Paymob signs up with medIQ to drive financial inclusion for payment acceptance

Posted on by admin

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Paymob, the leading Omni channel payments gateway and financial technology enabler in the MENAP region, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with medIQ Smart Healthcare, Pakistan’s first integrated virtual care platform to drive financial inclusion and lead the way for swift payment acceptance.

Smart healthcare is an opportunity that has a lot of potential in Pakistan, a country where the ratio of healthcare personnel to population is around 0.8 to 1000. While larger cities still have relatively better access to private healthcare, the challenge is in territories that are distant and not easily accessible due to lack of infrastructure and education.

medIQ Smart Healthcare, the B2B virtual care platform, provides a highly customizable plug-and-play technology stack, custom-made health and life insurance plans, and an integrated OPD solution consisting of a comprehensive network of online pharmacies, online laboratory services and teleconsultations with general practitioners (GPs) and medical specialists.

Speaking at the occasion, Fawad Abdul Kader, Country Manager Paymob said, “It is great to work with like-minded people and organisations which are using technology to extend the reach of necessary services to people without the limitation of proximity. Paymob is proud to support medIQ in partnering with them to support the cause and enabling their platforms with our unique and diverse collection options for accepting payments against the services. Through this partnership, we are facilitating patients and healthcare professionals in order to uplift the entire ecosystem. We believe in democratising payments across Pakistan and we are thrilled to be able to partner on an issue that we deeply care about which is healthcare.”

Dr. Saira Awan, CEO of MedIQ was quoted saying, “Healthcare access and financial inclusion go hand in hand. medIQ and Paymob’s partnership will result in having access to useful and affordable financial services that meet their healthcare needs of medIQ’s consumers – healthcare transactions, payments, credit and or even purchase of micro health insurance. We are on our journey together to make Pakistan healthy with financial wellness”.

NIC Karachi and The Asia Foundation launch the ‘Impact Collective’ initiative

Posted on by admin

NIC Karachi and The Asia Foundation launch the ‘Impact Collective’ initiative to address the most pressing climate crisis issues in Pakistan

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) the National Incubation Center Karachi, in collaboration with The Asia Foundation, launched the ‘Impact Collective’. The initiative is a consortium of organizations committed to initiating research and technology-driven dialogue to address the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues in Pakistan.

This consortium has brought together academia, think tanks, entrepreneur support organizations, and civil society organizations to discuss and solve the most pressing issues related to climate change and its adverse effects on the environment and society. The purpose of the consortium is to integrate and generate solutions that will have a lasting impact on ecological peace in Pakistan.

In the upcoming months, The Asia Foundation will award research grants to three members of the Impact Collective to conduct research on the environmental crisis that the country is currently facing. This research will guide the legislators, policymakers, public administrators, civil society activists, and ESG, sustainability, and CSR departments of corporate entities to develop policies and solutions to address the impending climate crisis that Pakistan is currently facing.

Atif Rais Khan, CEO, LMKT, while appreciating the strategic partnership between LMKT and The Asia Foundation, said that, “Climate change and its resulting calamities are a reality for the world in general and Pakistan in particular. It is the duty of every citizen, corporation, and innovation-driven enterprise to step up and help humanity get through these difficult times. Impact Collective is an effort to help build better processes and solutions to manage and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in Pakistan as well as other developing nations.”

In his opening statement, Omar Abedin, Director of NIC Karachi, said that “Humanity is capable of achieving great feats. In the last few centuries, we have achieved feats that were considered impossible to achieve, and we can reverse and restore climate change too. We have the technology, the data, and the tools. What we need is the will and the mindset. I am hopeful that the impact pool will embed that will among the policymakers and citizens of Pakistan. “

While explaining the purpose of establishing the Impact Collective, Haris Qayyum Khan, Director Strategy & Operations, Asia Foundation, said that, “Even though Pakistan contributes less than 1% of the global greenhouse gases that warm our planet, its geography makes it extremely vulnerable to climate change. The country cannot change its geographical location, but it can develop policies, systems, and mindsets to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. We can accomplish this by conducting research and developing innovative solutions based on the findings of indigenous studies.”

The event called for a panel of experts that discussed the importance of research and technology in the fight against climate change and how initiative like the Impact Collective can empower academic institutions in researching climate change on a grassroots level. The panel consisted of Durlabh Ashok (Climate Advocate), Afia Salam (Climate Activist], Dr. Noman Ahmad (Dean Architecture & Management Sciences NED University), Farva Minhas (Program Coordinator, The Asia Foundation). The Asia Foundation also launched an app to engage, educate, and mobilize the masses to take action on addressing the climate crisis. This app will serve as a platform to disseminate information and insights about climate change and will also help climate activists organize and coordinate their activities. 

