Lahore (NUT Desk) Following the instructions from Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar, the district administrations have intensified crackdown on land-grabbers and got vacated over 1,719-acre land in 16 districts worth Rs 1.65 billion and registered 14 cases. According to a handout, issued here on Thursday, 680-kanal land worth Rs 290 million had been retrieved in Narowal. Also,164-acre land worth Rs 191 million was retrieved in Bahawalnagar, 737-kanal worth Rs 185 million in Sheikhupura, 188-acre land worth Rs 180 million in Rahim Yar Khan, 278-kanal worth Rs 70 million in Nankana Sahib, 221-kanal land worth Rs 50 million in Pakpattan and 32-kanal land worth Rs 38 million in Khanewal had been retrieved. Also, 10 cases were registered against three land-grabbers after retrieving 25-acre land worth Rs 89 million in Okara. Two cases of land was registered in Gujrat. Moreover, 52-kanal land worth Rs 20.6 million and 381-acre land worth Rs 70 million had been retrieved in Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan, respectively besides registering two cases. Meanwhile, 72-kanal land worth Rs 36 million had been got vacated in Sialkot. 1,520-kanal land worth Rs 40 million in Muzaffargarh, 65-acre land worth Rs 163 million in Faisalabad and 65-acre land worth Rs 58 million had been retrieved in Multan.
Govt revises markup subsidy scheme for affordable housing
Karachi (NUT Desk) The government has revised its markup subsidy scheme of housing finance significantly to align with the prevailing housing market dynamics in its effort to promote low cost and affordable home ownership among low to middle-income groups. The revised scheme is expected to make access to housing finance much easier for a large number of households who currently do not own a house, said statement issued by State Bank of Pakistan here on Thursday. In October last year, the government started providing mark-up subsidy facility for the construction and purchase of new homes in a bid to promote housing finance to first time home buyers at subsidized and affordable markup rates. This facility is being provided with the administrative support of Naya Pakistan Housing and Development Authority (NAPHDA) and implemented by State Bank of Pakistan through banks. For expanding the outreach of the scheme and allow many more households to benefit, the government on the recommendation of stakeholders approved significant revisions in the key parameters of the scheme.
Key revisions in the scheme are as follows: The scheme had divided the potential borrowers into three tiers. Now a new tier called Tier 0 has been added in the scheme to facilitate participation of microfinance banks under the scheme for disbursement of financing of up to Rs two million per housing unit. In view of the fact that MFBs specialize in extension of financing to low income households, it is believed that participation of MFBs will significantly enhance outreach of scheme to these segments. Under this Tier, MFBs will either use their own funds or banks will lend to MFBs for onward lending to low income borrowers of housing finance. The end user subsidized markup rate under Tier 1 (housing units of up to 5 marla and covered area of 850 sq. feet under NAPHDA projects) has been lowered to 3% for first five years and 5% for the next 5 years.
Earlier these were 5% and 7% respectively. This will help to reduce the burden of installments on low income strata of applicants under NAPHDA projects even more. Under Tier 2 and Tier 3 of the scheme, keeping in view the limited supply of eligible housing units especially during the initial years, the requirement of maximum one-year-old housing unit has been waived till March 31, 2023. Further, restriction on first transfer of housing unit and maximum value of housing units have also been removed. Maximum covered area for flats and apartments has been increased whereas, covered area restriction has been removed in case of land based housing units. The maximum allowed financing has also been doubled from Rs3 million to Rs6 million under Tier 2 and from Rs5 million to Rs10 million under Tier 3. It may be noted that Tier 2 is for houses of up to 5 marla and apartments with covered area of up to 1,250 sq. feet under non-NAPHDA projects and Tier 3 is for houses of up to 10 marla and apartments with covered area of up to 2,000 sq. feet under non-NAPHDA projects. In addition, minimum eligible tenor of housing finance under the scheme has been lowered to 5 years from the existing 10 years. This will facilitate individuals desiring to avail shorter term financing. The revised markup subsidy facility will continue to be available through banks across the country. With changes in the key parameters of the scheme, Government of Pakistan has increased the total funding allocation to Rs36 billion on account of markup subsidy payment for financing over a period of 10 years and has assured continuity of the facility. It is expected that revised parameters will further assist in materializing the Government’s vision of providing housing to the low and middle income segments of the society.
