News Update Times

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Zong 4G – Pakistan’s cellular and digital services frontrunner and the CSR leader in the local ICT arena – has signed an agreement with the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) to promote gender inclusion in the workplace and beyond. Since its inception, inclusion of women at all levels of employment and society has been as critical to Zong’s CSR as social responsibility has been to Zong’s professional ethos. The partnership with the Pakistani telecom regulator further broadens this very vision of gender diversity.

Zong has always worked relentlessly to build and promote a more gender inclusive workplace and society. Besides giving them a chance to prove their mettle at some of the most critical roles, the company provides women with an equal opportunity to excel at the workplace and in society. By focusing on Inclusive Growth, Zong has played a pivotal role in the uplift of women within and outside the organization.

Some of Zong’s initiatives for women’s inclusion and empowerment within and outside the workplace include: Call centers with 49% female staff (both Pakistani and Chinese); International-standard work from home model for call center staff; Career & development opportunities for female graduates through GTO program; Meaningful celebration of Intl. Women’s Day every year; Focus on mental and physical wellbeing of female employees (sports, gym, yoga, breast cancer awareness, and more); Facilitation services for working mothers and State-of-the-art day care facilities; Setting up of digital labs, vocational training centers for girl students ; Digital training of women through Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF); Enablement of female doctors through Sehat Kahani; CSR Ambassador Program for Zong female volunteers to uplift women in society.

Zong strongly believes that women play an integral role when it comes to a progressive society and realization of the Digital Pakistan vision.

That is the reason why Zong has been accelerating women’s inclusion and empowerment, and taking the lead on this front in the ICT sector. The gender inclusion agreement with PTA will help Zong broaden its horizon further and explore fresh and innovative avenues to not only to include more women in the workplace and give them the chance to grow in their careers, but also work for their enablement and empowerment in the society.

Lahore (NUT DESK)

Global tech giant recently signed Ahad Raza Mir, the heartthrob of this Nation, as the official face of Xiaomi. The sole purpose of this collaboration is to raise brand awareness and engage the audience, for this Ahad will be equipped with the right responses and information as he becomes an active Brand Ambassador for Xiaomi.

This year’s drop, The Redmi Note 11 series, is all about standing all in the face of adversity while staying true to yourself. Rise to the challenge is a call to action to everyone facing hurdles, it’s a reminder that no matter what life throws at you, you’re more than enough. Just hold your head up high and rise to the challenge! 

In the TVC for Redmi Note 11, there is an elephant in the room, the struggles and hurdles faced. The internal battle which is an ongoing dilemma, and how he overcomes them with sheer willpower and Redmi’s support with its features. It’s the journey of how one overcomes and skips hurdles in everyday life while also staying true to who they are. People see the engagement on social media but never the struggles behind them, life is so much more! 

The TVC begins with a question. What is the challenge? It’s me against me, to be better than who I was yesterday is the only challenge that matters. It further moves on and addresses social media where everyone wants appreciation and likes from strangers but staying true to oneself is what really matters in the end. Moving on, the fact that we need to be charged for everyday things so we can win life is highlighted, ending with the note that haters will keep on hating you just have to rise to the challenge and prove them otherwise. The TVC packs short and quirky wordplay which points towards the features offered in this year’s flagship drop.

Xiaomi celebrates their extraordinary and innovative phone launch, Redmi Note 11 series, by bringing forth Team 11, a group of ever daring, enthusiastic young individuals, the crème of the crème, talented beyond imagination, who have overcome all battles thrown at them and rose to the challenge, stronger. Team 11 has names such as Saheefa Jabbar, Haseeb Mirza, The Broad Boy etc. onboard. When life throws any hurdles, may it be getting that one perfect shot or conquering the mountains in life, with your utmost willpower and Redmi Note 11’s supporting features, you can overcome anything.

​​It’s a powerful message to everyone facing negativity and self-doubt, a reminder that nothing is as strong as you are and if you set their mind to something it’s right there for the grab.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  “Unfortunately, a great deal of stigma is associated with breast cancer in our society, therefore, people do not seek clinical help. The death rate of breast cancer in Pakistan is very high which increases the necessity to create awareness regarding the non-contagious disease,” said the honorable First Lady of Pakistan, Begum Samina Alvi while addressing the audience at the ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Session 2022’, organized by the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, Feminist Society (iFem) at the IBA Main Campus.

