International Women’s Day – 4.3 million women used Careem for mobility, taking 32+ million trips

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2022, Careem Pakistan released impactful data that showed the trends of women mobility on its platform. During 2016 – 2021, Careem has moved 4.3 million women taking 32 million rides and covering a distance of over 351 million kilometers. The platform also provides income opportunities to 1,685 female Captains across the country who have driven 595,535 rides.

Careem released the data at an event hosted by its senior leadership for female journalists, Captains, care home agents and Colleagues to showcase its efforts to facilitate the progress for women in Pakistan. Careem also announced a 50% discount on women-owned restaurants on its Super App, to encourage more women entrepreneurs to join its platform during the entire month of March. At the event, Legal Aid Society conducted an awareness clinic about basic women’s rights in Pakistan to make empowered decisions in their daily lives and break stereotypes.

Speaking at the occasion, Feroz Jaleel, Country Head Careem Pakistan, stated; “Women face a host of challenges with mobility. At Careem, we are simplifying and improving the lives of Customers, while consistently enabling them to break stereotypes. This is in line with our purpose of building an awesome organisation that inspires. We take pride because 4.3 million women have moved with Careem in the last 6 years, removing the shock factor associated with their mobility.”

Careem revolutionized safe and hassle-free mobility, especially for women over the last 6 years. Public transport was always a challenging option for women to use in Pakistan, particularly because of safety concerns. Today however, millions of women use Careem to get to work and travel across the.

Careem is constantly working to raise the bar on safety. One such example includes a partnership with Mohafiz providing 24/7 on-ground support in case of emergencies. Similarly, all active Captains are screened through NADRA, and other law enforcement agencies portals for background checks and are trained on subjects like gender sensitisation, civic sense and road safety.

Golfers Swing to Support Deaf Education

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Lahore (Nut Desk)

Deaf Reach hosted their 7th Annual Charity Golf Tournament with the support of their title sponsors, KFC Pakistan on Sunday, March 6, 2022.

The 18-hole tournament, held at DHA Golf & Country Club evidenced the community’s overwhelming support with 160 golfers participating, making it Pakistan’s largest ever golfing tournament. It was planned in the 4 Ball Texas Scramble format with teams of 4 players and two flights per hole.  

Support from reputable organizations towards better educational facilities for the deaf persons in Pakistan was visible with leading industry names in attendance. Gold Sponsors for the event were Siddiqsons and Habib Metro. Silver Sponsors included Aeon & Trisl, Dial Zero, Etihad Airways, Engro Foundation, Dubai Islamic Bank and Falcon-I.  

The proceeds of the tournament form part of the Pervez Hanif Scholars Fund formed in honor of the late chief patron of this tournament. The fund overs the education and skills training of 400 students enrolled in Class 6 across the seven Deaf Reach Schools in Sindh and Punjab.

The players and their families along with friends and supporters of Deaf Reach were hosted at a Luncheon and Award Ceremony. This was extra special this year as 18 of Deaf Reach students who had scored A1 Grades in the HEC Part II Board Exams were awarded their graduation certificates and shields.

Richard Geary, Founder – Deaf Reach, and Raza Pirbhai, CEO – KFC Pakistan, and other distinguish guests presented trophies to the winners. Thanking the audience and the organizations who have helped Deaf Reach grow to 7 campuses around Pakistan.

Raza Pirbhai, at the ceremony, spoke of the collective positive impact that the KFC Pakistan – FESF partnership is able to bring to the deaf community. “We are so proud of the excellent work that Deaf Reach is doing to make Pakistan more inclusive and diverse every day. All of us at KFC Pakistan are excited to find ways to deepen our partnership with Deaf Reach towards providing equal opportunities to the deaf community.”

Suzuki Motors sponsored the Hole in One Prize and the players had an absolute adventure trying to score the stunning model of Suzuki Swift, released in 2022.

Some of the winners of the 7th Annual Deaf Reach Golf Tournament were Tabish Sabbah, Zunair Khan, Fahad Ishtiaq, Salman Ali, Azhar Abbas & Faisal Mukaty.

