SINA Welfare Trust Conducts Heat wave activities at 14 locations in Karachi

The Pakistan Met department issued a heat wave warning last week, predicting that temperatures in the city may soar to as high as 42 degrees in the coming days, and advised all stakeholders to take preventive measures. During the day when the temperatures are at its peak, use of wet towels will ensure that body temperature do not rise, and are able to bear their fast easily. Water bottles are also being distributed before Iftar time at different high volume traffic points.

SINA, is a leading provider of quality primary health care to the poorest of communities in Karachi since 1998. Having treated 850,000 patients last year in the urban slums of Karachi recently conducted heat wave activities for the poorest of the poor. SINA has set up 14 location points outside its clinics and at local high traffic areas, where wet towels were distributed during the day, and water bottles given out before iftar time. The heat prevention camps set up across its network of 27 clinics located throughout every district of Karachi, acts as a first response initiative to provide relief to deserving citizens to those with symptoms of heatstroke. SINA Health, Education & Welfare Trust – which has its primary healthcare clinics at 27 locations in Karachi, has undertaken these steps not just to provide care inside their clinics, but to those on the streets as well.

Commenting on this activity, Dr. Asif Imam, Chairman, and Founder of SINA Trust said: “People should try and remain indoors as much as possible and to remain hydrated if they venture outdoors. I also advise the use of caps, sunglasses and wet towels to limit the effect of extreme temperatures. To cope up with dehydration, people should take oral rehydration salts (ORS) and extra care of their children and the elderly.” He also thanked MET, PDMA, and NDMA for raising awareness and appreciated Rangers and other NGOs for establishing relief camps that are providing water, ORS, ice boxes and towels across the city and pursuing the awareness and prevention campaign. He especially thanked K-Electric for donating 20,000 water bottles, 1100 towels, 23 iceboxes and 3000 ORS for the said activity.

Speaking on the role of SINA in underprivileged areas of Karachi, Mr. Rafiq Rangoonwala, a trustee at SINA Trust said, “The communities where we are present have around 80-90% Zakat eligible population, which means they are the poorest of the poor. Every patient entering a SINA clinic receives a qualified doctor’s consultation, screening, free medicines ranging from Panadol to Insulin, Lab tests ranging from CBC to PCR (Hep C), Ultrasound and referral services to tertiary care hospitals.

Awareness has been noticeably better this summer as a result of increased awareness and a heightened sense of responsibility. The Sindh Health Department has also prepared a “Heat Wave Emergency Contingency Plan – 2019”. The city administration has also set up 185 cold water points in the city. 24 ambulances will be on standby at different locations and 18 mobile teams will to provide immediate treatment and relief to people

Telenor Youth Forum Concludes In Bangkok with AgriMatch Emerging as Winners

The Telenor Youth Forum’s 2018-2019 program concluded today at the dtac headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand, where a delegation of 16 young leaders from 8 nations, including Pakistan, pitched their four services to Telenor Group and dtac leadership and experts from Plan International, UNICEF and the Nobel Peace Centre. Out of the four teams, AgriMatch was declared the winning team and received USD 15,000 in funding to implement their proposed service, with an aim to reduce inequalities in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goal #10.

Following six months of intense development work and remote collaboration spread across four nations, AgriMatch has won Telenor Youth Forum for their mobile service to equalise the agricultural supply chain and empower farmers currently in a vicious cycle of debt and poverty. The team’s challenge was to design a digital solution to optimize or increase sustainability of food production, ultimately contributing towards reduced inequalities in global health.

Farmers and middlemen will soon be able find, contact and rate each other through the AgriMatch mobile platform, if the winning Telenor Youth Forum team has their way. AgriMatch aims to pilot their service in Myanmar where more than 70 percent of the population relies on agriculture as their primary source of income, according to a 2019 Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) report.

