Madeeha Gaular Theatre Festival “Tribute to a Peace Icon” .

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Eminent scholars from India and Pakistan will pay tribute to Ajoka founder theatre director Madeeha Gauhar at a memorial session on Friday, May 27 at 5:00 pm in Alhamra Hall 3. The speakers will include internationally renowned Indian theatre director Neelam Mansingh. She is founder of Chandigarh-based theatre group The Company and a professor Emeritus at the Punjab University.

Her plays including Kitchen Katha and Nagamandala have been performed at Ajoka’s Panjpaani festivals in Lahore. Amritsar-based theatre director and founder of Manch Rangmanch will also share memories of his collaboration with Madeeha for the promotion of peace through theatre. Kewal Dhaliwal also heads Virsa Vihar cultural centre and was awarded Sangeet Natak Award by the Govt of India. He has presented his plays in Lahore and directed Ajoka plays including “Loona”and “Kabira”.

Noted performing artist and poet Arvinder Chamak Will also speak on the occasion. Pakistani speakers will include Kamran Lashari, Sirajuddin, Sajida Vandal, Asghar Nadeem Syed and Nasira Javed Iqbal.

A documentary on Madeeha Gauhar will also be screened. The tribute session will be followed by Ajoka’s partition play “ Anhi Mai Da Sufna” in Alhamra Hall 2.

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Workshop on Mental Health concluded at Kinnaird College.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

A two-day workshop on “Substance-Induced Disorders” was organized at Centre for Learning and Cultural Development at Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore. The aim of the workshop was to orientate the participants about disorders stimulated by substance abuse. 

Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Amir Mirza, a specialist in the substance-induced domain, shared how depressive, anxiety, psychotic, or manic symptoms occur as a physiological consequence of the use of substances of abuse or medications. 

The students of Professional Certification in Clinical Psychology participated in the workshop that was organized and supervised by Ms. Rukhsana Mehmood, a Clinical Psychologist and Course Facilitator of PCCP. 

While speaking at the occasion Director of Kinnaird Centre for Learning and Cultural Development Ms Maha Jamil said KCLCD is is imparting Quality Education among students with real time experience and Exposure of the industry based Knowledge. She also thanked the facilitators of The Workshop Session with token of Honorary Certificates.

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Sahir Ludhianvi’s memories in Lahore

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Sahir Ludhianvi, one of the key figures of progressive writers association, legendary Urdu Poet and song writer passed very tempestuous and emotional time in Lahore in pre-partition era and two initial years of independent Pakistan. Lahore, the cultural capital of sub-continent gave Sahir his first poetry book “Talkhiyan”,  Amrita Pritam’s romance with Sahir blossomed in Lahore and his bonding with peers like A Hameed, Ibn-e-Insha, Fikar Taunsvi, Qateel Shefai, Hameed Akhtar and Sadaat Hasan Manto remained integral part of Sahir’s Nostalgia in Bombay where he passed his later life as a  leading film lyricist.

Many such enlightening memories from Sahir Ludhianvi’s life in Lahore were traced and presented in amusing session at 50th Thaap Talk entitled “Sahir Ludhianvi’s Lahore, Lahore’s Sahir Ludhianvi” , held at Thaap Gulberg Lahore on Friday evening. Raza Naeem, noted translator and literary activist presented extracts from his research on 6 years of Sahir’s Ludhianvi’s life passed in Lahore from 1943 to 1949.  He gave a deep insight of Sahir’s life , his residence at Abbot Road near Lakshmi Chowk Lahore, his life style, philosophy of life. Raza  mentioned the struggle behind publishing his first poetry collection “Talkhiyan” which later became best seller poetry book and how film makers use to keep its pocket edition in their pockets.

Raza Naeem described that Sahir came to Lahore at the age of 21 when he was expelled from college in Ludhiana for romancing a girl.Young and heartbroken Sahir headed to Lahore,the cosmopolitan city and  Cultural hub of sub continent at that time. Sahir stayed with A Hameed, Ibn e Insha, Fikar Taunsvi at Abbot road and started his struggle as a poet. Although his poems were quite popular but nobody was agreed to publish its poetry collection.

Gurbaksh singh, editor of Illustrious Sawera magazine published pocket edition of Sahir’s first collection entitled “Talkhiyan” which became an instant hit and still one favourite book of Urdu Litertature lovers. Raza Naeem also narrated the incident of Sahir’s first meeting with Musician R D Burman after his migration to India in which R D Burman showed him pocket edition of Talkhiyan.

