President Dr Arif Alvi applauds the National Docurama ‘Paani ke Pankh’

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) President Dr Arif Alvi on Saturday said that Pakistan was at tipping point, progressing and all indicators were positive. He stated this while addressing a ceremony on ‘Screening of Docudrama -2021 Paani Ke Pankh’, which is about Mohmand Dam and it was dubbed by its producer Tooba Baig as ‘(From) War to Water’, at Sindh Governor House here. President Arif Alvi said that water should be used in accordance with needs in country and construction of dams was need of the hour. He said that docudrama presented two facets one was that how the country fought war on terrorism and restored peace and second was importance of water.

Paani Ke Pankh, the docudrama based on the concept of War to Water produced by Tooba Baig from JB Films, held its exclusive screening at Governor House Karachi on 13th February with The Honorable President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi as Chief Guest, The Honourable Governor of Sindh, Mr.Imran Ismail as Guest of Honour, Chairman WAPDA, Lieutenant General Muzammil Hussain (Retd), Chairperson JB Films Mr. Mirza Jamil Baig, Producer Tooba Baig, and Journalist Zunaira Azhar.

Paani Ke Pankh talks about the struggles of people of Mohmand who have been dreaming about the Mohmand Dam for last fifty years. The 30 minutes-based docudrama, written by Umera Ahmed and directed by Farooq Mannan, talks about the land of Mohmand Dam that was once famous for the healthy and long lives and how by the time it became the land of dead bodies. Initiated by PM Pakistan in 2019, Mohmand Dam has now become the hope for the people as they have been hearing about the dam since 1963.

“Paani Ke Paankh” is a national docu-drama showcasing the revival and importance of hydropower development in Pakistan. It sheds light upon the national journey from “War to Water”, and suggests the dire need to shift pragmatically towards clean and green energy. It draws attention towards the construction of mega dams, that have kickstarted after a gap of five long decades. Paani Ke Pankh was officially launched by Prime Minister Imran Khan at the PM House Islamabad on Thursday 28th January 2021. The docudrama is a landmark achievement in terms of content, quality and international production values.

Produced by JB Films, the leading film production company of Pakistan helmed by Mirza Jamil Baig who is the Chairperson of the company and Tooba Baig who is the visionary Producer of the docu-drama ‘Paani Ke Paankh”.  As of now, JB Films has 4 feature films in various stages of Production aiming to release within the year.

Chairman WAPDA, Lieutenant General Muzammil Hussain (Retd) briefed the struggle from war to water and emphasized on water security that can Pakistan to the next level. He further added that currently the project stands at the 26 billion dollars investment, Mohmand Damn being the pilot project. For a war drawn area, it was impossible to initiate the project without the constant support of KP people and our security forces, he added while talking about the long struggle.

The Honourable Governor of Sindh, Mr.Imran Ismail as Guest of Honour thanked the team for conveying the real message to the audience. He expressed his concerns that how previously water projects were not our priority. He further added that water projects are highest need of the time, not just the new projects but also the projects that can increase the capacity of old dams.

The very young and aspiring Producer of JB Films and Paani Ke Pankh, Ms. Tooba Jamil Baig expressed her interests in Pakistan’s culture and its rapid movement towards development that led her initiate the project and finally execute and produce it. As she quoted “Inshallah my team at JB Films and I will continue to work on such national projects with the aim of taking Pakistan to the global stage,” she implied the importance to showcase true stories from Pakistan to the world.

Journalist Zunaira Azhar, being the mastermind behind the research and concept of Paani K Pankh, expressed her attachment towards the for-granted beauty of Pakistan and it forced her to come close to the people of Mohmand. “For a war drawn country to make this kind of development in terms of Mohmand Dam is the story of KP people and how they defeated terrorists”, she added.

From multiple ribbon cutting ceremonies in the past, 36 crore daily loss, the actual project initiated by PM Pakistan Imran Khan without any ribbon cutting ceremony, said Federal Minister for Water Resources, Faisal Vawda while explaining the progress of Mohmand Dam from book to reality. He also appreciated Tooba Baig for focusing on such topics and further hoped to see more projects like thesejects like these.

Zong wishes Happy New Year to Chinese Subscriber base

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Zong 4G, Pakistan’s leading cellular and digital services company, is celebrating the Pak- China friendship by offering special incentive to Chinese users on Zong. The gesture aims to further solidify the tried and tested ties of friendship between the two countries and express appreciation and care for people on both sides.

