Siemens boosts manufacturing in Pakistan with new production for power technology
Siemens has strengthened local manufacturing in Pakistan with a new production line for the company’s latest technology in air-insulated switchgear, the NXAIR. Produced at Siemens’ Karachi factory, the NXAIR medium-voltage switchgear is an essential part of efficient, reliable and safe power distribution in cities, infrastructure, buildings and industrial plants.
“We’re proud to be supporting ’Made in Pakistan’ with this new production line at our Karachi factory, bringing the very latest in switchgear technology to the local market,” said Helmut von Struve, Managing Director, and Siemens Pakistan. “The new facility also enables us to strengthen skill development and knowledge transfer, bolstering our local talent pool and further positioning Pakistan as a regional leader in manufacturing.”
The new production line operates to Siemens’ global manufacturing standards and will supply infrastructure development in Pakistan. It allows Siemens to streamline its logistics in the country, bring technology to market faster and support economic development with knowledge and technology transfer.
The latest version of NXAIR combines flexibility, high personal safety and low operation and maintenance costs for sectors where reliable power is essential, including data centers, manufacturing, electrical utilities, petrochemicals and the oil and gas industry. Highly adaptable, NXAIR can also be custom-designed for individual requirements including challenging climatic conditions with extreme temperatures and high air humidity, as well as in cases of heavy pollution of ambient air with dust, gases, salts or chemically active vapors.
Siemens has been a technology contributor to Pakistan’s development since the early 1920s, and currently employs more than 700 people across Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.
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Shell Helix paints 300 speed breakers as a part of its #DRIVEONPAKISTAN campaign
Shell Helix, fully synthetic motor oil – Shell’s most advanced formulation for high-performance engines launched its #DRIVEONPAKISTAN campaign in February with the objective of creating a safety mindset amongst the citizens of Pakistan, to transform their driving experience and make the roads safer.
Through this campaign, 1.2 million citizens pledged to different safety behaviors on the road and took responsibility for their driving to improve overall roads standards in Pakistan. This includes important and life-saving habits like wearing a seat belt, adhering to traffic laws, reduce speeding near schools, not using mobile phones while driving, ensuring infants are strapped in car seats and valuing safety above all other commitments while behind the wheel.
To reduce the risk of accidents or damage to vehicles, 300 speed breakers were painted in various cities of Pakistan to enhance the visibility of these speed bumps.
Shell collaborated with renowned celebrities, organizations and local traffic police across multiple cities to drive adherence to traffic laws. 4,500 school children were engaged on Road Safety rules to help inculcate these behaviors in the drivers of tomorrow.
Shell also recognizes that today’s vehicles need a motor oil that keeps pace with their changing demands and does more to improve performance and engine life. Shell Helix with its cutting-edge technology also introduced two new variants of its premium plus portfolio Helix Ultra 5W-20 and Helix 0W-20 that will be available pan-Pakistan across all distribution channels.
Shell is recognized as the world leader in lubricant technology with its unrivalled investment in lubricant R&D and experience that extends over 100 years. With 350 lubricant research specialists working in six laboratories around the world specialists in base oils, additives metallurgy, chemistry and fuels are brought together to develop optimum blends. Whether for a Ferrari Formula One racing car or a family car, Shell Helix Technology helps to keep the engine running as the designers intended – at maximum efficiency.
At the event, Business Manager Lubricants, Shell Pakistan Limited, Haroon Rashid shared “These products are blended with Shell’s patent technology PUREPLUS base oil and is geared towards providing fuel efficiency with lower carbon emissions with active cleansing agents that clean your engine while you drive.”
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Sindh Research Incubation Centre Welcomes Its First Batch
Sindh Research Incubation Centre, executed by the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi and funded by Information, Science & Technology Department welcomed its first batch in its Ceremony for Seed Capital Distribution and a seed capital for each Startup was given in this ceremony.