Join the cause to make education a reality for these children, and visit www.deafreach.com for more details.

International Women’s Day Program at Kinnaird College!

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) In celebration of the International Women’s Day 2022, Kinnaird College for Women, Centre for Learning and Cultural Development in partnership with Rouge London , Youth Revolution Clan and Punjab Population Innovation Fund (PPIF) is organizing an event on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 5PM – 9PM. The objective of this event is to celebrate social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

The event will also recognize the achievements of young women who are inspiring today’s youth for a progressive and inclusive Pakistan.

The year 2022 is especially important as it marks the 27th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action; the most progressive roadmap for the empowerment of women and girls, everywhere, the 22nd anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security; and the 12th anniversary of UN Women’s establishment. An interactive panel discussion of inspiring women leaders/activists, parliamentarians, government institutions, academia, sector specialists, media and students will take place.

This will be followed by Excellence Awards presented to leaders in women empowerment and health. Event will be chaired by Dr. Rukhsana David, Principal Kinnaird College for Women. Event will be Co-Chaired by Rizwan Anwar and Miss Maha Jamil.

Foreign Investors remain optimistic on Investment prospects in Pakistan

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), the collective voice of top foreign investors in Pakistan, has unveiled the results of the biennial “Perception and Investment Survey 2021”.

The survey results present an array of insights, shedding light on the increase in confidence of OICCI members on the growth potential of the country and some areas where government attention is required.

OICCI President, Mr. Ghias Khan, in a meeting with the media representative today, shared the salient features of the survey and highlighted that foreign investors are largely positive on several business climate parameters. OICCI members forecast healthy growth of their respective business entities in Pakistan with an overwhelming 80 percent of respondents willing to recommend new FDI in Pakistan. Mr. Ghias Khan  added that “the case for business growth potential and opportunities in Pakistan is supported by over 65 percent of survey respondents indicating their plans to make new investments, out of which 8 out of 10 respondents plan to invest more or similar amounts over the next 1 to 5 years, as compared to the investments they made in the previous corresponding period”.

Foreign investors’ sentiments about the investment and operating conditions in Pakistan, in comparison with regional countries have shown notable improvement, compared to the previous survey, as Pakistan has been rated “Better” ahead of India, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Philippines but behind Indonesia, Malaysia, UAE and China. Survey respondents have been positively influenced, amongst other considerations, by measures easing business operations such as improved banking infrastructure, access to local financing avenues, and repatriation of profits. However, concerns have been shown on area of ease of doing business and perception of Pakistan.

CE/Secretary General, OICCI, M. Abdul Aleem added that “OICCI members have once again emphasized on the need for predictable, consistent, and transparent policy framework and its fair implementation. Governance issues, including ‘Gap in Policy implementation’ continue to remain an area of serious concern along with increasing tax burden and cost of doing business. These factors not only hinder business environment but also contribute to lower FDI in the future.” The survey also highlighted sector-wise issues which OICCI intends to take up with the concerned stakeholders.

While engagement of the federal government with investors has slightly declined compared to the previous survey, OICCI members have acknowledged that senior functionaries in the federal government have shown understanding and commitment to resolve investors’ issues.

Authorities in the provincial government of Sindh has shown improvement versus previous engagement levels. However, respondents have also mentioned that at times, policies and regulations tend to be inconsistent and abruptly introduced with ineffective enforcement. The performance of regulatory bodies also reveals a mixed perception and concerns have been expressed over the excessive regulatory environment in certain areas.

In conclusion, the OICCI Vice President, Amir Paracha commented, “Going forward, we believe the largely positive feedback from foreign investors through PIS 2021 survey need to be leveraged by all the key stakeholders, especially those in the federal and provincial government, and institutions like Board of Investment, FBR, and other regulatory bodies.”

