News Update Times

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Easypaisa, the country’s leading digital payments platform, has partnered with the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) to digitize the conventional fee collection mechanism. FBISE is a unique entity amongst the Public Sectors organizations with the potential of compatibility to meet the requirements of modern modes of financial transactions. This collaboration, which materialized due to the robust nature of both parties, will enable all fee payments related to FBISE to be paid seamlessly through the Easypaisa platform.

The Prime Minister’s ‘Digital Pakistan’ initiative is rapidly spreading to administrative ecosystems with numerous government departments and institutions shifting towards online processes, especially with respect to payments. FBISE is one of the organizations to have taken a lead in the sphere of digital Pakistan. Easypaisa has been at the forefront of consistent efforts in this regard playing a major role in developing a digital ecosystem that is beneficial for all Pakistanis. FBISE is amongst a host of other government organizations that have shifted towards online fee collection through Easypaisa through this integration, the Easypaisa platform will provide a secure and convenient medium of fee collection to FBISE that will considerably streamline the existing payment process.

Speaking at the development, Shahzad Khan, Head of Channels, Easypaisa said; “Since inception, our objective at Easypaisa has been to revolutionize Pakistan’s financial landscape where digital payments are seamless and accessible to all Pakistanis in a simple manner. Over the years, we have evolved drastically from a basic peer-to-peer money transfer service into a comprehensive infrastructure that can now serve as the enabler for individuals and businesses across Pakistan to transact digitally. This partnership with FBISE is another step towards personification of our ability to create significant value chains through the power of collaboration and technology.”

Talking about advancement, Qaisar Alam, Chairman FBISE quoted “Apart from other innovation in the process of FBISE including system based examination, online services for the students/institutions etc., FBISE has achieved another milestone by signing this agreement now students can deposit fee from home and avail hassle free online services without visiting FBISE office.”

Easypaisa has significantly increased the number of partners and scope of its services in recent times with over 250 unique billers now part of the application’s diverse portfolio. With over 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.

Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir) Pakistan’s largest digital bank, Mobilink Microfinance Bank (MMBL) showcased its digital banking initiatives and women’s access to financial services at the ongoing Dubai Expo 2020. President & CEO MMBL, Ghazanfar Azzam shared MMBL’s efforts in promoting financial inclusion in an integral event at the Pakistan Pavilion, “Women of Pakistan: Leading a Change”, organized by the Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP), an apex body of employers in Pakistan that spearheads the private sector in matters of employment, industrial relations, social and economic policy.

 

Mastercard Women SME Leaders Awards 2022 is open for nominations from women-owned and run businesses in the region

 

• Celebratory awards aligned with Mastercard’s global commitment to connect 25 million women entrepreneurs to the digital economy by 2025, as part of its goal to build a more sustainable and inclusive world

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Entrepreneurial women across the world are leading the way in tapping into the power of the digital economy to succeed and grow. As a celebration of their achievements, Mastercard has announced the inaugural Women SME Leaders Awards 2022, the first initiative of its kind to recognize and further empower women-owned and run SMEs in the Middle East and Africa.

Nominations are now open for the awards and can be submitted HERE by 28 February 2022 while those interested in attending the virtual awards ceremony, during which the winners will be announced on 29 March 2022, can register HERE.

Small enterprises in trading owned and run by women and with a turnover of less than US$13.6 million (AED50 million) and employing between six to 50 people are all invited to participate.

All female individuals or businesses who have their headquarters or offices in the Middle East and Africa or offer their services to these markets can submit their nominations for one or more of the 22 awards. The awards allow for individuals to win in more than one category.

“At Mastercard, we believe that women-owned businesses are the catalyst for economic growth, improving the lives of everyone, everywhere. The passion that women SME owners display is unmatched and they raise the bar for everyone. That is why Mastercard has curated the Women SME Leaders Awards to recognize and celebrate women entrepreneurs across Middle East and Africa,” said Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA for Mastercard.

The awards are jointly curated by the Entrepreneur Middle East team who will vet shortlisted companies and then pass onto the judging committee that will be chaired by Mastercard.

Following the independent evaluation of the shortlisted candidates by each of the judges, the winners will be decided by a vote. The Women SME Leaders Awards 2022 judging committee consists of:

• Amnah Ajmal, Executive Vice President, Market Development, EEMEA for Mastercard
• Mona Zulficar, Chairperson of EFG Hermes Holding
• Nejoud Al Mulaik, Director of Fintech Saudi and
• Tamara Pupic, Managing Editor of Entrepreneur Middle East

The awards stemmed out of the inaugural Mastercard SME Confidence Index conducted last year which revealed that 81% of women entrepreneurs in the Middle East and Africa have a digital presence for their businesses, compared to 68% of their male counterparts. In terms of the digital footprint of these women entrepreneurs, social media (71%) leads the way, followed by a company website (57%).

