TPL Corp and SMB QAPS students visit the IBA as part of an educational initiative
On the occasion of International Literacy Day, the TPL Corporation visited the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi main campus along with 50 students from Sindh Madressah Board Quaid-e-Azam Public School & College (SMB QAPS).
Attendees included, Dr. Farrukh Iqbal, Executive Director IBA, Mrs. Malahat Awan, Head of Alumni Affairs, Graduate Placement, Communications & Resource Mobilization, Wing Commander (Retd.), Mr. Aamer Shabbir, General Manager Administration IBA, Mr. Zain Hassanally Effendi, member of board of governors and TPL Corp representative Ms. Anika Effendi, Group Head External Relations and CSR.
The event started with a briefing session by Mr. Shabbir followed by an inspirational talk by Dr. Iqbal.
On the occasion, Ms. Anika Effendi said, “Corporate social responsibility remains at the heart of everything we do at the company. We give utmost priority towards education at large, the idea behind bringing the students to a higher education institute was to widen their horizon and perspective regarding quality education”.
Mr. Effendi commented on the students of SMB QAPS and said “These students are the flag bearers of tomorrow and their ability to do so can only be enhanced by quality education. I thank the IBA for giving us an opportunity to visit their campus. This will give them a new vision and direction to drive their future in the right direction”.
The purpose of the visit was to introduce students from less privileged backgrounds to a quality higher education institute. The students appreciated the facilities at the IBA and expressed their willingness to be a part of the institute.
The session ended with a visit to various campus facilities, which included Mian Abdullah Library, G&T Auditorium and the Alumni Student Center.
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PTCL Dell in enterprise class infrastructure solutions provider accord
Pakistan Telecommunications Company Limited (PTCL) has entered into an Enterprise Class Infrastructure Solutions Provider agreement with Dell EMC to enhance IT transformation process of businesses across Pakistan.
Under this partnership, PTCL will provide Dell EMC infrastructure solution and services to companies and businesses nationwide. These solutions will help organizations in their business growth through massive scalability and efficiency for a wide range of files & data storage workloads.
Understanding the unique infrastructure requirements for various business models, this partnership will cater to all the market segments; small or large, with solutions that can help modernize datacenters and increase IT efficiency.
Adil Rashid, Chief Business Services officer, PTCL, on the occasion, said, “This partnership will enable us to offer industry leading infrastructure solutions to our customers, which will help them to broaden their capabilities and grow even faster. Leveraging Dell EMC capabilities, our priority is to solve our customers’ digital challenges giving them confidence to deploy new capabilities, thereby, establishing PTCL as a trusted ICT solution provider in the country.”
Naveed Khan, Director Data Center Solutions, Dell EMC Asia Emerging Markets, on the occasion, said, “Today Dell EMC and PTCL embark on a new journey towards digital transformation. With Dell EMC’s leading technology and PTCL’s reach across Pakistan, both organization are collaborating for a common goal to help businesses prepare for the Digital Age.”
PTCL’s partnership with Dell EMC will provide a wide array of cloud-native and traditional workloads solutions in line with its Public Cloud strategy on Converged, Hyper-Converged, All-Flash and Hybrid storage to businesses. This also includes server lifecycle automation, expandable infrastructure for compute & networking and a mix of Dell EMC Software Defined Storage Solutions to different industries nationwide.
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Ministry of Communications to activate Project Monitoring and Evaluation
Federal Secretary Communications Mr. Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui directed to activate Project Monitoring and Evaluation Cell (PME-Cell) urgently so that Development Projects executed by this Ministry’s attached Departments are monitored effectively and diligently.
Reportedly, the evaluation cell will effectively monitor projects executed under the department’s authority with proper cost and time benefits.
The functioning of such a cell in the technical ministry is all the more necessary under terms of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council’s (ECNEC) decision. This step will help in proper execution and cost and time benefits.