The First Lady graced the event as the distinguished guest, while other attendees included medical professionals, social activists and IBA students, faculty, and staff.

The seminar aimed to spread maximum awareness regarding breast cancer; echo the importance of early detection; and the role of regular self-examination. The panel of speakers demonstrated how to self-examine oneself, while a breast cancer survivor shared her story of courage in beating the disease.

The First Lady appreciated the initiative taken by the IBA Karachi to organize such sessions where students of both genders were present.

The seminar started as Ms. Ayesha Jameel, a breast cancer survivor shared her journey. “It is a painful disease, but if you want to live for yourself and your loved ones then you must fight it,” she said, emphasizing on the need to knowing one’s body so any abnormality needs to be reported and timely diagnosed so that timely treatment can be received.

The session proceeded as Dr. Zubaida Qazi, Founder President, Pink Pakistan delivered a detailed session on breast cancer causes, precautions and self-examination procedures. She highlighted that most people in our society believe in self-medication and do not visit doctors which results in women consulting doctors at a much later stage which reduces their chances of survival.

Dr. Qazi reiterated that women over the age of 40 years should go for mammogram screenings once every year, whereas women below this age bracket must self-examine themselves once a month to keep aware of one’s breast health. Women should take signs and symptoms very seriously to get proper treatment. She encouraged women to put themselves on priority and to lead a healthy lifestyle. She stressed the need for men to be aware of the disease too as they will be the ones providing emotional support to women during their treatment.

She also suggested that government should somehow bear the expenses the treatment of breast cancer for underprivileged people either in the form of Sehat Card or any other scheme to facilitate the public.

Ms. Shaheera Siddiqui, Senior Vice President, Hawwa (an NGO), member of breast cancer awareness (BCA) task force and IBA alumna, shed light on the importance of initiatives taken by the government to take the situation in control and shared that Pakistan has the highest mortality rate in breast cancer than any other Asian country and considering the emergency, the President of Pakistan, Mr. Arif Alvi and the First Lady started the campaign to create awareness, which has now grown into a task force which not only works in the month of October but throughout the year.

Dr. Samia Khan, Social Activist and member of the BCA task force said, “Breast cancer is not a disease diagnosed in women only, but it is also diagnosed in men, too. The existence of breast cancer has increased in males as the count of cases has shifted from 1 out of 1000 to 1 out of 100.”

The seminar ended with a Q&A session. The souvenirs were presented to the distinguished guest and speakers. The session concluded with a bake sale, the proceedings from which will be donated for breast cancer treatment and awareness.

 

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) is pleased to announce its 1st international ‘Pakistan Engineering and Healthcare Show 2022’ being organized at the historic & cultural capital of Pakistan, Lahore. As you are aware, TDAP is the premier government organization on trade facilitation and promotion and mandated to have a widespread approach on the development of trade & businesses and flourish export culture in the country. Staying true to its function, TDAP has explored innovative ways for facilitating Pakistani entrepreneurs and business sectors to explore new horizons of international export markets and strengthen their linkages globally.

Keeping in view the need for trade and market diversification, TDAP is organizing the first ever “Engineering and Healthcare Show, 2022”, scheduled to be held from 25th February to 27th February, 2022 in the Expo Centre, Lahore.

This mega exhibition will witness international delegates from 46 countries of Africa and Central Asian Republics (CARs) countries. TDAP is striving towards developing the non-traditional sectors of Pakistan in order to make them the engines of export growth. The engineering sector is one such emerging sector, which will allow Pakistan to ascend the value chain for its exports.

In this event, all leading 21 product categories from the engineering and health sectors will be showcased. These engineering & healthcare products include agricultural machinery, safety equipment, surgical instruments, sports goods, musical instruments, auto-parts, gems & jewellery, cosmetics, furniture, rubber and its allied products, packaging, plastic and its implements, stationery, paperboard, electrical machinery, cookware, marble, minerals, steel and iron, construction material, cutlery, mobile devices, handicrafts, pharmaceutical, and chemicals etc.

The purpose of this event is to link our existing exporters and enterprises with the foreign businesses/buyers and to strategize our entry into these untapped and potential markets so that they may align their production in accordance with world demand, provide an opportunity to our SMEs to showcase their products to international buyers and explore opportunities for investments, joint ventures, brand franchising and promote the softer image of Pakistan.