Through the Pak-China friendship offer, Chinese users of Zong 4G will get 10GB of free data. To avail the offer, the Chinese customers can visit: https://www.zong.com.pk/chinese-new-year.

 “China is like a brother to Pakistan and the people of both countries love each other like family. Our Chinese New Year offer is a small token of appreciation of the Chinese culture and an effort to be a part of their dearest celebrations.” Said spokesperson Zong 4G.

Zong is one of Pakistan’s largest mobile connectivity providers and is leading the country’s digital transformation with many industry-first initiatives. Alongside its incessant network transformation efforts to serve customers with best-in-class services, Zong is credited with pioneering 4G in Pakistan and running the first successful 5G test in the country.

Zong also continues to lead the industry in international roaming segment having introduced prepaid and postpaid roaming offers for Turkey, China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Europe, and many other countries.

 

Strepsils announces to appeal CCP’s decision

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has recently passed an order against Strepsils Comfort for alleged deceptive marketing, which we are now going to appeal.

The discussions with CCP are ongoing since December 2018, during which we have presented numerous third-party researches to substantiate our actions, specifically claims made on effectiveness of Strepsils Comfort. However, CCP failed to consider our strong evidence and therefore we are now left with no other option but to appeal.

Honesty and transparency are fundamental operating principles for RB, and we ensure that our product positioning and communication is fair, honest and does not mislead consumers or is unclear in any manner. All objective claims used in our communication and in our packaging & promotional materials are backed by credible and documented evidence capable of withstanding scientific scrutiny and comply with all local consumer laws.

We assure you that we are fully committed to protecting our consumers and will provide the best solutions that protect, heal and nurture for a healthier life.

TECNO brightens the day for Lahore with its fun-filled #TECNOPhotoWalk

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The most happening event right now, #TECNOPhotoWalk has finally reached Lahore. TECNO started this Photowalk campaign last month, covering major cities in Pakistan. After the success of the first two destinations, Islamabad and Karachi, #TECNOPhotoWalk has come to the city of gardens, Lahore. The event was conducted with great zeal and became successful with the participation of TECNO’s euphoric fans.

The New York Times recently included our beloved Lahore in its list for “52 places to love in 2021”. They added you should plan a trip to the city of gardens owing to its beauty and the historic sites it holds. TECNO graced Fakir Khana Museum with its fans and photography enthusiasts. The photowalk of Faqir Khana Museum became more fascinating when Mr. Faqir Syed Saif Uddin – the owner of Meusum delivered thoughtful and knowledgeable lecture on History and Culture to the participants.

 It is a private museum that contains over 20,000 objects and is the largest privately-owned museum in South Asia. It depicts the culture of the region. The participants got the chance to capture the landmark through the lens of ‘Photography King’ Camon 16. Camon 16 with the TAIVOS camera solution, is known for its six amazing photography functions. It provides multiple photography and video features to give a professional SLR touch to the captures.

After wandering through the Fakir Khana Museum, TECNO took its fans to its second destination, Botanical Garden Lahore. The participants got a chance to get close to nature and get their hands on a refreshing photography session with the beauties of nature. The Photowalk ended with a generous lunch for the participants. The lunch was arranged at the very famous Haveli restaurant in the old city of Lahore. The place is very famous as it gives a magnificent view of the Badshahi Mosque from its rooftop. Participants enjoyed their meal with the glorious view, ending the walk on a blissful note.

Apart from these amazing experiences, TECNO has another surprise for the participants. The participants with the best-captured images from all three events, Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, will be rewarded with a special gift. The winners will be announced soon on TECNO’s social media platforms. So stay tuned to TECNO for more updates and the latest news regarding events and new products.