Ferozsons Laboratories and ABF Donate Umbulizer Ventilators to Rescue 1122
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Through collaborative efforts 35 portable ventilators have been donated to Rescue 1122. Chief guest Dr. Yasmeen Rashid, Health Minister Punjab and Guest of honour Secretary Health, Barrister Nabeel Ahmad Awan, graced the event held at Rescue 1122 Headquarters and handed over the Umbulizers to the Rescue 1122 team.
Commenting on the generous initiative, Dr. Yasmin Rashid said, “I would like to thank ABF, Helping Hand USA, Ferozsons Laboratories Limited, Association of Pakistani Physicians in New England (APPNE), Pakistan Association of Greater Boston (PAGB) and all those involved in the donation drive of critically needed Umbulizers for an urgent response to the rising COVID-19 crisis in Pakistan. It gives me great pride to know that our very own Pakistanis have developed Umbulizer and received international recognition from Harvard and MIT for their innovation. As we celebrate Pakistan Day, I can see a bright future where the next generation continues to create social impact and come back to serve their country. Traditional Ventilators cost $40,000 on average and are only limited to ICU’s. By deploying low cost Umbulizer ventilators we can save millions of tax-payer dollars in imports and at the same time expand access to ventilatory care in ERs and District HQ’s as well. During the current pandemic, health measures are a priority for the Punjab government and together we hope to effectively overcome the crisis at hand. These Umbulizers will provide instant care to critical patients thus saving many lives.”
While talking about this initiative, CEO Ferozsons, Mr. Osman Khalid Waheed, said, “We need to work together in this difficult time. All businesses should collectively show unity to combat the challenges of Covid 19. He further added that these ventilators, known as Umbulizers, have been developed by Pakistani students at Harvard, MIT, and Boston University and received an emergency use authorization from the USFDA. As the name suggests, these umbulizers can be easily moved from one place to another. Ferozsons takes great pride in standing committed with the country’s health facilities to provide medical care to Pakistani citizens”.
Director General Rescue emphasized the importance of equipping frontline workers with tools they need to save lives and said, “Rescue 1122 has always been at the forefront of delivering care in the field. We have transferred over 16,000 patients during the first and second wave and Umbulizer ventilators have been pivotal in our rapid response across districts in Punjab. With more devices we will be able to expand access and scale our impact”.
PAGB President Siraj Khan, reiterating the importance of improving the health care facilities of Pakistan said, “Keeping in view the current health care crisis at hand, health measures must be a priority for the government, firms, and the overall society as collective efforts have drastic effects. We believe that the Pakistani diaspora can play a crucial role in supporting healthcare organizations and be better equipped to combat COVID-19. We want to thank members of PAGB and members of APPNE for their continuous support. This is just the beginning and we want to expand to other provinces as well”
Ilyas Choudry, Program Director Helping Hand USA added, “I would like to thank all our overseas Pakistanis for their generous support in this initiative. I am happy that we were able to work with the inventors of these portable ventilators and support them in bringing.
Umbulizers to Pakistan and in particular to Rescue 1122, for immediate use in ambulances all over Punjab.”
LRBT Golf Tournament Helps Fight Blindness
Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) LRBT is the largest provider of free eye care in Pakistan. It has so far treated over 46 million patients through its network of 75 facilities.
LRBT recently held its Annual Fundraiser Golf Tournament at the Karachi Golf Club. Engro Corporation was the Title Sponsor of the Tournament; 27 teams played for LRBT’s mission of fighting blindness in Pakistan by giving the gift of sight to the poor.
The event was one of its kind and each element, starting from the guest’s welcome area, the décor the flawless execution of the tournament and the ceremony, set new standards.
Gifts were presented by Mr. Najmus Saqib Hameed, Chairman LRBT, Mr. Asif Ikram, Vice President, Karachi Golf Club and Mr. Eram Hasan, Chief Information & Transformation Officer, Engro Corp.
The winning team was A.O. Hospital; itconsisted of Mr. Malik Murtaza, Mr. Noman Khan, Mr. Salman Ali and Mr. Zulfiqar Khan, while the FriesLandCampina team was the Runner up. It comprised Capt. Atif Shah, Mr. Arsalan Shikoh Khan, Mr. Saim Shazli and Mr. Yashal Shah. The Longest Drive was won by Mr. Noman Khan and the Closest to the Pin by Mr. Khalid J. Siddiqi.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Najmus Saqib Hameed thanked the sponsors and partners who supported LRBT in organizing such a wonderful event and said that LRBT had transformed over 46 million lives by treating their eye ailments while 26 million underprivileged persons were still awaiting help.