While shedding light on one of Sahir’s enduring poem Taj Mahal,Raza Naeem narrated that poem displays a unique consciousness about a cultural and civilizational asset and is also an outstanding in terms of its impact.

The talk was well attended by lovers of history, Art and poetry. Secretary to THAAP Ar Mehreen Mustafa and Hosts of the evening Professor Pervaiz Vandal and Prof. Sajida Vandal thanked the speaker Raza Naeem for presenting well informative and rich session.The speakers also answered various questions asked by participants about Sahir Ludhianvi.

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HUAWEI nova 9 – Here is what blew our minds in the Trendy Flagship & Camera King

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 A sensational design, An Ultra Vision Camera, Cool front camera vlog features, 66W HUAWEI SuperCharge in addition to innovative Super Device features

Everybody wants a smartphone that does not only look stylish and trendy, but one that comes with solid and innovative features. Be it a high-resolution camera setup, powerful all-day performance for intensive everyday use or some cool features that make the daily use of the phone easier and simpler.

Huawei has something that ticks all of the above boxes. Introducing the Trendy Flagship & Camera King – the Huawei nova 9. The latest addition to its popular mid-range HUAWEI nova series comes with an all-new colourway called Colour No. 9, an astonishing Ultra Vision AI Quad Camera, 66W HUAWEI Supercharge in addition to cool Super Device and EMUI 12 features, which all but make using the smartphone, fun and enjoyable.

The HUAWEI nova 9 is now available in Pakistan in a lavish Colour No. 9 at the price range of 107,999/- PKR.

A Marvellous and elegant colour and design

The HUAWEI nova 9 debuts with a brand new colourway – Colour No. 9. The low-saturation bluish purple finish is created with a new ‘Starry Flash AG Glass’ manufacturing process[1] to produce an out-of-this-world effect. The HUAWEI nova 9 has a stunning 6.57-inch Original-Colour Curved Display with a tapered surface that flows like a waterfall, minimising the left and right bezels for more immersive viewing.

It can display 1.07 billion colours, featuring a refresh rate of up to 120Hz[2] and 300Hz touch sampling rate for improved responsiveness. Combined with support for full-path P3 colour, the display ensures spectacular viewing experiences with smooth visuals, vivid colours and incredible details. While measuring only 7.77mm thick with a weight of 175g, making it perfect for slipping into your handbag or pocket when out and about! The HUAWEI nova 9 sports a Star Orbit Ring design, making it even more recognisable and eye-catching.

Ultra Vision camera system

The rear camera system includes a 50MP Ultra Vision Camera, an 8MP Ultra Wide Angle Camera, a 2MP Depth Camera and a Macro Camera that lets you capture at as close as 4cm. Both the front and rear cameras support 4K shooting at 30fps, allowing you to express yourself through short videos and vlogs for social media. The main camera has a large 1/1.56-inch sensor and a RYYB colour filter array with a high light sensitivity. This collects 40 percent more light[3] compared to a standard RGGB sensor, ensuring the utmost clarity on all images, while enabling outstanding low light performance. Once the camera hardware captures an image, the XD Fusion Engine gets to work. The HUAWEI nova 9 inherited Huawei flagship smartphones’ XD Fusion Engine, which uses sophisticated computational photography techniques to greatly enhance image details and quality.

Having a good hair day? Do not let it go to waste! The HUAWEI nova 9’s 32MP front camera is perfect for selfies in addition to its 4K selfie video shooting, and Portrait Mode will help your selfie-portraits pop with Bokeh Portrait. There are also AI Beauty effects and filters you can use. Selfies never looked so slick. 

Moreover, introducing an all-new feature – Continuous Front/Rear Recording. With this new innovation, you can also switch between the front and rear cameras, allowing them to fluidly capture their story within a single video file. Dual-View Video recording allows users to showcase their live reaction to events, simultaneously using the front and rear cameras with no editing required or, for when you want to show the big picture and the detail, you can simultaneously capture a close up shot and wide angle shot at the same time.

With the Petal Clip app, you can easily choose from a variety of video templates and themes before posting your vlogs or other videos to social media in no time. Making group shots and video easier as well, the HUAWEI nova 9 also supports Remote Shutter[4]. This means you can easily set-up your HUAWEI nova 9 on a tripod and capture a group photo with your friends without having to worry about awkward frames as you walk to and from the camera.

Charge rapidly with 66W HUAWEI SuperCharge

Whether for gaming, recording, working or simply browsing the Internet, the HUAWEI nova 9 delivers excellent battery life with a large and long lasting 4300mAh battery[5], which is supported by a 66W.