HabibMetro Bank Joins ROSHAN DIGITAL Account

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HABIBMETRO BANK JOINS ROSHAN DIGITAL ACCOUNT Non-Residents Pakistanis and Residents can now repatriate their funds freely and bank digitally anytime, anywhere

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Habib Metropolitan Bank Limited (HABIBMETRO) has joined the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) initiative of the State Bank of Pakistan. Roshan Digital Accounts provide innovative banking solutions to millions of Non-Resident Pakistanis (NRPs) and Resident Pakistanis (RPs) with declared offshore assets, who need a secure and convenient facility, to undertake banking-payments, fund-transfers and investment activities in Pakistan, remotely, from abroad. The RDA program is available for both Conventional and Islamic Banking customers around the world. NRPs can open the Roshan Digital Account, digitally, anytime and from anywhere, while RPs can visit a designated HABIBMETRO Bank near them. The honorable Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Dr. Reza Baqir, lauded the swift efforts of HABIBMETRO in joining the group of banks who are offering the Roshan Digital Account and hoped that more banks would follow suit and become part of the fast evolving digital financial ecosystem of the country.

Extoling the contribution of Overseas Pakistanis, he said that NRPs are continually increasing remittances through RDA. He went on to add that SBP, together with the Government of Pakistan, is working on innovative initiatives to provide attractive avenues of investment and saving for Overseas Pakistanis. He said RDA provides a full range of banking services and exciting investment opportunities to the Pakistani diaspora, including Naya Pakistan Certificates (NPCs) issued by the government, as well as the stock market and real estate. The Governor SBP elaborated that initiatives of RDA and NPCs will help the country not only in attracting investment by NRPs but will also become a more consistent, reliable and long-term source of foreign exchange flows in the country. He disclosed that RDA has so far received more than USD 480 million from around 97 countries around the globe and over USD300 million have been invested in NPCs. Governor SBP said that the outcome of the RDA initiative so far has been very promising, with the number of accounts and amounts remitted and investment growing every day.

Speaking at the launch event, HABIBMETRO’s President & Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mohsin Ali Nathani stated: “HABIBMETRO and Habib Bank AG Zurich are committed to serving our customers regardless of where they are in the world. With the Roshan Digital Account, HABIBMETRO aims to facilitate Non- Resident Pakistanis, and Resident Pakistanis with declared assets abroad, in banking with us anytime and from anywhere in the world, conveniently and remotely. They can use the RDA program to invest in attractive opportunities while contributing to the progress and development of their homeland. We believe that the RDA will prove to be a game-changer for Pakistan, as it will give tremendous impetus to the national economy.’

HABIBMETRO has also engaged Mr. Jahangir Khan – the longest-reigning world-champion of Squash, as the ambassador for its RDA program who said that he decided to become one of the founding account-holders and ambassador of the HABIBMETRO Roshan Digital Account, simply because he thoroughly enjoyed his 40 years’ banking relationship with HABIBMETRO and Habib Bank AG Zurich. The HABIBMETRO Roshan Digital Account offers digital account opening and banking to its customers, along with a wide range of investment opportunities with various tenors and attractive returns. NRPs and RPs can repatriate funds freely, while investing in Pakistan (in PKR & USD) through the Naya Pakistan/Islamic Naya Pakistan Investment Certificates and the Stock Exchange.

More details about the HABIBMETRO Roshan Digital Account are available on HABIBMETRO Bank’s website.

Zong 4G Introduces Pak-China Friendship Bundle

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Celebrating the friendship that has stood the test of time and grew only stronger through decades, Zong 4G, Pakistan’s top cellular and digital services provider, has introduced the Pak-China Friendship Bundle.

Through the bundle, Zong’s prepaid subscribers will get 525 Minutes for just PKR 250+Tax with a validity of 7 days. To subscribe to the offer, users can write an SMS “SUB CNAW” and send it to 4083. Furthermore, the postpaid and prepaid customers can also avail 2250 Minutes for just PKR 750+ tax with a validity of 30 days, by sending an SMS “SUB CNAM” to 4083.

“Not once has the friendship between China and Pakistan faltered, no matter how challenging the circumstances be,” said Zong’s official spokesperson. “To celebrate that very history and spirit of friendship, Zong has introduced this amazing Pak-China Friendship Bundle. And we couldn’t find a better occasion to celebrate this friendship than the Chinese New Year!”

Zong is Pakistan’s torchbearer of the ICT-led digital transformation. Driven by its passion for customer empowerment and facilitation, Zong 4G is committed to serving the Pakistani people in newer and more innovative ways.

Alongside its incessant network transformation efforts to serve customers with best-in-class services, Zong is credited with pioneering 4G in Pakistan and running the first successful 5G test in the country.