The event also hosted three social entrepreneurs who are building climate resilience by implementing disruptive solutions. In their keynote speeches Emaan Danish, Founder – Earth Warriorz, Shahzad Qureshi, Founder – Urban Forest Initiative, and Ahmad Shabbar, Founder – Garbage CAN, stressed on the urgency and importance of climate change, they urged the startup ecosystem to embed Environment Social and Governance framework in their bottom line to ensure the climate change is halted and reversed in time.

As a testament to LMKT’s commitment to the livelihood and economic rehabilitation and restoration of the flood affectees across Pakistan, Project Director NICK offered a donation of PKR 1 Million on behalf of LMKT to The Citizen’s Foundation at the event’s conclusion.

 

Film “Mola Jat”will be screened on October 13

Posted on by admin

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Renowned producer Ammara Hikmat’s new movie “The Legend of Mola Jat” was a hit. The movie fans have booked 70% of the tickets. Cinemas have started booking before the movie is released. The film will be screened on October 13 in the country and all over the world, while Sajjad Gul, the famous producer of the film industry, says that he has never seen such a hype of a film till date. Machtehe Nahi Dekhi film will achieve record success in the industry. On this occasion, senior producer actor Rashid Khawaja said that the background score of the film made me cry. I have not seen a better soundtrack of any Pakistani film than this. It will be helpful in the recovery of the film industry. It should be noted that Ammara Hekmat’s film “The Legend of Mola Jat” will hit the theaters on October 13. While its cast includes famous actress Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan, Hamza Ali Abbasi, Hamaima Malik Gohar, Rashid Ali Azmat. And other artists including Shafqat Cheema are involved.

“Makers Mela” showcased the prominent talent of art and craft entrepreneurship.

Posted on by admin
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  The Little Art and The Tinkers’ arranged an enlightening event entitled ” Makers’ Mela” at Aangun – Center for Learning and Culture in Lahore on saturday 1st October. 
The Makers’ Mela was all about promoting entrepreneurship among youth, while hosting creative startups to showcase their products. The event is presenting creative art and craft, home décor, stationery, fashion, food and more. 
The event also engaged children through exciting games, competitions & all-day entertainment–storytelling, dance, music, raffle draws, discounts and cool prizes. 
At Aangun, The Little Art offers unique activities in film, theatre, photography, science, arts and crafts, and yoga by skilled artists.
“Aangun is new project that The Little Art has started, and we are aiming to contribute to Lahore cultural and social life, speacaily for children and young people through arts and creative opportunities. Makers Mela is one initiative which launch as a regular feature of the center.” It was first Makers Mela which proved a roaring success as people from all walks of life attended it. Shoaib Iqbal, Director, The Little Art. 
The Little Art is a non-profit organisation that is also actively inviting other creative projects, youth organisations and collectives to collaborate to host various similar events in future.

TECNO Launched the First-Ever Color Changing Camon 19 Pro Mondrian in Pakistan

Posted on by admin

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) TECNO Mobile – the leading smartphone manufacturer announces the launch of its newest multi-color-changing smartphone CAMON 19 Pro Mondrian in Pakistan. To catch the buzz over TECNO’s new device, tech lovers and design enthusiasts have flocked to both online and offline shops. TECNO stirs the market by storm with the industry’s first 64MP camera features equipped with RGBW + (G+P) technology for even better photography results. The award-winning Slimmest Bezel design is promising enough to enthrall its audience in Pakistan.

Camon 19 Pro Mondrian edition is inspired by the famous Dutch Painter, Piet Mondrian’s abstract paintings. For its amazing design and style, the device has also received a Silver Award and a MUSE DESIGN AWARD. The CAMON 19 Pro Mondrian features Polychromatic isomer technology keeping loyal to its “Industry’s First” and “Segment First” ideologies. The monochrome rear panel of a device can now reliably display various changing colors in the sunlight, creating a vivid “light chasing” effect. Camon 19 Mondrian is the fusion of innovation and technology.

TECNO ranks among the top smartphone brands in Pakistan, according to Kelvin Zeng, CEO of TECNO Mobile Pakistan, who commented on the successful launch of the camera-focused CAMON 19 Pro Mondrian. “With the most recent release of CAMON 19 Mondrian, we hope to continue raising the bar for technology and aesthetics by providing pro-level photographic features in a smartphone at a competitive cost and providing a light-chasing encounter with these color-changing features of Mondrian to satisfy the evolving customer demands.”

