Lahore (Nut Desk) The integration of NADRA platform with 1Link network will usher in era of financial digital services through wide-spread NADRA e-Sahulat Network to achieve the goal of digital governance and economy. Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik and CEO 1Link Najeeb Agrawalla signed an agreement today at NADRA Headquarters Islamabad. NADRA Pakistan, the largest government database organization, and 1Link largest payment gateway officially collaborating together have entered into an agreement creating a strategic alliance to administer and evolve a strong robust e-Payment network in Pakistan through NADRA owned e-Sahulat franchise network. Speaking on the occasion, Chairman NADRA Tariq Malik said NADRA has been taking initiatives to enhance e-Governance by empowering both public and private sector organizations through its wide range of digital services and expertise. He said NADRA e-Sahulat was one of the most advanced digital financial service delivery channels reaching the grassroot level across country. Mr. Malik said, “We are enhancing state capacity to deliver digital public goods and move towards electronic financial transactions for transparency and accountability. This would enable financial inclusion as well.” Giving the details about the partnership, Chairman NADRA said, “Integrating NADRA platform with 1Link will enable aggregation of billers on both platforms enabling 17000+ e-Sahulat outlets to perform fund transfer, cash-in/cash-out and Public to Government (P2G), Government to Public (G2P) and Public to Public payments (P2P) payments. It will also enable citizens to implement national digital payment and financial inclusion objectives in the future. Cash in/ Cash out is an opportunity for more than 40+ bank account holders to transfer/withdraw cash pan Pakistan using secure biometric verification.” Introduction of 1Link services (1-Bill, Inter Bank Financial Transactions (IBFT)/Cash-In and Human ATM/Cash Out) on NADRA e-Sahulat (17000+ outlets) will facilitate citizens across country to avail the services with ease. With this partnership, 17000 e-Sahulat outlets of NADRA will double the capacity of more than 16500 1Link ATM machines across the country through which citizens will be able to deposit and withdraw cash easily and conveniently. This digital financial facility of NADRA will revolutionize the financial payments system in Pakistan.
Zeb Bangash’s an Ode Saaf Hawa (Clean Air) is out now
Zeb Bangash announced the release of an anthem, titled SaafHawa (clean air), linked to the UN Breathe Life campaign On International Clean Air Day.
The anthem is an ode to clean air and aims to reach out to South Asian audiences who live in some of the dirtiest cities in the world. The song is rendered beautifully in Zeb’s melodic voice. Mir Ali Hussain has penned the poetry and award-winning music director Shantanu Moitra has composed and produced the track. Well renowned Arab violinist Layth Sidiq is also featured on the track.
This song has been created to drive an effort for awareness and eradication of conditions leading to the massive environmental pollution the world is struggling with today!
South Asia is home to 39 of the world’s 42 most polluted cities, making it the epicentre of the global air pollution crisis. 33 of these 39 cities are in India, three in Pakistan, two in Bangladesh, and one in Nepal. The UN estimates that over 9 million lives are lost globally each year, with over 1.5 million lost in South Asia alone. According to recent research, COVID 19 mortality rates are 15-20% higher in areas with the highest levels of PM2.5 air pollution. The same air is affecting the Gulf region. Furthermore, given the devastation caused by the floods and the global challenge of climate change, ensuring collective solidarity and accountability in efforts to make our air clean and breathable is critical. Given the importance of clean air and how polluted it is, we will only face severe consequences and a world in which our children will struggle to live and breathe.
“With the disastrous floods in my country, clearly climate change presents a future of consequences to be borne by our children. Saafhawa©️ is a heartfelt ode to Clean Air written and rendered as a love song. I am extremely happy that I could be the voice for Saafhawa,” stated Zeb.
