IBA Karachi and Water Aid Pakistan hold dialogue on integration of MHM in provincial policies and strategies and tax reforms on sanitary products
Centre for Business and Economics (CBER), Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, in collaboration with Water Aid Pakistan unveiled its Provincial Dialogue on ‘Integration of MHM in Provincial Policies and Strategies and Tax Reforms on Sanitary Products’ at the IBA City Campus. The event witnessed influential voices discussing policies, strategies and tax reforms on sanitary products. Master of the ceremony, Madu Malla introduced the agenda for the insightful event.
Muhammad Khaliq, Provincial Manager, Water Aid Pakistan extended a warm welcome to the participants, focusing on the integration of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) into provincial policies and strategies, alongside discussions on tax reforms concerning sanitary products. The event shed light on the organisation’s impactful work, particularly in regions including Thatta, Malir, and other marginalised areas across the nation. Khaliq underscored Water Aid’s unwavering commitment to providing vital support and dedication to integrating MHM into provincial policies and strategies. He emphasised the importance of this integration in ensuring the well-being and dignity of women and girls across the province.
Raheema Panhwar, Gender Advisor at WaterAid Pakistan, presented critical insights on the gap analysis of MHM and tax reforms. Ms. Panhwar highlighted the challenges within governmental policies at both provincial and national levels, emphasising the need for comprehensive revisions to address MHM needs effectively. She underscored the importance of addressing issues of dignity and stigmatization along with MHM service provision.
The presentation emphasised the significance of international commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in driving the policy revision process and integrating MHM into provincial mandates.
Dr. Lubna Naz, Director CBER-IBA conducted a panel discussion. She emphasised the significance of understanding menstrual cycle at various points of reproductive age among women, creating awareness about menstrual hygiene using institutional support, and issues with affordability and sustainability of MHM in Pakistan. Distinguished panelists included Sadiqa Sallahuddin, Executive Director, Indus Resource Centre; Zofeen T. Ebrahim, Freelance Journalist; Dr. Naima Shaikh, Additional Director, RMNCH, Health Department, Government of Sindh; and Paras Shahab Memon, Assistant Commissioner, Regional Tax Office/Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).
Ms. Sallahuddin emphasised the necessity of incorporating MHM into educational curricula and ensuring the availability of girlfriendly washrooms in schools. She advocated for the nationwide implementation of comprehensive MHM educational policies, stressing the importance of inclusivity in project design to benefit vulnerable groups. Ms. Ebrahim highlighted the evolving discourse around menstrual hygiene in the media and emphasised the need for open discussions on national platforms to challenge stereotypes. She underscored the nexus between Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), climate change, and vulnerable groups, urging policy implementation and public-private initiatives. Emphasizing the importance of awareness campaigns, Dr. Shaikh underscored the critical role of clean water in preventing health complications associated with unhygienic menstrual practices. While, Ms. Memon, highlighted international pressure affecting tax policies and advocated for duty-free access to essential menstrual products.
Concluding remarks were given by Rana Ansar, Member of the National Assembly. She emphasised the critical need for comprehensive strategies and political will to address societal issues effectively. She acknowledged the valuable contribution of Water Aid in addressing pressing societal issues, particularly in the realm of menstrual hygiene management. Ms. Ansar stressed the imperative of efficient policy implementation to ensure equitable access to essential services. She reiterated the importance of collective efforts from both governmental and non-governmental sectors to drive positive change and create a more inclusive and progressive society.
Dr. Abdul Haq Chang, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Department of Social Sciences and Liberal Arts, SESS, IBA Karachi, delivered a vote of thanks, expressing his gratitude to the attendees for their active participation. He particularly acknowledged the youth, including the students from IBA Karachi, for their enthusiastic involvement in discussions concerning vital societal issues like MHM. He also highlighted the importance of youth involvement in breaking barriers and driving positive change towards fostering a more inclusive and progressive society.
Reputation and perception of Pakistan improving rapidly under Shehbaz: Mian Zahid Hussain
Chairman of National Business Group Pakistan, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, and All Karachi Industrial Alliance, and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain said on March 9 that the actions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have sent a positive message to international organisations and investors.