Get Real Power of 6nm in Your Hands with realme 9i – Open for Pre-orders in Pakistan

Your excruciating wait to get the realme 9i is almost over, pre-order phase runs from Feb. 21 – Feb. 25, 2022

Fans of realme across Pakistan can rejoice at the exciting news that the launch of realme 9i is taking place today. realme is announcing the price for their next-level power product realme 9i at 07:00 PM on their official Facebook page along with opening pre-orders that run from Feb. 21 to Feb. 25, 2022. All for the exciting price of PKR 36,999/-.

realme’s deep commitment to democratization of technology is underscored with their tech-leap in the realme 9 Series that gets all the advanced, flagship features for an economical price point. This commitment is carried forward with the latest smartphone in the number series – the realme 9i. Next level power, stunning photography capabilities, and long-lasting battery life, are only some of the main strengths offered by the new handset.

The pre-order for realme 9i kicks-off on Monday, February 21, 2022, and brings an exciting offer to the table for consumers. As a special gift for pre-ordering the new phone, realme is giving away the realme Buds Classic with every order! However, don’t wait too long to snatch this deal, as the pre-order window ends on Friday, February 25, 2022, and with it the exclusive Buds Classic bundle offer will expire.

The new realme 9i comes in two exciting color variants: Prism Blue and Prism Black. A single memory variant exists for the realme 9i which comes with 6GB RAM (expandable up to 11GB with Dynamic RAM Expansion Technology) and 128GB ROM. The realme 9i’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 Processor allows for a faster, smoother user experience with its 6nm Advanced Process which is further supported by the 90Hz refresh rate display. The 50MP AI Triple Camera comes with multiple tools to help you capture the perfect shot such as a 2MP Macro Lens, and a 2MP Black & White Lens. The battery life becomes a worry of the past with the deadly combination of the realme 9i’s 33W Dart Charge and its massive 5,000mAh battery.

After much anticipation, it can be revealed that the realme 9i will go on sale for PKR 36,999/- following its launch. So, head down to your nearest local mobile store and access next-level power by pre-ordering the new smartphone!

With the new year in full swing now, we have come across some really interesting activities from your favorite brands. Some are busy launching new products, others making fun advertisements, and some bringing engaging content for your feed. One such activity was presented to us by TECNO Mobile Pakistan. In collaboration with Discover Pakistan, TECNO brings a guide for all users on how Camon 18 Premier could be your best choice for all your adventurous trips.

This collaboration focuses on supporting tourism and discovering beautiful places in Pakistan while using the latest camera phone from TECNO – Camon 18 Premier. The brand sponsored the segment “Madventure” of Discover Pakistan and two episodes have already been posted online. These episodes covered two different destinations, wandering through places, meeting locals, having fun exploring what these places were with the amazing camera of TECNO Camon 18 Premier.

The host highlighted how the Gimbal Camera Technology, 60x Hyper Zoom, and Main 64MP “Clear shot all-round” features of the Camon 18 Premier helped him shoot even in difficult places. He was seen capturing pictures, videos, and even selfies with the locals using the stylish phone. These ventures are a guiding tour for TECNO Fans to help them capture moments in their own trips be it with friends, family, or travelogue for their own using the “Clear shot all-round” Camon 18 Premier.

The first episode of Madventure with TECNO Camon 18 Premier explored the Seven Sisters, beautiful and historic tunnels in Attock. The host used the phone to explore the dense wild patch around the tunnels to let us see the surrounding of their destination. Whereas, for the second episode, Madventure took us through the thrilling Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally. This event is one of the most looked after by enthusiasts and is celebrated in full swing in the month of January and February every year.

So, Discover Pakistan with TECNO Camon 18 Premier brought this exciting opportunity for the fans to witness this thrilling venture virtually. As the CEO of TECNO Mobile Pakistan, Kelvin Zeng said previously when this venture was announced, “this is our small gesture towards promoting the tourism culture in the country and to inspire TECNO users to capture the beautiful landscapes using Camon 18 Premier phone.” TECNO has surely taken a step ahead of its competitors in promoting Pakistan’s beauty globally.

We are sure more exciting episodes will be coming our way from TECNO and Discover Pakistan covering trips from the North to the South of Pakistan. Fingers crossed for what more is to come our way!

For more updates, visit the official social media pages for TECNO Mobile and Discover Pakistan.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) The global trade in liquefied natural gas (LNG) increased 6% to 380 million tonnes during 2021 as many countries rebounded from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Shell’s latest annual LNG Outlook published today.