Camon 19 Pro Mondrian will be available all across Pakistan in the offline market. You can buy this amazing handset online through Daraz with a complimentary TECNO branding bag at the price of Rs 51,999. Visit the official Facebook account for more news and updates.

Elimination of fake news, implementation of media laws inevitable; gags on media not to be tolerated: Speakers

Posted on by admin

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The speakers including politicians, renowned media personalities and policymakers on called for effective measures to do away with fake news phenomenon and legislation to handle the unbridled media content as well as social media. At a seminar on “Role of PFUJ in Ensuring Press Freedom, Discouraging Fake News & Implementing Media Laws” it was resolved not to tolerate any restrictions on freedoms of media as well as the practice of rendering the news anchors off-air. Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists, International Federation of Journalists and Center for Democracy and Climate Studies organized the event. The PFUJ leadership asked the government to approach them along with the evidences in case any institution had any complaint against any news anchor. They also called for equal air time to all all the political parties putting aside the personal biases, in true spirit of the journalistic principles. Moderated by prominent anchorperson Fareed Rais, the seminar was addressed by Punjab Senior Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal, Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister Omar Sarfaraz Cheema, Jamat-e-Islami Secretary General Liaquat Baloch, Shehzad Cheema of Pakistan Peoples Party, Lahore Press Club President Azeem Chaudhry, Executive Editor of Dunya News Salman Ghani, Anchorperson Habib Akram and other renowned figures.

The speakers called for true implementation of Article 19 of the Constitution which says, “Every citizen shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression, and there shall be freedom of the press, subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by law in the interest of the glory of Islam or the integrity, security or defence of Pakistan or any part thereof, friendly relations with foreign States, public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, [commission of] or incitement to an offence. Similarly, they said the enforcement of the Article 19A of the Constitution was also equally important which says, “The right to information (RTI) is the fundamental right of citizens, allowing them to access information from government and private bodies that receive public funds. RTI is based on the principle that information belongs to the people and public officials are only the custodians of the information.” PFUJ Secretary General Rana Azeem, in his welcome remarks, said the social media had led to the unbridled media which necessitated the proper legislation by the government to ensure its productive use instead of the political victimization.

In his address, Senior Minister of Punjab Mian Aslam Iqbal said the media owners toe their own agenda which was against the journalistic principles. He said media was responsible to highlight real public issues instead of mere serving the interests of the elite class. He said a convicted person, who was supposed to be behind bars, was enjoying his stay in London because the country’s institutions accepted the guarantee of a person in the case who himself was accused in different corruption cases. He said a culture of baseless reporting must be done away with and the concept of real freedom could never be achieved without curbing the policy of state within state. He said the press freedom was meant to differentiate between the right and wrong as mudslinging, character assassination or agenda-setting had nothing to do with journalism . The senior minister said the government would do its utmost to provide housing facility to the journalist community in Rawalpindi as well as Lahore. He said the government banned the live coverage of Imran Khan’s speech while allowing to broadcast the virtual address of a convicted individual from abroad. He said Imran Khan created awareness among the masses for their rights and also challenged the status quo.

Referring to Imran Khan’s recent visit to the Government College University of Lahore, he said the elite made an unnecessary uproar and instead the PTI chief would be visiting more such institutions in the future to acquaint the youth with real political situation. He said the country had almost touched the default stage and the yesterday’s decision had undermined the people’s morale, referring to Maryam Nawaz’s acquittal by the court in Avenfield Reference. Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister on Information Omar Sarfaraz Cheema said PTI’s main agenda was to liberate the Pakistani society from the oppression of elitist mindset for which the media also played a supportive role as an influencer and opinion maker. He said except some issues, the PTI government never gagged media. He said PTI chief Imran Khan always stood up for media’s rights as both his party and media were pursuing a common agenda of societal reformation. Cheema said just like any other institution, the media also suffered deterioration as it was used to target political adversaries as well as states.

Interview with: Rashid Khan (News Update Times)

Posted on by admin

Interview with: Rashid Khan, global campaign manager for ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

Congratulations on your recent appointment as ACCA’s global campaign manager. It’s great to see Pakistani professionals being recognised by global brands like ACCA.

Thanks so much. I hundred percent agree that there’s a growing recognition of our talent around the world and more and more Pakistanis can now be seen making an impact around the world. ACCA has always been a champion of embracing Diversity and Inclusion, as well as creating opportunity for people with talent, ability and ambition, without looking at the colour of your skin or passport. And I feel D&I are vital to a healthy workplace, especially when you’re serving on a global scale. So yes, we’re a proudly diverse bunch coming from different backgrounds. In our brand and marketing team alone, we’ve colleagues from 10 different nationalities that makes it really exciting to work for ACCA.