HUAWEI SuperCharge. The smartphone can be charged much faster; it only takes 15 minutes to charge to 53% and 38 minutes to full 100%.

Meta Description: The HUAWEI nova 9 with a sensational design, an Ultra Vision Camera, Cool front camera vlog features, 66W HUAWEI SuperCharge in addition to innovative Super Device features.

[1] Only for the Colour No. 9 edition

[2] Display supports a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz. Display refresh rate may vary by app and game.

[3] Data from Huawei labs

[4] Requires HUAWEI WATCH 3. HUAWEI WATCH 3 is purchased separately. For more information on which device models and software version support this feature, please contact Huawei customer service.

[5] Typical value.

Philip Morris International introduces new sustainability strategies, goals in its 2021 Integrated Report

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Annual Integrated Report (‘the Report”) which outlines the PMI’s new environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework based upon a formal sustainability materiality assessment conducted in 2021. The Report also includes an updated Statement of Purpose as well as detailed information about PMI’s strategic vision, performance, governance, and value creation model.

The redesigned ESG framework recognizes two distinct topic areas: “Product Impact” pillar (including issues related to PMI’s products) and “Operational Impact” pillar (including issues related to PMI’s business operations). This distinction forms the basis of PMI’s new approach to sustainability, which consists of eight clear impact driven strategies that aim to address the most material ESG topics .

PMI’s 2025 Roadmap outlines key goals and informs the route of PMI’s long-term plan has been revised and now comprises of 11 headline goals connected to the eight strategies that clearly explain the social and environmental impacts PMI aims to achieve. PMI’s ‘Statement of Purpose’ has also undergone revision to ensure it remains a current and fair representation of PMI’s strategy.

Highlighting the strong commitment towards inclusion and diversity as part of the sustainability strategy, the Report also outlines the details of the MakeYourComeback initiative implemented by Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL), a subsidiary of PMI, in 2021. The initiative aimed to hire women who had taken a break from paid work and wished to relaunch their careers for its various projects. The Report also details how the implementation of ALP (Agricultural Labor Practices) helped increase labor efficiency in Pakistan while mitigating any potential risks to contracted farmers, committing to continuing these efforts as per the revised sustainability strategies in response to Pakistan’s local community needs.

Mr. Roman Yazbeck- Managing Director PMPKL, while reassuring PMPKL’s commitment towards sustainability goals and framework, said, “For PMPKL, sustainability is a fundamental opportunity for innovation, growth, and purpose-led, impact-driven, long-term value creation. We are constantly working to put our sustainable values into action so that they are fully reflected in our products and operations. Following the strategies and goals highlighted in PMI’s integrated report, PMPKL aims to work on the targeted categories by designing and implementing related initiatives and delivering results locally.”

REAP HAILS BILAWAL’S CONCERN FOR PAKISTANI FOOD SECURITY

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) has requested the foreign minister of Pakistan Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to put transfer of agriculture technology as his top agenda and direct Pakistani embassies abroad to encourage technology transfer projects in agriculture. REAP hails Bilawal Bhutto’s zeal to improve Pakistani’s agriculture sector productivity and yields shown by him during his tour to different countries recently. Bilawal spoke from heart about the importance of agriculture in Pakistan’s economy and how it can play its role in improving the lives of Pakistanis.

Ali Hussam Asghar, Chairman REAP, in his statement issued here Monday said the only way forward to becoming food secure is by improving yields per acre with use of new technology. He also requested the foreign minister to give utmost importance agriculture development in projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He assured that REAP and its members would stand behind foreign minister in his vision to grow more and export more. He said drought like situation being faced by the country right now makes introduction of drought resistance seed varieties as need of the hour and foreign minister can play a pivotal role in this regard.

Shahzad Ali Malik, Group leader in REAP was of the view that agricultural machinery and seed technology should be sourced to Pakistan from China under CPEC to increase per acre yield and making available more for domestic requirements and to export more.

 

MMBL continues to be the only microfinance bank to secure a ‘Positive Outlook’ by PACRA

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Pakistan’s largest digital bank, Mobilink Microfinance Bank Limited (MMBL) has added yet another feather to its cap by becoming the only microfinance institution in Pakistan to secure a ‘Positive Outlook’ credit rating from Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA) as per its latest Credit Rating Assessments issued on April 30, 2022. Moreover, MMBL is also one of the only two banks attaining a Positive Outlook in the overall banking industry- microfinance or commercial. 

