Ajoka to celebrate 75 Years of Cultural Resilience at Alhamra

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Ajoka to celebrate 75 Years of Cultural Resilience at Alhamra Eminent artists to read papers & perform.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Although Pakistan’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations are likely to be overshadowed by the political and economic crisis which the country is currently facing, one of the country’s leading performing arts group, Ajoka Theatre is holding an extraordinary event in Lahore to mark the 75th anniversary milestone, by celebrating the works and struggles of artists and cultural activists against dictatorships, extremism and censorship. Eminent artists, scholars and cultural practitioners will present readings, performances and papers on the story of Pakistan, of struggles, oppression, and survival, through their literature, visual arts, music, dance and theatre.

The participants will include arts scholar Professor Nazish Ata Ullah, progressive singer Taimur Rehman, dance maestro and social activist Sheema Kermani, poet/ scholar Professor Asghar Nadeem Syed, scholar Dr Nasir Abbas Nayyar, Samosa Media producer Anwar Akhtar and playwright/Director Shahid Nadeem. A documentary paying tribute to the heroes of cultural resistance will be screened.

The artists and writers will also reflect on the rise of extremism and challenges of peace building in the region. The event will include a dramatic reading by Shahid Nadeem’s “River of Sorrow”.  The event will conclude with poetry readings by eminent poets, dance performance by Sheema Kermani and music by Lal Band.

The event is being organised at Alhamra arts centre, Lahore in collaboration with Lahore Arts Council, Punjab Council of the Arts and Samosa Media UK.

 

SBP Management Visits OICCI

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Alleviating Concerns: SBP Management Visits OICCI for Interactive Session with Members.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) members met with Dr. Murtaza Syed, Acting Governor, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Dr. Inayat Hussain, Deputy Governor, SBP and Sima Kamil, Deputy Governor, SBP for a discussion on urgent fiscal and monetary policy measures that need to be taken to help stabilize Pakistan’s economy.

Ghias Khan, President OICCI and Abdul Aleem, Secretary General, OICCI led the discussions and raised member concerns related to the pre-approval procedure of LCs for import of machinery and spare parts, timely remittance payments, approval exemptions of shipping values being too low, and other operational issues. It was stressed upon the SBP leadership to set timelines so that industry supply chain is not compromised.

The SBP team gave a comprehensive overview of the current economic situation and the planned strategy to tackle issues in 2023. Pakistan is primarily a consumer-driven economy with consumption driving up to 95% of the GDP. The SBP team was confident that Pakistan’s problems were temporary and urged the OICCI members to work on improving exports to help balance the exchange rate fluctuations and currency depreciation.

Ghias Khan stated, “This meeting was a much needed first step towards the recovery of Pakistan’s economy. It is imperative that we implement cogent measures to halt our pattern of circular debt. The SBP has always played a critical role in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy, and I am confident that under Dr. Murtaza Syed’s leadership we will be able to withstand the current economic climate while charting a path for growth.”

Dr. Murtaza Syed commented, “SBP is taking tough measures and making difficult decisions to help avert the economic crisis. Global inflationary pressures coupled with a procyclical expansionary fiscal policy during a pro-cyclical period is one of the main reasons Pakistan is at this crossroads today. Once these measures are implemented and the IMF loan is received, the pressures on the economy will ease, specifically with regards to the depreciating Rupee.”

OICCI serves as a platform to promote foreign investments and plays a major role in the growth of commerce and industry in the country. Collectively, OICCI invested USD 2.4 billion last year, contributing one-third of the country’s total tax collections.

Mastercard New Payments Index 2022

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Mastercard New Payments Index 2022:

Consumers in Pakistan embrace digital payments

  • 89% of consumers in Pakistan have used at least one emerging payment method in the last year, with usage expected to increase further.
  • Adoption of biometrics, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), open banking and account-to-account payments are anticipated to continue accelerating.
  • Gen Z and Millennials are leveraging more digital payment methods and are more open to buying virtual products in the metaverse.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Adoption of a broader range of digital payment methods is accelerating in Pakistan and the technology fueling the future of payments is already here, according to Mastercard’s New Payments Index 2022. In addition to being aware of solutions like digital cards, biometric payments, BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later), and open banking, consumers in Pakistan are increasingly and actively using these solutions in their everyday lives.