Air Quality Asia (AQA) commissioned an anthem featuring a human voice because of the positive response to vocal music in South Asia. With this song, AQA launched a clean air movement in collaboration with the United Nations Campaign: Breathe Life. The main goal is to inspire the South Asian public to collaborate across borders and countries to achieve clean air as they are the sole brunt bearers of pollution happening all over the world whilst contributing the lowest to carbon emissions.
complete song link: https://vimeo.com/
TVET provides Fashion Designing Toolkits to promote Entrepreneurship
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) A toolkits handover ceremony wasorganized at a hotel in Lahore by TVET Sector Support Programme (TVET SSP)under its component, ‘Reintegration of Returnees in Pakistan’, which is fundedby the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ),in order to provide fashion designing toolkits to returning migrants and locals,who received training in a workshop on entrepreneurship.Raja Saad Khan, Deputy Head of TVET SectorSupport Programme also expressed his views while addressing the beneficiaries, Heinformed that the TVET Sector Support Programme is funded by the EuropeanUnion, Germany and Norway, and being implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft fürInternationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in partnership with the NationalVocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and in closecollaboration with the provincial Technical Education and Vocational TrainingAuthorities (TEVTAs) and several not-for-profit, public and private sectororganisations. “
Telenor pledges PKR 1.1 billion for flood relief efforts in Pakistan
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Telenor Pakistan, along with its parent company, Telenor Group, have pledged PKR 1.1 billion in cash and in-kind services to support nationwide flood relief efforts. Telenor’s cash donation comprises voluntary contributions from Telenor Pakistan and Telenor Microfinance Bank employees and funds from Telenor Pakistan and the Group.
Additionally, a range of in-kind services is part of the total contribution. Earlier today, Telenor Pakistan made a cash donation of PKR 100 million to UNICEF Pakistan to support them in relief efforts by providing life-saving nutrition and hygiene packs in affected areas on an immediate basis.
Irfan Wahab Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Telenor Pakistan and chairman, Telenor Microfinance Bank, said, “In this moment of national tragedy and calamity, our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the floods. With the support of Telenor colleagues from around the world, we are committed to supporting impacted families and communities through these testing times and will do all we can. The road of rehabilitation for the affected is long and treacherous, and we will continue to support to the best of our abilities.”
“The torrential monsoon rains that left one-third of Pakistan under water have destroyed the vital infrastructure children rely on to access essential services. More than 20,000 schools and 1,460 public health facilities have been damaged or destroyed, and 20 to 50 per cent of water systems in the hardest-hit areas,” said Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF’s Representative in Pakistan. “At least 3.4 million children need immediate, life-saving support. Telenor’s generous donation will enable UNICEF to provide flood-stricken children living out in the open with their families with immediate access to hygiene kits and therapeutic food supplements. We thank Telenor employees for their generosity and Telenor, a close partner which has been standing with us in support of the children in Pakistan for over four years.”
UNICEF will use the cash donation to provide life-saving medical and other emergency supplies to support children and women affected by the floods. These include drinking water, water purification tablets, hygiene kits, medicines, vaccines, and therapeutic nutritional supplements for children.
Alongside this, Telenor has been helping to provide support in Pakistan since the beginning of the monsoon season through subsidised and accessible services, offers, and add-ons for telecom and banking consumers.
Telenor Pakistan has offered free calls in all affected areas supporting rescue and emergency services, recognising connectivity as a lifeline in these difficult times. Extra manpower and fuel have been mobilised to ensure continued service and connectivity. The organisation is facilitating access to emergency services such as 911 and encouraging donations to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund through 9999. In addition, Telenor Pakistan is working with Pakistan Telecommunication Authority to ensure the timely and speedy restoration of services in flood-affected areas.
Agriculture, a mainstay of Pakistan’s economy, has been seriously hit by the calamity. To better deal with the fallout, Telenor Pakistan’s Khushaal Zamindar platform will provide flood advisories, weather updates, emergency alerts and health services to the farming community that earns their livelihoods from agriculture. Telenor Pakistan will also provide internet devices and smart-office solutions for the next six months to organisations with rescue and relief efforts in flood-affected areas experiencing little to no connectivity. Additionally, Telenor Pakistan is providing Easypaisa customers to donate to flood relief efforts through the app.