The PM has taken many steps in the right direction; therefore, he said the views of investors and lenders are changing about Pakistan.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that the Prime Minister has announced to avoid vindictive politics and take everyone along, which has gone down very well in the concerned quarters.
Talking to the business community, the veteran business leader said that after taking the oath, the PM met with his economic team. Some important decisions were made, including negotiations with the IMF, which positively influenced local investors and international institutions.
The business leader said that the international community is now waiting to know when the reform process will start in Pakistan and its speed.
The IMF has asked Pakistan to present a plan to bring two million retailers into the tax net. After the formation of the new government, the value of Pakistani bonds and its credit rating have improved.
Mian Zahid Hussain said it would have been better if a party had bagged a clear majority in the elections, as it would have improved the pace of economic revival.
He informed that foreign institutions and investors do not favour the government formed with the help of allies and consider it an obstacle to political stability.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that international organisations think that if the coalition government makes the right decisions and signs an agreement with the IMF, it may be easier to implement reforms as intended.
He further said that after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assumed power, credit rating agencies, various international organizations, and significant banks issued short notes about Pakistan.
These institutions have informed the investors that the political situation in Pakistan is improving, but there are still some concerns.
All the institutions keep an eye on the cabinet selection and believe the fear of the country’s bankruptcy has been reduced.
He said that the government should take all necessary steps, get rid of the loss-making institutions to save losses of billions of rupees per year to restore the reputation of Pakistan and improve its credit rating.
Pakistan Cables Children’s art contest 2024 showcases creative ideas for Pakistan climate action plan 2025
The 3rd Pakistan Cables Children’s Art 2024 was organiaed by Pakistan Cables recently. The contest invited entries from the Company employees’ children from two age groups between 6-11 years and 12-14 years old. This year the theme, Pakistan Climate Action Plan 2025, was selected to highlight the climate change issues and the priorities to combat impact of climate change on the country..
Contestants attended a colourful prize distribution ceremony held at the TDF Magnifiscience Centre, Karachi. The Chief Guest at the ceremony, Faraz Maqsood Hamidi, a well known creative leader of Pakistan’s advertising industry, encouraged children to challenge the norms and never give up their creative pursuits. An esteemed panel of judges included renowned visual artist, Ms. Durriya Kazi, Ms. Bina Ali (Founder ARTEL) and Naveed Shaikh, Project Manager, Sindh SDGs Unit, UNDP. This year the contest received 87 entries from six cities across Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Bina Ali encouraged the children to continue using art as a form of expression and authenticity. Naveed Shaikh also appreciated the participants who have expressed their vision on difficult but yet essential topic. An engaging story telling session was conducted by the CEO of GOREAD, Ms. Nusser Saeed, which was enjoyed by everyone in the auditorium.
The event was widely attended by participants, parents, esteemed judges and senior management of the Company. Winners were awarded special prizes and certificates alongside contestants who also received certificates, story book from Goread.pk and gift vouchers.
Pakistan Cables is an advocate of environmental conservation and through the art contest it engages its employees and their families to support the cause.
IBA and unity foods come together to champion higher education
Unity Foods has signed a MoU with IBA, marking the beginning of an inspiring journey: Unity Foods Scholars programme. The signing ceremony was held at Unity Foods head office in Karachi. This visionary initiative is set to transform lives by offering support to a deserving MBA student each year from an underprivileged background and enabling them through their educational journey.
In line with UFL’s unwavering commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, this programme embodies the spirit of empowerment and opportunity. Through this collaborative effort with IBA, UFL has taken yet another step towards empowering the youth, enabling them to realise their full potential through the power of higher education.
IBA Karachi highly appreciates Unity Foods Limited for their generosity and this partnership. At the ceremony, Malahat Awan, Director of Alumni Affairs, Resource Mobilization & Corporate Affairs, represented IBA Karachi. Unity Foods was represented by Nageen Rizvi, Head of Corporate Communications & Sustainability, along with Salman Yousuf, Chief Marketing Officer, and Uzma Zaidi, Chief Human Resource Officer. During this event, avenues of collaboration between the two organizations were explored. Discussions flourished around various initiatives, including staff and leadership training, student internships, and on-campus activation activities. These endeavors are poised to forge a powerful synergy, uniting Unity Foods and IBA Karachi in a shared mission of excellence and progress.
