YLC 2022: Revive – Enterprise and Employment

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The Young Leadership Conference on developmental and leadership skills is on its high measures in terms of flourishing the individuals and eager learners will still get themselves fruitful with knowledge and experience at Dreamworld Resort, Karachi. The conference is about to enter its concluding phase where participants will have more avenues to explore. 

With this year’s theme “Pehchaan” our honorable speakers had initially talked about “Realization & Personal Leadership” followed by “Reconstruction & Developmental Leadership” and then “Rejoicing Art & Culture” where we aim to embark on a journey of finding ourselves and pushing ourselves to unlearn the complexities, focused on building a conversation on personal development and how to be set free from the chains of stereotypes and taboos. We also explored how art is regardless and beyond paintings and drawings, it is a way of bringing people together and moving beyond their differences as they build a deeper connection.

YLC’ 2022 – the agenda of day 04 was “Revive – Enterprise and Employment” moderated by Waqar Ali as the day champ! The participants were engaged in an activity in which they had to prepare their own breakfast with limited resources and had to sell it to different teams, after this session the day  started on a high note with a session by Shabbar Zaidi on the Current Economic Crisis from the Opportunistic Eye where he defined in times of crisis we instantly think of downfall, we think of inflation and cut downs. However, when there is a problem there is always an even bigger opportunity. In this session participants learned how to view a crisis through an opportunistic lens, to not give up hope but rather to find the silver lining and take action.

Followed by an immensely focused segment on Professional Excellence from the Eyes of Masters where notable speakers like Roofi Jamil, Mazhar Valjee and Sibtain Jiwani enlightened us that we frequently head and see our youth complaining about the lack of job opportunities and lack of assistance for their startup businesses, but is this truly the case? The expert panel went through great details about what is required to succeed in your career. The section exclusively covered the resources that can assist participants in launching their professional careers.

After a tea break, Arsal Fahim honored us with his session on Money Matters: Money Matters where he explained unlike the first world economies, the youth in Pakistan are often not concerned and consequently not well equipped to make smart financial decisions. To develop financial literacy, a facilitator conducted a simulation, Money Matters, in which teams were allotted individual profiles and corresponding budgets. They were presented with multiple scenarios to practice budgeting, investing their money and witnessing the outcomes of their decisions to make them more comfortable making financial decisions.

A chain of breakout sessions was conducted on Business Communications Unzip, Rich Vs Wealthy, Brand Yourself and Freelancing by Faizan Arafat, Ammar Sabzwari, Arsal Fahim and Saad Bakhtiar respectively.

After the second tea time coaching by the partners, Segment speaker Kamran Rizvi graced his session on Investing in Relationships where he highlighted the importance of building and maintaining long-lasting relationships in the industry and brushing up on the participants’ networking skills.

Later Shireen Naqvi & Team YLC conducted a session on Hunger Banquet where participants were invited to attend a meal where they learned about world hunger and poverty. What they didn’t know before the meal is that they were going to be placed in randomly assigned groups to perform certain assignments.

Day Champ Waqar Ali concluded the day with a very in-depth conversation in which he highlighted how one should own themselves and should never let anything down their guards. He further talked about “Shukr” and “Sabr”. The session was named “Kun-Faya-Kun” which participants thoroughly enjoyed and ended the day with lots of love, hugs and well wishes!   

Bank Alfalah Releases Financial Results for HY 2022

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The Board of Directors of Bank Alfalah Limited (BAFL), in its meeting held on July 28, 2022, approved the bank’s financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2022.

The bank announced profit after tax of PKR 8.703 billion, up by 25.5%. EPS stood at Rs. 4.90 (Jun 21: Rs. 3.90). The Board has approved an interim cash dividend of Rs. 2.5 (last year: Rs. 2.0) per share.