Telenor Pakistan has a proud tradition of always stepping up when the nation is in need. Whether it is the devastating 2006 earthquake, the 2010 floods, or the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Telenor Pakistan has actively contributed to the relief efforts through cash contributions and subsidised and free telecom and banking services.
LCBDDA Strengthens Business Ties With Stakeholders LCBDDA Hosted Meetup For Business Investors and Developers.
Lahore (Nut Desk) Lahore Central Business District Development Authority, (LCBDDA) also known as Central Business District Punjab, (CBD Punjab) hosted a meetup in the honour of the business investors, developers and industry thought leaders in association with Ministry of Housing, Urban Development, Public Health and Engineering to strengthen the business relations and ties with existing & potential investors at CBD Punjab. Senior Provincial Minister, Mr. Mian Aslam Iqbal graced the event as Chief Guest. The event was attended by the Chief Executive Officer of LCBDDA – Mr. Imran Amin, COO LCBDDA – Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Mr. Mian Mehmood Ur Rasheed – Minister for Local Government & Community Development, Mr. Ahmed Javed Qazi – Secretary Industries, Commerce & Skill Development, Mr. Asif Jah – Chairman PBIT, senior representation of the business community, other government officials, foreign diplomats, real estate developers & industry thought leaders along with directorate heads of LCBDDA. While addressing the event Senior Provincial Minister Punjab, Mian Aslam Iqbal said that “The province of Punjab, has a pivotal role in the development of Pakistan. Our core focus is to provide a comprehensive business environment all across the province to attract more and more investment in Punjab. A business hub like CBD Punjab has its own unique significance in the development of the province. The project is fully supported by the Government of Punjab and we believe that this project will take Pakistan to new heights”. He further added that “the authority has achieved great milestones in a short time span which is the reason that we have expanded its jurisdiction all over Punjab”. He requested the investors to come forward and start their projects in CBD Punjab. Mr. Imran Amin, Chief Executive Officer of LCBDDA briefed about ongoing and future projects of CBD Punjab. He stated that “CBD Punjab is a celebrated success, and it is only due to the trust of the business community. We have already achieved our first-year target and have aimed higher for the upcoming year. The expansion of CBD Punjab to all over the province is the trust of the Punjab Government in the authority. This expansion will give new heights to the development pace of Punjab”. Speaking on behalf of the business community, Mr. Gohar Ijaz said that “CBD Punjab is a fully composed business hub that has all the traits of business ease. I foresee this project as a multi-million-dollar project because it has a room full of opportunities for a secure investment. Commercial hubs like CBD Punjab will prove itself as an economy booster for Punjab. The economic development potential of CBD Punjab has gathered government authorities and the business community on the same page to utilize the investment opportunities in Pakistan’s first business district to get maximum output. Punjab Government has ensured its full support and instructed that no stone should be left unturned for the completion of the project. The session was concluded with the distribution of recognition mementos among the business investors and directorate heads of LCBDDA.
“ABHI” is now financially empowering people nationwide.
From businesses and employees, ABHI is now financially empowering people nationwide.
Pakistan (Nut Desk)
ABHI along with its clients, employees, users, and investors is channeling donations using its robust platform to support the bigger cause by partnering up with leading NGOs like JDC, Al-Khidmat, and Saylani who are at the forefront and are actively providing relief to flood victims on the ground.
For the first time ever in Pakistan, employed individuals who are ABHI users can empower families that have been affected by floods, by donating from their earned but unpaid salary directly from the mobile app within 30 seconds through ABHI Dost – this feature enables them to transfer the donation money directly to JDC, Al-Khidmat, or Saylani’s bank account.
In this time of urgent need, ABHI is determined to give its generous support to afflicted families and communities as they struggle to sustain themselves and rebuild their lives. With the help of the gathered donations, our partner NGOs will provide emergency support like shelter, household supplies, and food items to the ones in need.
ABHI is here to support its fellow Pakistani brothers and sisters in these tough times. Donate, to financially empower people nationwide. #abhikaro!