Multan Sultans join forces to help eradicate polio in Pakistan
Pakistan Super League titans Multan Sultans have joined hands with the Pakistan Polio Eradication Programme to support the noble cause of polio eradication in Pakistan.
An initiative led by the Punjab Emergency Operations Centre Coordinator Mr Khizer Afzaal, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Multan Sultans and the National Emergency Operations Center for Polio Eradication at an event in Islamabad. Multan Sultans General Manager Ms Hijab Zahid and Coordinator of the NEOC Dr Shahzad Baig signed the MoU, while senior Polio Programme leadership and members of the Multan Sultans squad were in attendance.
“We are grateful to the Multan Sultans for partnering with us in this critical mission to eradicate Polio from Pakistan,” said NEOC Coordinator Dr Shahzad Baig, adding that this is a critical partnership for the Pakistan Polio Programme, especially at this time when we are close to eradicating polio from the country.
He said that this partnership highlights how collaboration between sports and public health programmes can help make a difference for generations to come, leveraging the influence of athletes to promote the health and wellbeing of all citizens.
Dr Baig said, “Cricket unites our people beyond anything. The support of world-renowned cricketers will help drive the polio eradication message in all homes in the country and build the crucial goodwill for the Polio Programme that is essential to ensure that no child misses this vaccine and remains safe from polio.”
“We have entered this partnership to use the pull and popularity of cricket and Multan Sultans to create awareness around the curse of polio virus,” Multan Sultans General Manager Hijab Zahid said “Cricket is the most followed sport and we want to use it as a vehicle to take the message of polio eradication to every home in Pakistan.”
In the end, Ms. Hijab Zahid said that our polio workers are our true heroes and Multan Sultans are grateful for the tremendous work they do to make our generations healthy. With their unwavering resolve and efforts, we will bowl out polio from Pakistan.
Under this partnership, Multan Sultans will be a rallying voice for polio eradication in Pakistan during the ongoing season of the Pakistan Super League. The Polio Programme’s logo is being featured on the helmets of the team, while players will also be recording video messages advocating for vaccination.
Note for Editor: Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by poliovirus mainly affecting children under the age of five years. It invades the nervous system and can cause paralysis or even death. While there is no cure for polio, vaccination is the most effective way to protect children from this crippling disease. Each time a child under the age of five is vaccinated, their protection against the virus is increased. Repeated immunisations have protected millions of children from polio, allowing almost all countries in the world to become polio-free, except for the two endemic countries of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Karandaaz unveils GreenFin Innovations to promote green economy, battle climate change
Karandaaz Pakistan, a development finance platform at the forefront of promoting financial inclusion and driving digital transformation across the country, announced the launch of GreenFin Innovations (GFI), a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to scaling innovative and sustainable solutions aimed at promoting a green economy and addressing the critical challenges of climate change in Pakistan.
GreenFin Innovations offers a unique blend of support, including concessional financing of up to PKR 50 million and tailored business development support, all while fostering connections within the climate change network. The initiative is committed to driving transformative change and local capacity building, to address urgent environmental and climate change challenges through innovative solutions.
Businesses registered and operating in Pakistan with a valid National Tax Number (NTN) are eligible for GreenFin Innovations support. The proposed solutions must actively address the climate change issues in adaptation, mitigation, or cross-cutting thematic areas.
Karandaaz Chairperson Salim Raza, while elaborating on the initiative, said, “GreenFin Innovations is aimed at catalysing sustainable solutions to combat climate change in Pakistan. It provides blended finance in the form of concessional loans, with funding sizes varying based on the nature and scale of each project. GFI will empower businesses to play a pivotal role in promoting a green economy and mitigating the impacts of climate change.”