The Bank’s deposit base stood at Rs. 1.318 trillion at the end of Q2’22, with YoY growth of 28.6%. The Bank continues to outpace the industry in deposit growth driven by a strong momentum in its current deposits which showed market leading growth of 25.7% YoY. Moreover, BAFL’s CA mix at 45.5%, remains one of the strongest in the industry which has been a result of the bank’s continued focus on market penetration serving more and more customer segments and effective branch expansion strategy.

Furthermore, despite challenging market fundamentals, the Bank’s credit performance was strong in the first half of 2022 with Gross Advances reaching Rs. 755.340 billion, showing a growth of 18.3% YoY. In anticipation of expected credit headwinds caused by the current economic stress, the Bank has taken an additional general provision of Rs. 2.750 billion during the quarter and subjectively downgraded a few customers showing credit weakening. Accordingly, the coverage ratio stands at 109.8% while the infection ratio remained stable at 3.5%.

The Bank remains adequately capitalized, and CAR was well above the regulatory requirement with 14.64% as at June 30, 2022.

This momentum will continue, despite the prevailing uncertainty, since the Bank is committed to its strategy of growth, customer centric approach and innovation.

K-Electric Holds Election of Board of Directors

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) K-Electric Limited organized the Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EOGM) on Friday, 29 July, at a local hotel. The purpose of the Meeting, which was attended by Shareholders in person and via a video link, was to elect the Directors in place of the retiring Directors. The following persons have been elected/appointed as Directors of K-Electric Limited for a term of three years commencing from 29 July 2022:

  1. Adeeb Ahmad
  2. Arshad Majeed Mohmand
  3. Boudewijn Clemens Wentink
  4. Ch. Khaqan Saadullah Khan
  5. Dr. Imran Ullah Khan
  6. Mark Gerard Skelton
  7. Mubasher H. Sheikh
  8. Muhammad Kamran Kamal
  9. Muhammad Zubair Motiwala
  10. Saad Amanullah Khan
  11. Sadia Khuram
  12. Shan A. Ashary
  13. Syed Moonis Abdullah Alvi

K-Electric (KE) is a public listed company incorporated in Pakistan in 1913 as KESC. Privatized in 2005 KE is the only vertically integrated utility in Pakistan supplying electricity within a 6500 km square territory including Karachi and its adjoining areas. The majority shares (66.4%) of the company are listed in the PSX owned by KES Power, a consortium of investors including Aljomaih Power Limited of Saudi Arabia, National Industries Group (Holding), Kuwait, and the Infrastructure and Growth Capital Fund (IGCF). The Government of Pakistan is also a minority shareholder (24.36%) in the company.

PAAPAM opens Pakistan’s largest automotive Expo 2022 in Lahore

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mehmood Federal Minister of Industries & Production inaugurated the Pakistan Auto Show 2022 alongwith Guest of honor Chairman EDB, Mr. Almas Haider, President LCCI, Mr. Nauman Kabir and Former President FPCCI and LCCI, Mr. Anjum Nisar at the Expo Centre in Lahore. The event has been organized by the Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts and Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) and will run from July 29th – 31st 2022.

Event features more than 153+ exhibitors comprising of local and international auto-manufacturers and related enterprises. PAAPAM represents over 3000 large, medium and small industries all over Pakistan. This year’s show is themed of “MADE IN PAKISTAN”. Renowned companies exhibited their latest parts and technologies, including 150 auto parts manufacturers.

Visitors will be able to take test-drive tracks for the latest cars of MG, Toyota, Suzuki and Honda. Also, Motorway Police Kiosk will be there to facilitate the visitors by engaging them on how to improve their driving and offering Learner’s Driving Licenses on the spot. While addressing the media at the inaugural ceremony, the chief guest Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mehmood Federal Minister of Industries & Production stated “The government’s strong commitment to this industry helps to encourage large-scale investments and creates a business-friendly environment for the automotive and engineering sectors as well.

I offer my heartiest congratulations to our local industrialists and engineers who have achieved remarkable success in establishing a robust engineering sector, which is generating remarkable new opportunities for value-added exports. The automobile industry of Pakistan is a cornerstone of the national economy. It not only vitalizes the economy but plays an essential role in elevating Pakistan’s image as a progressive country with a thriving industrial base.”