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Prompt steps required to curb Railways losses and needs connection to other countries: Mian Zahid Hussain
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 Pakistan railways is an effective, cost-efficient and safe ways of goods transportation and has been a backbone in fulfilling public’s transportation needs. Importance of Railways cannot be denied. Despite wide network railways stood at Rs. 42 billion annual losses, which is worth consideration. Railways revenue in 2013 was Rs. 18 billion while loss was Rs. 32 billion; revenue increased to Rs. 36 billion where loss has also been increased to 40 billion. Immediate and revolutionary measures are required to be taken to curb the Railways losses.
The veteran business leader while talking to the business community said that Railways current standing is the result of poor planning and politicising of public departments. The PML-N led government has tried to make the performance of railway better and the revenue has also been increased but the increased losses could not curb. This government seems serious in reformation of public organization running in losses. Railway under the minister-ship of Shaikh Rasheed Ahmed has achieved a milestone by initiating two new railways in less than a month time including Mianwali Rail Car and Rawalpindi Express.
The former minister said that Pakistan railway is comprised of five main lines including Karachi – Peshawar, Kotri – Attock, Rohri – Chaman, Quetta – Taftan and Taxila – Khunjrab, while twenty branch lines are there to connect the far remote areas of the Country to the railways’ network. Government need to renovate the existing system and reform it in accordance to the modern day needs. New and latest trains should be introduced in addition to the revival of outdated and old lines and circular railways. Karachi circular railway should be given priority in order to facilitate the general public with affordable and convenient transportation.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that railways guest houses located across the Country should be commercialized after converting to hotels & motels and recaptures the railway’s vast land from the grabbers to promote tourism in the country and increase profitability of the important public sector organization. Pakistan is not yet connected with any other Country except India. If Prime Minister Imran Khan gives attention, Iran, China, Afghanistan, Central Asia, Turkey and even Europe can be connected with Pakistan Railway; by extending Quetta – Taftan line to Zahidan of Iran and by extending Taxila – Khunjrab line to Kashghar of China. Since there is no railway system in Afghanistan, it can be done through three phases by extending Karachi – Peshawar line to Kabul via Jalalabad or by extending Rohri – Chaman line to Speen Boldak in first phase, then to Qandahar afterwards to Hirat and then to Turkmenistan. If the Pakistan Railway get connected with other countries, it will gives Pakistani products an easy access to international markets and international trade will be inclined to new heights.
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PTCL upgrades its charji 4g lte network
In order to provide hi speed and seamless internet experience to its customers, PTCL has recently implemented major upgrade of its CharJi 4G LTE network in Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Peshawar. As part of this process, 3G EVO services in these cities will stop working from 17th September 2018.
PTCL 3G EVO customers can visit any PTCL shop, retail outlet or distributor to exchange the 3G EVO device by giving Rs. 2,500 and get a new CharJi 4G LTE device. Along with that, they will get one month of unlimited internet free on their new CharJi 4G LTE device. Customers can call at 1218 for further information.
PTCL has upgraded the CharJi 4G LTE network considering the ever-growing high speed internet requirements of its customers. The new CharJi 4G LTE device will connect up to 10 devices at the same time.
This offer allows subscribers who upgrade, to browse and stream to their heart’s content for the entire first month. From the second month onwards, the customers will be able to select from a variety of economical and tax-inclusive monthly packages that cater to a diverse range of needs & lifestyles.
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BMG has taken Karachi Chamber of Commerce to new heights of growth under the leadership of Siraj Kassam Teli: Mian Zahid Hussain
Senior Vice Chairman of the Businessmen Panel of FPCCI and former provincial minister, Mian Zahid Hussain while talking to the business community on Wednesday said that the Businessmen Group (BMG) under the leadership of Siraj Kassam Teli has taken Karachi chamber of commerce to new heights of growth and denial of KCCI’s role in the development of trade and industry of Karachi is impossible. Given to vital role of BMG in serving the business community and restoring peace in Karachi, Businessmen Penal assures its full support to BMG in the forthcoming elections of Karachi chamber of commerce.