These findings were aligned with Mastercard’s global commitment to connect 25 million women entrepreneurs to the digital economy by 2025, as part of its goal to build a more sustainable and inclusive world. The index further suggested that growing confidence levels in digital as a business imperative, is tied to a deeper understanding and wider recognition among SMEs of the advantages that result from a growing digital economy.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The Lahore Chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) welcomed the Global Chairman of EO, Mr. David Anderson on his first ever visit to Pakistan. Established in 1987, Entrepreneurs’ Organization is a high-quality support network of more than 15,600 business leaders in over 60 countries with more than 200 local chapters, that serves the unique needs of the entrepreneur. As the world’s only peer-to-peer network exclusively for entrepreneurs, EO aims to help business leaders achieve their full potential by enabling transformational growth. EO members consist of entrepreneurs and founders of businesses making more than US$1 million in annual revenue. EO’s chapters bring together the local entrepreneurial community and connects members with thought-leaders and peers through various forums.

President Lahore Chapter, Mr. Mohsin Khawaja shared how the Organization has helped local entrepreneurs through the power of connections, collective knowledge and experience, and collaborative learning. He also stated, “It is a matter of immense pride for the Pakistani entrepreneurial community to see our members being recognized on a global scale. One of our members has become the Regional Chair for Middle East, Pakistan and Africa region which is a great achievement.”

During the two-day tour, Mr. Anderson met with Syed Babar Ali, renowned Pakistani businessman and philanthropist, and visited some members’ company headquarters. To showcase the rich culture of Pakistan, the trip included a guided tour of Lahore’s historic walled city and a live viewing of PSL cricket match at Gaddafi Stadium. A Dinner and Ghazal night was hosted by EO President Council Member, Mr. S.M. Imran (Ex Vice Chairman LDA) in honour of newly appointed EO MEPA’s Regional Chair, Mr. Khurram Saleem. Mr. Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar, Governor of Punjab and Mr. Shahzad Gill, Special Assistant to Prime Minister, graced the ghazal night with their presence.

Mr. Anderson said, “It is amazing to see this great chapter having a huge economic impact on the local community. I have learned a lot about the businesses of the distinguished members and also about the positive effect they are having in the community around them. While we as entrepreneurs want to make ourselves better, we change the world everyday through the work that we do, and clearly the Lahore chapter is exemplifying the EO vision.”

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Telenor Pakistan takes great pride in leading the way when it comes to workplace inclusion and has established itself as a true leader in diversity. In line with this commitment, Telenor Pakistan has launched its 7th cohort of the Naya Aghaz program to drive women’s reintroduction into the workforce. The Naya Aghaaz program, first launched in 2014, was designed to create aninventive way of acquiring talent that aims to get women back to work giving them an opportunity to re-invent themselves in their careers.

The recent batch of Naya Aghaaz associates comprises of 11 women, from various geographical, educational and professional backgrounds, who will be placed in varying roles, including gaming, growth hacking, segments, HR partnering, field operations, revenue assurance, tax accounting and B2B enterprise solutions, throughout their 9-month long tenure.Since its inception, Naya Aghaaz has opened doors to not only cater to an untapped segment of the nation’s talented workforce, but also create a fresh pool of skilled resources that are better prepared to overcome challenges and break stereotypes. Since its launch, Telenor Pakistan has hired a total of 105 associates with a conversion rate of 40%.

Speaking to the press on the occasion, Chief Human Resource Officer, Telenor Pakistan, Oystein Bakken said, “We work outside the box, we work together and we strive to come up with new and practical opportunities that promote social development and the betterment of every individual, irrespective of gender. It’s our responsibility as an influential organisation to set the bar high when it comes to inclusion, both within and outside the workplace. Inclusion of women specifically holds the potential to have far-reaching social impacts that empower them to make significant contributions to the socioeconomic development of their families and communities. As we have seen in the past, we hope to see more companies take inspiration from Telenor Pakistan in creating workplace cultures that empower women to get back to work and thrive in leadership roles.”

Renowned for its progressive values, Telenor Pakistan has designed a number of initiatives over the years that offer women the tools necessary to succeed. Last year, the network also partnered with the World Bank to train more than 1,100 women entrepreneurs on design thinking skills, as a part of the Girls Learn, Women Earn initiative as it continues to inspire women taking up roles in our society that further add to the socioeconomic development of the country. In addition to upskilling that comes with the program, Telenor Pakistan further offers facilities like mental health counselling, customized learning calendars, mentorships, placement support, flexible work and Naya Aghaaz alumni connect to name a few. The organisation remains motivated towards offering women practical work opportunities and training to improve their career prospects and prepare them for the world we know today and anticipate in the future.

 

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)  Pakistan Hi-Tech Hybrid Seed Association (PHHSA) terming the imposition of 17 per cent sales tax on seeds as last nail in the coffin of the industry has said it will negatively impact the access to quality seeds due to increased cost to seed industry, farmers and end users. The observation was passed at the first executive committee meeting of the newly formed Association held here the other day with its founding chairman Shahzad Ali Malik in the chair. The meeting was attended by its executive committee members who discussed range of matters facing by the sector.

