ACCA Pakistan, SEED Ventures, InfraZamin Pakistan and CFA Society Pakistan partner to advocate ESG and its growing importance

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) ACCA and SEED Ventures (Pvt.) Limited, in collaboration with InfraZamin Pakistan and CFA Society Pakistan, organised an event titled ‘ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance): Business Integration, Public Trust & Brand Reputation’ on 30th November 2021 at Acton House Gardens, British Deputy High Commission, Karachi. The event captured diverse insights from seasoned business leaders (national and MNCs) representing capital markets, corporate governance, banking and financial services; who stressed on the importance of ESG awareness, its mainstreaming – as well as leveraging it to enhance public trust. Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, Chairperson, Pakistan Stock Exchange, was the Guest of Honour at the event. She shared her vision for adoption of ESG in Pakistan – with particular reference to ESG as a key driver for enhancing investor confidence including foreign direct investment. Mike Nathavrianakis, British Deputy High Commissioner, shared his perspective on why ESG is important for Pakistan and congratulated ACCA, SEED Ventures, InfraZamin Pakistan and CFA Society Pakistan for leading the ESG conversation. A high-octane panel discussion, comprising high-profile speakers, recommended – integration of ESG at board level, banking sector’s strategy and future-plan for socially responsible lending and finance; how ESG is imperative for a fairer and more transparent reporting of information for stakeholders’ decision making, including facilitation of project and infrastructure financing decisions; how growing information availability is empowering millennials and Gen-Z, who comprehend ESG as a key pillar for future sustainability; and finally, how ESG index driven capital markets promote sustainable investments.

The panel consisted of Ahsan Jamil, CEO, Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance, Amir Paracha, Chairman and CEO, Unilever Pakistan, Farrukh H. Khan, CEO and Managing Director, Pakistan Stock Exchange, Maheen Rahman, CEO, InfraZamin Pakistan and Shazad Dada, President and CEO, UBL; and was moderated by Shaista Ayesha, CEO, SEED Ventures. At the event, ACCA signed MOUs with SEED Ventures and InfraZamin Pakistan to formalise partnership and commitment to ESG related agendas. Sajeed Aslam, Head of ACCA Pakistan said: ‘We have come to know the great work of SEED Ventures and InfraZamin Pakistan through recent collaboration. Our MOU formalises our working relationship with the aim of helping our members, students and other stakeholders better understand the sustainability agenda and associated governance, compliance and risk matters.

Shaista Ayesha, CEO Seed Ventures, added: ‘The accountancy profession has a key role to play in understanding, monitoring and acting on non-financial risks such as climate change and and we are together committed to enhance ESG’s growing importance for sustainable businesses.

InfraZamin Pakistan’s CEO, Maheen Rahman, expressed confidence that the MOU with ACCA will strengthen awareness on adoption of ESG practices to improve infrastructure financing decisions as well as educating organisations about climate and nature related action.

Mastercard partners with LMKR

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Mastercard partners with LMKR to build Pakistan’s first open-loop transit solution and simplify the commuter experience

Dubai (NUT DESK)  Mastercard has announced a strategic partnership with LMK Resources Pakistan (Private) Limited (LMKR) to oversee the deployment of the country’s first open-loop transit payment solution.

The collaboration will enable commuters to top-up and pay for their transit fares simply by using their debit and credit cards or digital wallets, eliminating the need to buy separate tickets for these services. The partnership will see Mastercard's digital payment platforms embedded first into the Zu Peshawar Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) payments infrastructure, used by over 200,000 commuters daily, followed by a wider rollout.

Developing affordable and accessible public transport systems is a crucial enabler of socio-economic development in Pakistan as the country builds an inclusive digital economy. To date, Pakistan’s transit systems have been restricted to only cash or closed-loop cards that need to be topped up in advance, resulting in additional time and efforts required by travelers. “Our partnership with LMKR will transform the everyday commuter experience for people in Pakistan.

Mastercard’s digital offerings will enable passengers to simply pay using their bank card, wearable device, or smartphone, providing additional freedom for the user and decreasing the costs associated with special cards and ticket issuances for transit organizations. As a trusted advisor, Mastercard is committed to forming strategic public- private-partnerships to accelerate the growth of Pakistan’s digital economy,” said Khalid Elgibali, Division President – MENA, Mastercard.