Rising LNG demand, combined with supply constraints, caused gas and LNG prices to remain volatile throughout the year. Prices reached record levels in October 2021 as Europe, with historically low storage levels, struggled to secure LNG cargoes to meet expected winter gas demand.

The volatility emphasises the need for a more strategic approach to secure reliable and flexible gas supply in future to avoid exposure to price spikes. An LNG supply-demand gap is forecast to emerge in the mid-2020s and focuses attention on the need for more investment to increase supply and meet rising LNG demand, especially in Asia.

“Last year showed just how crucial gas and LNG are in providing communities around the world with energy they need as they strived to get back on track following the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.” said Wael Sawan, Integrated Gas, Renewables and Energy Solutions Director at Shell.

“As countries develop lower-carbon energy systems and pursue net-zero emissions goals, focusing on cleaner forms of gas and decarbonisation measures will help LNG to remain a reliable and flexible energy source for decades to come.”

LNG exports grew in 2021 despite a number of unexpected outages that dented LNG available for delivery. The USA led export growth with a year-on-year increase of 24 million tonnes and is expected to become the world’s largest LNG exporter in 2022.

China and South Korea led the growth in LNG demand in 2021. China increased its LNG imports by 12 million tonnes to 79 million tonnes, surpassing Japan to become the world’s largest LNG importer.

During 2021 Chinese LNG buyers signed long-term contracts for more than 20 million tonnes a year, signalling an ongoing role for LNG in coal-to-gas switching in powering key sectors and helping to reach its ambition to be carbon neutral by 2060.

Overall, global LNG demand is expected to cross 700 million tonnes a year by 2040, a 90% increase on 2021 demand. Asia is expected to consume the majority of this growth as domestic gas production declines, regional economies grow and LNG replaces higher-emissions energy sources, helping to tackle concerns over air quality and to help progress towards carbon emissions targets.

LNG has a key role to play to further the use of renewable energy and as a backup in the event of intermittent supply. Brazil, for example, tripled imports of LNG during 2021 – to over 7 million tonnes – as persistent dry weather led to weaker hydropower generation.

Successful efforts to reduce emissions from natural gas and develop cleaner pathways will bolster this role. During 2021, momentum picked up for decarbonising the LNG value chain with several announcements around investments to address emissions.

To view Shell’s LNG Outlook 2022, visit www.shell.com/lngoutlook

Carrefour Launches Ramadan Donation Drive by Partnering with  Alkhidmat Foundation

•  Carrefour and Alkhidmat Foundation signed an MOU to support individuals & families in need during the Ramadan season.
• Carrefour will offer customers the option to share their Ramadan charity donations to Alkhidmat Foundation.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Carrefour, owned and operated by Majid Al Futtaim in Pakistan, and Alkhidmat Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on 21 February, during a special ceremony hosted in Lahore. The agreement sees the leading retailer and humanitarian NGO collaborate to support individuals & families in need during the holy month of Ramadan.

The MOU was signed in the presence of Umer Lodhi, Country Manager of Carrefour Pakistan at Majid Al Futtaim Retail, and Engr. Ahmed Hammad Rasheed, President of Alkhidmat Foundation.

Carrefour and Alkhidmat will be helping thousands of individuals and families in unfortunate circumstances during the holy month. Support will be lent to the entire Alkhidmat Foundation network across Pakistan.

Carrefour Pakistan will promote special Ramadan offers for Carrefour customers across 10 nationwide stores. In addition, it will be promoting its Ramadan Essentials Boxes which will be donated to thousands of Alkhidmat beneficiaries through Carrefour outlets.

Umer Lodhi, Country Manager of Carrefour Pakistan at Majid Al Futtaim Retail welcomed the partnership, “We feel humbled to be a part of a significant nationwide donation drive that will extend much needed relief to thousands of people during the month of giving.”

“This is especially important given the tough circumstances that individuals and families are experiencing. Knowing this, we are aware that much is required to provide relief to the deserving communities of Pakistan. We are proud of being a part of this effort that helps secure the future of several families, celebrating Ramadan through giving back.” He stressed.

While expressing his appreciation, Engr. Ahmed Hammad Rasheed, President Alkhidmat Foundation said, “It requires effort, commitment, and investment to be able to plan such major donation drives across Pakistan and we are greatly thankful to Carrefour Pakistan for stepping in to support us in this noble effort during the coming month of Ramadan. We intend to provide relief to struggling families and bring joy back into their livelihoods.”