Pakistan’s TYF representatives included two very talented girls, Asma Akbar Ladak from Karachi and Maieda Janjua from Islamabad. Asma’s team Paanigar pitched a solution to solve the water crisis in Pakistan through enhanced access to clean drinking water by providing a one stop solution for all water related problems. Maieda’s group Team Walrus, designed a mental health ed-tech platform to raise awareness, create understanding and build resilience in teenagers.

Telenor Youth Forum Concludes In Bangkok with AgriMatch Emerging as Winners

“I congratulate AgriMatch on winning and bringing an innovative solution to reduce inequalities in global health. At Telenor, we are always on the lookout for better and more creative ways to empower the society and bridge gaps in equality. Using our core competencies that include information and communications technology, we promote development of creative solutions that truly impact lives across the globe. I am sure it has been an amazing journey for all young delegates and it delights me that we share the passion of shaping a better future for our younger generations,” said Irfan Wahab Khan, Head of Emerging Asia Cluster and CEO Telenor Pakistan.

The Telenor Youth Forum kicked off during the Nobel Peace Prize week in Oslo in December 2018, where the 16 delegates were split into four teams, each with a health-related challenge to solve. From that point onwards, the delegates worked to develop their ideas, conduct user research, and prototype their services, leading them to the Bangkok finale. The teams also showcased their services in a digital exhibition which was attended by Telenor Group management and representatives from the Nobel Peace Center.

The Telenor Youth Forum is a global platform built upon the idea of bright minds working together to reduce inequalities. In collaboration with the Nobel Peace Center, the forum brings together young leaders from around the world to develop digital solutions that empower

societies. Out of more than 5,000 applicants, 16 accomplished delegates aged 20-28 were selected to represent their countries in the 2018-2019 program

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Junaid Khan and Hira Mani Reunite in Upcoming Project

Multi-talented actor and singer, Junaid Khan, who has been ruling our television screens giving us back to back blockbuster projects including Kamzarf, Silsilay and Ishq Tamasha to name a few, has just signed a project with Hira Mani – his hit costar from the 2017 blockbuster serial Sun Yaara.

Titled “Makafaat”, the serial will see Junaid in a lead role alongside Hira Mani, and is being produced under the banner of Mastermind Productions. Directed by Ahmed Kamran, the serial boasts a stellar cast, including Atiqa Odho, Ali Ansari, and Marium Nafees along with Junaid Khan.

Junaid Khan and Hira Mani Reunite in Upcoming Project

“I am extremely excited about this project, because not only does the character I am playing has various dimensions, but I am also going to be back on screen with Hira (Mani) who is not only great fun to work with, but someone my fans enjoy seeing me on screen with,” Junaid Khan remarked when talking about his new project.

Shoot for Makafaat will begin after Eid ul Azha in Karachi, but there is a major part of the serial that will be shot in Europe as well

Easypaisa Joins Hands with Haidri Beverages Pvt. Ltd & Northern Bottling Co. Pvt. Ltd for Retailer Commissions Disbursement Solution

Easypaisa, the first and largest mobile financial service provider in the country has entered into an agreement with Haidri Beverages Pvt. Ltd. and Northern Bottling Co. Pvt. Ltd. for disbursement of retailer commissions through Easypaisa’s cashless distribution solutions. Haidri Beverages and Northern Bottling are the largest franchisees of Pepsi Cola International, covering the entire AJK region, KPK, Gilgit-Baltistan, Federal Capital and Northern Punjab.

The Easypaisa Retailer Commissions Disbursement Solution offers a convenient solution which is not only time efficient but also minimizes risks associated with cash handling. The solution will assist retailers operating in remote locations and also those who may not possess a conventional bank account. Retailers will now have the convenience of withdrawing their commissions from over 130,000 Easypaisa locations which will be instantly disbursed to their accounts. Furthermore, the solution allows them to withdraw commissions in any denomination and also transfer funds.