“We are delighted to partner with Mastercard to upgrade Pakistan’s current transport payment systems. Enabling distance-based fare collection through widely available contactless debit and credit cards in Pakistan is a milestone moment in Pakistan’s digitization journey ahead,” said Iftikhar Atif Khan, President, LMKR.

The announcement follows a series of strategic partnerships with key government entities in Pakistan, cementing Mastercard’s leading role as a partner to the government and a key enabler of digitization in the country. Recent announcements include the digitization of the country’s road toll payments network in partnership with One Network.

 

Spotify Announce its 2021 Wrapped – Revealing Top Lists, Wrapped Campaign, and Personalized Experience

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Atif Aslam Topping Most-Streamed Local Artist in Pakistan

King’s ‘Tu Aake Dekhle’ Top Streamed Track in Pakistan 

If 2020 was the year that flipped the world on its head, 2021 was the year that we got used to seeing things upside down. With “normal” thrown out the window, we embraced the unknown and championed all of the things that make each of us unique. Spotify’s 2021 Wrapped is a celebration of this — the millions of weird and wonderful ways to listen and live in a world that continues to keep us on our toes. 

Spotify is today launching for the first time in Pakistan its annual 2021 Wrapped campaign and personalized user experience inspired by just that.  At the same time,  unveiling the top artists, songs and playlists from the creators that helped soundtrack the year for more than 381 million users worldwide. 

The artists that reached the top of Spotify’s Wrapped Lists in Pakistan….

Arijit Singh topped the most-streamed artist list in Pakistan. Pakistanis have an old affiliation with their neighbouring country’s industry, while the top Pakistani singer on the list is Atif Aslam who has wowed his listeners for many years. The singer is renowned across the world for his love ballads, which are great at serenading your loved ones, or rekindling memories from the past. 

Both Arijit Singh and Atif Aslam hold the hearts of many, as their songs bring back memories for all ages. There is no age bracket for these singers, since their songs are all about emotional bonds. Atif Aslam’s most popular songs on Spotify this year were “Kadi Te Has Bol”, “Rafta Rafta”, “Tu Jaane Na” and “Dil Diyan Gallan”. 

New talents coming up in Pakistan 

Pakistan has been a hotbed for upcoming artists this year with artists like Hassan Raheem, Young Stunners and Asim Azhar making it to the top 20 list of the most-streamed tracks in Pakistan. “Ghalat Fehmi” From Superstar by Asim Azhar came first as the most-streamed Pakistani song, “Gumaan” by Young Stunners ranked at two and “Afsanay” came third. 

Looking through the Decades

While listeners have responded well to the newcomers in the music industry of Pakistan, the older household names have not been forgotten. Songs such as Nusrat Fateh ali Khan’s Kali Kali Zulfon Ke Phande Na Dalo, Aitebaar by Vital Signs, and musicians like Atif Aslam have topped the most-streamed songs from previous decades in Pakistan. 

This goes to show, regardless of where we are, what era of music we are in; a few favorites from the past will always stay with our listeners. 

Eligible users can now access their personalized Wrapped experience exclusively in the Spotify mobile app (iOS and Android).

This year’s personalized experience is full of familiar favorites, mixed with surprising new ones that connect fans with each other and creators. Here are a few new features to look out for:

  • New data stories to express your year in audio – In addition to your top artists, genres, songs, podcasts and minutes listened, the personalized Wrapped experience includes several all new features, including: 2021: The Movie, Your Audio Aura, Playing Cards and 2021 Wrapped: Blend. Check out Spotify For the Record for all the details on these new features. 
  • Even more shareability – We know that Spotify fans love to share their Wrapped cards on social channels like Snapchat, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook; and now, they can share their Wrapped cards directly to TikTok.

Spotify has also rolled out its Wrapped creator experience for artists. With access to their own individualized Wrapped microsite experience, creators can dive into all the ways in which their fans listened this year. Check out Spotify for Artists to learn more.