Pakistan Auto Show 2020 Chief Organizer and PAAPAM former chairman Syed Nabeel Hashmi said “Pakistan Auto Show 2022 is setting new benchmarks and trends for the automotive industry. Today, this mega event attracts more than 100,000 visitors from all over Pakistan and internationally. Over 200 international buyers and well over 100 international visitors will be attending the largest auto show in Pakistan.” The government needs to prepare long-term plans and support industries accordingly. The Chairman of Pakistan Association of Automotive Parts & Accessories Manufacturers (PAAPAM) – Abdur Razzaq Gauhar stated that: People are passionate about seeing the latest revolutionary technologies being deployed in Pakistan. Some of the participants this year include global automobile brands, along with spare-parts manufacturers, component suppliers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM vendors), automobile traders, investors, buyers and enthusiasts, who want to expand their business networks and gain more information about the innovations and products in this sector.”

The inaugural day at the show, saw an overwhelming response from industry stakeholders, international large-scale buyers and diverse consumer segments, as the Pakistan Auto Show features; cars, tractors, trucks, buses, 4X4, motorcycles, three wheelers and exotic cars, while promoting a wide array of advanced technologies and solutions, including; engines, casting, forging, sheet metals, jigs and fixtures, along with electronics, car-paints, tools, tires, batteries, plastic parts, rubber parts and accessories.

Infinix Selected as a Kantar BrandZ Rising Star among Chinese Global Brand Builders 2022

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Infinix was selected as one of the TOP 20 Rising Stars according to the latest “Top 50 Kantar BrandZ Chinese Global Brand Builders 2022 ranking and report” released by Google and Kantar on July 27th, 2022. Being included in the chart represents advancements in attracting the hearts and minds of consumers and providing consumers a high-level sense of value, coming from the Infinix brand.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be on the charts! A massive thanks go out from us for recognizing the efforts we’ve made in the past few years to empower young consumers all around the world. Alongside providing stylish and first-in-class products to consumers in emerging markets, we also aim at creating distinctive brand stories to build up a sense of value and shape perceptions through digital interaction. We’ve faced some incredible challenges due to global disruptions, but we are sure we’re moving forward toward future success.” Managing Director of Infinix, Benjamin Jiang said.

In the panel talk “Think with Google” held by Google China, it is mentioned that Infinix is the only company in the 3C industry that was selected as the 20 rising stars in the “Top 50 Kantar BrandZ Chinese Global Brand Builders 2022 report”. In this report, Kantar and Google adopt industry-leading brand valuations, alongside in-depth research from the world’s most extensive brand equity study, which involved around 4 million consumer interviews covering 18,500 brands across 512 categories in 51 markets.

The figure in the report shows that during the previous year, Infinix’s brand power increased by 20%, ranking second among all consumer electronic brands. Infinix’s branding and storytelling have stimulated new interest in technology and high loyalty among consumers despite lower levels of brand awareness. The average consideration rate of the Infinix among consumers who are aware of the brand is on par with those in the Top 50 Chinese Global Brand Builders Ranking. Infinix’s dedication to further expanding its foothold in emerging markets, and democratizing high-end technology for everyone, solidifies its place among these rising 20 Chinese brands.

Going forward, Infinix will continue to make further improvements to the smartphone experience, bringing the latest and greatest technology to consumers in markets all around the world with maximum customer value at the forefront of every device launch.

Stay tuned to exciting updates coming from Infinix in the near future.

Let’s Get Digital with Zong 4G’s new YouTube Bundle – 1 Hour of YouTube for ONLY PKR 2

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Continuing to live up to its ‘Let’s Get Digital’ motto, Pakistan’s digital services leader, Zong 4G, partners again with the Leading Strategic OTT Player and brings out an exciting Offer for its subscriber Base. Zong prepaid users will be able to enjoy 1 hour of YouTube streaming daily for just PKR 2 + taxes.  The industry-first offer can be subscribed twice daily by dialing *1987#, or through My Zong App or the online store.