Mastercard’s New Payments Index 2022 found that 89% of people in Pakistan have used at least one emerging payment method in the last year. The research shows that 31% have used a digital money transfer app and 19% used biometric payments. Consumers are also making purchases in increasingly diverse ways, for example through voice assistant, through digital assets, through social media apps, and through mobile apps.

Usage of digital payments increasing, use of cash declining

While traditional payment methods still have traction, one in ten (12%) consumers in Pakistan indicated they used less cash in the past year. By contrast, 68% of Pakistan users (compared to 61% globally) increased their use of at least one digital payment method in the last year, including digital cards, SMS payments, digital money transfer apps and instant payment services. These behaviors are expected to continue, with comfort and security key to growing adoption.

The Index confirmed security is top of mind when deciding what payment methods to use, globally and in Pakistan (48%). In the region, security is followed by considerations for ease of use and promotions. Highlighting sustainability as a key driver, 28% of Pakistan consumers said they also consider social and environmental benefits.

“It is exciting to see the increased adoption of emerging payment methods and consumers’ eagerness to reap the benefits of the digital economy in Pakistan and across the region. Mastercard is committed to understanding the needs and preferences of the people in the markets we serve, and we will continue partnering with the public and private sectors to develop market-relevant solutions as we build an inclusive and connected digital future that works for everyone,” said J.K. Khalil, Cluster General Manager, MENA East, Mastercard.

The Mastercard New Payments Index 2022 further shows:

High awareness of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) Installments as a budgeting tool

The majority of Pakistan consumers have heard of BNPL with 66% saying they are familiar with the concept, and over a third (36%) are already comfortable using it today. Consumers want the flexibility and convenience of BNPL, but with the sense of security associated with a trusted provider like a bank or payment network.

Those that have used BNPL find it useful for emergency and big-ticket purchases, as well as increased purchasing power. Consumers also find BNPL useful for unique use cases, including as a budgeting and financial planning tool.

EZ Wage Partners with Bank Alfalah

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EZ Wage Partners with Bank Alfalah to Revolutionize Financial Wellness in Pakistan

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir) Singapore-based EZ Wage, a leading regional financial wellness platform, has signed an agreement with Bank Alfalah as its Digital Payments Partner to facilitate Earned Wage Access (EWA) in Pakistan with secure payment transfers. Under the agreement, EZ Wage will route payments in real-time to its users through Bank Alfalah’s platform.

EZ Wage’s state-of-the-art mobile app enables employees to withdraw a portion of their earned salary before their scheduled payday. This earned wage access facility allows them relief in case of monetary emergencies, such as an unexpected expense due to a medical emergency in the family. The financial wellness platform has already signed up companies employing more than 135,000 salaried individuals across Pakistan and is rapidly adding more companies that are interested in providing this revolutionary employee benefit to their employee base. EZ Wage will also be introducing additional offerings specifically geared towards improving employee financial literacy and independence.

 The founder of EZ Wage, Fatima Batool, hopes to bring about a revolution in financial wellness for the masses in the emerging markets of South/Southeast Asia. She is focused on the women segment in particular, which in her opinion is the most marginalized segment in terms of financial independence.

Mr. Yahya Khan, Group Head, Digital Banking Group at Bank Alfalah stated “Bank Alfalah through its diverse and ever-evolving services portfolio is empowering employees and working towards the financial wellness of the masses in Pakistan. This FinTech partnership is another step towards our objective to offer seamless services in order to digitize the payments eco-system and revolutionize daily use finance.

Fatima Batool mentioned, “We are proud to partner with Bank Alfalah to boost financial inclusion and independence by making access to earned wages an option for employees across Pakistan. A dedicated and motivated workforce is the engine of growth in any economy and both EZ Wage and Bank Alfalah aim to further financial wellness with this partnership.”  