To learn more about Spotify’s 2021 Wrapped results in Pakistan, see below:

Pakistan’s Most Streamed Artists

  1. Arijit Singh
  2. Pritam
  3. BTS
  4. Atif Aslam 
  5. The Weekend
  6. AP Dhillon
  7. Talha Anjum 
  8. Talhah Yunus 
  9. Tanishk Bagchi 
  10. Taylor Swift

Pakistan’s Most Streamed Tracks: 

  1. ‘Tu Aake Dekhle’ by King
  2.  ‘Brown Munde’ by AP Dhillon
  3.  ‘Insane’ by AP Dhillon
  4.  ‘MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)’  by Lil Nas X
  5.  ‘Butter’ by BTS
  6.  ‘Ghalat Fehmi – From Superstar’  by Asim Azhar
  7.  ‘STAY (with Justin Bieber)’ by The Kid LAROI
  8. Masked Wolf ‘Astronaut In The Ocean’ by Masked Wolf
  9.  ‘Gumaan’ by Young Stunners
  10.  ‘Afsanay’  by Talha Anjum

Pakistan’s Top Spotify Playlists:

  1. Today’s Top Hits 
  2. Desi Hits
  3. Hot Hits Pakistan 
  4. Top Gaming Tracks 
  5. Mega Hit Mix 
  6. Mood Booster 
  7. Punjabi 101
  8. Beast Mode 
  9. All Time Pakistani Hits 
  10. All Out 2010s 

The Citizens Foundation at Expo 2020 Dubai

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Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir)  The Citizens Foundation (TCF), perhaps the largest network of independently run schools in the world, is set to be featured at the Expo 2020 Dubai’s Global Best Practices Programme in December 2021.

This week as the Expo 2020 Dubai celebrates the Knowledge and Learning Week, we will see many organisations such as TCF highlighting best practices in education to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.

The Citizen’s Foundation is a leading non-profit working to provide quality education in Pakistan’s most neglected rural and slum communities where we find children, especially girls, out of school. Pakistan is the world’s sixth most populous country and has the second-highest number of out-of-school children in the world. These children in Pakistan often face deep-rooted structural inequalities that are most often linked to gender biases, poverty and lack of access to quality schools.

What started as a discussion among 6 friends to correct their country’s trajectory, has now become a national movement and a global best practice. TCF has evolved a model to deliver quality education at scale. It runs 1,687 schools in 62 districts across Pakistan. Currently it has an enrollment of 275,000 students, of which nearly 50% are girls.

“When we started TCF we wanted to ensure that girls received an equal opportunity to study. That is why we make sure that all TCF schools are within walking distance to communities. We also hire only female teachers to encourage parents to send their daughters to school,” says Ateed Riaz, Co-founder and Chairman of The Citizens Foundation.

Hiring only female teachers has made TCF one of the largest private employers of women in Pakistan with a faculty of 12,950 women. TCF not only provides transportation to these teachers to and from the schools but also conducts a rigorous training of over 120 hours annually to develop their capabilities and ensure quality education in its classrooms.

“Ensuring that we make a lasting impact in the lives of our students, we decided to provide support beyond just school years,” says TCF’s CEO Asaad Ayub Ahmad. “TCF provides ongoing support to its Alumni through scholarships and its Alumni Development Programme where it helps students obtain admissions in universities.” To date 50,500 students have graduated from TCF Schools and this year 733 TCF alumni have received admission in the top universities in Pakistan.

Today, TCF alumni are serving as agents of positive change and inspiring change in their communities.  One such alumna is Dr. Sidra Saleem, daughter of a daily-wage laborer, who grew up in a slum in Karachi. Sidra is now a Doctor of Neurology in Toledo, Ohio and is in her second year of medical residency. She is just one of thousands of TCF alumni who beat all odds and are on the path to success through quality education.

For 26 years, TCF is working to transform the children of Pakistan into agents of positive change. TCF remains committed to its mission and magnifying its impact by reaching 2 million agents of positive change by the year 2030. It aims to do this by continuing to expand the formal schooling programmes, supporting alumni through higher education, providing structured interventions for basic literacy and life skills to communities outside the context of formal schooling and nurture and expand partnerships with provincial governments and social enterprises to confront the massive education crisis faced by Pakistan.

P&G PAKISTAN Delegation Meets President ARIF ALVI; Discuss Investments & Future Outlook

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) A delegation of senior executives, led by Adil Farhat, Chief Executive Officer, P&G (Procter & Gamble) Pakistan, met President Arif Alvi in Islamabad this week. The Company reaffirmed its commitment to Pakistan and to continue serving consumers and the community through its brands and operations in the country.