The former minister said that an active research and development wing is working under Karachi chamber of commerce which disseminates updated information on economic issues to all members. KCCI is the only chamber that provides a large database of information to the business community. It has established a special committee for the first time for small traders to address and resolve the challenges faced by the important sector of economy. For the First time in the history of Pakistan, KCCI achieved representation in General Counsel of the World Chamber Federation – International Chamber of Commerce. KCCI purchased a spacious plot at a prime location in Clifton for setting up KCCI’s grand building from its own financial resources and Rs. 480 Million contract for construction of KCCI’s new building awarded to Times Group. In the worst law and order situation of Karachi where target killings, kidnapping and extortion KCCI under the leadership of Siraj Kassam Teli has demanded Army operation under which Rangers has given authorities and Karachi’s peace could have been restored due to which public and the business community has taken the sigh of relief.
Chairman BMP Sindh Zakaria Usman said that twenty years’ performance of Karachi Chamber is open and public. To promote Pak – Afghan trade, KCCI has established Pak Afghan joint chamber of commerce. KCCI helped the flood affectees through distribution of Relief Goods in Dadu District to Flood Relief Affectees and revived the status of KCCI on provincial, regional and international levels through various measures. It has provided practical support to the affectees of Baldia Town incident and also donated Rs. 2.5 million to acquire phone locators.
BMP’s prominent leader Shoukat Ahmed said on the occasion that Karachi chamber has always extended support to business community without any discrimination and has taken measures to resolve the issues being faced. It has conducted a collective pre budget meeting of all chambers and formed a budget proposal with suggestions and recommendations of all stake holders, according to their expectations.
Leader of BMP Saquib Fayyaz Magoon has said KCCI has played an important and unforgettable role in approval and disbursement of 1774 claims of more than Rs. 1 billion of affectees of Boltan market bomb blast and helped the affectees in reconstruction of their shops.
Businessmen Penal appealed the business community to completely support the Businessmen Group (BMG) in the KCCI elections to be held on Saturday, September 15, for continuation of the growth’s journey and vote all BMG candidates from serial number 1 – 15.
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METRO Pakistan offers support to EDHI Foundation
As a symbol of its long-standing commitment towards social causes, METRO Pakistan (MCCPK) lent its support to EDHI Foundation and thus, the vulnerable factions of the society under its Care & Share initiative, and in alignment with UN on the International Day of Charity. It is recognized as a day when organizations, NGO’s and stakeholders all around the world rally together to make a positive difference.
METRO Cash & Carry Pakistan strongly believes in sustainable development by delivering economic, social and environmental benefits to all stakeholders. Therefore, eager to reach out to those in need and give back to the community, METRO Pakistan joined hands with EDHI Foundation which is a renowned non-profit social welfare organization, and was established by the late Abdul Sattar Edhi, a prominent Pakistani philanthropist, social activist and humanitarian. METRO Pakistan donated several cartons containing an array of supplies such as cushions, pillows, bed sheets, blankets, towels, sweaters, garments, baby clothes, sports items, and crockery amongst other items for residents of EDHI homes.
