TPL TO DIGITIZE MAPS IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government announced TPL Maps as the mapping partner to introduce street mapping and Street Vision across the province. For KP government a memorandum of understanding (MoU) recently signed by Tech Valley Abbottabad and TPL Maps. Under the agreement, TPL Maps will be the maps digitization partner for the KP government. The partnership intends to cover various prospects from providing a range of mapping solution across the cities of the province to creating employment opportunities for students which will play a pivotal role to curb the upsurge in unemployment rate. The alliance also intends to enhance visual and mapping data for the education system, along with improved residential and commercial areas mapping.
The collaboration is a classic example of a private-public partnership. For a province like KP, with a population of 27.3 million people and 26 districts, the partnership itself is a huge task to manage and digitizing the entire province is a big win for TPL Maps. This also demonstrates the confidence of the Tech Valley on using local talents and technologies to map the entire province and it strongly aligns with its strategy to bridge the gap between industry and government.
Speaking at the occasion, Umar Farooq, Founder and CEO Tech Valley Abbottabad said, “We are extremely delighted to have signed the partnership with TPL Maps as digitizing KP province is a key priority for Tech Valley as well as provincial government. TPL Maps will provide us the opportunity to visually and digitally showcase the historical, leisure, food and many similar locations for the world to know. KP has so much to offer and together with TPL Maps we will enhance business activities, tourism economy and positively impact consumer lives in the province. This is yet another big step towards implementing our tourism policy 2016 into reality. I feel once done, this will be a game changer for us. “
Moreover, this collaboration also expands into mapping CPEC routes, connecting routes and other economic networks as a step towards improving the economic climate of the country by paving the way for more business opportunities. Lastly and more importantly, Tech Valley startups will also be able to use TPL Maps API free of cost.
Speaking on the occasion, Adeel Hashmi, Head of Maps, TPL Trakker said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with the KP Tech Valley Abbottabad to reach out our potential customers within the province. This alliance is a dynamic milestone in terms of technology itself and we aim to add more value to this locally developed digital mapping solution, by being the pioneers in mapping the rich culture and locations of KP province, a best kept secret of Pakistan.
“TPL Maps stays a game changer for digital services and we are constantly working with local bodies to provide customized digital mapping solutions. This will be one of the many such alliances, which will contribute to a more digital Pakistan in future. î he concluded.
Under the guidance of the KP Government, with this partnership TPL Maps will also work with the KP Tourism board. The stakeholders will ensure to take appropriate measures towards providing visual documentation of all the historical and tourist destinations along with Street Vision feature implementation in various areas of KP, which will be in line to significantly promote tourism in the province.
The project shall properly kick off after Ramadan across various cities in KP. TPL Maps and Tech Valley will formulate a detailed implementation plan before Ramadan and an estimated time for completion is close to the end of 2017.
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PSO’S MANAGERIAL EXCELLENCE
Vice President Operations, Total Parco, Mr. Rene Pierre Raffalli and other high officials, recently visited the JIMCO Oil terminal in Mehmoodkot, Punjab to review the terminal operation.
JIMCO Oil Terminal is a joint venture of Pakistan State Oil (PSO), Shell Pakistan and Total Parco (former Caltex Pakistan) is being managed by PSO. He was briefed regarding the installation, product storage capacity, modes of receipts and upcoming storage enhancement projects and HSE practices in operations. They also visited the operational areas and the new 26 point filling gantry at the terminal.
Mr. Rene Pierre praised PSO team over its professional management of the terminal at par with world’s best practices and operating procedures. He expressed his appreciation for the command and control system which facilitates safe and professional handling of the product on large level. He also praised PSO’s effective and cordial working relationship with JIMCO partners.
Writing his thoughts in the visitors’ book, Mr. Rene Pierre stated: “I am delighted to be here at this state of the art facility being superbly managed by team PSO. I was told that the facility is crucial to maintain an uninterrupted supply of fuel across Punjab which further necessitates that it functions without a hitch. I congratulate PSO for effectively managing the facility which is vital to meet the country’s fuel needs, as well as for the smooth operation of the partnering OMCs.”
