Cellular Mobile Operators opposing the Govt’s move for jacking up the Withholding Tax

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-Business)

The Cellular Mobile Operators have opposed the government’s move for jacking up the Withholding Tax (WHT) by 50 percent, increasing it from 10 to 15 percent on customers in the upcoming mini budget for 2021-22. The federal cabinet is most likely to take up the Tax Laws Fourth Amendment Bill for approval in today’s meeting (Tuesday) under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran khan.

The sources said that the government had brought down the WHT rate from 12.5 percent to 10 percent on the eve of the last budget for 2021-22 and it made a commitment that it would be further brought down to 8 percent in the next budget for 2022-23.

“Now the government is making reversal from its commitment, then how investment can be lured in such circumstances when there is no certainty in policies,” said the sources working in telecom sector and added that it would be disastrous if the internet services or SMS would be brought under the tax net.

The cabinet had opposed such moves in the last budget and it was hoped that it would be resisted again because if the WHT was jacked up by 50 percent, then no one from the market would trust any official word from the incumbent government.

“How the CMOs could put in place medium to long term investment plans when there is complete uncertainty in policy-making process,” they raised the question and added that under the IMF program, this booming sector would be made a scapegoat for the short-term objectives.

The government is looking to increase the WHT from 10pc to 15pc in the upcoming mini-budget — a reversal of the WHT reduction announced in the federal budget 2021-22, just a reflection of the overall governance model pursued by the incumbent regime.

They also argued that out of over 220 million, approximately 2.9 million file taxes, which is one percent of the total population.

Even though a majority of the country’s population had non-taxable income, they are paying the WHT, which they can never claim back. So this kind of withholding tax becomes part of national kitty although it was claimed by the official circles that it was adjustable and refunds could be taken back after filing due Income Tax return.

************

realme Gave the Entry-level Market a real Quality Overhaul with its C-Series

Posted on by admin

How realme Brought real Quality in 2021 through its C-Series Line-up?

realme Gave the Entry-level Market a real Quality Overhaul with its C-Series

realme unveiled its league of C-Series smartphones with TÜV Rheinland High Reliability Certification thereby bringing true quality and great value-for-money to its consumers

realme’s entry-level C-Series is synonymous with being budget friendly. But that’s not all it offers. The league of stellar phones with high-end features are a class apart in not just affordability but their secret ingredient i.e. Quality. At the beginning of 2021, realme secured the world’s first TÜV Rheinland High Reliability Certification for its C-Series smartphones, making them the gold standard of quality and reliability amongst entry-level smartphones.

The realme C-Series has received an excellent response from realme fans, resulting in over 32 million C-Series sales worldwide. The C-Series caters to the hectic routine and go-getter approach of the youth that perfectly aligns with the brand’s slogan ‘Dare to Leap’. The brand empowers youth to explore new opportunities and maximize their experience wherever they go and is synonymous with technological innovation and quality expertise. It is dedicated to optimizing the youth’s experience with premium performance and powerful experience, making realme the best value brand in terms of quality and money.

Topping the charts amongst them were realme C21, realme C21Y, realme C25, realme C25s, realme C25Y. While the entire C-Series line-up offered something for everyone and suited all pockets, realme C25s was a hot favourite amongst users. Here’s what made the realme C25s stand out from the crowd throughout 2021:

Performance:

The performance of a powerhouse is what realme C25s promises right from the start. It’s fitted with a MediaTek Helio G85 Gaming Processor that makes gaming an exhilarating experience. Since gaming is all about crisp graphics and no lag, Helio G85 keeps the fun running and doesn’t let you get bored with lag-free and super smooth gameplay.

Battery:

So, gaming can be addictive and one doesn’t want the fun to end. To cover that up, realme C25s comes with a 6,000mAh mega battery that gives you a good two day-run on a single charge. So, indulge in all the gaming and fun stuff on social media apps with a battery that doesn’t tire. And if it runs out, then the 18W Quick Charge fuels it back up superfast.

Camera:

Now what’s a camera that is affordable yet doesn’t take good photos? That’s a problem you’ll never face with realme C25s. Its 48MP AI Triple Camera is a photography experience like none other in its price bracket – crisp, well defined, bright images that can tickle the photographic senses in you. It takes great photos in dimly lit situations, so all the indoor night hangouts can create great memories with the realme C25s.