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Launch of Askari Life Assurance Co. Limited
Army Welfare Trust acquired East West Life Insurance company in late 2017 to capitalize on the growth in the insurance sector and introduce latest products; delivering attractive investment returns and swift claims settlement for the betterment of customers. Askari Life Assurance, (formerly known as East West Life Insurance) was established in 1992 and has been operating long enough to prove diligence to survive and prosper even in the toughest of times. The management firmly believes that the acquisition will lead to better performance due to the backing of one of the largest business groups of Pakistan. Army Welfare Trust has an unwavering commitment to being a trusted long-term partner, focused on building productive, collaborative, trusting and beneficial relationships. AWT started in 1971 with a modest asset base and is thereafter a story of perseverance, innovation, business acumen and going beyond the frontiers in Insurance, Aviation, CNG, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Sugar, Lubricants, Real Estate, Security Solutions and many other diverse fields. MD AWT, Lt Gen Najib Ullah Khan, (Retd) HI(M) while addressing the meeting said, “As the leader of AWT,I have a special responsibility to keep up the pace of our ongoing ventures, and look forward to a bright future. We enjoy a tradition of integrity, dependability, and the name of Army adds to the confidence of the local and foreign investors. An institutionalized system of decision-making has helped establish our credibility in the corporate, industrial, financial and services sectors. We welcome this new venture gratefully and believe that it will prove prosperity for our group and nation.” Mr. Jehanzeb Zafar, the newly appointed Chief Executive at Askari Life Assurance Company, has a successful track record of leadership along with in-depth knowledge of the Insurance and Financial Services industry. He is credited with the development of distribution and organizational strategy as Chief
Strategy Officer at Adamjee Life Assurance Company. Mr. Jehanzeb holds an MBA from City University London and a certification in Strategy from Harvard Business School, USA. Mr. Jehanzeb Zafar, stated, “Askari Life Assurance is entering the market at a time where society is in dire need of innovative financial solutions. I believe together, with a dedicated passionate team, the legacy of Askari and AWT brand, we aspire to contribute to the well-being of our customers, shareholders and contribute towards a prosperous Pakistan.”
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Minister of IT&T Promises More Support to Pakistan’s impressive IT industry
Pakistan Software Houses Association for IT & ITES (P@SHA) held its 15th P@SHA ICT Awards in Islamabad. The P@SHA Awards are the premier event of the IT industry and bring together business leaders from various sectors as well as diplomats and media. The Chief Guest for the awards ceremony was the Honorable Minister of IT&T, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.
In his address to the audience, Minister of IT&T, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, expressed his pleasure upon seeing ay at a single platform and assured his support and solidarity to his constituency.
Chairman P@SHA, Barkan Saeed, also congratulated the position holders along with Secretary General P@SHA, Shehryar Hydri emphasized the importance of partnering with the government to push for reforms and incentives that are severely needed for the exponential growth of the IT sector, which has become a backbone of our economic growth.
These teams will now travel to Guangzhou, China to represent Pakistan in the 18th APICTA Awards, competing with the top companies from 17 countries.
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IBA and Sumitomo Corporation sign MoU for scholarship grants
The IBA and Sumitomo Corporation signed a MoU for scholarship grants under the name of “Sumitomo Corporation Scholarship”. The scholarship program will benefit three IBA students from the MBA program
The objective of the scholarship is to cultivate and foster the education of promising young leaders attending the institute. The two parties agreed that three students will be selected each year to receive individual grants, on a biannual basis, from Sumitomo Corporation’s Karachi office.
The eligibility of the scholarship will be based on potential candidates’ Pakistani citizenship status, academic excellence, financial assistance required, below the age of 30 and obtained at least satisfactory grades in all subjects.
In the ceremony, the IBA was represented by Executive Director IBA, Dr. Farrukh Iqbal, Head of Alumni Relations, Graduate Placement, Resource Mobilization & External Relations Mrs. Malahat Awan Head, and Senior Manager, Alumni Affairs, Graduate Placement, Communications & External Relations Mr. Haris Siddiqui, while the Sumitomo Corporation was represented by General Manager, Corporate Sustainability Department, Mr. Yukio, Sakai, and Assistant General Managers Mr. Masataka Muroi, Mr. Shahzad Ali.
Shedding light on IBA’s financial frameworks, Executive Director IBA, Dr. Farrukh Iqbal said, “Despite being a government run institute, the IBA receives 90% of its funding from donations and private corporations.”
Marking this momentous occasion, General Manager, Corporate Sustainability Department Mr. Yukio Sakai, said “Our organization is expanding our CSR and investment in education and we are delighted to have a collaboration with such a prestigious institute”
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Daraz announces New & Enhanced Customer & Seller Platforms
Daraz hosted its annual Seller Summits in Karachi and Lahore, making several announcements of transformational importance. CEO, Bjarke Mikkelsen, addressing the sellers, announced the new strategy of empowering the marketplace sellers to create their own success by giving them access new and highly advanced systems. The new systems have been co-developed with Alibaba, the Chinese ecommerce giant that acquired Daraz in May 2018.