JIMCO Oil Terminal was commissioned in 1981. As is spread over an area of 53 Acres. The terminal has total product storage capacity of 25578 KL of HSD/SKO. For the last few years, PMG is also being handled from the terminal to facilitate PSO’s retail customers and depots. The usual transaction mode from JIMCO is Rail/Road and pipe line. Along with a daily average throughput of 15000 KL handled safely. This Terminal has maintained a leading position in health safely and environment.
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POGEE 2017
The 15th International Exhibition for the Energy Industry, POGEE-2017, is scheduled from 16th to 19th May 2017, at expo center, Karachi. The Pakistan oil gas & energy exhibition is all set to display state-of-the-art equipment, machinery, technological advancement and innovative services and is expected to attract approximately Eight to Ten thousand visitors related to oil, gas and energy sectors from cities like, Rawalpindi Islamabad, Faisalabad, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Peshawar, Hyderabad, Ghotki, Muzzafargarh, Shakohpura, Multan, Lahore and Karachi.
More than 300, companies from around 30, countries are participating in the show with a majority from, China, Germany, Italy, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, France, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Poland, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, USA, Australia, South Korea, U.K, Japan, Slovakia, Belgium, Malaysia, U.S.A, Spain, Poland, Taiwan, Thailand, Sweden, Netherlands, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
The exhibition provides an opportunity to bring together the international business professionals and the leading local industry players to exchange their technical and business expertise in a highly focused B2B environment to acquaint the local industry with the latest developments in the world wide oil gas and energy sector.
POGEE-2017 will be featuring a highly focused conference program that is aimed to bringing in South Asia’s energy industry into the limelight. POGEE conference offers an excellent platform for exchange of views & information to the highly targeted audience from oil, gas and energy industry.
13th International Conference will commence on 17th, May 2017, and will be based on the theme, “Paving ways to fulfill energy demands & supply”. The daylong conference will consist of two exclusive sessions i.e.,” Integration into energy system: local, regional & global”, and the second session on, “Future of coal & renewable energy resources in Pakistan”.
Eminent speakers will participate from both local and international organizations & associations, like, Schneider Electric, UAE, Solar Sigma Ltd. (SSL) & Solar Sigma Group International Malaysia, Siemens Pakistan Engineering Company Ltd, Oil And Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA), Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technologies (PCRET), Energy department, Government of Sindh, Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB), Center for coal technologies, University of Punjab.
Pakistan Oil gas and energy exhibition, POGEE-2017 will be will be an ideal platform to display the latest in technology, equipment and machinery as well as allied services, while providing investors with a definite outlook of the regional energy industry and an opportunity to meet their prospective counterparts and business partners.
This globally recognized platform anticipates that participation of each individual brings benefit and success in their businesses and enables the country to move a step forward towards its economic growth.
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PMEX LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE
PMEX unveiled its newly redesigned website which boasts user-friendly experience for current and future market participants and business partners. The new website combines elements of highly-intuitive interface such as contemporary visual appeal, easy navigation, improved functionality and rich content. The website has been designed using cutting-edge technology, making the site compatible with new age browsers, smartphones and tablets thus allowing users to access information on the go.
Commenting on the new website, Ejaz Ali Shah, Managing Director PMEX said “We are delighted to welcome visitors to our new website. As we continue to grow and increase our footprint, we believe our mobile-friendly website will keep providing access to valuable and timely information.”
The newly built website will be updated on a regular basis with news of product launches, notifications, regulations, business activity, corporate milestones, events and financial information. The Exchange invites its visitors to explore the new website by visiting www.pmex.com.pk and learn more about PMEX and its products & services.
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MCB BANK LAUNCHES DIGITAL LOUNGE AT THE PACKAGES MALL, LAHORE
MCB Bank, “Pakistan’s Best Bank” (Euromoney & Finance Asia Awards, 2016), launched its flagship branch featuring its first State-of-the-Art Digital Lounge at Packages Mall in Lahore. The new branch is testament to MCB Bank’s innovative customer services that pushes the boundaries of conventional banking and will operate 7 days a week with extended timings.