The funds raised from the tournament will go towards cataract surgeries of underprivileged patients.
PPAF, BRSP celebrate World Water Day in Quetta
Quetta (Muhammad Yasir) Balochistan Rural Support Programme BRSP in collaboration with Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), PHED, WASA, & GIZ commemorated “World Water Day 2021” in Quetta. In this regard, an awareness walk on importance of water was organized from Metropolitan office to Serena hotel.
The participants were major stakeholders including line departments, teachers, students, civil society members, media representative. Honorable Governor Balochistan, Amanullah Yasinzai was the chief guest of the event. Holger Ziegler Consul General Sindh, Minister PHED Saleh Nasar Secretary PHED, Roshan Khursheed Bharucha, Chairperson PPAF attended the event.
Speaking at the occasion The Governor of Balochistan said that “We need to do more in order to get our province out of this predicament. Uncontrolled population growth, lack of urban planning and unregulated urbanization, both due to rural-urban migration as well as influx of refugees in Quetta city have further burdened our already stressed water sources. PHED is making efforts in the province to rehabilitate a desalination plant in Quetta and working on constructing dams which will provide some relief to our water deficient city.”
Nadir Gul Barrech, CEO of BRSP said,” BRSP worked to empower communities so that people are able to sustain and replicate BRSP’s interventions in their villages. This has been, especially, true in case of water and sanitation projects. BRSP and GIZ are continuously working to reach SDG 15 by 2030.”
The honorable guest of the event Saleh Nasar (Secretary PHED) speaking to the event said that “Quetta’s water supply is limited, QESCO and WAPDA struggle to provide electricity to the city and from time to time are forced to shut down tube wells. The fast-depleting water resources in the region call for prompt action in the right direction. A number of dams are in pipeline and we hope that we will be able to meet the demand for water in the coming years.”
The ceremony concluded with a prize distribution ceremony held for the participant of the video and photo competition.
Zong 4G’s digital ambitions now fueling dreams of over 40 Million Pakistanis
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Over 40 Million Pakistanis trust Zong 4G for their digital needs. As the most technologically advanced network, Zong 4G is helping millions of Pakistanis realize their potential in a digitally-connected world. The prolific development is a testament to the company’s journey to digitalize Pakistan and the future it offers in the years ahead. Being the leader of digital innovation and technology, Zong 4G has the most widespread network of over 14000 4G-enabled sites across the country, serving even the remotest of areas. With the most advanced network, cutting-edge services, innovative business and IoT solutions and unmatched customer care services, Zong 4G continues to enable millions of Pakistanis in experiencing a truly digital lifestyle. Zong’s unique blend of world-class services at the most affordable rates has seen Zong 4G become the Number 1 choice of the country. Moreover, Zong 4G’s international bundles are enabling travelers and entrepreneurs to be seamlessly connected through unparalleled voice and data services across the globe.
“We at Zong 4G are proud of being a highly customer-centric company. Being the pioneers in adopting emerging technologies, we are providing the best telecommunication experience to our valued customers and are committed to meeting their evolving needs through our unrivalled services and solutions” said Wang Hua, Chairman & CEO Zong 4G. “We will continue delivering high-quality communication solutions to support the digital lifestyles of our customers and keep contributing to Pakistan’s Digital Agenda,” he added. With the legacy of being the first operator to connect Pakistan through its state-of-the-art 4G services, Zong also took lead with its successful 5G testing last year. Backed by China Mobile Communication Corporation, the world’s largest telecommunication and 5G network, technological prowess and research, Zong 4G is paving way for Pakistan to move to a new era of digital connectivity.
Innovation, customer-centricity and technological leadership have long been Zong’s hallmark. The ongoing momentum of the rapid growth in Zong 4G’s subscribers is an affirmation of millions of Pakistanis’ trust in the innovative and trailblazing services. The company’s unwavering commitment to advancing the country into the digital future through state-of-the-art technology is pressing the agenda of Digital Pakistan.