The Chairman briefed on future plan of action for the advocacy and promotion of the Hybrid seed sector and allied technology. He said we have now big responsibility to deliver to meet the aspiration of our members and align our goals with the national economic agenda. He said it is incumbent upon the members of the association to work for the common objectives of the Hi-tech Hybrid seed sector and to create congenial business environment through ease of doing business and friendly regulatory framework. Lamenting levy of 17 per cent sales tax on the seed sector, he feared it may lead and discourage use of hybrid seed and reduce yield of major crops like cotton, Rice, Wheat, Maize, vegetable and edible oil etc.

The levy of 17% sales tax has created unrest amongst all stakeholders especially Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan and All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, Crop Life Association, Farmers Associations and FPCCI and Pakistan Hi-Tech Hybrid Seed Association. ‘It is misfortune that the very first adventure for PHHSA soon after grant of trade body license is to resist this sales tax levy by giving logical and convincing argument to the decision makers,’ he added. PHHSA is committed to achieve import substitution and production of local quality seeds at affordable prices and explore export targets provided Government patronize the sector by introducing proper incentives schemes and regulatory reforms.

Shahzad Ali Malik said during the recent years the pace of new Hybrids is slow in Pakistan only because of lack of regulatory and fiscal incentives and there seems challenges for PHHSA to act as game changer for turning local production of Hybrid Seed which will require huge investment on R&D. He urged the Government to immediately withdraw the 17% sales tax on seed sector which is backbone of agriculture and GDP of Pakistan having direct bearing on the livelihood of poor farmers and middle class depending mainly on agriculture sector and produce. He said there is zero sales tax on seeds in India and same is the case with Thailand and other seed exporting and importing countries.

PHHSA executive committee had detailed deliberations and devises a strategy to persuade FBR Chairman, Finance Minister, Food & Agriculture Minister and the Prime Minister of Pakistan for withdrawal of this sales tax levy. The PHHSA EC members also discussed the hurdles and restrictions imposed by the local administration during Wheat Seed Transportation within Tehsils, Districts and Province in the wake of Government wheat procurement activity.

Engro Fertilizers highlights the role of Pakistan towards promoting regional food security at Expo 2020 Dubai

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Engro Fertilizers, Pakistan’s premier seed-to-harvest solutions provider, hosted an insightful dialogue at Expo 2020 Dubai to highlight the food security situation in the Gulf and the potential partnership opportunities with Pakistan to overcome the regional food security challenges.

The panel comprised global agricultural and industry experts including Dr. Abdul Rashid (IFA Laureate), Charles Schneider (International Finance Corporation), Ayman Alwadhy (The Corporate Group, UAE), Wasim Halabi (Foodco National Foodstuff Co PJSC), Fredric Favre (MAS Seeds, France) and Khusrau Nadir Gilani (Engro Fertilizers). The event was also graced by Mr. Hussain Dawood (Chairman of Engro Corporation and Dawood Corporation), Mr. Shahzada Dawood (Vice Chair, Engro Corporation), Ghias Khan (President & CEO of Engro Corporation) and Nadir Salar Qureshi (CEO of Engro Fertilizers), along with other members of the Engro leadership team.

The expert panel pointed out that food security in the Gulf region is a growing challenge due to high dependence on food imports, increasing water scarcity, climate change and supply chain interruptions. In 2020, the region’s share of the acutely food insecure global population was 20%, which is disproportionately high compared to its 6% share of the population. By forging partnerships in the agricultural sector with large established sustainable agri-base countries, like Pakistan, the region can benefit from enhanced agricultural output to overcome its food security challenge.

There is significant potential to increase Pakistan’s agricultural output with focus on modern technology, seed quality, balanced use of fertilizers, and uplift of infrastructure across the agri value chain. It was noted that if average farmer yields are brought at par with those of progressive farmers within the country, Pakistan will see a dramatic increase in wheat and rice production serving not only the needs for domestic consumption, but also create significant surpluses for exports to the Gulf-Region. The Government of Pakistan was also applauded for its efforts to improve water provision and farm economics, resulting in an increase of approximately 1.6 million hectares in area under cultivation with further growth anticipated with large irrigation projects underway.

According to Nadir Qureshi, “To bridge the agri yield gap and enrich crops with essential nutrients, Engro Fertilizers has introduced innovative products and seed-to-harvest solutions, farmer upskilling programs, access to expert advice by leveraging technology, and free of cost soil testing laboratories. We hope that this dialogue will serve as an initial step to encourage Pakistan, Engro and Gulf entities to work together to jointly develop innovative solutions and explore the scope for international partnerships in the agri space.”

The panel discussion concluded that the food and agriculture sector can be an engine of economic growth for both the Gulf region and Pakistan. Through the adoption of technological innovation and sustainable practices, the agricultural sector of Pakistan can be transformed to reduce dependence on food imports, create surpluses to drive significant exports and meet the Gulf regions’ dietary nutrition requirements.