Display:

You’re into gaming or spending time gorging on video streams on different apps – but what’s that one thing that keeps you engaged? The phone’s display. It has to be picturesque and large, else the experience isn’t fully immersive. With realme C25s, you get a 6.5-inch screen space that a lot to handle. It captures your most vivid imaginations while socializing, or keeps you hooked during your favourite gameplay. It’s a wide field of view allowing for pretty less noise and visual disturbance.

 

 

RMI celebrates its 100th kidney transplant surgeries in KP

Posted on by admin

PESHAWAR (NUT DESK) Fully endorsing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s initiative of ensuring better health services to general people through Sehat Card, the private sector is practically contributing to the government’s efforts of complete health cover to population across the province. As part of this mission, a private sector health entity Rehman Medical Institute (RMI) has operated 100 kidney transplant surgeries including over 50 free of cost cases under the provincial government’s Sehat Card, in Peshawar.

The institute has established the Kidney Transplant Unit to provide state-of-the-art inpatient and outpatient healthcare to ensure complete cure. The RMI arranged a ceremony in Peshawar to celebrate its 100 successful kidney transplant surgeries and appreciate the KP government’s Sehat Card launched early this year to facilitate poor & marginalized population. The ceremony was attended by senior surgeons, healthcare professionals, patients and staff of RMI. While sharing the success of patients’ healthcare, Dr. Taqi F. Toufeeq Khan, Professor and Consultant Transplant Surgeon RMI, told the audience that the KP government’s Sehat Card has provided opportunity to get free-of-cost healthcare services and RMI has endorsed the government’s commitment and expanded its operations and treated patients.

The patients have not only treated but also ensured their one-month post-surgery examination for their healthy diet and timely medication, he said. He also said that RMI has managed 95 percent success in healthcare of patients through inpatient and post-health services. “We not only provide transplant but regularly monitor patient’s health to maintain our success percentage,” he maintained. Dr. Taqi also informed that they are expanding their Kidney Transplant Unit to provide global healthcare services to the patients through experienced and foreign qualified doctors and para-medical staff. In his remarks, Head of Nephrology RMI, Dr. Nisar Anwar, said that under the Sehat Card program, RMI has treated more than 50 patients in last six months while another 150 patients are in pipeline to get treatment.

He also said that, to ensure good healthcare facilities to patients, RMI seeks government support in accreditation of training institute to encourage youth in healthcare sector. “We have announced fellow-scholarship for young doctors,” he disclosed. He urged the provincial government to ensure supply of medicines for the kidney transplant patients and donors once surgery is done /after the surgery for their quick and complete recovery.

Shafiqur Rehman, Chief Executive Officer RMI, appreciated the efforts of surgeons and staff for completing the 100th kidney Transplant in a very limited time.

 

Zong Sets Up Digital Lab at Pak-China Friendship School, Gwadar

Posted on by admin

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Pakistan’s cellular and digital services leader, Zong, has teamed up with Pak-China Friendship School Gwadar to establish a digital lab under its agenda of ‘Let’s Get Digital’. The Pak-China Gwadar Middle School, also commonly known as Faqeer Middle School, is located in Gwadar’s Faqeer Colony. This school is part of a Chinese-funded initiative aimed at developing a high-quality educational system in the area. With the aim to digitally transform the country, Zong continued with the endeavor to provide a computer lab for digital and curriculum learning at the school.

The Pak-China Friendship School is one of the first Government schools in Gwadar to have a fully functional computer lab. Zong’s digital lab will enable both students and teachers to access digital education and keep up with the rest of the world in terms of modern education.

“The digital lab at Pak-China Friendship School aims to bridge the digital divide; that is a significant inhibitor to economic progress. Zong’s efforts of digitalizing the underprivileged strata of the country is in-line with the Government of Pakistan and PTA’s agenda of digital and gender inclusivity. This is just one of the numerous efforts we’ve made and will continue in the future to digitally empower Pakistanis and provide them with opportunities.” said Zong’s official spokesperson. Zong has increased its efforts in Pakistan to promote digital education. The company recently partnered with the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) to develop an online course “How to E-lance” along with the recent inauguration of a computer lab for the students of Maluvi Abdul Haq School, Karachi.

