K-Electric Ensures Sustained Power Supply during Continued Monsoon Rains in Karachi

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Karachi (Nut Desk) KE ensured uninterrupted power supply to major parts of the city during the ongoing monsoon spells in Karachi. Utility teams remained vigilant while monitoring the situation throughout intermittent weather conditions and maintained the stability of KE’s power supply network around the clock.
During the current spell, the maximum number of feeders affected due to rain were approximately 100 of more than 1900 feeders within KE’s network, the majority of which were temporarily powered down out of an abundance of caution in areas where prevalence of kundas or standing water could pose a safety hazard. These areas were also immediately restored upon receiving clearance from ground teams.
With the Met Department forecasting more rain spells in the upcoming weeks, the Spokesperson further added, “Citizens are advised to continue observing precautionary measures and continue to maintain a safe distance from all electricity infrastructure. Avoid using electrical appliances exposed to rains such as water motors as well. With Eid-ul-Azha approaching, we urge citizens to take special care of their sacrificial animals and avoid tethering them to any electrical infrastructure.”
Advising customers on KE’s emergency protocols, Spokesperson KE stated “Emergency electricity complaints creating safety hazards should be reported to call center 118, which tackles them on priority against a prescribed protocol. We request our consumers to use this service prudently and only in cases of emergency.”
The utility company remains available 24/7 for any queries or complaints via its WhatsApp number +92-348-0000118, 118 call center, SMS service 8119, KE Live App, and social media platforms.

realme 9 Series Redefined Ultra-clear Smartphone Photography with Groundbreaking Camera Technology

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The newest generation of realme Number series phones made waves for its innovations in smartphone photography promising all-day clarity across various scenarios

Pakistan (Nut Desk) The realme Number series has always been synonymous with innovation and high value. With the release of every new generation of Number series phones, realme aims to bring something new to the segment it is operating in. This legacy began with the realme 3 which introduced 20W fast charging to its segment. The first camera-related innovation was introduced by the realme 5 series which dared to bring a quad-camera setup to its segment. In the spirit of innovation, the realme 6 debuted a 90Hz smooth display. The torch of innovation was carried forward by the realme 7 series phones which featured a Sony 64MP Primary Camera for superior results in photography. Building on this, the realme 8 series introduced an advanced 108MP Infinity Camera, enhancing the photography capabilities of the number series significantly. The latest generation of number series phones is the realme 9 series which puts the focus on its camera module as a point of innovation. The first 9 series entry, the realme 9i, brought a 50MP AI Triple Camera setup which used the power of AI to enhance your photos while the realme 9 Pro+ also featured the same camera setup but with the addition of a powerful Sony IMX766 Sensor. These exciting camera related innovations have got photography enthusiasts wondering what the next installment will bring in this iconic series of smartphones. The realme 9 series really impressed reviewers with its unexpectedly high end specs in its segment. When asked about the legacy of the 9 series, TechWafer had this to say, “With the release of the realme 9 lineup, realme has demonstrated how it has been improving and delivering products that are unmatched in terms of price and performance. Overall realme 9 series offer great value for money and products are up to date with the latest features in tech”. This shows that realme is on a gradual incline with every new addition to the number series and stays current when it comes to its features. As for the cameras of the 9 series, the tech reviewer had this to say, “The cameras in the realme 9 series have set new industry standards. We are optimistic and looking forward to having a great camera experience with the next realme 9 series phone”. This shows that the realme 9 series has successfully created its image as a tech democratizer in the tech community of Pakistan and there is significant hype in the community to see what realme does next. The ProLight technology of the realme 9 series allows the lens, sensor, and AI to work in tandem to produce brighter and clearer images. The realme 9 series does not only have appeal for tech enthusiasts. According to Startup Pakistan, “the realme 9 series has had various additional premium features that can appeal to a wide range of customers including the gamers, fashionistas, etc”. Gamers can enjoy the powerful processors of the realme 9 series while fashion-enthusiasts can snap high quality pictures of their Outfit of the Day using the incredible camera module. With such a legendary legacy preceding it, the next installment in the realme 9 series has a lot to live up to. If past evidence is any indication, realme is not only going to meet those expectations, it will exceed them. realme fans can expect a new entry in the realme 9 series very soon so keep an eye out for further details on the upcoming smartphone. 

“Nestle’s High Handedness and Silent but Purposeful Fight for Rights of the Icons”

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Lahore (Nut Desk) In a Nestle Sponsored Marketing progrom ‘Nestle Basement Cafe’, a popular song titled ‘Pyar Dian Gallan’ originally created, composed, cinematographed and perfromed by icons Yasir Akhtar (The Arid Zone), Fringe Benefits (Sheheryar Qureshi, Mohammad Ali) and rap by Yatagan (Fakhar e Alam), was aired in one of its sessions without any consent or assignment by all the artists. The copied song till date is available on You Tube along with Yasir Akhtar, The Arid Zone, Fringe Benefits, Shehryar Qureshi, Mohammad Ali, Fakhar e Alam (Yatagan), original art/music piece/product.