The issues identified need to be addressed on priority and opportunities are to be explored with speed and determination so that Pakistan can accelerate its growth momentum and attract large FDI”. To achieve this, regular and structured engagement with foreign investors, along with a predictable, transparent, and consistent policy framework is imperative. Simplifying the tax regime and increasing positive visibility of Pakistan at international forums will also contribute to improving the perception of the business environment of Pakistan.

 

 

 

Syed Murad Ali Shah, is the only CM to comply with SHC’s Directions on* *Quaid-e-Azam House Museum

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The Board of Management, Quaid-e-Azam House Museum (Flagstaff House) to be led by Syed Murad Ali Shah

 

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, by agreeing to be the Chairman of the Board of Management Quaid-e-Azam House Museum, convinced the board of his commitment to the cause of continuing the legacy of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. 

The Board of Management (BoM), Quaid-e-Azam House Museum (Flagstaff House) – Institute of Nation Building constituted under Sindh Government Notification dated 06th April, 2021, has been authorized to carry on various activities.  The Board is constituted of notables and leaders of their field. This was shared at a press conference held at the Quaid-e-Azam House Museum, Karachi.

Commodore (R) Sadeed A. Malik, Secretary General BoM, in his welcome address, introduced the Members of the Board of Management appointed under Government of Sindh Notification dated 06th April 2021. He said that on the conclusion of the events from 17th to 19th March other events will follow.

In his address, Mr. Liaquat Merchant, Senior Vice-Chairman BoM, shared with the audience some of the activities that will be planned as per the notification. These included establishment of a public library to be called “Jinnah Library”; an audio-visual centre which will display films / documentaries on Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Pakistan Movement and other leaders of Pakistan movement; expand the Museum, which will house the relics and belongings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The Heritage site will be preserved and maintained by the Sindh Government.

 “We will arrange and hold educational and debating-elocution competitions / programs for senior school students; hold art exhibitions; arrange seminars, talk shows and other similar literary events for the benefit of the citizens and younger generation on the aspects leading to creation of Pakistan”, added Mr. Merchant.

Mr Ikram Sehgal elaborated on the Auditorium and stated that a State of Art Auditorium behind Quaid-e-Azam House Museum (Heritage site) is under consideration and the Board of Management awaits approval of the Technical Committee, Heritage Commission of Sindh for carrying out soil testing after which building plans for an underground Auditorium behind Quaid-e-Azam House Museum will be submitted for approval to the Heritage Commission under the Sindh Cultural Heritage (Preservation) Act, 1994 and Rules of 2017. A Concept Paper relating to the Auditorium was prepared and submitted by Syed Akeel Bilgrami Karachi’s reputed architect.

After more than a decade the annual popular event for Karachi school students is being resumed by the Board of Management, Quaid-e-Azam House Museum.

Mrs. Ameena Saiyid who heads the Education Programmed Committee said, the Jinnah Declamation Competition 2022 will be held on 17th, 18th and 19th March, 2022 at Quaid-e-Azam House Museum. Invitations to participate have been issued to 45 Karachi based schools. The elimination contest will be held on 17th& 18th March, while the Final event will be held on 19th March. The topics for students to speak on are: Jinnah’s Pakistan, Pakistan and the Muslim World – Inter-action and Benefits and Pakistan Resolution 1940. Attractive prizes will be given to the first three winning students. Other programmes which will contribute towards Nation Building Exercise will be organized and held on a regular basis.

Judges for the final on the 19th include, Mrs. Nadira Panjwani (Panjwani Charitable Foundation & Trust), Mrs. Naseem Merchant (The Jinnah Society), Mrs. Ameena Saiyid (Lightstone Publishers), Dr. Huma Baqai (IBA, Karachi) and Mr. Arshad Saeed Hussain (Oxford University Press, Karachi-Pakistan).

The event is being sponsored by Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited, The Jinnah Society and Karachi Council on Foreign Relations.

foodpanda join hands with USAID SMEA

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foodpanda join hands with USAID SMEA to enhance culinary expertise of its homechefs

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) To further its mission of strengthening the HomeChef ecosystem in Pakistan, foodpanda collaborated with USAID SMEA (Small and Medium Enterprise Activity), to further enhance the culinary expertise and education of its HomeChefs.