ACCA has been at the forefront of accountancy profession since 1904. So what’s the secret behind this success that ACCA continues to lead the way even after 118 years?

Not just that we’re old with a rich history, more importantly, we’re the world’s most forward-thinking professional accountancy body. Throughout our history, we’ve done things differently. We’ve created an international network including members, employers, academics and opinion formers. We tap into their insight and experience to identify and explore global trends and issues for business, economics, society and the profession as a whole. This allows us to create the accountant that our fast-changing world needs, and gives us insight that we share outside of our organisation. We put our values into practice so we’re regularly the first in the profession to introduce new products and services, and showcase new research and policies. From being the first accountancy body to admit women to membership in 1909 to be always among the frontrunners when it comes to embracing latest technology and innovating thinking, we’re proud to be pioneers. The short answer to your question is we think ahead and that’s why we lead the profession.

How is ACCA supporting with talent mobility and allowing Pakistani youth to build international careers?

We’ve presence in 178 countries and our qualifications are the gold standard in accountancy with wide recognition around the world. Joining ACCA opens doors to respected, hugely rewarding career opportunities around the world. It’s like you’ve a global passport to work in any sector, anywhere in the world. Almost half of the members who qualified with ACCA in Pakistan are currently serving abroad enjoying fulfilling careers. Not just that, with trends such as offshoring, nearshoring and remote working, there’s even greater demand for Pakistani ACCA professionals in the global marketplace and our people can build careers with leading foreign employers who offer generous salaries and opportunities to progress quickly, that too without leaving the country. So when our people (regardless of age, gender or background) choose to study with ACCA, they choose a future full of possibilities.

There’s a growing debate whether our education system is capable of producing work-ready professionals. So much so that some influencers are heard discouraging people from pursuing degree programmes and encourage youngsters to only focus on skills. What’s your take on this topic?

 

ACCA is a professional qualification which is a combination of 3 Es, namely Exams, Ethics and Professional Skills Module (EPSM), and Experience. In addition to proving knowledge in exams, our students are required to undergo a mandatory 3 years’ practical experience requirement, as well as to complete EPSM which covers a full range of advanced ethical and professional skills. That’s why our members are able to add value to their employers from day 01 and join workplace with the right blend of knowledge, experience and skills. People often complain about the disconnect in Pakistan between academia and industry. But ACCA has always been working very closely with employers all over the world in making sure our qualifications are the most current on the market and continue to focus on growing skills in specialist areas that businesses are looking for and need – now and in the future. Therefore employers trust our future-focused, work-ready ACCA professionals who they know can add immediate value to their organisations.

How professional accountants can champion sustainability and responsible business practices?

Every accountant has a vital role to play in creating a better world. They’re in a unique position to make real, impactful change and be at the centre of sustainable development. Guided by ethics, integrity and transparency, professional accountants have a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience of the inner workings and strategies of organisations – insight that crosses borders and industries. It’s this perspective that ensures the decisions leaders make in all sectors, are anchored in an organisation’s core purpose, have a positive impact on stakeholders and ultimately shape a path towards a sustainable and equitable future for all.

 

Pakistan’s First Female led Coworking Space ‘Workshack signed a partnership with Garaj, Jazz Cloud