Surprisingly, the Nestle Song does give the credit to the original artist in its You Tube version at the end of the song however when sued in the court of law for damages, Nestle’s legal team has been trying hard to make it a copy right issue to evade/delay the process of law, which to the good fortune of the original artists honourable court has turned down. Nestle’s legal team used every trade in the book to delay the proceedings including a complete denial that they never recieved any notices of appeal at their registered address despite the fact that on copies of notices, existed the signature of their security staff and a complete ignorance of newspaper advert calling their attention to court, which is the last of actions in substituted service.

After losing out in court of sessions on apparently designed absence to prolong the proceedings and an application to rehear thereafter, Nestle knocked the doors of high court on a plea of fair trail in a writ petition that the court of sessions decided against them ex parte, got them an extra chance to present their argument in court of sessions, however in the light of the judgement by honourable sessions court their argument seems unconvincing. It is important to higlight that it has been approximately three years for Nestle to gain time over technacalities of the law rather than admitting the mistake to deprive artists of the share of their creativity, use of their goodwill and reputition, without any returns.

In an era where social responsibility of a corporate organism of their ilk is highly valued, with latest turn of events, the chances for Nestle to escape the responsibility of their actions are growing slimmer. Keeping fingers crossed the trial of this case will light the candle for so many junior rights whose creativity is usurped by the so called big wigs of the industry.

Let the first drop of rain fall in due time. Bravo to the trendsetters like Yasir Akhtar (The Arid Zone), Fringe Benefits (Sheheryar Qureshi and Mohammad Ali) and their legal team for a silent but legal and purposeful fight for your rights!

BankIslami Proudly Sponsors Bahria’s BSPC Talks ‘Voice Of Youth’

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) BankIslami, Pakistan’s leading Islamic financial institution, served as the title sponsor for Bahria Society of Professional Communication (BSPC) Talks, a platform where captivating stories and ideas are exchanged that have the potential to transform the listeners’ lives. BSPC is a student-run society at Bahria University that focuses on the development of communication skills among its members by organizing various workshops and seminars.

The event, which took place on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at the Al-Beruni Auditorium, Bahria University on Karsaz, focused on the theme ‘Voice of Youth’, bringing on board speakers with inspirational stories to spark confidence among the participants. The Talks were held in the presence of Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker Honorable President and CEO BankIslami, Syed Amir Ali.

Commenting on the occasion, Syed Amir Ali, President & CEO, BankIslami said, “I am honored to be invited as the Chief Guest and thrilled to connect with the future of our country, which is the promising youth sitting before me. Communication is the most crucial ingredient when it comes to developing meaningful connections and we must all learn and develop this skill. I congratulate BSPC for organizing such a platform where youngsters are encouraged to interact with industry professionals and take inspiration from them. BankIslami takes pride in being authentic and innovative in its partnerships and I hope the participants commit to excellence in their lives, which is one of our core values”.

Easypaisa and Bank of Khyber Partner for KPK’s Insaf Food Programme

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Easypaisa, Pakistan’s leading digital payments app, has partnered with the Bank of Khyber to ensure seamless distribution of funds to beneficiaries in KPK under the Insaf Food Programme.

Through the strategic partnership, beneficiaries of the programme will be able to receive PKR 2100 every month in their Easypaisa mobile wallet or collect cash from any Easypaisa agent to meet their essential food related needs. The programme shall benefit more than five million people in the province, costing PKR 25.5 billion annually.

The agreement was signed by M. Mudassar Aqil, CEO, Easypaisa/ Telenor Microfinance Bank and Mohammad Ali Gulfaraz, Managing Director and CEO, Bank of Khyber.

  1. Mudassar Aqil, CEO, Easypaisa/ Telenor Microfinance Bank commented on the occasion, “We are extremely proud to be joining hands with the Bank of Khyber to facilitate the people of KPK by providing convenient access to funds under the Insaf Food Programme. This is not only in line with our mission of a financially inclusive Pakistan but would also enable us to bring ease into the lives of the ordinary citizens during these testing times.”

Also present at the occasion, Managing Director/ CEO Bank of Khyber, Mr. Mohammad Ali Gulfaraz commented, “‘Bank of Khyber is proud to be chosen by the Government of KP to implement the Insaf Food Card project aiming to distribute Rs 25.5 billion annually to 1 million low-income households in the form of monthly cash support to help them cope with inflation. Our partnership with Easypaisa will enable convenient access to funds to the beneficiaries by leveraging their extensive network across KP.”