As part of this collaboration, an extensive three days Culinary and Kitchen Management training was organised at College of Tourism and Hotel Management (COTHM) Lahore.

The training consisted of Demonstrations, Practical & Group work and covered key topics like: cooking, baking & desserts, food safety – level 1, menu planning, packaging and temperature management for food delivery, and managing food safety standards.

BARD Foundation Establishes 2 Deans’ Chairs at LUMS

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation has signed a MoU with Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) to establish two Deans’ chairs. These chairs will be funded through an endowment worth PKR 400 million; one at the Suleman Dawood School of Business (SDSB), and the other at the Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS). The chairs are aptly named “Abdul Razak Dawood Chair” and “Bilquis Dawood Chair” to honor the founding members of the foundation.

In attendance were board members of both organizations including BARD Foundation’s Member Board of Governor Mehreen Dawood, LUMS Vice-chancellor Dr. Arshad Ahmad, LUMS Founding Pro Chancellor Syed Babar Ali, Dr. Parvez Hassan and Mr. Shahid Hussain. The event was inaugurated with the official signing of the contract that bound BARD and LUMS on another remarkable journey of success, followed by keynote addresses from notable members of the two organizations.

Speaking about the initiative, BARD Member Board of Governor Mehreen Dawood said, “The spirit of giving back to society is the main reason why we created BARD Foundation. LUMS has been a very important endeavor for my father, Abdul Razak Dawood, because it is an institution that was founded to shape and mold the youth of the country. Over the past 20 years, BARD Foundation has empowered and enabled the youth of Pakistan by allowing them to pursue excellence in their chosen fields and by providing them skills for livelihood.”

Acknowledging Razak Dawood’s and BARD’s unwavering support of LUMS, Syed Babar Ali highlighted that the two research chairs link the foundation with LUMS forever and serve as a token of gratitude to the Razak Dawood family for carrying out the tradition of generous donations since the institute’s inception.

LUMS Vice-chancellor Dr Arshad Ahmad added, “BARD’s ongoing support has been invaluable to further our institutional goals. For over 3.5 decades, Mr. Razak Dawood has provided opportunities to students and helped our business school to excel beyond borders. These research chairs will help LUMS towards our shared goal of strengthening scholarships, fellowships, and friendships that will enhance our relationship with the industry and society at large.”

The BARD Foundation is a venture undertaken by Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood to enable less fortunate individuals to realise their potential as champions in their chosen field. The Foundation’s primary goal is Changing Fortunes with a special focus on Education and Sports. Another is people development through skills. One such initiative of the Foundation is Descon Technical Institute, which imparts vocational skills to enable individuals to change their lives for themselves and their families.

Infinix ZERO 5G available in stores and online now!

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Infinix’s premier 5G smartphone, the Zero 5G is available for sales in stores and online. The highly anticipated 5G smartphone in Pakistan comes with a price tag of PKR 49,999.

Featuring the fifth-generation technology, the ZERO 5G not only provides high speed internet with a seamless connection, but also faster downloads and greater coverage. Despite its premier 5G status, the ZERO 5G is compatible with all networks, including 2G, 3G, and 4G. The Uni-Curve design is made up of a composite material that imitates the look and feel of glass, creating a device that feels premium to touch yet comfortable to hold.

The ZERO 5G comes in three exciting colors: Cosmic Black, Horizon Blue, and Skylight Orange. It supports the AndroidTM 11 operating system, with 6 GB Ram and 128 storage. The ZERO 5G features a crisp 48MP main camera with 30x ultra-zoom comprising of a 13MP portrait camera and 2MP virtual camera. The 30X 48MP zoom camera allows users to capture high-quality photos from a distance. With its 960 fps slow motion capabilities in video mode, the handset allows users to capture moments that even the human eye can miss.