METRO PAKISTAN, INDUS HOSPITAL JOIN HANDS FOR HEPATITIS AWARNESS

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) METRO, the leading international wholesale company, has joined hands with Indus Hospitals and Health Network (IHHN), to extend its support for their health and charity initiatives. As part of the support METRO Pakistan (Pvt) Limited commemorated the World Hepatitis Day at its Canal and Model Town Stores in Lahore, where Indus Hospitals setup kiosks for creating awareness and distributed flyers among the staff and customers.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Pervaiz Akhtar, Director Corporate Affairs, METRO Pakistan, said; “We, as a responsible corporate citizen, are always open to provide support to the health related initiatives, and this cooperation with Indus Hospitals & Health Network is part of the same thought process. We hope that our small contribution will help spread the right knowledge for our customers, as well as for our own staff.”

A detailed session on types, prevention, and cure of Hepatitis was held for METRO staff at the Model Town Store conducted by the qualified doctors from IHHN, which estimated that approx. 14 million patients across Pakistan suffer from Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and how Indus hospital provides free of cost and quality treatment to as many patients as possible.

Furthermore, the kiosks at METRO stores also distributed colorful collectible money-box among the children, to encourage the habit of taking out money for charity.

Supernet and Trend Micro Awarded

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Supernet and Trend Micro Awarded Threat Protection System Project in Pakistan worth PKR 450 Million

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Supernet Limited (“Supernet”) announced today in conjunction with their Japanese technology partner Trend Micro Incorporated (“Trend Micro”) that they have been awarded a new multi-year project for the acclaimed “Tipping Point” Threat Protection System (TPS) by a major Pakistani customer valued at over PKR 450 million.

Trend Micro’s Tipping Point Threat Protection System (TPS) is a powerful network security platform that offers comprehensive threat protection against known and undisclosed vulnerabilities with high accuracy. The TPS uses a combination of technologies, including deep packet inspection, threat reputation, URL reputation, and advanced malware analysis on a flow-by-flow basis to detect and prevent attacks on the network. The TPS enables enterprises to take a proactive approach to security, providing comprehensive contextual awareness and deeper analysis of network traffic providing the visibility and agility necessary to keep pace with today’s dynamic and evolving enterprise and data center networks.

Trend Micro’s and Supernet’s combined solution successfully addressed the customer’s stringent requirements for state-of-the-art throughput and latency parameters, as well as addressed challenging scalability and business continuity criteria. In addition, Trend Micro’s leadership in cybersecurity research through its flagship “Zero Day Initiative” as well as Supernet’s local presence and experience of implementation, integration and post delivery services provide the customer continuous assurance around innovation and access to cutting edge cybersecurity knowledge base.

Ali Akhtar. Supernet’s Head of BU, Telecoms & Defense stated, “We are thrilled to be playing a prominent role in firming up the defenses of Pakistani organizations against network security threats. To this end Supernet and Trend Micro have been working very closely over the past year and this new project is a testament to these joint efforts. With the expanding relationship between our two organizations, we’re charging full steam ahead to address the needs of the Pakistan market.”

Mr. Chee Hoh Goh, Trend Micro Incorporated’s Managing Director (Malaysia, Pakistan, CLM) stated, “Pakistan as one of the major cybersecurity markets in the region is a special area of focus for Trend Micro. In Pakistan, Trend Micro has extensively expanded the in-country operations in last few years, with focused investments in developing our local partnerships and distribution infrastructure. We have been working closely with our partner Supernet to bring innovative solutions to Pakistan and it is encouraging to see that we are becoming a trusted partner for many key organizations across all market segments in the country.”

Ushna Shah and Affan Waheed Star in SeePrime’s Latest Short Film “Junction”

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) As one of Pakistan’s fastest growing digital platforms, SeePrime released its latest production ‘Junction’, directed by Mohsin Talat on their YouTube channel this weekend.