A Total 8 Teams out of hundreds of applications were selected for the year-long Incubation program at the IBA, City Campus. This Ceremony was headed by Dr. Sikandar Ali Shoro, Special Assistant to CM for Information Science & Technology, Government of Sindh, in the presence of Dr. Farrukh Iqbal, Dean & Director, IBA Karachi, Mr. Imran Batada, Director ICT & CICT, IBA Karachi, Mr. Agha Zaheeruddin, Secretary, Information Science & Technology, Government of Sindh, Muhammad Yousuf, Director General, Information Science & Technology, Government of Sindh and other dignitaries from public and private sectors.
While addressing the ceremony, Dr. Sikandar said that this project is not just another project by Information, Science & Technology Department, Government of Sindh but also a part of their manifesto to promote entrepreneurship culture amongst the youth so that they may play their part in the prosperity of Sindh and get it a distinctive standing in the global economy. He further added, this collaboration would help young and aspiring entrepreneurs by providing these opportunities to ensure sustainable growth for their ideas to create commercially viable technology startups.
Mr. Imran Batada, while presenting the welcome note congratulated the startups selected after a rigorous evaluation process and said, “Sindh Research Incubation Centre will provide promising startups from the Sindh region, quality incubation programs, access to mentor and investor networks, a world-class facility and technical resources. This 12-month program is focused on trainings where IT startups are mentored by experts and leaders from the industry. The state of the art facility of IBA Karachi will fosters innovation, growth and provide seed capital as well.”
Dr. Farrukh Iqbal, Dean & Director, IBA Karachi concluded the ceremony and said that the IBA, with the establishment of new centers and partnerships, is now much more than a business school. Center for Information & Communication Technology (CICT) is one of our specialized centers, established to serve the ICT sector of Pakistan. He added that the importance of the entrepreneurship culture to succeed in this era is a known phenomenon and Sindh Research Incubation Centre will play an integral role in manifesting it.
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NBP Funds Launches NAFA Islamic Capital Preservation Plan III
NBP Fund Management Limited (NBP Funds), formerly NBP Fullerton Asset Management Limited (NAFA), announced the launch of NAFA Islamic Capital Preservation Plan-III with the objective of earning halal profits for investors, along with preservation of their initial investment amount at maturity of two years.
NBP Funds is the largest Asset Management Company in the country with rating of AM1( Very High Quality) by PACRA, and is presently managing over 11,000 crores of investors’ money.
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Bahawalpur’s potential tourism and food processing industries need expansion: Mian Zahid Hussain
Govt should also take measures for economic and industrial development of the city
Establishment of Crafts Development Centre is commendable
President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum (PBIF), President AKIA, Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain on Friday said Bahawalpur is the central city of southern Punjab where several industries are operating including fertilizer, sugar, cotton, and textile, fruit juices, general engineering, iron & steel re-rolling mills, looms, beverages, flour & cottage industries in addition to MNCs. The current industrial estate is comprised of approx 52 acres of land with all basic facilities. The city is in dire need of new industrial estate to facilitate the available potential of new industries and manufacturing concerns.
The veteran business leader while talking to the business community said that two-third of the district (16,000 km2) is covered by the Cholistan Desert, which extends into the Thar Desert of India. Agricultural products of the district include cotton, sugarcane, wheat, sunflower, rice, mangoes, citrus, dates, guavas, onion, tomato, cauliflower, potatoes and carrot which fulfil the city’s need and supplied to other cities. Major portion of fruits produced in the district are exported to other countries.
The former minister said huge potential for tourism lies in the city; the famous and historical monuments include Derawar Fort, Noor Mahal, Gulzar Mahal, Shimla Khoti, Darbar Mahal, Farid Gate, and different tombs. Bahawalpur Museum and Bahawalpur Library are home to a wide compilation of medals, postage stamps, coins of the former state. Handicrafts, pottery and carpets produced in the district are admired and appreciated by the tourists from within and outside the country. The Punjab government has given notice to such amazing hand work and has set up a Craft Development Centre from where handicrafts can be purchased, which is commendable.