The front camera is 16MP Dual Flash Light coupled with enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) shooting technology that makes users look flattering in all angles and lighting conditions. Infinix is committed to bringing its users a high-quality smartphone experience, by prioritizing ease, innovation, and affordability in all of its tailored devices. The ZERO 5G carries a 5000mAh battery that lasts all day long, with a 33W super-fast charging capacity that is TUV-Certified for safe charging. Zero 5G is available in three beautiful colors Cosmic Black, Horizon Blue, and Skylight Orange.

Ericsson named a Leader in the 2022 Gartner

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Ericsson named a Leader in the 2022 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for 5G Network Infrastructure for Communications Service Providers report

  • Ericsson’s commercial 5G leadership and technology evolution is independently known industry-wide
  • Ericsson positioned as a Leader for the second year in a row

Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has been named a Leader in the 2022 Magic Quadrant for 5G Network Infrastructure for Communications Service Providers report by Gartner.

Published on February 23, Ericsson is recognized in the Leaders quadrant and is positioned highest for its Ability to Execute. Ericsson was also named a Leader in the corresponding 2021 report – the first time Gartner conducted a 5G Network Infrastructure for Communications Service Providers report.

Vendors offering 5G solutions for communications service providers were comprehensively and independently assessed and evaluated by Gartner experts on their Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute, to provide a market snapshot on 5G infrastructure abilities.

Ericsson understands that end-to-end 5G network infrastructure vendors were evaluated on how they enable IT provider performance to be competitive, efficient and effective and to positively impact revenue, retention and reputation within the Gartner view of the market. The assessment of Ability to Execute included Ericsson’s products and services, operations, Sales execution and pricing, Market Responsiveness and Track Record, Marketing Execution, Customer Experience, and Overall Viability.

Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Networks, Ericsson, says: “It is pleasing to see that Ericsson’s 5G vision – from thought leadership through to collaborating effectively with the industry – as well as our second-to-none ability to execute in 5G has, once again been recognized as a Leader by Gartner.

“We consider our positioning in the 2022 Magic Quadrant for 5G Network Infrastructure for Communications Service Providers by Gartner as confirmation of our commitment to always keep the needs of our customers top of mind.”

Ericsson, as an industry leader in 5G networks, currently has 170 commercial 5G agreements with unique communications service providers (CSPs) and powers 114 live 5G networks across the globe.

Ericsson continuously evolves its end-to-end 5G offerings, which include 5G RAN with the energy-efficient Ericsson Radio System, Cloud RAN, Ericsson Silicon, 5G Core, Orchestration, BSS and 5G Transport as well as professional services. The company has introduced innovative software solutions such as Ericsson Spectrum Sharing, 5G Carrier Aggregation and Uplink Booster, which significantly improve coverage, user throughput and spectral efficiency. 

Ericsson has designed the solutions mentioned in the report to support communications service providers (CSPs) in deploying and evolving 5G to ensure the best user experience. In addition, Ericsson Radio System products delivered since 2015 can support 5G New Radio (NR) capability through remote software installation.

Ericsson Digital Services offers a cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core solution for smarter networks to drive smarter business, allowing communications service providers to offer a multitude of new business opportunities for mobile users and industries.

Ericsson’s 5G Core solution combines Evolved Packet Core and 5G Core network functions into a common cloud-native platform that supports 5G NR Standalone and Non-standalone, as well as previous generations for efficient total cost of ownership and smooth migration to 5G.

Download the full report: the 2022 Gartner Magic Quadrant for 5G Network Infrastructure for Communications Service Providers

Dawood Global Foundation held the 13th Anniversary of the LADIESFUND® Women’s Awards for Pakistan 2022 at Sindh Governor House

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Dawood Global Foundation held the 13th Anniversary of the LADIESFUND® Women’s Awards for Pakistan 2022 at Sindh Governor House where over 700 hundred of the most dynamic and inspiring women in Pakistan gathered to celebrate the strength and empowerment of women, as well as acknowledge the great economic contribution of Pakistani women who are not only job creators but all finalists in Trailblazer and Momentum categories. The First Lady of Pakistan Samina Alvi flew in from Islamabad to be Special Guest for the occasion. The Governor of Sindh, Imran Ismail Sahib, was the Chief Guest for the event and State Bank Governor Dr. Reza Baqir was Guest of Honour.