President Alvi lauded P&G’s efforts and said that Pakistan is gearing up towards new horizons as the Government is working hard to ensure that the country transforms into an attractive place for business from around the world.

The Company recently celebrated 30 years of its successful operations in the country. Since 1991, P&G Pakistan has been serving consumers with superior quality brands providing superior value and driving category growth. P&G has already brought valuable foreign direct investment into Pakistan by expanding its local manufacturing footprint and has made significant investments of over $150 million in fixed assets to date in the country. Its manufacturing plants at Port Qasim, Korangi and Hub enable over 80% of its business in Pakistan to be locally produced, allowing the Company to better serve its consumers. Moreover, P&G’s latest baby and feminine care manufacturing plant investment of over $44 million is a vote of confidence in the future of the country.

Today, P&G Pakistan exports its entire portfolio to Afghanistan as well as to 23 countries across Europe. This export approximately contributes over 10 million US Dollars to the country’s exchequer on an annual basis. P&G manufacturing sites in Pakistan are considered amongst the top 19 countries globally where 100% P&G manufacturing facilities meet the zero-waste-to-landfill qualification and deliver approximately 40%, 60% and 25% reduction in energy, water and CO2 respectively.

Expressing his views, Adil Farhat said, “Pakistan is an important market for P&G. For over three decades, we have improved Pakistani lives through world-renowned brands, investment in manufacturing facilities, the creation of direct and indirect employment, as well as helping communities in need. The support received from the Government of Pakistan over the years has been instrumental for our successful operations in the country.” He further added, “With the potential Pakistan has to offer, we remain committed to future growth and long-term investment in the country. We thank the President for his leadership, and hope that our strong partnership with the Government of Pakistan will help us to continue to serve Pakistani consumers in the years ahead.”

TPL Trakker to Power Masst Rides’ Next – Gen Transportation Service

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) TPL Trakker Limited, Pakistan’s leading IoT, Telematics, and Digital Mapping Company, has partnered with Masst Rides Private Limited, Pakistan’s first Network Transportation Company, to power their ride booking service with location-based digital mapping services. With TPL Trakker’s mapping platform emerging local entrants in Pakistan’s digitization landscape especially ride hailing services are being enabled in their journey towards reshaping the national ecosystem. 

Ride hailing startups and established companies have created a global market worth $900 million giving rise to one of the biggest markets in the South Asia region that is expected to grow considerably over the coming years.

As the segment revolutionizes with local players including startups entering into the market, TPL Trakker’s digital mapping services powered by an extensive database that provides maps for 400+ cities, 5 million geocoded addresses and 610,000+ kms of road networks is playing a crucial role in the growth of the technological ecosphere in Pakistan. The current partnership leveraging the technical prowess of TPL Trakker’s mapping services will allow Masst Rides, a ride-hailing startup for individuals and corporate customers to provide end users with unique and comfortable travel experiences.

A signing ceremony was held recently in this regard where Sarwar Ali Khan, CEO TPL Trakker and Muhammad Noman Shaukat, CEO Masst Rides, inked the agreement on behalf of their organizations.

“At TPL Trakker, we ensure diligent efforts as a leading technology enabler in the country to provide established entities as well as entrepreneurial ventures with essential technical tools required for sustainable development. In the midst of Pakistan’s diversifying digital ecosphere, we are serving as a catalyst for progressive change. This partnership with Masst Rides is a personification of our commitment to the end consumer where two tech partners collaborate for their betterment.”  Said Sarwar Ali Khan, CEO TPL Trakker.

 “Masst Rides Private Limited was established with the objective of offering reliable and safe traveling experience to individuals and corporate customers. Our Vision is to organize the Transportation Industry of Pakistan such that it becomes fast and effective. Our collaboration with TPL Trakker is in line with our vision and we hope to achieve and grow more under this partnership” said Muhammad Noman Shaukat, CEO Masst Rides. 

TPL Trakker is committed to transforming Pakistan’s digital ecosystem through a variety of sophisticated IoT, mapping and technology based services for various industries. 

 

Aijaz Aslam’s father breathes his last

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Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Actor Aijaz Aslam’s father has passed away, confirm celebrity friends.