The goal is to broaden the reach of digital learning and assist even more young people, particularly females, who face mobility and safety barriers in becoming digitally connected and establishing online careers.

 

Infinix and Garena Free Fire launches Pakistan’s first esports-themed experience store in Lahore

Posted on by admin

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Pakistan’s top smartphone brand, Infinix, has launched the country’s first esports-themed technology store today in collaboration with Garena Free Fire. The store is located at one of the most prime locations in Lahore, Packages Mall. For the Infinix x Garena Free Fire store launch, media persons, key media officials, Infinix, Free Fire officials, and other prominent industry members were invited for the store opening ceremony. Infinix also gave away exciting gifts to the loyal customers which were present for the store opening ceremony.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was presided over by Zeeshan Mian Noor, CEO Zenith, the chief guest of the occasion. Other attendees include Malik Khalid, Chairman of the All Pakistan Mobile dealers association, key personnel from Pakistan’s media community, Infinix Pakistan officials and Garena.

Commenting on the successful launch of the store, Joe Hu, CEO Infinix Pakistan said, “Infinix as a consumer-centric brand not only brings new innovative technology but also adds value in consumer’s life. With our new store, we aim to empower youth with esports enabled interactive technology and to promote E-sport further in Pakistan’’.          

Garena Free Fire is one of the world’s top mobile battle royale games. The free-to-play title achieved a record high of 150 million peak daily active users, and is the most downloaded game globally in 2021, according to Sensor Tower. Earlier this year, Free Fire hit over 1 billion downloads on the Google Play Store, joining a small group of mobile players who have done so.      

Pioneering in innovation, Infinix takes pride in keeping up with the latest trends and coming up with new and exciting ways to engage with its customers. The new esport-themed flagship store, is a testament to Infinix’s commitment to be a front runner in the expansion of technological advancement in Pakistan. As a top selling smartphone brand of the country, Infinix values an enhanced user experience above all, and today with this exclusive new store launch, Infinix has successfully brought an end to waiting for esports atmosphere to begin and flourish in Pakistan.

So, do not wait any longer and head over to the Packages Mall today for an irreplaceable in-store experience and some free gifts!    

Download Free Fire on the Apple iOS App or Google Play store.

Free Fire MAX is also available on the Apple iOS App and Google Play store.

 

(HEC) and Microsoft sign an Education Transformation Agreement (ETA) geared towards education advancement in Pakistan

Posted on by admin

Higher education commission (HEC) and Microsoft sign an Education Transformation Agreement (ETA) geared towards education advancement in Pakistan

Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir) Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Microsoft in Pakistan has renewed the Education Transformation Agreement (ETA).Both organizations partnered once again to help enable positive changes to learning outcomes for the students in the country. The collaboration reimagines the education landscape, which is facing a lot of challenges, especially in post-Pandemic recovery. Under the umbrella of this academic alliance, Microsoft and HEC will be providing number of services to all HEIs in leveraging new technologies to make learning inclusive, personalized, and student centric by blending remote and physical classrooms.

This ETA will be providing universities with knowledge transfer workshops and trainings on trending Microsoft technologies including Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and Microsoft Azure. So far during Pandemic, more than 150 Universities and 500,000 plus students took advantage of effective learning, all in one place, which let students, faculty, educators, and staff meet, work together, create content, and share resources in Office 365 Education – featuring the simple, intuitive power of Microsoft Teams.

One of the flagship programs of this agreement isImagine Cup, a global students technology competition organized by Microsoft with the local support of the Higher Education Commission. It provides an opportunity for student technologists, developers, and aspiring entrepreneurs from all academic backgrounds to collaborate, develop a technology application, and bring their passion to life while gaining a perspective of what is needed to bring a concept to market. In Imagine Cup, the brightest young minds join to exemplify the power of student innovation. Each year, a team is chosen from Pakistan that competes against the best from around the world, to get a chance to win USD 100,000 and a mentoring session with Microsoft’s leadership team. This year, Imagine Cup is live again and students can register at https://imaginecup.com/Pakistan.

“Our long-term partnership with Microsoft empowers the students to use their creativity in addressing real societal problems using Modern Technology. Microsoft has been very helpful in nurturing creative minds through Imagine cup competitions so many of the participants practically implement their ideas into successful startups and turn it into companies. It is proud moment for HEC that our talent is being exposed at Global events and bring laurels for Pakistan” Said HEC Director General IT Nazeer Hussain.