The launch ceremony was conducted by Mr. Mian Mohammad Mansha, Chairman MCB Bank, and veteran businessman Mr. Syed Babar Ali. Mr. Imran Maqbool, President & CEO MCB Bank, Mr. Syed Hyder Ali, CE & MD Packages Ltd. and other senior executives from MCB Bank and Packages Mall were also present at the ceremony.
The newly launched MCB Packages Mall Branch offers full scale banking services in addition to advanced digital facilities such as a Video Contact Center, Interactive Digital Interfaces, Customer Information and Facilitation Services along with Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs) and an Internet/Mobile Banking Kiosk. Customers can learn about the Bank’s innovative products through informative touch screens located at multiple contact points throughout the Branch. The digital lounge will further serve as an experimentation centre for future innovations.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Imran Maqbool, President & CEO MCB Bank said, “We are proud to formally launch our new-age flagship branch featuring our first ever Digital Lounge at Packages Mall, Lahore. Our Digital Banking services aim to provide our customers with convenience and accessibility by offering innovative solutions across our touch points. As a pioneer of Digital Banking, we look forward to introducing more innovations that will further revolutionize the consumer banking experience for our esteemed customers.”
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INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED (IIL): EXTENDING ITS API LINE PIPE MANUFACTURING EXCELLENCE
International Industries Limited (IIL), Pakistan’s largest steel and plastic pipe manufacturer, manufactures certified ERW steel pipe for petroleum distribution systems.
As an innovative market leader in Pakistan, IIL has recently extended its ERW API product range from 6î OD to 12″ OD in PSL 1 and PSL 2.
IIL’s API certified 12″ OD tube mill is the latest addition to the Company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. The tube mill can produce API sizes from 6î OD to 12″ OD in thickness ranging from 4mm to 12.7mm in accordance with ANSI/API Specification 5L thereby complementing the already available API sizes from 3/4″ to 6″ OD.
The new mill is equipped with a solid state high frequency welder (Thermatool, UK) for high frequency solid state induction welding, seam annealing and on-line inner bead trimming system. Thermatool is a world leader and pioneer of HF solid state induction welding systems and its innovations consistently exceeds the limits on design and performance of HF welded products. These innovations has enabled Thermatool to demonstrate superiority in efficiency, weld quality and the welding process.
Also in order to meet the stringent requirements of API 5L specifications, the new mill is also equipped with on line seam annealing system by Thermatool (UK) which is one of a kind in Pakistan. This ensures the precise control of seam annealing temperatures after the welding has been performed, so that no un-tempered martensite remains in the weld seam / HAZ that could impact quality and integrity of weld. This is the only sure way in which to process API pipe and ensure it meets the requirements of the API standard.
The online internal bead trimming system ensures compliance to the API 5L specifications of internal bead height. IIL offers a full menu of end finishes including, facing, beveling, threading and roll grooving as per customer demand.
Online eddy current system by PRUFTECHNIK (Germany) is installed to detect any flaw in welding to the minutest level.
IIL offers a full menu of end finishes including, facing, beveling, threading and roll grooving as per requirements of the customer.
In addition to API line pipe, IIL also manufactures Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) gas pipe for the distribution of natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other gaseous fuels. These pipes are manufactured on state-of-the-art German & Austrian equipment to meet the performance requirement of British Gas Technical Specifications (BGC/PS/PL2) and the American Petroleum Institute Specification for gaseous fuel (API 15LE). IIL’s MDPE gas pipe are available in sizes ranging from 20mm to 250mm and thicknesses from 1.8mm to 22.7mm.
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ABOUT INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED (IIL)
International Industries Limited (IIL) produces premium quality steel pipes & tubes, stainless steel tubes and plastic pipes. The Company has annual revenues in excess of USD 175 million and a pipe manufacturing capacity of 500,000 tons. In addition, IIL is the majority shareholder of International Steels Limited (ISL), Pakistan’s largest manufacturer of galvanized, cold rolled and color coated steel with an annual capacity of 500,000 tons and annual revenues of USD 200 million. Though based in Pakistan, IIL has an ever growing global footprint with a presence in Australia, Canada, U.K and Sri Lanka and an export network that spans 5 continents. IIL is ISO 9001, 14001, OHSAS 18001, CE, UL, API 5L, API 15LE and PSQCA certified company.