With more than 10 million customers using the Easypaisa App in the last 30-days across the Android and iOS platforms, Easypaisa is the most used Pakistani App across all categories and remains committed to transforming Pakistan into a cashless and financially inclusive society through the power of collaboration & technology.

The work that PSI Pakistan does is vital for the economic security of the country says Omar Abedin

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Population Services International, Pakistan in collaboration with National Incubation Center, Karachi hosted its second iteration of the Make Space Hackathon

Karachi (Nut Desk) The Make Space Hackathon is a virtual competition aimed at empowering change-makers in creating tech-enabled solutions that are addressing Pakistan’s pressing population crisis. With over 600 applications from across the country, the enthusiasm and drive to create innovative solutions was palpable before the competition kicked off.

In the run up to the hackathon, PSI Pakistan Country Director Ayesha Leghari stressed the urgency of addressing the population crisis, “This is an uphill battle that can only be won if we use out of the box ideas and innovations that breakthrough the barriers of accessibility and cultural restrictions.” 

Over the course of the 3 day hackathon, 60 teams went head to head in creating solutions that were both viable and sustainable. At the end of the 3 days, 11 teams were chosen for the finale that took place on the 30th of June at the NICK Auditorium at NED University.

The finalists were then tasked with pitching their solution in front of industry experts from the startup world as well as the family planning space. After hearing some excellent pitches, the judges for the finale Ayesha Leghari, Omar Abedin, Habibullah Khan, Shamim Rajani, Faizan Laghari, Dr.Sara Shahzad and Adnan Siraj chose team Caliber as the first prize winner and teams WoKahani and Humrah as the runner ups. The winner took home 1 million rupees as prize money, while the runner ups took home 100,000 rupees each.

Omar Abedin, Project Director at NICK expressed his delight at being able to collaborate with PSI Pakistan, “The work that PSI Pakistan does is vital for the economic security of the country and that coincides with our goals as an incubator that is a part of a large public-private partnership network.”

31st LADIESFUND Power Lunch

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Chief Guest Deputy Head Of Mission Martin Dawson headlined the power-packed 31st LADIESFUND Power Lunch. It was an outdoors affair. This dynamic networking session featured 40 incredible women leaders – including Sayeeda Leghari (Owner of Sukkur Beverages (Pvt) Ltd Pakistan), Simi Sadaf Kamal (Chairperson Hisaar Foundation, Pakistan), Moneeza Usman Butt (Partner, KPMG), Sana Pirzada (Founder of Virtual Legal Advisory VLA), Tameem Qazi (Head Of IT Meezan Bank), Rukhsana Narejo (Board Member, Sindh Modaraba Ltd.) and Sania Alam (Sitara-e-Pakistan Award 2022 winner Sania Alam) et al. Tara Uzra Dawood hosted the impactful event which was sponsored by Khurram Khan (Head of Advisory, Grant Thorton Anjum Rehman). Supporters included Beauty Partner Nighat Misbah Depilex, Dessert Partner The Story, and Chief Guest Appreciation partners Beautyluxe, Meethay by Aymen Haq, Sayeeda Leghari and Madiha Sikander.

Meta’s educational ‘Chai Chats’ series is set to foster digital literacy in Pakistan

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Meta, in collaboration with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), has launched an educational series, ‘Chai Chats’ to create awareness among young Pakistani Facebook users on digital literacy and social cohesion through improved digital experiences.  The series features a close-knit group of university friends encountering difficult online situations which they overcome with grace, friendship, and humour to inspire and persuade youth to adopt a positive and responsible online behaviour.

The program aims to reach millions of young Pakistanis online through the web series, as well as 180 secondary school teachers and over 1,000 secondary school students through local community training , which will also train educators in at-risk communities to handle these topics with at-risk communities.

The webisode series ‘Chai Chats’ is centred on the day-to-day online experiences of five university friends and the way they help each other navigate both their online and offline lives, while their different socio-cultural and behavioural dispositions also come into play. The characters and their stories are expected to serve as role models by resonating well with the young audiences.

Commenting on the initiative, Chairman PTA, Maj. Gen (R) Amir Azeem Bajwa, applauded Meta’s efforts. “This initiative will enhance Pakistani youth’s ability to make positive, productive and legitimate use of social media platforms for personal and collective well-being. Meta has been at the forefront of promoting digital literacy through improved digital experiences.” He further said, “The Government of Pakistan is committed to leveraging digital technology to accelerate socio-economic development nationwide and I hope this initiative will  prove to be an important stepping stone in this regard.”