Founded in 2021, ABHI is Pakistan’s first financial wellness platform which empowers businesses and its employees through Earned Wage Access (EWA), Payroll Financing, Payroll Processing, and Invoice Factoring. Through EWA, employees can transfer their earned salaries into their bank account/wallet in 30 seconds. The company has now signed 280+ companies.
OPPO Extends its Support to Establish Flood Relief Villages across Pakistan
OPPO Extends its Support to Establish Flood Relief Villages across Pakistan in Collaboration with Alkhidmat Foundation
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Pakistan has been struck with unprecedented and devastating floods, which have led to massive loss of lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure. To address this, OPPO has joined hands with Alkhidmat Foundation to provide immediate food, shelter, and hygiene packs for around 300 families catering to over 2000 people in Southern Punjab.
Torrential monsoon rains have triggered the most severe flooding in Pakistan’s recent history, washing away villages and leaving more than 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. This is a wake-up call for the world as the threats of climate change becomes a devastating reality in Pakistan. We urge everyone to stand united, take care of each other and our planet.
Hundreds of thousands of homes have been destroyed, while many public health facilities, water systems, crops, and schools have been destroyed or damaged. Therefore, in solidarity with the country, OPPO in collaboration with Alkhidmat Foundation has donated PKR 10 million to provide immediate rehabilitation facilities in the flood-affected areas of Pakistan.
Committed to humanitarian services the OPPO Flood Relief Villages will serve to provide daily cooked meals along with ration packs to each family. There will be tents for shelter which can cater to up to 6 to 7 people per tent. Hygiene packs will also be provided to each family which contains all hygienic necessities such as sanitary pads, water purifiers, and soap among other items. The supply will last up to 3 months at least till a more permanent solution has been established.
In addition, OPPO staff will be volunteering onsite as extended support to the Alkhidmat workers across the affected areas in Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. George Long, CEO – OPPO Pakistan, Authorized Exclusive Distributer said; “With one-third of Pakistan under water and millions left homeless, it is now more than ever that the people of Pakistan need us. Thus, we have partnered with Alkhidmat Foundation whose proactive work has been both impressive and inspiring. Together we will fight and together we will rise.”
Regarding OPPO’s commitment to the community, Abdul Shakoor, President of the Alkhidmat Foundation, stated; “OPPO has always been remarkably eager to contribute to social causes. We greatly appreciate their support in our flood relief drive and hope to continue this partnership for the betterment of our society.”
OPPO urges people living in and outside of Pakistan to donate to the Alkhidmat Foundation through different payment gateways e.g. SMS Short Codes, Bank Transfer, Easy Paisa, and Jazz Cash accounts created particularly for Flood Relief Donations because every step counts and every action matters.
Let’s Unify, Relieve & Reconstruct.
For more information on donation methods, please visit this link: https://alkhidmat.org/akf-donations.php
Faisal Qureshi unveiled the first look of multi-starrer film MBG “Money Back Guarantee”.
Teaser of film will be released on 9th September and movie will hit the screens on 21 April in 2023.
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) MBG “Money Back Guarantee”, upcoming multi starrer heavy budget film from Pakistani film industry has created lot of buzz around the film circles. Directed by versatile artist Faisal Qureshi, the first poster of the film released digitally today and it got the instant attention of all. The film which is under post production at the moment, will hit the cinemas in the month of April next year.
The production team of the film has prepared the first teaser to give the audience a first glimpse, which will be released worldwide through social and digital media on Friday. Based on a novel concept, the film covers a unique theme full of humor and suspense in which Sultan of Swing legend cricketer Wasim Akram and his wife Shanira Akram have also shown their acting talent.
The star cast of the film includes the leading stars of current era including Fawad Khan. , Ayesha Omar, Mikaal Zulfiqar, John Rambo, Javed Sheikh, Hina Dilpazer, Mirza Gohar Rashid, Shayan Khan, Mani, Kiran Malik, Ali Safina Shafaat Ali and other artists have performed in unique roles.
Faisal Qureshi has released the first poster of the film on social media from his official Facebook, which has been liked by fans.