Sharing his thoughts on the development, Aslam Hayat, Acting CEO, Telenor Microfinance Bank said, “We are glad to extend Easypaisa’s Retailer Commissions Disbursement Solution to support Haidri Beverages and Northern Bottlers. Easypaisa, with the help of its extensive network of agents across the country, will be instrumental in facilitating smooth and convenient commission disbursement. The agreement comes in connection with Easypaisa’s commitment to facilitate everyday transactions as part of its long term goal of digitizing cash payments and

we will continue to build such partnerships in order to support interoperability and enhance financial inclusion in Pakistan.”

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Qasim Jaffery – Group CFO, Haidri Beverages Pvt. Ltd and Northern Bottling Co. Pvt. Ltd, said, “It gives us immense pleasure to have partnered with Easypaisa for our commission disbursement, thus giving our retailers the ease and flexibility to access their commissions in a reliable and secure manner. Retailers are at the core of our business and as leading bottlers in Pakistan, we believe in connecting with our retailers by giving them greater accessibility to services by partnering with innovative financing solutions like Easypaisa.”

Since its launch in 2009, Pakistan’s pioneer branchless banking service Easypaisa has been instrumental in transforming the banking and finance outlook of the country through ground-breaking products and services. It has played a pivotal role in bringing the unbanked population into the fold of banking services through its initiatives aimed at strengthening financial inclusion in Pakistan.

“iBleedGreen” a national movement to empower all athletes, across all sports

Continuing his mission to support Pakistan’s neglected sport, Shoaib Malik – the former captain of Pakistan Cricket team – has launched “iBleedGreen” a national movement to empower all athletes, across all sports.

And to kick-off the campaign, Malik has announced to initiate funding to support Pakistan’s champion wrestler Inam Butt to ensure his participation in next year’s Olympics and this year’s World Beach Games.

“#iBleedGreen is a national movement to empower the Pakistani athletes across all sports, with a key focus on non-mainstream sport(s) in which we are heartbeats away from winning a World Title. Its core mission is to be a catalyst to help national athletes to live up to their full potential as public assets for Pakistan and Pakistani society – making a significant contribution to the development of youth, the well-being of individuals, and quality of life in our communities,” Malik said in a statement introducing #IBleedGreen.

“Our plan to launch #iBleedGreen was originally for July 2019, but due to the inspiring story of Inam Butt, we decided to launch a beta version to support his journey to the Olympics 2020 being held in Tokyo. Details here, please spread the word and support him as much as possible – the time is short. Imagine the inspiration an Olympic Gold medal can bring to our youth, who are 65% of the Pakistani population,” he added.

It is worth mentioning that #iBleedGreen is a portal to raise to fund through various methods which include crowdfunding as starters. 100% of the funds raised will go towards the athlete’s development plan to represent Pakistan for another chance at a World Title.

As the first step, the first target for the campaign is to generate 5 million PKR for Inam Butt. Details of expenditures are mentioned on this page https://ibleedgreen.org/InamButt/

Malik has offered his Cricket World Cup shirt, along with other items signed by Hasan Ali and Sana Mir for those who participate in this campaign.

“As Pakistanis, it is our duty to support all those who make us proud by giving their blood and sweat in various sports fields,” Malik said.

#SooperJunoonWorldCup Bringing All Pakistanis Together!

Nothing represents the joy of cricket better than music. In Pakistan, cricket and music summon a combined power that brings the whole nation to its feet, heightens the senses, flaunts the identity and brings everyone together as one. With the World Cup starting soon, Junoon has managed to bring the passion of cricket to life with their liveliness, power, and dynamism. With the release of the much anticipated cricket anthem “Badleinge Jahaan” in association with Peek Freans Sooper, Junoon is back with a bang after 15 LONG years and they couldn’t have picked a better occasion!

The cricket anthem heavily draws its power from an emotional place – with the video featuring minorities and marginalized communities of the country who are an equal part of Pakistan, Peek Freans Sooper and Junoon manage to deliver a crucial message because there is nothing that binds us together more than our love for cricket. The Video showcases the authentic, unique and diverse representation of what people do, when this passion takes over the country.