In the past, Karandaaz has successfully provided growth capital to innovative solutions on plastic waste management, efficient water management, and air quality under their Green Challenge Fund (GCF). With the launch of GreenFin Innovations, Karandaaz aims to amplify the impact, recognising the urgency of building local capacity for innovation and scaling existing technologies to effectively tackle climate change challenges.
Shumaila Rifaqat, Head of Innovation and MEL at Karandaaz said, “Pakistan is facing the dire effects of climate change. It is imperative that local capacity to address environmental and climate change challenges is developed and, in that endeavour, private sector has a huge role to play. To this end, GFI will provide the essential support and risk capital to catalyse innovation in addressing the climate challenge.”
Karandaaz invites eligible businesses and entrepreneurs to join hands with GreenFin Innovations in creating a sustainable future and making a significant contribution to the fight against climate change. More information can be gathered from the official site: https://gfi.karandaaz.com.pk/
Brutal to raise energy costs, says Mian Zahid
Chairman of National Business Group Pakistan, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, All Karachi Industrial Alliance, and former provincial minister Mian Zahid Hussain said on March 20 that increasing electricity, gas, and oil prices would be cruel.
Further price hikes will also increase the risks for the government as the opposition can use this situation to create chaos in the country.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that continued price spikes can lead to a political crisis, which will be dangerous for the economy, stabilising steadily.
Talking to the business community, the veteran business leader said that instead of increasing the burden on the people, the direct tax system should be improved, and tax should also be collected from non-tax-paying sectors.
The business leader said that in a country where setting up and running an industry is the most challenging task and playing with plots is the easiest and most profitable, the increase in production and exports is self-deception.
He added that development is only possible if capital is diverted to industry and agriculture and industry is not prioritized over all other sectors.
Agriculture needs to be prioritized after industry while bringing the big landowners into the tax net can generate at least five billion rupees.
Mian Zahid Hussain said that black money in Pakistan is kept in the form of plots, land, buildings, gold, dollars, and banknotes of large denominations.
Gold coming into the country through legal channels is negligible. In contrast, several tons of gold are brought into the country annually through smuggling, which causes a massive loss of revenue that can be regulated.
If dollar transactions are made subject to banks, the value of the rupee could be revolutionized as many exchange companies have become hotbeds of money laundering and are engaged in the continuous depreciation of the rupee.
Mian Zahid Hussain further said that some people believe that if the government abolishes the Rs5000 banknote, corruption and the black economy will be dealt a huge blow.
It will reduce bribery to a great extent, and people will be forced to transact through banks. In 2016, such experiments were conducted in the neighboring country of India, which greatly affected their economy for a few months, but later, it became a global economic powerhouse.
Formite and The Hunar Foundation Unite to Empower Youth and Enhance Educational Opportunities
Formite and The Hunar Foundation have joined forces in a collaborative effort to empower aspiring youth by enriching educational resources and providing valuable industry experiences.
This partnership exemplifies Formite’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its mission to elevate living standards. The recent signing ceremony solidified their dedication to improving living standards through Formite’s exceptional range of designs and durability.
The joint initiative aims to broaden educational horizons and enhance the learning experience for Pakistani youth. Formite will play a pivotal role in enhancing learning facilities, offering industry exposure, and providing other valuable resources to equip young individuals with the necessary tools for success in today’s competitive world.
Farrukh Zameer, Chief Executive Officer at Formite, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with The Hunar Foundation to expand educational opportunities for youth. Our alliance reflects our commitment to enhancing both living and learning environments, empowering individuals for positive societal change.”
Tahir Jawaid, Chief Executive Officer at The Hunar Foundation, shares Zameer’s enthusiasm and looks forward to collaborating closely with Formite to provide students with essential skills and opportunities.
He said, “Together, we are committed to equipping young individuals with the tools they need to thrive in today’s dynamic market.”
Both Formite and The Hunar Foundation share a vision of championing inclusive and equitable education, driving innovation, and building a sustainable future for Pakistan’s youth.
Formite, a group company of House of Habib, is Pakistan’s pioneering and leading high-pressure laminates brand, renowned for its exquisite designs and durability.
The Hunar Foundation is a prominent educational institution in Pakistan, dedicated to empowering youth through skills development and vocational training programs.