Key high-impact developments for sellers and customers alike:
* The New Seller Center (launching on September 29th) which gives sellers on Daraz complete ownership of their online business. The system includes a highly advanced performance control system to ensure sellers of high quality products and services are promoted and customers are protected.
* The announcement of New Daraz App (also launching on September 29th) with many new features and significantly enhanced interface for customers.
* Daraz’s very own logistics service known as Daraz Express.
* The ongoing expansion of Daraz’s physical locations – known as Daraz Hubs – all over Pakistan. The Hubs will be used to reduce delivery times through Daraz Express, facilitate easy Seller drop-offs, Customer Returns and Customer Pick-ups.
“Sellers are the heart of Daraz’s e-commerce ecosystem. Making it easy for small-and-medium sized businesses to do business anywhere is our primary mission.” said Mikkelsen.
“We believe that the best person to sell a product or a service is the seller himself – not Daraz. That’s why we want to give the sellers all the tools to do this independently. Our job is to build the tools and the control systems to ensure that the customer is always 100% protected in every single transaction.” he added.
Daraz made a big announcement to sellers that it is bringing the 11.11, world’s biggest sale event, to Pakistan.
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IBA Holds Distinguished Lecture Series on ’India-Pakistan Nuclear Conflicts and US Crisis Management’
The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) organized a distinguished lecture on nuclear crisis management in South Asia, by Dr. Moeed Yusuf, Associate Vice President of the Asia Center, United States Institute of Peace, at the IBA main campus. The event was attended by luminaries, the IBA faculty, staff, alumni and students.
Dr. Huma Baqai, Associate Dean IBA moderated the event and invited renowned scholar, Dr. Yusuf and esteemed panelists – Lieutenant General (retd.) Tariq Ghazi (Former Secretary Defence) and Mr. Jamshed Hashmi (Former Chairman, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority) to enlighten the audience.
Commencing his lecture, Dr. Yusuf highlighted the risks of India-Pakistan nuclear conflict and how they intersect with great power interests. Elaborating on dispute resolution between the two South Asian nuclear rivals and the U.S.’s stance on the issue, Dr Yusuf said, ’Third parties always intervene to deescalate the chances of a nuclear war and third parties like the U.S. and China focus on deescalating the issue rather than siding with their respective allies’. He also said that although the third party involvement was a suboptimal model, it will be continued because it was effective in reducing the chances of a nuclear war in regions like India-Pakistan.
Commenting on Dr. Yusuf’s book and mentioning the India-Pakistan conflicts of Kargil war and the Mumbai attacks, General (retd.) Tariq Ghazi said, ’US inflicted itself upon us and its involvement did not help the India-Pakistan cause in anyway’. General Ghazi also said that a one-on-one conduct between the two countries is better than having a third party intervention. He also said that in the last ten years India-Pakistan have made no progress on the diplomatic front due to India’s insistence to involve US in the process.
Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Jamshed Hashmi said that those who don’t learn from past mistakes are destined for misery. He urged India-Pakistan to learn from the devastation of the past nuclear wars and not to tread on the same path.
Dr. Yusuf’s book titled,” Brokering Peace in Nuclear Environments: U.S. Crisis Management in South Asia”, was introduced at the event and provided a powerful insight on the critical role the U.S. plays on managing the South Asian crises. His book also derives key lessons from the Korean peninsula, the Middle East and the Sino-Indian equation.
The event concluded with a note of thanks by Dr. Farrukh Iqbal, Executive Director IBA. Dr. Iqbal also presented mementos to the esteemed guests.
About the speaker: Dr. Yusuf is currently teaching peacebuilding at George Washington University and Boston University. Dr. Yusuf has also been engaged in expanding USIP’s work on Pakistan/South Asia since 2010. His current research focuses on youth and democratic institutions in Pakistan, policy options to mitigate militancy in Pakistan and the South Asian region in general. His latest book, offers an innovative theory of brokered bargaining to better understand and solve regional nuclear crises.