Mian Zahid Hussain said Quaid-e-Azam 1000MW Solar Park is developed in Bahawalpur under CPEC project, while the district will be connected to Gwader, Islamabad, Bakker and Mansehra via central and eastern routes of CPEC enabling the city to market its products conveniently in other cities and abroad. Universities of the city should conduct research for the economic and industrial development of the city in collaboration with the business community and the local influential should participate in the development of the city.
He said government should take measures for the industrial growth of the city in accordance to the recommendations of Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry so that the city can take active role according to its true potential in the economic growth of the country.
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JS Bank Awards Audi A3 to Winner of JS Apni Cricket League
In an exclusive award ceremony, Khalid Imran – President and CEO, JS Bank handed over the key to a brand new Audi A3 to the winner of JS Apni Cricket League, Asad Ali. The event was attended by JS Bank’s Chief Digital Officer – Khurram Shaikh, SVP Brand and Marketing – Mustafa Brohi along with other members of the digital banking and marketing teams.
JS Bank, one of the fastest growing and most innovative financial institutions of Pakistan launched JS Apni Cricket League mobile application during PSL 2018 the most happening cricketing event in the country, with the campaign name of #ApniToNikalParri.
A first of its kind initiative by a financial organization in Pakistan, the JS Apni Cricket League mobile application revolved around digital gamefication. Offering players the chance to build their own digital fantasy cricketing league, the application brought together tens of thousands of cricket lovers on one platform, ready to compete against each other for amazing prizes including: iPhones X, LED TV’s, tickets to Turkey, the PSL final and the grandest prize of all times – an Audi A3!
The game not only offered an amazing gaming experience but it was equipped with JCash instant digital wallet along with built in shop where users enjoyed the shopping experience of different items which they could use within game, this increased the excitement and completion levels of the users to new heights.
An outstanding success, the application became the 2nd most popular game under the ‘Top Free Games’ category on Google Play store’ in Pakistan owing to a whooping record of 350,000 downloads in just 33 days. The applications Google Play store rating reached 4.1 in less than 30 days only.
This application has revolutionized digital engagement using OPEN BANKING platform of JS Bank in Pakistan and set new benchmarks for other brands to engage with their customers in through interactive and high engagement models.
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H.E. Ambassador of Morocco Mohamed Karmoune calls on Federal Minister for Communications Dr. Hafiz Abdul Karim
Federal Minister for Communications Dr. Hafiz Abdul Karim has said during the tenure of existing democratic government record increase has been made in construction and extension of motorway and highways throughout the country. Under gigantic China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, a number of mega projects connecting to the ports were undertaken. He was talking during meeting with Ambassador of Morocco based in Islamabad Mr. Mohamed Karmoune who called on him at Ministry of Communications here today.
Secretary Communications Furqab Bahudar Khan, Additional Secretary Ministry of Communications Tashfeen Khan and senior officers of Ministry of Communications were also present. A detailed briefing regarding motorways and national highways and their connectivity to the Gwadar Port was also given.
Federal Minister for Communications Dr. Hafiz Abdul Karim said, presently Pakistan is focusing on implementing China Pakistan Economic Corridor under which a coordinated motorways and highways network is being built throughout the country. Completion if the Western Route of the CPEC stands among priorities of the government and this 2471km long route passes through areas like D.I Khan, Zhob, Quetta, Sorab-Hoshab and Gwadar. It completion will open up new avenues of economic uplift in the developing regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. It was told that, once completed Gwadar port will become the second largest port of the world and the first largest of this region. It was informed that Morocco may be linked up with Gwadar through sea route.
Expressing interest in CPEC project, the visiting guest H.E Mohamed Karmoune said, Pakistan is making marvelous progress. He said Morocco and Pakistan are bound in age old Islamic cultural relationship. He said, brotherly ties between the two countries will further be strengthened in the years to come.