According to film circles, Faisal Qureshi is a talented artist who has always entertained the audience with quality work and as a director, his new offering ‘Money Back Guarantee’ will also be a quality entertainment product, maintaining the previous tradition.
Tech Pioneers back Technological transformation in Pakistan!
Pakistan (Nut Desk) Considering recent developments in technological agreements, Pakistan’s recent interest in developing its technological future is being acknowledged by countries such as China, Korea & Iran. The government’s stance towards technological agreements and exchange of knowledge has been witnessed in the last few months, with a recent Letter of Intent to create a world-class technology ecosystem between Shenyang Economic and Technological Development Area (SEDA) of China and the Special Technology Zones Authority (STZA) of Pakistan.
Meanwhile President Dr Arif Alvi has also called for further enhancing the quantum of bilateral trade and investment between Pakistan and the Republic of Korea with ICT-based modern technologies as one of many sectors he had emphasized on.
Furthermore, recently Pakistan Iran Joint Economic Commission (JEC) talks have been held in Pakistan and Iran has assured promotion of mutual trade between the two countries.. With technology a focus of recent news, we spoke to Sarwar Khan, CEO TPL Trakker (TPLT), a pioneer in tracking systems, GIS Implementation, and ICT Solutions in Pakistan, who stated: “Technological transformations are becoming increasingly important in Pakistan’s socioeconomic and sociotechnical development. We look forward to these innovations making a significant impact on not just our industries but also on the overall infrastructure.” This stance supports the establishment of an internal framework in all sectors requiring digitization. In relative terms of knowledge exchange and investment opportunities the real estate sector, one of the most lucrative avenues of investment is witnessing digital growth. Our correspondent approached Jawad Nayyar, Chief Vision Officer at DAO PropTech, a platform poised to transform the real-estate ecosystem in Pakistan by strengthening the pillars of transparency, accessibility,
who said: “A technology-led transformation is all but ready for takeoff in Pakistan with companies such as ours honing some of the latest technologies available in today’s world. We believe that using such technologies, the industries of Pakistan, especially the real estate industry, can become wholly socioeconomically inclusive, catering to not only the select few, but empowering the masses in general”
Industry experts are optimistic that all these trade interests and exchange of knowledge would eventually bear fruit and that TPLT was focused on adding value to develop a world-class technology ecosystem in Pakistan, creating jobs and eventually empowering our youth based on a technology-led economic transformation.
Easypaisa Facilitating Flood Relief Donations across Pakistan
Pakistan (Nut Desk) In the wake of the recent floods that have wreaked havoc across various parts of the country, Easypaisa – Pakistan’s leading digital payments platform is actively facilitating customers to make donations for the flood victims through the Easypaisa App to help people in flood-stricken areas during these challenging times.
A flood relief and donations box icon has been made available on the Easypaisa App through which users can make donations to various reputable charity organizations involved in flood relief activities. Easypaisa App users can simply click on the donations icon present on Easypaisa App’s home screen, select the organization they want to donate money to, enter the desired donation amount and confirm their transaction.
Various donation agencies and charitable organizations are playing a major role in flood relief activities across the country. These charitable organizations include the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, Flood Relief Fund for Balochistan, Al Khidmat, Sahara Life Trust, Edhi Foundation, Red Crescent, The Citizens Foundation, Saylani Welfare Trust, Shifa Foundation, Akhuwat, Shahid Afridi Foundation, Comprehensive Disaster Response Services, Hands Pakistan, Pak Aid Welfare Trust. Easypaisa users can make direct donations to any of these organizations from their Easypaisa App and support relief efforts to help our fellow Pakistanis who are in need.
Charitable organizations/ funds or donor agencies who wish to integrate with Easypaisa and get access to Pakistan’s largest digital payments platform to collect donations or to send disbursements can send in their requests to partnerships@telenorbank.pk. Additionally, potential clients can drop enquiries for onboarding by filling in the form on the given link https://easypaisa.com.pk/corporate-disbursement-and-payments/
These tough times call for our generous contributions and support. Let’s join hands to save those who are affected and help them recover from this colossal catastrophe as soon as possible.