Since its inception, Zong has emerged as the Pakistani youth’s favorite connectivity partner. The company is living the promise of ‘Let’s Get Digital’ by empowering the youth to experience the digital lifestyle to the fullest with this partnership adding to its efforts.

“Zong 4G is building the foundation of a digital future in Pakistan. We are offering the widest connectivity to enable millions of Pakistani to remain connected” shared Zong’s official spokesperson.

The spokesperson added, “This new YouTube offer is in line with our ambition of digitalization in Pakistan, and the continuation of partnerships that we forge to give our users the best user experience possible and proactively meet their connectivity needs. We want no doubt to be left in the minds of our customers that if they want to be digital, then the only brand to foresee and fulfil their digital needs is Zong 4G,” he added.

Alongside its incessant network transformation efforts to serve customers with best-in-class services, Zong is credited with pioneering 4G in Pakistan and running the first successful 5G test in the country.

With the aim to lead the digital innovation in Pakistan, Zong 4G is spearheading the digital agenda of the country and ensuring that the dream of Digital Pakistan is not far from becoming a reality.

 

 

Alkaram joins hands with ABHI to offer Earned Wage Access to all its employees across the country

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Alkaram, one of the biggest names in Pakistan’s textile industry, is partnering with ABHI, Pakistan’s first financial wellness platform, to offer its employees the facility of Earned Wage Access.

ABHI’s goal is to provide financial wellness services to all employees in Pakistan, giving them the ability and freedom to access their earned but unpaid salaries, so they don’t have to face financial constraints in emergencies. One of the biggest players in textiles, with thousands of employees across the country, Alkaram is partnering with this revolutionary new venture, as employees’ financial wellness is paramount to the company. This partnership will help the company in becoming one of the leaders in the global textile world, integrating vertical textile solutions with values and sustainability.

Speaking at the occasion, Omair Ansari – CEO & Co-founder of ABHI, explained that “We believe financial wellness and access to credit are basic human rights, which we aim to bring to all our customers. We are glad to partner with Alkaram and look forward to a long-lasting relationship where employees can benefit and fight the rising inflation by getting access to their earned salaries at any time of the month.”

Speaking at the occasion, Nizar Nooruddin – Head of Human Resources of Alkaram Textile Mills, mentioned that “Introduction of the financial wellness platform, ‘ABHI’ has opened up an opportunity to unlock the potential of digital transformation in facilitating our employees’ financial wellness. Empowering our employees with convenience and freedom to manage their emergent needs within no time is unmatched in today’s corporate landscape.”

 Founded in 2021, Abhi is Pakistan’s first financial wellness platform that lets you access your salary daily via app or SMS. Users can withdraw the accessible amount of their accrued salary instantaneously to any bank account or wallet.

 By helping employers to provide the option of advance salaries for employees, Abhi has helped reduce workloads on HR and finance departments, whilst facilitating their employees’ cash needs.

Alkaram Textile Mills’ journey started in 1986, when it was set up to provide innovative textile solutions across the globe and soon, it emerged as one of the leading textile manufacturing and exporting companies in Pakistan, with a global footprint in the US, UK, France, and Portugal. Currently, Alkaram Textile Mills is the largest vertically integrated textile set up in Pakistan. It’s global reach, breadth of product offerings, and multichannel distribution make it a unique player in the textile industry, globally, and in Pakistan.

Bank Alfalah Welcomes the 8th Batch of Management Trainee Program

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Bank Alfalah has onboarded the 8th batch of its prestigious Management Trainee Program after a rigorous recruitment process involving gamified assessment, video interview, virtual assessment centers and panel interviews.

This year, the Bank has welcomed 27 graduates out of 3000 applicants who will go through 3 months of classroom training on key development aspects before being placed in suitable department based on their individual skillsets. A meet and great session was held on July 18th that was addressed by the President and CEO, Mr. Atif Bajwa.