For more information, visit www.iil.com.pk
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‘DIGITALIZATION OF DONATIONS
IBA Karachi and Bargad Organization for Youth Development co-organized a session on ’safe charity’ at the G&T auditorium, IBA Main Campus. An initiative of the IBA Community Welfare Society, the session had representatives from Bargad, Alamgir Welfare Trust and Alfajr Academy. The seminar provided a thought-provoking forum on the merits of ’safe charity’ and a stimulating interaction between the IBA students and the above mentioned charity organizations.
The seminar started with the welcome address by the society host, followed by recitation from the Holy Quran. The host emphasized on the importance and impact of charity on Pakistan and the whole community. An emphasis was placed on bringing transparency to charity collection and making sure that it goes to the deserving and not to radical organizations. Since the month of Ramadan is just around the corner, everyone was urged to not only to donate to charities, which take up worthy causes but also to ensure that the money is utilized to strengthen and not deteriorate Pakistan.
Ms. Sabiha Shaheen, a representative of Bargad Organization also welcomed the audience and gave a brief introduction to the organization. According to her the vision of the organization is to ensure politically aware, democratic, responsible, and gender sensitive youth communities, which respect freedom and equality. She said the Mission of the organization is “To promote peace, justice and cooperation among the youth in Pakistan”. She also mentioned that Pakistan has an enormous charity collection of 650 Billions, which isn’t utilized properly and this is why they came up with the idea of safe charity. By starting this initiative they plan to streamline the charity distribution channels in a period of 4 months. The organization plans to start the project from Karachi, operating in the most revenue generating areas of the city like Gulshan-e-Iqbal, DHA, Koranagi, Site, Sadder, etc. She also encouraged students to volunteer at Bargad so that their efforts can help them achieve the goal at the earliest.
Moderating the session Dr. Huma Baqai, Associate Professor IBA spoke about the scholarship opportunities offered by the organization to individuals, who plan to pursue their studies abroad and then return to Pakistan upon completion to serve the nation. Dr. Huma then introduced the Panel Members, namely: Dr. Najam Anjum Assistant Professor IBA, Mr. Rehan Yaseen- Alamgir Trust, Mr. Asim Ismail- Alfajar Academy and Ms. Sabiha Shaheen -Executive Director Bargad.
The panel discussion was based on the ground reality that “Pakistan has an annual charity contribution of around 650 Billion, which isn’t properly utilized” and the biggest contributor is Karachi! An informative discussion ensued on how this significant amount can be efficiently utilized to benefit the underprivileged and to contribute towards strengthening Pakistan. Initiating the panel discussion Dr. Najam Anjum talked about the grey areas in the structure of collecting, distributing and utilizing charity. He mentioned about people charting for the various causes, which are then used by officials for personal uses and benefits in the form of building businesses, buying properties etc.
Mr. Rehan Yaseen- a representative of Alamgir Trust briefed the audience about the operations at Alamgir Welfare Trust and its transparent methods, which include computerized documentation of the donations that they receive. He mentioned that to make the structure more transparent and flawless, the Alamgir Trust has encouraged over 1500 Pakistanis to get their National Identity Cards.
Ms. Salma from Bargad said that ’It’s important for charity organizations to work collectively and in cohesion with each other to ensure that the money pouring in form of donations is utilized properly and not falling in the hands of radical organizations, which will detriment both the citizens the country.
Taking the discussion a step forward Dr. Huma Baqai asked Ms. Sabiha about the charity given by USAID to organizations and how is it used, to which she answered that “The charity given by USAID is documented and the government is completely liable for its distribution to registered organizations. So they have a defined procedure for spending it”.
In the Q&A session, a question was raised whether money earned illegally should be utilized for charity purposes or not. Mr. Rehan of Alamgir Trust said that their organization keeps a thorough check and doesn’t accept such money, while Dr. Huma opined that if such money can help feed hungry mouths and is not utilized to raise terrorists than it’s perhaps still somewhat acceptable.
Concluding the session Dr. Najam Anjum closed the session on the note that it is our religious duty to not only give generously in charity but also to ensure that it reaches the deserving and not falls in radical hands. Mementos were presented to all the esteemed guests and moderator of the session.