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Burj Capital’s Jhimpir Power, 50MW wind power project, in pakistan begins commercial operations
Burj Capital is a Dubai based investment firm engaged in renewable power development focusing on both utility scale and distributed generation strategies. Jhimpir Power, Burj Capital’s first project in its 500MW renewable asset platform in Pakistan, has now achieved commercial operations. The plant was inaugurated today by Burj Capital.
The wind project is located in Jhimpir, in the Gharo-Keti Bandar wind corridor in Southeast Pakistan, which is a high-quality wind resource capable of generating over 50,000MW of clean and affordable electricity. Technological improvements have today made wind and solar power the cheapest sources of electricity globally. Combined with a strong and forward-looking regulatory framework that has been put in place by the Government of Pakistan, the Jhimpir wind corridor coupled with solar power can be further developed into a resource of national importance, able to reduce the country’s reliance on expensive imported fuels and provide the people of Pakistan clean and cheap electricity.
Jhimpir Power has been developed and managed by Burj Capital since inception. The firm has assembled one of the most experienced teams in the country to oversee and execute the plant’s construction. The project adheres to the highest operational and international environmental, social, and governance standards.
Speaking on the occasion, Saad Zaman, Founder & Group CEO of Burj Capital, said: “Completing our first project and delivering power to the national grid is a proud moment indeed. This is only the start however, we have a lot more in store for Pakistan. Given where wind and solar power stands today as the cheapest, fastest deployment and cleanest source of electricity in the country, we are at the cusp of an energy revolution that will take Pakistan from being an energy poor nation to an energy rich one. I would like to congratulate all our stakeholders, especially the Government of Pakistan. It must be gratifying to see the wind and solar space bearing fruit. With their continued support, this sector will only grow and play a key role in securing the country’s energy future.” The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the US Government’s development finance institution, is the sole debt provider to the project. OPIC is a key supporter of the wind power program in Pakistan and has financed 5 projects, totaling about 250MW, in the Gharo-Keti Bandar wind corridor.
OPIC President and Chief Executive Officer Ray W. Washburne, said “The provision of reliable electricity is an essential building block of any economy. OPIC is proud of its partnership with Burj Capital and our work together to bring reliable energy generation to the people of Pakistan.” Jhimpir Power selected GE Renewable Energy as the turbine supplier and operations and maintenance (O&M) contractor. The project has been built by PowerChina Huadong as the EPC contractor. Jhimpir Power is the fifth project in Pakistan to feature GE’s advanced wind turbines. As part of its operations and maintenance services, GE is also offering the project its technical know-how and smart maintenance and repair services prioritizing plant performance.
Dr. Manar Al Moneef, General Manager of GE Renewable Energy in the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey, said: “GE is very pleased with the relationship we have established with Burj Capital for Jhimpir Power, and are thrilled to inaugurate the first project our companies have delivered together in Pakistan. This not only underscores our commitment to bring clean and affordable energy to Pakistan, but also helps us to provide even more opportunities for local people and businesses, with the addition of 50MW of renewable power in the national grid, that can light up more than 20,000 homes.”
Sarim Sheikh, President & CEO of GE Pakistan, Iran & Afghanistan, added: “The commissioning of 50MW Jhimpir Power wind farm marks the fifth onshore wind project for GE in Pakistan. This makes me very excited about our growth in Pakistan, as more renewables also means significant changes to the energy mix. We are now very well positioned to meet market requirements and close the gap between demand and supply for energy in the country.”
The Government of Pakistan has tasked the Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) to ensure 5 percent of total national power generation capacity to be generated through renewable energy technologies by the year 2030, following the U.S. Agency for International Development and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory estimates that Pakistan has over 132 gigawatts (GW) of wind energy capacity and has to date exploited only 1% of this.
Aside from utility scale power plants, Burj Capital is also entering the private power space in Pakistan taking advantage of falling cost of technologies like PV solar and targeting the unmet power needs of consumers.
The occasion was graced by the honourable chief guest, Syed Murad Ali Shah, the Chief Minister of Sindh.