Appreciating LADIESFUND and its team, Begum President told that it has done the tremendous job in empowering the women as it had created various opportunities whether in health or education sector. Speaking on the occasion, Governor of Sindh, Imran Ismail, said that under Kamyab Jawan Program, about 15,000 women had availed the facility of loan. In his official message in the souvenir, he also mentioned, “I would also like to laud LADIESFUND for such a wonderful initiative undertaken last year by introducing the nation’s first night market which brought together 30,000 famlies and featured 100 women SMEs and artisans from across our nation.”

The State Bank Governor Dr Reza Baqir spoke about the various steps taken to increase financial inclusion of women and the numerous collaborations the central bank had with LADIESFUND. LADIESFUND President Tara Uzra Dawood welcomed the guests, saying in her speech, “The intention between the 13th LADIESFUND Women’s Awards for Pakistan is to continue to honour the seen and the unseen from boxing champ Eman Khan to skills developer Saleha in Lasbela to healthy model Sana Sultan and Pakistan’s first female oceanographer Dr. Nuzhat Khan to some of our nation’s highest taxpayers to lifetime achievement winners Justice Majida Razvi and Masarrat Misbah.

We also honour those who we have been blessed to gift a wheelchair to, through our 10,000 wheelchair drive with one of our recipients – the amazing Kinza Hashmi – who did the recitation today.” LADIESFUND Lifetime Achievement Award winners, Justice Majida Razvi & Masarrat Misbah graced the occasion. Ravzi is Pakistan’s first high court judge and Misbah is the woman behind the Depilex empire. National Anthem was sung by blind Mehak Shahid, recitation was by handicapable Kinza Hashmi and a special classical dance performance was by Anjaleen Maryam Agrawalla. Moneeza Butt compered. Begum President presented LADIESFUND® Idol Award to winners Dani, Jamila and Swaleh Alam Khan.

Other winners included People’s Choice winners Rafia Ilyas and Zil Malik (Trailblazer), Hina Usmani (Momentum) and Nirmana Maghani and Pomme Gohar (Women of the Year), all of whom are great contributors to Pakistan. This year’s judges who finalized the slate of nominees included past LADIESFUND winners Yasmeen Lari (2016), Ameena Saiyid (2013), Simi Kamal (2016), Sultana Siddiqui (2008) & Souriya Anwar (2014). Voting was viral via online, radio and television reaching over 1 million homes.

Other pre-announced awards included Pakistan’s first oceanographer Dr. Nuzrat Khan (Pioneer), animal activist Yasmin Ali Zaidi (Angel) and Pakistan’s first healthy model (Sana Sultan). There was an introduction of Educate a Girl by Kashaf Ishaq, daughter of the Governor House’s Head Stewart, followed by a thought piece by Dania Hafeez on Educate a Girl Colorism’s activist work toward combatting discrimination against darker skinned girls. Uzma Tariq and Fakra Jamal spoke about their experience receiving loans through nominations made by LADIESFUND through the State Bank of Pakistan loan scheme.

Spotted at the event were Begum Governor Reema Imran, Senator Nasreen Jalil, Dr. Ishrat Hussain, Senator Nasreen Jalil, Sheema Kermani, Angie Marshall, Maheen Khan, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Shabina Mustafa, Noorjehan Bilgrami, US Consul General Mark Stroh, French Consul General Christian Testot, British Deputy Head of Mission Martin Dawson, German Consul General Holger Ziegeler and his wife Claudia, as well as various diplomats, socialites and dynamic women achievers. Event sponsors were Dawood Family Takaful Ltd. And Mian Muhammad Abdullah Foundation, as well as supporters BRR Modaraba, Dawood Equities Ltd., First Dawood Investment Bank Ltd., and Pioneer Cement. Hospitality Partner was Avari Towers, Beverage Nestle Pakistan, Beauty Depilex, and Floral Zerritta.