Country Education Lead for Microsoft Pakistan Mr. Jibran Jamshed express his views “We know that technology is a key to fuel economic development, increase work force competitiveness, transitions to a knowledge-based economy and help drive job creation. The single most important use of technology is to improve education and yet in many countries in the world we have not yet seen digital transformation in education. Change requires strong partnerships and trust. Under HEC’s visionary leadership, the aim of this ETA is to keep up with the rapid pace of innovation and design classrooms that foster reform and inspire students to achieve a plethora of success.”

Telenor Pakistan hosts businesses in Karachi

Posted on by admin

Telenor Pakistan hosts businesses in Karachi to showcase its #FitForFuture suite of enterprise solutions

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Forwarding its efforts to make businesses ready for the future, Telenor Pakistan hosted businesses and enterprises in Karachi toshowcase its diverse range of solutions that enable businesses to be ready for future. The event featured live demonstrations of Telenor Pakistan’s Internet of Things (IoT), Enterprise Solutions, and Data as a Service solutions for its corporate customers.The event was attended byMonis Alvi, CEO K-Electric, Ghias Khan, CEO Engro Corp., Samad Dawood, Vice Chair Engro, DH and Dawood Foundation, Hassan Khan, CEO Trax Pakistan, MirzaIkhtiar Baig, Hon. Consul General of Yemen and President Consular Cops Sindh,Asif Peer, CEO Systems Ltd, Kamran Nishat, CEO Muller & Phipps and Dr. Amjad, CEO NBP Funds,Duraid Qureshi, CEO Hum Networks and MuddasarAqil, CEO Telenor Micro Finance Bank among others.

Speaking at the event, Irfan Wahab Khan, CEO Telenor Pakistan said “Preparing your business for the future is not just about foreseeing industry trends of digitalisation and automation, but also about allowing change to happen and adopting cutting edge technology to give your enterprise the edge that comes from improving efficiency in a high inflation environment. The businesses that hold the foresight today and equip themselves with latest solutions are destined to remain a step ahead of all uncertainties. The future of business is knocking at the door and it’s time to answer.”

“Businesses of tomorrow require greater flexibility when it comes to growth and future-preparedness. Our state-of-the-art business solutions have been designed to enable that flexibility in businesses, allowing complete control and unparalleled peace of mind.” said Omer Bin Tariq, Chief Business Officer Telenor Pakistan.

Telenor Business recently launched its array of business solutions including avant-garde solutions utilising IoT, advanced data analytics to make informed decisions and customised enterprise solutions.

For more information, please visit https://www.telenor.com.pk/business/

 

Bank Alfalah and Dastgyr entered into a strategic partnership

Posted on by admin

Bank Alfalah and Dastgyr entered into a strategic partnership to digitize transaction streams via BAFL Digital channels

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Bank Alfalah and Dastgyr Technologies have entered into a strategic partnership to facilitate SMEs, merchants and their allied supply chains, helping them digitize their operations and avail banking services.  Dastgyr is working to create efficiencies within the SME space through their digital technology solutions covering supply chain management, ordering and logistics.  Simultaneously, Bank Alfalah with its focus on payment solutions and digital assets is creating solutions for Dastagyr customers that will allow them to avail banking and payment services as well as financing in a seamless manner.

On this occasion, Atif Bajwa, President and CEO of Bank Alfalah said, “At Bank Alfalah, we are continuously striving to facilitate the growth of a digitized ecosystem within the banking and finance sectors. Our focus on creating robust infrastructures, not just for our customers but for other entities as well will Insha’Allah allow us to leave a lasting impact on the economy holistically.”

Muhammad Owais Qureshi, Founder of Dastgyr Technologies commented, “This is a landmark partnership for Dastgyr that enables us to provide deeper customer facilitation and takes us further on our mission of financial inclusion for SME retailers in Pakistan. With the strength of BAFL’s digital payments and lending arm, we will incentivize online transactions and expand our “Buy Now Pay Later” credit facility, improving access to external working capital for kiryana shop owners. We’re pioneering what will eventually become new standard operating procedures for cross-industry collaborations between banking & e-commerce.”

Ajoka performed “ Dara’s Search” (short play) at Loyola Hall

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Ajoka performed on Sunday 19 December, a short play “ Dara’s Search” at Loyola Hall on the occasion of a Christmas event organised by Centre for Social Justice.