The CEO and Group Head HR welcomed the Management Trainees to the Bank Alfalah family where they wished them luck with their learning career at Bank Alfalah.

Bank Alfalah’s Management Trainee Program is regarded as one of the best in the industry and this claim is upheld given the volume of applications received this year. The Bank takes pride in investing in its people and considers them its biggest asset as we groom these young graduates to become future leaders.

Alhamra Festival to conclude with Ajoka Double-bill

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Ajoka is presenting a double bill of socially meaningful plays on the concluding day of Alhamra theatre festival on Friday 29 July. The plays include “ Toba Tek Singh”, Shahid Nadeem’s adaptation of Manto’s masterpiece, originally directed by Ajoka founder late Madeeha Gauhar, and Ajoka Institute’s “Suicide Point”, written by Ummer Amin and directed by Nirvaan Nadeem. The plays will be performed in Alhamra Hall 2 at 6.30pm.

Ajoka Institute director Nirvaan Nadeem said the two plays will bring the Alhamra Festival to an exciting and befitting end. He also hoped that the theatre lovers will appreciate the hardwork and professionalism of Ajoka’s talented acting students.

Participation of prominent lawyers and social personalities in the Young Leaders Conference

Justice Nasira Iqbal, Dr. Amjad Saqib, Birdit Lamm, Nisha Rao, Bilal Hasan and Zafeer Khan informed about the experiences.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  YLC’ 2022 – the agenda of day 02 was “Reconstruct – Developmental Leadership” moderated by Umair Jaliawala as the day champ! After the participants were given the time to get ready and have breakfast, the second day started with a healthy exercise of meditation to encourage the participants to adopt a habit of morning meditation. This practice can be a life-altering experience in the most constructive way as it helps a person to be patient, be present and have control over their thoughts.

JusticeNasira Iqbal honored the segment on Developing Pakistan Justice. In this session, she addressed what a developing Pakistan looks like, and identified what areas we must focus on and what attitudes we must maintain.

Followed by an immensely focused Panel discussin on Breaking Stereotypes where notable speakers like Birgit Lamm, Nisha Rao, Bilal Hassan and Zafeer Khan enlightened us that we are often guilty of associating certain roles and responsibilities with a specific gender as a result of reinforcing gender-based stereotypes. This session taught participants that regardless of the sex they were born with, every person is equal, experiences the same things, and is equally capable.

Later, Dr Amjad Saqib conducted a session on How Developmental & Sustainable Ideas Are Born where he explained how individuals must be observant of their surroundings, learn to identify problems and be vigilant in finding a solution rather than waiting for someone else to come to the rescue, making the case that the most successful business ideas are the ones that fixed the problems and add value.

Then a tea break was conducted with one on one coaching and interactionin which our partners who joined us at the conference coached the Participants with their own experience followed by the segment moderatorsession on Unlearn Problems & Relearn Solutions – The Process to Design Developmental Ideas by Umair Jaliawala.

After the lunch sessions on Self-defense, Stress Management and First Aid Awareness were conducted by Amir J Khan, Munira Safdar in her session Developmental Drama talked about the significance ofdevelopmental drama skills and how one can express and advocate their goal for societal change in an effective way rather than just providing entertainment only.

Our Dilemmas – Hypocrisy, Double Standards, & Un-synced Behaviors were depicted by a powerful performance by ZAHRSSS to help us realizethe negative effect these practices have on our development as a society and understanding of self-responsibility in this matter.

After all this, Waqar Ali concluded the day with Extra corpsegment in which participants were blindfolded, few of them were hand tied and half’s legs were tied up, they were asked to have their dinner in this situation only. Through this session the participants realized the power of gratefulness and how one should always be thankful for all the blessings we are blessed with. There are people out there who are differently abled, there are people who can’t see, can’t listen, can’t walk properly and we are, crying over things that aren’t event relevant to live a life. This session made everyone realized how we should never judge anyone who are specially-abled.