The bank successfully sustained its positive outlook from the previous year and continued to remain outside of the Agency’s watchlist, while also maintaining its A/A1 rating for Long-Term /Short-Term credit profile. MMBL’s remarkable success is reflective of customers’ unflinching faith in the institution, reciprocated equally by the bank through the digitalization and diversification of its operations to better facilitate its users. 

Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, President & CEO MMBL, Ghazanfar Azzam said: “It’s an honor to be the only microfinance institution in Pakistan to secure a positive outlook from PACRA two years in a row despite the economic challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic. As we adjust to the new normal, we would like to extend our earnest gratitude to our customers and stakeholders for their continued trust in us which serves as a strong force, enabling us further towards sustainable business growth. We hope to continue with the winning streak in the years to come.”

Also commenting on the achievement, Chief Finance & Digital Officer Mobilink Bank, Sardar Mohammad Abubakr said: “It is a proud moment for MMBL to be recognized as the only microfinance institution in the industry with a positive business outlook. This wouldn’t be possible without our customers’ persistent faith in us and our team’s tireless efforts to deliver on our commitments to our customers. We will continue with our winning strategy of focusing on untapped opportunities to diversify our operations and generate recurring revenue streams through the deployment of robust digital technologies, aimed at technologically revamping the banking industry in Pakistan.”

MMBL being the largest digital bank in the country has been working to foster access to finance for underprivileged and marginalized segments of society, supported by its massive digital financial ecosystem. It offers a wide range of products and services that provide easy and hassle-free access to quality financial services, empowering millions of customers users including women, households, and small and medium businesses. The digital ecosystem has helped MMBL anchor well in Pakistan’s financial market as an innovative and forward-looking financial institution. This year, the bank is celebrating its 10th anniversary of running successful operations in Pakistan, a period marked by hard work and innovation to foster digital financial inclusion and economic prosperity in the country. 

 

The Aga Khan University Hospitals Clinical Laboratory Clinical Laboratory in Pakistan to Receive the Prestigious Accreditation

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The Aga Khan University Hospitals Clinical Laboratory Re-Accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) for the Third Time, Remains the Only Clinical Laboratory in Pakistan to Receive the Prestigious Accreditation

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The Aga Khan University Hospitals Clinical Laboratory has received the gold standard College of American Pathologists (CAP) accreditation for the third time and remains the only clinical laboratory in Pakistan to receive this prestigious accreditation. This accreditation is a certification that AKUH Clinical Laboratories follow over 3,500 standards to provide our patients timely and accurate results every time.

A team of seven inspectors – practicing professionals qualified through CAP training programme – visited the Aga Khan University Hospital and its Outreach Health Network on a two-day visit from 10 March to 11 March 2022, to audit AKUH laboratory’s quality records, staff qualifications, validation of tests, equipment, facilities, safety programmes and overall management against 3,500+ indicators.

Shagufta Hassan, CEO AKU Outreach Health Network, Pakistan said that the Clinical Laboratories of AKU are a national asset and have grown from one laboratory on its Stadium Road campus in Karachi to over 294 phlebotomy centers and 13 stat-laboratories across 126 cities in Pakistan. “AKU is recognized as a leader in its academic programmes and clinical services.” She continued, “We strive to achieve the highest standards of quality that not only meet but exceed the expectations of their families.”

At the debriefing after the audit, the CAP inspectors expressed their satisfaction and commended the efforts of the teams who were involved in maintaining highest quality standards every day.

“There are no showstoppers in this place. You’re a busy place and you’re a very complex place; it’s probably one of the most complex labs in the world. You have a big checklist with a lot of items, and it takes a strong team, with a lot of deep understanding of the different disciplines [to do this work]. You should be very proud of that,” said Dr Aaron Han, Chief Auditor CAP.

Mr. Suleiman Shahabuddin, President, The Aga Khan University, expressed his gratitude to the team for achieving this milestone for the third time and said, “We have excellent people, who are passionate to deliver highest quality healthcare and have a drive to constantly improve our operations so that our patients and their loved ones are satisfied that they are in good hands.”

“We are committed to the delivery of accurate and timely results for our patients by providing highest levels of quality standards and transparency,” said Dr Farooq Ghani, Director CAP accreditation.

The Aga Khan University Hospitals and the AKU Outreach Health Network, Pakistan has a robust Patient Welfare and Zakat programmes. In 2021 alone, 950,000 patients received Zakat support work PKR 3.7 billion.