The beautifully choreographed play presented Mughal prince Dara Shiloh’s search for common elements in the teachings of all religions of the Indian subcontinent. Indian mystic Bhagat Kabir’s poem on religious harmony was sung by Kanwal Christopher while the cast included Qaiser Khan ( Dara), Fahad Aamir (Guru Har Rai), Nasir Mahmood(Baba Lal Das), Asad Bhatti (Father Boseo) and Usman Zia (Mullah Badakhshi).

Dancer Luke Kelvin performed the role of Dara’s spirit. Nadeem Mir handled the lights and set. The play, which was baddd on extracts from Shahid Nadeem’s acclaimed play “ Dara”, was given Global Film and Music Awarded in 2019.
Peter Jacob, director of Centre for Social Justice, thanked Ajoka for its performance and appreciated its role in promoting religious harmony.

Ajoka’s director Shahid Nadeem and director Ajoka Institute Nirvaan Nadeem also attended the event.

****

Javed Jabbar Unveils What Really Happened in 1971

Posted on by admin

Lahore (NUT DESK)

After 50 years of being made hostage to false narratives and selective half-truths actively promoted and propagated by external forces benefiting from broken ties, it is time we recognize what really happened, clarifying the myths to be able to move forward. It is not about proving who is right and who is wrong, but about sifting through the purposeful haze created by international politics and moving towards renewing relationships and building stronger partnerships. Javed Jabbar, in his recently launched documentary “Separation of East Pakistan – The Untold Story,” aims to do just that.

The documentary was screened in Karachi and was attended by eminent and prominent members of society and intelligencia.

The documentary tells us how Sheikh Mujibur Rehman did not want an independent nation, how Indira Gandhi admitted to India’s active involvement in the separation of Pakistan, it breaks apart the fake news about 3 million deaths and 200,000 rapes, which are humanly impossible, it shows how Soviet Union and India played dirty politics to divide a nation to the extent of training Bengali civilians and arming them as Mukti Bahini in the camps on the Indian side of the border and initiating and supporting the “6 points” which they knew would ignite a separatist movement, and how the issues of resources and language were misused to promote a separatist politics.

Javed Jabbar has shown intellectual integrity in also analyzing where we went wrong, whether it was Ayub Khan’s One Unit Policy which caused political alienation of East Pakistanis, a growing trust deficit on resources and language, amplified by natural disasters and misused by separatists, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s power politics and refusal to comply with the 1970s election results, or Yahya Khan’s uninformed actions.

The audience greatly appreciated the efforts of the Evolution Media team, at bringing together international and national learned scholars, expert analysts, historians and public servants who had served at the time to unfold the story of 1971 like it has never been done before. Many shared that they were totally unaware of many of the information that were shared and how it completely changed their perspective on what had happened.

The documentary has been produced by Ms. Erum Binte Shahid, with Javed Jabbar as the Executive Producer and writer, Muhammad Zeeshan as the Content Director, and Mitra Bonshahi, Mehreen Jabbar and M. Bilal as the Consulting Editors.

While speaking at the event Ms. Erum Binte Shahid, the producer of the documentary said that she is honoured to have had “the privilege to share the true story of 1971 with the people of South Asia, especially those who were not witness to the events of those years that led to the events of 1971. I am humbled to have contributed towards demystifying the false information that has unfortunately become the mainstream history.”

The documentary is the first of its kind, sharing facts and information not revealed before. International and national experts and intellectual leaders address the false information and shares little known facts about 1971.

While addressing the audience the eminent Javed Jabbar, shared that “the history of 1971 has purposefully been diluted by hyperbole and false information. After 50 years it is time, we use the lens of facts and objective analysis to tell the untold story.”

 

Through the documentary Javed Jabbar factually and objectively highlights how India’s involvement was not arbitrary or based on an immediate response to a humanitarian crisis but a well-crafted long-term strategy, which they were able to manipulate due to the circumstances and political immaturity prevalent at the time.

Pakistan has always accepted the reality of Bangladesh with an open heart and wished them the best as a brotherly nation. However, moving forward in good faith makes it imperative to revisit the past and review what had happened, separating facts from myths, and accepting the reality.

The documentary is available on www.1971untoldstory.com.