Infinix fans can now avail 12 GB free Zong 4G data on purchase of new smartphone
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Infinix, the most premium smartphone brand in Pakistan, has joined hands with Pakistan’s Largest Data Network, Zong 4G, to bring exciting Data Bundle offers for Infinix users in the country. In addition to this, Infinix and Zong customers will also get to enjoy 12GB free internet for 6 consecutive months with the purchase of any Infinix mobile phone – thereby giving the best 4G experience on the most innovative Infinix smartphones.
To avail of this exciting offer of 12 GB free 4G data for 6 months, customers who buy any Infinix phone can insert a Zong sim to activate the phone by just dialling *4114# to subscribe to the offer.
Talking about this partnership, CEO Infinix Pakistan –Joe Hu, added, “A growing number of Pakistani smartphone users are loving Infinix products. The partnership between Infinix and Zong is truly a remarkable development. As we join hands with Zong, we aim to introduce innovative products and services to improve the overall experience for people.”
Commenting on the partnership, Mr Wang Hua, Chairman & CEO Zong 4G said: “Being the largest network of Pakistan, we are at the forefront of developing the digital ecosystem in the country. In our pursuit of excellence, we are leading the digital innovation in the industry with our state-of-the-art services and solutions. This collaboration with Infinix will further our ambition of penetration of mobile connectivity in the masses and offer them seamless connectivity to enjoy the unmatched digital experience.”
Infinix has managed to achieve significant milestones by coming out as the leading smartphone brand in Pakistan. With constant evolution and adaption to the consumers’ needs, Infinix fulfils far beyond the expectations of the buyers with its trendy and power-packed devices and continues to bring exciting discounts for its consumers too.
Pakistan’s Best Selling Biscuit Manufacturer, EBM launches all-new ‘Smile Donuts’
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) After taking the cake market by storm with the launch, ‘Cake Up’, Pakistan’s leading biscuit manufacturer, EBM – Makers of Peek Freans – has now introduced the Peek Freans Smile Donut Cake – a center-filled donut cake coated with icing and sprinkles and enriched with creamy goodness.
Peek Freans Smile Donut comes in two delicious flavors; Chocolate and Strawberry. These irresistibly soft and delicious donut cakes present a delightful twist – a delectable center-filled surprise of creamy filling along with a coating of sugary icing and sprinkles. With the launch of this donut cake, EBM aims to cater to the masses by making high quality donuts that are more accessible and affordable with a price of just RS 25.
While talking to the media about the launch, the DGM Marketing for EBM, Aaminah Saeed, said, “EBM has always ensured to provide consumers with innovative treats and convey a brand message that makes a difference to society. With the launch of Smile Donut, we aim to serve as a reminder for our consumers to smile more often, something that people usually forget in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We hope that every bite of this unique, creamy treat brings you joy and happiness.”
Shahzain Munir, Director at EBM, added “For years, we have been serving the nation with our delicious delicacies and we are now excited to introduce our latest brand in the cake segment. At EBM, we always strive to provide our consumers with the best experiences and we hope people will enjoy this new treat as much as they love other products offered by us.”
Three years ago, EBM launched Peek Freans Cake Up which has won Pakistan’s first ever Effie Award in the Snacks and Desserts category. The Award honors extraordinary achievements in the field of marketing and is already a symbol of success worldwide. EBM has always emphasized on new ways it can connect with its target market with unique concepts and ideas, a vision which has enabled EBM brands to earn such highly esteemed accolades.
Pakistan’s First Entrepreneurial Higher Education Institute for E-commerce and Digital Skills Established
Extreme Commerce Magna Carta College (ECMCC) to impart knowledge to Pakistani youth with the international education standards to increase more potential for business and digital skills in Pakistan.
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The prestigious Magna Carta College at Oxford, UK and Extreme Commerce Pakistan have established Pakistan’s first higher education institute for entrepreneurship focusing on digital skills and ecommerce. The institute, Extreme Commerce Magna Carta College was inaugurated today by His Excellency, Mike Nithavrianakis, British Deputy High Commissioner, Karachi and UK Trade Director Pakistan. The ceremony took place today at the ECMCC, Tariq Road, Karachi Campus.
Mr. Mike Nithavrianakis, British Deputy High Commissioner, Karachi and UK Trade Director Pakistan appreciated ECMCC’s mission of providing top-notch education and impeccable entrepreneurial skills that will enable the youth of today to become the leaders of the future. Mr. Nithavrianakis also emphasised the importance of quality education through ECMCC that will lay pivotal focus on enhancing the future of E-Commerce in Pakistan through a student-centric approach.