Posted on by admin

Lahore (Nut Desk) Pakistan’s first female led Coworking Space ‘Workshack’ recently launched in Islamabad to accelerate women empowerment across the region. This coworking opportunity is created by the Managing Director Parvin Khudadad, a single mother and an educationist for more than 30 years, and the CEO Tooba Saad Khan, an active Board Member of Industrus Private Limited and Ex-HR Team Member at US Embassy Employees Association. A range of amenities such as Free internet, Free tea & coffee, Electricity with backup, Day Care, Valet parking, TIA-R 3 Cloud Solution, Health Coverage up to Rs. 500,000 per annum per user, Corporate & b2b Solutions, Shuttle Service, Roof Top Cafeteria, Dedicated Cloud Support Team and 24/7 surveillance & Security are housed within the space. While availing these facilities, women will find a networked community of other ambitious women with like-minded goals. Reflecting upon the need of women empowerment, the Managing Director, Ms. Parvin Khudadad commented, “As a single independent mother, I could foresee that the restrictions associated with working women and the challenges they encounter won’t be that simple. Therefore, I always wanted to create such a space for them where they could pursue their businesses and startups smoothly.” Emphasizing upon the significance of women development in Pakistani society, the CEO of foundation Ms. Tooba Saad Khan stated, “Being a mother of a toddler I always wished to start something of my own after my baby. The strenuous work routine and time constraints led me to conceptualize the idea of a co working space where mothers and women like me could work stress free and have no barriers to entry.” Talking on the occasion at the opening ceremony, the Chief Business Officer of Jazz, Mr. Ali Naseer said “Jazz has partnered with Workshack to provide Garaj Services for the female-led startups involved in the co-working space. With organizations shifting to a more hybrid model, co-working spaces are able to provide extensive networking opportunities, fuel innovation and deliver a safe space for entrepreneurs where they are able to network, learn and boost their businesses.” Also present at the said ceremony and commenting on partnership with Workshack, Sardar AbuBakar, The Chief Finance & Digital Officer and SEVP of Mobilink Microfinance Bank said “Ecstatic that Workshack is catering to the needs of female entrepreneurs and budding startups through dedicated co-working spaces & business solutions. Really great focus, & innovation potential” Worksack is now open for business and as their first community welfare gesture, the much-needed female led co-working space has contribute to the great cause of flood disaster and have announced to donate its first deposit of customers to flood victims.

Getz Pharma partners with NADEP-BIDE to improve healthcare providers’ clinical skills in treating diabetic

Posted on by admin

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) In continuation of its mission to support initiatives that benefit the community and healthcare system, Getz Pharma has joined hands with the National Association of Diabetes Educator Pakistan (NADEP) – Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE). Under this partnership, informative workshops will be organized for healthcare providers to improve their clinical skills in treating diabetic foot ulcers among patients. Mr. Jumman Khan, Chief Commercial Officer – Pakistan Business, Getz Pharma, and Dr. Zahid Miyan, Consultant Diabetologist/Endocrinologist from BIDE-NADEP, signed the MoU at Getz Pharma’s Head Office in Karachi. Both organizations showed commitment to reducing the diabetes burden in the population through this initiative. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Jumman Khan said, “Our initiatives include proactively funding leading charitable and government-run hospitals to upgrade medical facilities, participating in screening and awareness camps and sessions on prevalent diseases; sponsoring annual reports and advertisements of charitable health organizations to increase awareness about their positive work, and providing lifesaving medicines at subsidized rates or free of cost to these organizations.” Dr. Zahid Miyan, on behalf of NADEP-BIDE, ensured that the institute faculty shall deliver workshops under their project ‘Save Limbs’ to train and educate healthcare professionals regarding foot diseases and appreciated Getz Pharma for sponsoring this academic initiative to prevent unnecessary amputations due to diabetic foot. He also shared findings from the 10th edition of the IDF Diabetes Atlas 2021, according to which one in four adults (26.7%) in Pakistan are living with diabetes – the highest national prevalence in the world. Pakistan now has the third highest number of people living with diabetes (33 million) in the world, after China (141 million), and India (74 million). An additional 11 million adults in Pakistan have Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT), which places them at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 50% of people living with diabetes are uncontrolled, which are leading them to high-risk diabetes complications. Foot ulcers are a major cause of morbidity and hospitalization in patients with diabetes. Studies show that the prevalence of diabetic foot ulceration is between 4% and 10% in Pakistan and the amputation rate following foot ulceration is 8–21%.

Engr. Syed Ashfaq Hussain To Lead Constructors Association In 2022-23

Posted on by admin

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Engr. Syed Ashfaq Hussain, has been elected unopposed as Chairman of the Constructors Association of Pakistan (CAP) while Haji Noor Muhammad Khan as Senior Vice Chairman for the year 2022-2023. Members of the Association also elected unopposed Ch. Amir Majeed as Vice Chairman (Punjab), Syed Muhammad Naeem Kazmi as Vice Chairman (Sindh), Malik Riaz Khan, Vice Chairman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Syed Muhammad Saleem as Vice Chairman (Balochistan), and Munir Ahmad Abbasi as Vice Chairman (Islamabad). Others who were elected unopposed as members of the executive committee are Engr. Shahid Rafiq, Engr. Muhammad Saeed Shamsi, Ch. Sabir Hussain Javid, Saif Ullah Zia from corporate class, while Imran Abbas Awan, Saeed Ahmad Mughal, Sheikh Tariq Nazir were elected as executive committee members from the associate class. Ms. Amna Ghazal Usmani elected from Women Entrepreneurs The outgoing Chairman Engr. Kamal Nasir Khan welcomed the new team and hoped that it would work with full force to resolve the issues being faced by the contractor’s community and construction industry.