Set in 1947, during the time of the partition, Junction follows the story of two lovers, Javaid and Nigar who meet at a train station on a dark and stormy night while waiting for their train to their destination and begin to reminisce about growing up together in India.

Written by Radain Shah, Junction features Ushna Shah and Affan Waheed as the leading characters that bring this heart-wrenching and tragic love story to life, with Jawed Iqbal in a supporting role. While the entire short is set at a train station, the dialogue moves the story line along. We learn trough Nigar and Javaid’s conversation that although they have known each other for long and have strong feelings for each other they are meeting after a long time.

“There are some things that as humans we can never fully comprehend. A lot is at play in our lives that we do not have the capacity to see or even grasp. In the grand scheme of things, we are all significant in the roles we play, but it is often fate that leads our life down certain avenues, and all we can do in the meantime is have faith.” remarks Seemeen Naveed, the executive producer. “The concept of love has been warped and misconstrued throughout time. Love; like life, cannot be defined, it can only be felt, but our illusory understanding of it brings more pain to us than is necessary. With these short films we aim and hope to provide content that sparks introspection and a change in our thinking patterns.”

Watch the film here: https://youtu.be/od6OYtGTjD8

YLC 2022: The End of a Bright Conference, The Start of a Brighter Future

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The Young Leadership Conference’ 2022 on the theme “Pehchaan” started bright and finished on a brighter promising future. The immense 6-day conference loaded with knowledge, information and new experiences come to an end. 

In this year’s theme, “Pehchaan” participants learned and experienced various topics and aspects. Starting from “Realization & Personal Leadership” to “History, Politics & Religion” participants aimed to embark on a journey of finding themselves and pushing themselves to unlearn the complexities, focused on how to be set free from the chains of stereotypes and taboos. They also explored how art is regardless and plays a significant role in bringing people together and how to avail opportunities whenever there is a problem. They also came to explore different aspects of history, politics & religion.

The last of YLC’22 is meant to be not the conclusion of learning but the start of the journey as independent and responsible individuals. Those who recognize their responsibility towards society as a Young Leader and carry forward the impact of the conference to a larger community through the Social Action Projects. The goal of the day is to instill active citizenship by conscious, thoughtful, critically engaging and practically responsible action.

After the participants were given the time to get ready and have breakfast, day 06 day started with a day briefing session by Ali Haider and Khushboo Dahri as day champs!

A detailed panel discussion was conducted by DKT where important issues like family planning and family health were discussed and how such awareness is important as a healthy individual can raise a healthy family and only a healthy family can contribute to building a healthy society.

Ali Haider then briefed about the SoL programs and their offerings while Kamran Rizvi shared the YLC Alumni Success Stories Documentary and Social Action Programs where he explained SAP is about individuals working together to address critical issues in their communities. It involves people contributing their time, effort and resources for the betterment of their society as a whole.

Later, a generous and delicious lunch was sponsored by participants’ favorite chain KFC Pakistan which they enjoyed a lot.

The fruitful 6-day program had a lot to serve its participants. We witnessed them learning, exploring and enjoying the once-in-a-million experience yet this was not the end since the motive of this conference was about recognizing and releasing “Pehchaan” it meant to unlock that consciousness of humans which encourages us to be aware of our responsibility as humans, showing humility and spreading love.

The productive conference concluded on high notes and participants were seen greeting and appreciating before bidding farewell to YLC!