Also sharing his thoughts, Ruici Tio, Policy Program Manager, APAC- Meta said,: “The initiative furthers Meta’s long-term commitment to fostering digital literacy in Pakistan and supporting all users to harness the benefits of technological innovation for their growth and socioeconomic advancement. This series aims to engage young Pakistanis in the important discourse of being responsible digital citizens through creative messages to ultimately enable them to use social media platforms for learning and growth. We’re especially grateful to PTA for partnering with us on this important initiative.”

There will be six weekly episodes, with two focusing on each key area, including ‘Think before you act’, ‘Women’s experience online’, ‘Critical Discussions’, and ‘Empathy’. Each episode addresses real problems that people face online every day and are expected to highlight useful ways to overcome difficult online situations. The series will be available at (https://www.facebook.com/chaichatspk/) 

The Chai Chats program is also collaborating on a teachers’ training program on digital literacy and empowered behaviours in partnership with Meta’s program partner, Shaoor Foundation. Under Shaoor’s School Program, the curriculum will include Facebook’s existing ‘We Think Digital’ modules and Chai Chats Webisodes. The training will take place in 6 Districts across Pakistan, including Rajanpur, Dera Gazi Khan, and Multan in Southern Punjab and Kohat, Swat, and Banu in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It aims to reach 180 teachers and over 1,000 students in these communities to enhance their digital and critical thinking skills.

NdcTech joins hands with CaterpillHERs to empower Women in Pakistan

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) NdcTech, Pakistan’s leading IT & Consulting company, has joined hands with CaterpillHERs to provide remote based education to female freelancers looking to kickstart their career from scratch.

Under this CSR initiative, the selected women who are seeking to head start their career or business will be placed in a 12-week acceleration cohort. These participants will get one-on-one mentorship and professional guidance from seasoned IT professionals, allowing them to potentially transform their skillset and have successful and sustainable careers.

NdcTech is a forward-looking organization with one of its missions to support Women in Technology by creating equal learning and growth opportunities for them. Therefore, as a part of its CSR initiatives, the company has collaborated with CaterpillHers encouraging female freelancers to excel & unlock their potential.

“NdcTech believes in empowering women and fostering their talent. Through CaterpillHers online program, we aim to harness the capabilities of women and create a supportive environment for them to thrive” said Ammara Masood, CEO & President of NdcTech and winner of the Women in Technology Leadership Award.

When speaking to the media, Hira Saeed, Founder of CaterpillHERs said, “I am so thankful for companies like NdcTech who are supporting us in our mission to transform the lives of females in Pakistan. Through this program, we aim to reach out to women in all parts of the country and hope to ignite the passion in females to make a mark in the society”.

SILKBANK AND TPL INSURANCE – LAUNCH OF ALL IN ONE CURRENT ACCOUNT

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  As part of providing tailored solutions and unique value added features for our customers, Silkbank has launched All-in-One Current Account offering complimentary insurance coverages in collaboration with TPL Insurance as an insurance solution provider. To mark the occasion, an MoU signing ceremony was held at the Silkbank Head Office, Karachi on 29th June 2022. Present at the ceremony from Silkbank were Vaqar Hussain Khan – Head of Bancassurance, Ali Kashif Rizvi – Head of Treasury and Financial Institutions and Arsalan Raza – Product Manager Deposits. Present from TPL Insurance were, Aurangzeb Javed Siddiqui – Head of Financial Institutions Group (FIG), and Mansoor Iqbal – Manager (FIG). All-in-One Current Account is tailored to be an ultimate power packed current account that provides various complimentary protections and transactional benefits for its customers. Unlike most retail based banks that do not offer many value added features to their current account customers, this alliance will allow individuals maintaining an average balance of Rs. 100,000 and above with Silkbank to avail FOC value-added features such as health, life and travel insurance via TPL Insurance. Being digitized, it would be the first of its kind on current accounts with fastest claim processing. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Aurangzeb J. Siddiqui – Head of FIG, TPL Insurance said, ‘’Through our collaboration with Silkbank, our focus is to reach large audiences to build awareness and usage of our innovative insurance solutions. Moreover, through its Insurtech platforms, TPL Insurance intends to provide Silkbank customers with the experience of real time & hassle-free insurance and claim servicing.’’ Talking about the initiative, Mr. Anwar ul Haq Majeed – Head of Branch Banking & Consumer Assets, Silkbank said, “We are excited to start this new journey with TPL Insurance by adding innovative and rewarding solutions for our customers. This collaboration will enable our customers to opt for complimentary insurance coverages while enjoying several free of charge transactional benefits. Silkbank Limited is committed to continuously strengthening its retail product suite with laser sharp focus on service delivery and innovative products.