The (ECMCC) institution has been established with a vision of disseminating a full spectrum of affordable pre-university to post-graduate competency and research-based learning, complemented by world-class international qualifications. The institution focuses on providing state-of-the-art facilities and futuristic outlook on academic and entrepreneurial education through highly skilled professionals, entrepreneurial faculty and mentors across the globe.
Sunny Ali, Founder Extreme Commerce on the launch of the institution said, “We are extremely pleased to partner with the Magna Carta College and together, we will help build human capital at par with the international standards in Pakistan. Through the EC-MCC partnership, we aim to provide quality educational resources to everyone in Pakistan and help enhance their career progression chances”.
In his message to the participants, Professor David Faulkner, Dean, ECMCC said, “Our faculty are addressing the key career challenge facing Generation Y and the Millennials. With this initiative, we aim to help deliver quality education in Pakistan. We have brought together a team of world class teachers from the UK and Pakistan to help realize this dream”.
The concept of Extreme Commerce Magna Carta College (ECMCC) became a reality when Sunny Ali, founder of Pakistan’s largest E-Commerce platform, Extreme Commerce and Dean Prof. David Faulkner from Magna Carta College, an Oxford independent business school aligned their visionary goals to provide the students from Pakistan with an opportunity to acquire international quality education along with excelling in the spheres of E-Commerce.
The vision of the institution encompasses the provision of quality education and impeccable entrepreneurial skills that will enable the youth of today to become the leaders of the future. The mission of the institution focuses on inspiring and empowering enterprising potentials to institute successful knowledge-based, emergent to advanced careers and businesses globally.
ECMCC aims to deliver academic excellence along with the development of E-Commerce and entrepreneurial skillset of students that will help elevate future prospects of students by enabling them to earn and learn simultaneously.
Extreme Commerce Magna Carta College is Pakistan’s first Entrepreneurial Higher Education Institute built upon the collaborative union of Extreme Commerce and Magna Carta College, UK. With a pivotal focus on the current generation and their mindset, ECMCC caters to the needs and learning methodologies suitable for the students driving a force of change and meeting the needs towards a sustainable development of the country.
ECMCC aims to inspire and empower enterprising potential of the youth, to institute successful knowledge-based, emergent to advanced careers and businesses globally. The institute achieves ubiquitous mission as an inclusive community built on extreme passion for critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration. The purpose of ECMCC as a futuristic scholastic and incubation hub, is to build and disseminate a full spectrum of affordable pre-university to post-graduate competency and research-based learning, complemented by world-class, international qualifications.
Careem expands its Corporate Portfolio, partners with PTCL
Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Careem, the Super App for the greater Middle East and Pakistan, has entered into a strategic partnership with Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd. (PTCL) to facilitate the latter’s employees with cost-effective mobility solutions in their commuting needs.
With this partnership, Careem will provide safe, hassle-free and convenient mobility for 16,000+ employees across multiple locations in the country. A signing ceremony was held to mark the occasion at PTCL’s head office in Islamabad, where the senior leadership from both organizations were present.
Commenting on the partnership, Mohsin Zaka, General Manager, Ride Hailing, Careem Pakistan, said: “We are delighted to provide our corporate services to PTCL. Careem for Business is a solution catering directly to the evolving mobility needs of organizations. Collaborations such as these will undoubtedly assist companies in significantly improving mobility experience for the entire workforce through our platform which offers considerable control, flexibility and cost savings”.
On the occasion, Syed Mazhar Hussain, Group Chief Human Resource Officer, PTCL & Ufone, said, “We are glad to partner with Careem to provide seamless mobility for our workforce across Pakistan. This collaboration will not only create more value and convenience for PTCL employees, but it will also ensure a more secure and easy mode for travelling.”
Careem for Business currently offers cost efficient, safe and hassle-free mobility to various corporate partners including: Jazz, K-Electric, Daraz, Telenor, Habib Bank Limited (HBL), United Bank Limited (UBL), Nestlé, Haleeb Foods and Afiniti, ultimately living up to its mission of simplifying and improving the lives people using the service everyday for their commute to and from work.
Careem which recently became a Super App, has more than 800,000 Captains registered on its platform so far. Transforming into a Super App; Careem offers multiple opportunities as it expands its services from mobility of people to adding mobility of things as well as mobility of money including food, daily essential deliveries, peer to peer credit transfer and mobile top-ups.