PR Alhamra Festival concludes: Ajoka steals the show

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Lahore (Qasim Ali)  Alhamra Theatre Festival concluded on Friday 29 July with a spell-binding double-bill performed by Pakistan’s leading theatre group, Ajoka. The group presented two plays before a jam-packed enthusiastic audience followed by sustained thunderous applause. The first play was a remarkable first work by Ajoka’s Art of Writing student Ummer Amin, performed by Art of Acting students. “Suicide Point” was a scathing yet entertaining satire on the hopeless conditions of life where even death has become a costly option. The play revolved around a company “Suicide Point” which offers people fed of living, an “attractive” package to end their lives. The play was ably directed by Ajoka Institute director Nirvaan Nadeem. The cast included Rai Kamran, Mian Meesam, Nyle Imtiaz, Haifa Ambreen, Shehroz, Zain ul Abideen, Muzamil Khokhar, Ibtihaj Ahmad, Hammad Yousaf, Ahmed Shaykh, Abbas Salotra, Hassan Atif, Asif Ali khan and Sohail Afgen. The second play was an adaptation of Manto’s world acclaimed short story “Toba Tek Singh” based on the events of 1947 Partition when the governments of India and Pakistan decided on an exchange of lunatics on communal grounds. The central character is a Sikh resident of z Punjab district Stovall Tek Singh and is worried about the fate of his birth town as a result of the partition of Punjab. Creatively adapted by playwright Shahid Nadeem and originally directed by late Madeeha Gauhar, it was an artistically brilliant and emotionally engaging production. The cast included M. Qaiser khan as Toba Tek Singh, Usman Zia, Fahad Hashmi, Rizwan Riaz, Shahzad Sadiq, Bilal Mughal, Luke Kelvin, Fahad Hashmi Asad Bhatti, Nasir Mehmood, Hammad Youdaf, Hassan and Mian Meesam. Ajoka Director Nirvaan Nadeem appreciated the Ajoka team for their passion and talent and congratulated the Lahore Arts Council for holding a very successful festival. He hoped that the LAC will continue to support quality meaningful theatre. LAC Executive Director Ms. Farhat Jabeen distributed the certificate to participating groups.

Pakistan Auto Show hosts Symposium on PAKISTAN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY 2040 “A PARADIGM SHIFT”

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The day-2 of Pakistan Auto Show hosted a symposium on “PAKISTAN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY 2040 “A PARADIGM SHIFT””. The motive of the 2nd Edition of PAAPAM Symposium 2022 was to provide a platform for key stakeholders of the industry and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), to come together and share their insights for sustainable growth and suggestions for policy realignments. The experts will also be creating solutions for the current challenges and opportunities in the Auto Engineering industry. The Chief Organizer of this Symposium – Iftikhar Ahmed stated that:

The Event will focus on the Industry-Government-Academia Linkage, to engage the stakeholders, engineers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), Auto-Parts Manufacturers (APM) and the end-users, to understand the evolving needs of this industry and devise more suitable policies for sustainable development of our sector and enhance its contributions to the national economy.” Chief guest Secretary Industries , Ahmed Javed Qazi , Guest of Honor Chairman PEC, Najib ullah Haroon , President and CEO of Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Limited –TAKAFUMI KOIKE , Chairman of Millat Tractors Limited – Sikandar Mustafa Khan, Mr. Haroon Sharif Institutional economist & former minister of state, Chairman of Engineering Development Board – Almas Hyder and Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir, Chairman Punjab Higher Education Commission, were among the most prominent speakers at PAAPAM Symposium 2022.

The Pakistan Auto Show 2022 will attract over 100,000 visitors from 29th to 31st July. It is the largest exhibition of automobiles in the country, held at the Expo Centre in Lahore.

This valuable initiative of the ‘Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers’ (PAAPAM), represents over 3000 large, medium & small industries from all over Pakistan. The theme of this year’s event is; “MADE IN PAKISTAN”. The diverse categories of exhibitors will include; Passenger Cars, Trucks, buses, Tractors, Rickshaws, Motorcycles, Auto parts Manufacturers, Services providers, Machinery makers, Tool-makers, Antique cars and Heavy motorbikes along with related service industries like accessories, Tracking & insurance, etc.

It will feature fascinating innovations and technologies, while highlighting CSR, traffic-safety and public awareness campaigns. FREE Exhibitors’ Directories are being distributed among the visitors. The quantum of local parts used for domestic car-assembly has risen substantially over the last 10 years, raising Pakistan among the top 40 automobile-manufacturing countries. It contributes major revenues to the national exchequer, so the Government must ensure a conducive environment to nurture more investments and growth.