The news has been announced by Aslam’s friend and actor Adnan Siddiqui.

Siddiqui turned to his Instagram Stories on Wednesday to share his grief with fans. The cause of the death has not been disclosed.

“Saddened to inform you that our dear friend Aijaz Aslam’s father passed away a while ago. Keeping the family in our prayers. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah,” wrote Adnan Siddiqui.

Updating fans about the obituary, co-star Faysal Quraishi announced the funeral prayers of the deceased will be held on Wednesday, December 2.

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Mahira Khan pens loving note in honor of late grandmother.

Posted on by Ali Qasim

Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Renowned actress Mahira Khan recently took to social media with a candid tribute in honor of her late grandmother Razia Khannum.

The tribute post was shared on Instagram and included a caption that read, “My dearest my most beautiful my nani.. Razia Khannum.. Left us Thursday afternoon for her eternal resting place. It’s been a rough month.. sometimes very painful but most times beautiful.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CW8g3nyscIV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“She was a force of a nature. A little girl who lost her mother when she was just 5.. she lived and breathed to have what she felt was the biggest possession one can have— family. And family she made. She was a great story teller, graceful sari wearer, fiercely independent, a woman with great pride, a health freak, a great listener, a doting mother, an expressive human being.. anybody who met her felt special around her… and most of all she was a great believer of love.”

“As she transitioned… I kept imagining her mother and the love of her life holding her hand and taking her with them. I used to pray that she goes the way she lived. With dignity. She was surrounded by all her children, grand children and great grand child.”

She also went on to write, “I am blessed to have had this time with her. We all are. To have looked after her.”

“It is an honor to be her grand daughter and I hope to honor her life by living the way she lived – with dignity and courage. While you read this, please make a prayer for my Nani.”

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Govt extends last date for Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Programme till Dec 31

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Lahore (NUT-DESK)

The government on Tuesday extended the last date to submit applications for the Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarship Programme until December 31. 

In a statement issued, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Dr Sania Nishtar said the decision has been taken in order to facilitate the maximum number of deserving students to apply for this opportunity.

The Ehsaas Undergraduate Scholarships are for students who belong to low-income families, whose monthly income is less than Rs45,000, and marginalised regions to assist them in their undergraduate studies.

Who is eligible?

Per the details mentioned on the Higher Education Commission (HEC) website, scholarships are offered for:

  • Newly admitted students of Fall 2021 session in HEC recognised public sector university
  • Students fulfilling criteria of need and provide authentic information required under the project’s policy.
  • Admissions secured on merit only. Merit means that the student has fulfilled the admission criteria of the institution in which he/she intends to study.
  • Degree programmes allowed by the HEC.
  • The age limit set by the institution’s regulations, i.e. the maximum age of the eligibility for the scholarship is the same as the maximum age for applying for admission in undergraduate programs at the HEI.

All students are required to apply through HEC online application system: https://ehsaas.hec.gov.pk/

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Hania Aamir has a message for her fans

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Lahore (NUT-DESK)

Actor Hania Aamir advised social media users that taking of mental health should be the first priority.The celebrity wrote the statement as a caption of one of her viral pictures. She mentioned that hatred will lead to a person getting weak.

“There’s growth and maturity in moving on and letting go,” the Ishqiya star wrote. “Prioritize your mental health. Vibe to what makes you happy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CW8Y-MNjJ9j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“Holding hate in your heart only weakens you.”

The Visaal star requested the people let go of their hate and live their life as it is too short for holding on to the sad bits of the past.

“You owe nothing to the bitter memories, not even a thought. You owe nothing to the strangers questioning your life choices, not even an explanation,” the actor added.

The celebrity advised the people to pick themselves up and move on.

“I pray that everyone reading this grows and moves on effortlessly, beautifully & gracefully,” she concluded.

Inspirational statements

Hania Aamir frequently takes to Instagram to post inspirational statements for her fans.

Earlier, the celebrity stated that humans lose sight of things in the environment due to distractions and noise but we try to please those who have not been stuck during difficult times.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CUAReBzDGi5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“We run after the people who have hurt us and cry for the people who have betrayed us forgetting to be there for the ones who were our anchor when we had lost control,” she added.

Hania Aamir said that the nicest people are taken for granted just because they are ready to listen and care at any time without asking any reason.

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