Microsoft emphasizes the need to encourage girl learners to embrace STEM subjects

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)  “It’s evident by the significant investments into skills development and educational programmes that Microsoft believes in upskilling our youth to have the right skills to succeed in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. But even as we strive to include as many young learners in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects as possible, our girl learners are lagging behind”. This statement was issued by Microsoft while emphasizing the need to encourage girl learners to embrace STEM subjects.

According to the recent UNESCO report, ‘Cracking the Code: Girls’ and Women’s education in STEM’, only 35 percent of STEM students in higher education globally are women. This gaping gender gap is especially concerning when we consider that STEM careers are referred to as the jobs of the future. UNESCO notes that a strong gender imbalance exists globally, in regard to women’s representation in STEM fields.

According to the United Nations Institute of Statistics (UIS) less than 30 percent of the world’s researchers are women. Numerous studies have found that women in STEM fields publish less, are paid less for their research and do not progress as far as men in their careers.

There are many complex reasons why girls and women are so underrepresented in STEM subjects and fields. Conscious and unconscious biases, social norms and cultural expectations frequently influence the type and quality of education girl learners receive and the choices offered to them.

It’s important to have diversity represented in STEM, and not just for the sake of numbers. When women are pushed out of careers in STEM by systems of bias, this influences the products and services that STEM organisations create. Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Learning bias is a recognised concern for organisations developing products and services using this technology.

The PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) report titled, ‘Why don’t more girls choose to pursue a science career’, noted that the gender gap in STEM subjects is already evident among 15-year-olds, and that boys are more confident and interested in broad science topics despite similar scores in science and maths among all genders. Part of this is likely due to societal pressures and the unconscious bias and stereotypes among some communities that science is ‘only for boys’.

It’s vital that we engage with girls at primary and secondary school levels to raise the visibility of STEM subjects as a potential career trajectory. One such collaboration is the DigiGirlz programme, which inspires high school girls to pursue STEM subjects by providing them with the opportunity to interact with Microsoft employees and receive computer and technology training.

Each year, Microsoft hosts DigiGirlz Day across the world. The one-or three-day events see students interact with Microsoft employees and managers to gain career guidance, information about technology and business roles. During the pandemic, these events will be virtual events, allowing girls to engage in the first International Virtual Microsoft DigiGirlz Panel and Bootcamp.

Research also shows a sharp drop-off in women who initially study STEM subjects. Women leave STEM disciplines in disproportionate numbers during their studies, during the transition to the workplace and even during their careers. Mentorship programmes can help encourage women to pursue these careers.

The Microsoft SkillsLabs programmes, although not solely focused on promoting female candidates have had various women completing apprenticeships at SkillsLabs. Something else that has been noted is how seldom young women see aspirational women figures portrayed in STEM roles and careers in the media.

According to the World Bank, bringing more women into digital jobs can help transform the economy   by increasing women’s earnings and financial independence. But this opportunity will be lost without the skills needed to drive inclusion in the tech sector. That’s why it is a social, moral and economic necessity to ensure young girls and women are given the skills to master technology and increase the number of future-ready professionals.

Ufone and PTCL partner with Islamabad United for sixth season of Pakistan Super League

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Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Ufone and PTCL and twice Pakistan Super League champions, Islamabad United, have joined hands for the sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League, starting from February 20.
 
Ufone and PTCL are part of PTCL Group, which is the leading telecommunication services provider in Pakistan. Both the brands serve millions of people across the country and provide services throughout the length and breadth of Pakistan including some of the remotest regions.  
Islamabad United is the most successful team of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and were the winners of the first and third seasons of the HBL PSL. The franchise believes in bringing change to Pakistani sports with the introduction of international standards of practice and a commitment to continuous progress.
Speaking on this occasion Group Chief Marketing Office, PTCL Group, Adnan Anjum said, “Cricket is the heartbeat of the nation and being a people-centric company, it was natural for us to support the passion of cricket. Islamabad United, a franchise who represent the spirit of united Pakistan is an ideal partner for us to express that support. With the rise of their young Pakistani core, we are confident that Islamabad United’s success will be long lasting, as will this partnership.”
Reiterating the significance of the partnership, Ali Naqvi said, “We are pleased to partner with one of the leading telecommunication companies in Pakistan. Ufone and PTCL are brands known and loved throughout the country. Promoting Islamabad United and cricket is an effort to unite the nation and spread joy among the masses. We are thus delighted that Ufone and PTCL, which connect the nation, will now be official partners of Islamabad United.”
 