 

KCFR signs MoU with Swiss Asian Chamber of Commerce at Davos

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Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  To strengthen trade and economic relations between Pakistan and Switzerland, Pakistani think tank Karachi Council on Foreign Relations has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Swiss Asian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) at Pakistan’s Pavilion at ongoing World Economic Forum Davos yesterday. 

The MoU was signed by Chairman SACC Dr. Urs Lustenberger and Chairman KCFR Mr. Ikram Sehgal while the ceremony was witnessed by a large number of government officials, businessmen and other participants at WEF. The Memorandum ill allow both organizations to collaborate on research projects and in managing different mutual operations including conference, dialogues and forums to enhance trade activities.

SACC Chairman Dr. Lustenberger expressed his immense pleasure on this occasion and stressed that both organizations can learn from strengths and expertise of each other.

While addressing on this occasion KCFR Chairman M. Ikram Sehgal termed the MoU as a first step towards cooperation between KCFR and SACC. This will bring working together in different fields and addressing various issues of concern, Sehgal added.

The Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) is a private organization, providing a forum for all firms, institutions, government bodies and individuals interested in the economic and business relations between Switzerland and Asian nations.

Karachi Council on Foreign Relations (KCFR) is a prominent Karachi based think tank working since 2003 in the fields of Foreign Relations and Economic Affairs.
KCFR holds seminars and conferences on topics relating to National and International issues concerning Pakistan while it regularly interacts with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, institutions, foreign envoys other dignitaries during their visits to Pakistan to meet the objectives spelled out above.

Xiaomi and Leica Camera announce long-term strategic cooperation

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Xiaomi and Leica Camera announce long-term strategic cooperation: A new era of mobile imaging begins in July

On May 23rd, Xiaomi, the world’s leading consumer electronics and smart manufacturing company, and Leica Camera, whose legendary reputation is based on a long tradition of excellent quality, innovative technologies and German craftsmanship, officially announce their strategic cooperation in terms of mobile imaging. The first imaging flagship smartphone jointly developed by the two companies will be officially launched in July this year.

Founded in 2010, Xiaomi is currently the world’s third-largest smartphone manufacturer. Since its establishment 12 years ago, Xiaomi has always practiced the mission of “relentlesslybuilding amazing products with honest prices to let everyone in the world enjoy a better life through innovative technology”, its smartphones and other products are sold in more than 100 countries and regions around the world. With strong R&D strength and continuous long-term investment in technology, Xiaomi has become an important leader in technological innovation in the fields of consumer electronics and smart manufacturing. And in the field of imaging, based on its long-term technical accumulation in lens optics, chips, algorithms, etc., as well as its deep understanding of mobile photography, Xiaomi provides extraordinary photography experiences including portraits, night scenes, and snapshots.

For over 100 years, Leica Camera has been creating lightweight cameras favored by street photographer pioneers and world-class optical lenses, fulfilling the passions of its community. With ingenious optical engineering and formidable craftsmanship, Leica cameras, recognizable by their ‘red dot’ branding, are German engineering at its best and continue to attract new generations of consumers who aspire to achieve “the Leica image look” and own these masterpieces of design. In addition to making precision-crafted masterpieces, Leica attracts well-known photographers and emerging new talents around the world.

Xiaomi and Leica share the same ideas regarding mobile imaging. Both companies are eager to continuously explore the optical performance and photographic experience in the mobile imaging era through extreme technological breakthroughs and aesthetic pursuits.

“Xiaomi focuses on creating the ultimate user experience and has always hoped to explore the capabilities of smartphone photography to the extreme. Xiaomi and Leica agree with each other’s pursuits and ideas and appreciate each other’s advantages and industry. This cooperation will provide a strong boost to Xiaomi’s imaging strategy. During the cooperation, from optical design to tuning aesthetic orientations, the innovative technologies, product philosophies and imaging preferences of both parties have experienced unprecedented in-depth collision and fusion,” says Lei Jun, founder, chairman, and CEO of Xiaomi Group.

“It is an honor to announce the long-term strategic cooperation with Xiaomi today. Leica and Xiaomi are both global premium brands and during this unprecedented deep cooperation process, both parties have successively worked on the goal of providing customers a new era of mobile photography. We are convinced that the first jointly developed imaging flagship smartphone makes the pioneering progress of both companies visible. We will provide consumers in the field of mobile photography exceptional image quality, classic Leica aesthetics, unrestricted creativity, and will open a new era of mobile imaging,” adds Matthias Harsch, CEO of Leica Camera AG.