short term objective and work for the improvement of education in the province in the long term.

They will also collaborate for development, implementation, assessment and oversight of the formal and non-formal education projects in the province, including establishment of TLCs in Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sanghar, Dadu and Khairpur and expansion in other flood affected districts.

ATLAS COPCO EXTEND SUPPORT TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IN THE AFFECTED AREAS

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Atlas Copco, world’s leading provider of productivity solutions, has teamed up with ‘Transparent Hands’ to provide medical assistance in the flood affected areas, to play its part in rebuilding efforts as a good corporate citizen of Pakistan. It will be providing the preventive healthcare assistance and clean drinking water to the families present in the relief camps.

First medical assistance camp of the campaign was put up in Thatta Sindh, where around 600 patients were facilitated in a day, by the expert doctors, and were provided with check-ups, first aid, medicines, Hepatitis B & C Screenings, and Tests for Typhoid,  Malaria, Uric Acid, and  Cholesterol.

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Sohail Shahzad, General Manager, Atlas Copco Pakistan said, “In this moment of national tragedy and calamity, our thoughts and prayers are with those affected. Floods have multiple effects on the life and livelihood of people, the contaminated drinking water is causing all kinds of health issues. Together with ‘Transparent Hands’, we are conducting medical camps in multiple remote areas where a team of trained doctors not only treats the patients but also provides them with free medicines and clean drinking water.“

The flood relief camp team is of 18 members, comprised of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, patient registrars, and support staff.  In the coming days the medical assistance will also be extended to effected areas of Mirpur Khas & Dadu districts.

He further added, “We at Atlas Copco, along with the support of our global offices, and not-for-profit organization “Water for All”, have always stood up everywhere in the world to support the communities and become a helping hand during natural calamities or challenges.”

“Water for All” is the community engagement initiative of Atlas Copco, managed through the dedicated employee volunteer workforce. The initiative funded projects are designed to provide access to clean drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene. Since its start in 1984, the initiative has reached millions of people across the world, and “Water for All” chapters are present in over 50 countries now.

Save The Children Committed USD 50 million towards relief and rehab of flood affectees

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KARACHI (MUHAMMAD YASIR) Inorder to ensure the smooth and effective relief and rehabilitation process post floods 2022, Save the Children has committed USD 50 million for the floods response 2022, out of which 70% is dedicated towards the relief and rehabilitation activities in Sindh which includes establishing Temporary Learning Centres and children friendly spaces and provision of food/non food items, dignity kits, and other necessary relief items. 
As a part of their engagement with provincial government to strengthen the public private partnership, Save the Children officials met with Faryal Talpur, Member Provincial Assembly of Sindh and ensured their commitment towards relief and rehabilitation by responding to the education needs during the current flood emergency besides scaling up the relief and rehabilitation operation. 
Save the Children, represented by Gabriella Waaijman, Global Humanitarian Director, M. Khurram Gondal, Country Director Save the Children, and Usman Aslam, Director Policy, Advocacy, Communications and Government Liaison discussed their planning and implementation strategy during a meeting at Chief Secretary Office in Sindh, chaired by Chairman Planning and Development Govt. of Sindh Syed Hassan Naqvi, to discuss the way forward to coordinate and collaborate for an effective flood response in the province. Representatives from  provincial health ministry, education ministry, DG PDMA as well as as political representatives from Daadu, Sanghar, Shikarpur and Khairpur were also in the meeting. 
The Sindh government has already declared Save the Children as its strategic partner for the Pakistan Flood Response 2022, following the permission by federal interior ministry to carry out humanitarian activities in all floods-affected districts of Pakistan, in coordination with NFRCC, NDMA, and respective PDMAs.
The Provincial government of Sindh has initiated multiple initiatives under public private partnership and it has assured International humanitarian organization, Save The Children of its full support. 
With the support of provincial government, Save the children is already working in the province. Under this initiative, scheduled to continue for two years, 600 TLCs will be established in Dadu, Sanghar, Shikarpur and Khairpur besides scaling up the response and support for flood affected children on immediate basis. 
 “We are ensuring resumption of students’ education despite the damage caused to the schools due to the recent flood,” Khurram Gondal said on the occasion.
Gabriella Waaijman, Global Humanitarian Director, Save the Children expressed deep sorrow and offered her condolences over the losses and expressed solidarity with people of Pakistan. She said that Save the Children is putting in all resources and efforts so that students’ education activities are resumed to recover education loss as much as we can.

Abhi partners with Daftarkhwan to financially empower the coworking ecosystem

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Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) ABHI joins hands with Daftarkhwan, one of the biggest co-working spaces in Pakistan, to provide financial wellness, exclusively to its more than 200 resident companies with over 2500 members.

Daftarkhwan currently houses  2500+ professionals across 7 locations in 3 main cities across Lahore, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. They are home to leading companies like Uber, Trella, Jugnu, Sadapay, and Tintash to name a few. Daftarkhwan provides founders and professionals with modern office spaces in premium locations, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities suited to every business need.

With the current sky-high inflation, prices have gone up across the board. Day by day it’s getting harder for individuals and businesses to operate with limited working capital, late credit payments, or salary delays. This is where ABHI steps in to provide relief whether it be a salaried employee or a business owner. ABHI offers a complete solution to promote financial wellness to companies within Daftarkhwan through their 4 main products – earned wage access, payroll financing, payroll processing, and invoice factoring.

On this occasion, Omair Ansari, CEO of ABHI mentioned, “ABHI is proud to partner with Pakistan’s largest co-working space – Daftarkhwan, to financially empower its 200+ member companies. The strategic partnership of Daftarkhwan and ABHI will prove to be a success and eventually unlock multiple opportunities to reach the goal of making Pakistan financially empowered.”

Saad Idrees, CEO, and co-founder of Daftarkhwan remarks, “Daftarkhwan has always focused on helping founders grow and scale their businesses. We are constantly looking for ways to improve the lives of our members. With many companies and employees across the nation feeling the effects of the economic turmoil, we are very excited about this strategic partnership with ABHI that allows our members to attain and maintain financial wellness.”

ABHI is looking forward to collaborating with multiple partners to boost access to financial wellness in the country.