Ufone and PTCL have also partnered with Islamabad United in the past. The partnership continuity is a reflection of the Group’s belief in Islamabad United’s slogan “United We Win” which is centered on unity and compels cricket enthusiasts to stand united.

Tech Startup VINNCORP SECURES Its First Round Of Funding

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) VINNCORP, a digital tech startup, has secured its first around of funding from HRSG, a leading people and business solutions firm. The six figure initial investment of US dollars 100000 from HRSG will help enhance VINNCORP’s reach both locally and globally.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Khurram Gulistan founder and CEO VINNCORP said “We are confident that this investment will help in refining VINNCORP’s product portfolio further, in addition to expanding our service provision beyond our current capacity.” Joining him the Co-founder and COO VINNCORP Mr. Khurram Kalimi an IBA alumni, added: “This has come at a time when uncertainty is high because of the prevailing pandemic and we are glad that we will also be able to create employment opportunities in the tech industry.”

Pakistan has more than 76 million internet users and more than 37 million active social media accounts offering tremendous opportunities of growth in the digital economy. The growth of VINNCORP will help create new jobs for local professionals and will also contribute positivity to the Pakistani economy.

Mr. Hasan Azhar, Group CEO, HRSG, the venture capitalist, said: “The passion of its founders and their commitment to delivering problem solving innovation is what attracted HRSG to VinnCorp. VinnCorp is a digital transformation startup, focused on unconventional, class leading solutions. Their philosophy of helping clients solve the impossible and their relentless commitment to building a diverse organization with the brightest minds is a recipe for excellence and has positioned VinnCorp for tremendous success in the years ahead. HRSG is proud to be a small part of this journey with VinnCorp, and is very excited about the future.”

VINNCORP, established in November 2017 by two former batch mates of FAST Karachi, with a background experience in leading companies like Microsoft HQ, Salesforce HQ, VMware and Oracle, Their aim is to provide hi tech products and services to clients dealing in B2B and B2C around the globe. Among the notable products is Brand Equity, a machine learning based social listening system which has filled the market gap that existed for such a facility in the industry. VINNCORP’s other products include Prent, a property management solution, SOCOL Chat, a secure group video chat platform, and Socol; which is the awards winning political campaign management platform that has been facilitating politicians in managing their voter relationship.

Coca-Cola Beverages Pakistan highlights its contribution to national economy through a socio-economic impact report

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Islamabad (Muhammad Yasir) Coca-Cola Beverages Pakistan Limited (CCI Pakistan) revealed its latest socio-economic impact report at an event held in Islamabad on otherday. The report highlighted CCI Pakistan’s contribution to the national economy as well as the impact of its domestic social investments. The event was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Mr. Abdul Razzaq Dawood, Advisor to the PM for Commerce, along with the Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. İhsan Mustafa Yurdakul. Other notable guests included officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries, Board of Investment, Additional Attorney General of Pakistan and representatives of Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), WWF Pakistan and senior management  from CCI Pakistan.

This detailed study was conducted by Mr. Kashif Malik, Professor Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). The study provides a detailed review of CCI Pakistan’s contributions made towards the prosperity of Pakistan over the years.

Some of the key highlights of the study revealed that the brand’s value chain had generated a percentage share of 1.95% of GDP, an injection of 1.74 million in the economy for every 1 million spent by CCI Pakistan, an annual tax contribution of Rs.30 billion, additional Rs.210,000 paid by the brand’s suppliers and vendors for every 1 million paid in taxes. Further, the report also underlined massive employment opportunities generated by CCI Pakistan to engage the local workforce through 2500 direct and over 10,000 indirect employments.

Through its flagship CSR project ‘PAANI’, CCI Pakistan is providing clean drinking water to over a million beneficiaries a day by means of its 28 water filtration plants installed nationwide, while TABEER has been making waves through its women empowerment initiative, in addition to other areas of socio-economic impact as highlighted in the report.    

The report findings reaffirm CCI Pakistan’s commitment as a responsible corporate citizen contributing towards the prosperity of the country. Moving forward, the company will continue to explore new avenues beneficial for the people of Pakistan as well as for the country.