“Badleinge Jahaan” is empowering and celebratory; it evokes a feelings of heritage and a sense of belonging. It isn’t meant to be just a World Cup song, rather it is meant to resonate with the Pakistani fans – of cricket and of Junoon. The lively energy of the song, the catchy tune, and the upbeat music has the potential to become a fond memory for the years to come.

Peek Freans Sooper has once again proved to be the brand that celebrates Pakistan and everything that is associated with it. It has always tried to make the country’s name shine in the world’s map, and “Badleinge Jahaan” is a proof of that.

Full Anthem

Telenor Microfinance Bank and Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited to Digitize Retailer to Distributor Payments

Telenor Microfinance Bank (TMB) and Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited (PTC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to digitize retailer to distributor payments. This understanding will go a long way in developing a safe, secure and robust cashless digital payments ecosystem for retail and distribution channels. Furthermore, in line with the bank’s financial inclusion goals, the MoU will eventually allow small retailers who lack access to credit to avail Easypaisa loans thereby encouraging the unbanked to become part of the formal banking system.

This project will be implemented in three phases: During the first phase, an implementation of a digital payments system shall take place for retailers and distributors; in the second phase, retailers will begin accepting digital payments from end consumers followed by the third phase in which Telenor Microfinance Bank plans to roll out a credit facility to eligible retailers.

Both TMB and PTC conducted a three-month pilot project in district Vehari near Multan, which proved to be successful in terms of realizing the immense value addition for both retailers and distributors. A key metric for success was the safety and security of the payments for distributors that led to increased transactions and a decreased exposure to the risk of cash handling. As a result, both institutions decided to extend the project for digitization of payments between retailers and distributors. The solution will eventually enable customers to digitally pay retailers via their Easypaisa accounts.

Commenting on the agreement, Aslam Hayat, acting CEO, Telenor Microfinance Bank, said: “This is an important occasion for us all, as we are aware that the digital landscape is shaping up to disrupt the way we do business. We are one of the pioneers of bringing innovation in the domestic industry and now aim to digitize the market for local players by acting as a catalyst for digital retail solutions in Pakistan”.

Syed Ali, Head of Trade & Activation, PTC, added: “Our objective is to help our business partners (distributors) and our customers (retail outlets) to overcome obstacles that hamper the growth of their business. In the pilot stage, this solution has helped us in securing their business transactions and increasing business throughput and providing peace of mind to sales reps”.

BankIslami and EFU Life join hands for BancaTakaful Business

BankIslami Pakistan Limited and EFU Life Assurance Limited have entered into strategic alliance for distribution of EFU Life’s Hemayah Family Takaful products.

BankIslami is one of the leading Islamic banks operating through a network of 330 branches in 114 cities in Pakistan. EFU Life is one of the leading life insurance companies in Pakistan and is the first Window Family Takaful Operator licensed by SECP.

The signing ceremony was held at BankIslami Head Office Karachi and the agreement was signed by Syed Amir Ali, President & CEO of BankIslami and Mr. Taher G. Sachak, MD & CEO of EFU Life. Mr. Bilal Fiaz, Head-Consumer Banking of BankIslami, Mr. Laeeq Ur Rehman, Head-BancaTakaful of BankIslami, Mr. Mohammed Ali Ahmed, Executive Director of EFU Life and other senior officials from both the organizations also attended the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Syed Amir Ali, President & CEO of BankIslami said, “On this prestigious occasion, two of the leading organizations in their respective sectors have entered into a partnership. This strategic alliance will certainly help in providing better services to our customers. With this alliance, we are inking a new chapter in the success story of BankIslami’s BancaTakaful products.

Mr. Taher G Sachak, MD & CEO of EFU Life said, “We are delighted to have BankIslami on board as our Bancatakaful distribution partner. EFU Life and BankIslami share the same vision of creating value and convenience for their customers through innovative Shariah Compliant financial solutions for their saving and protection needs. There is a huge potential for Shariah Compliant takaful solutions in Pakistan and together with BankIslami we aim to penetrate further into this segment”.

One Day In The Haram, in cinemas nationwide across Pakistan

This Ramadan will see the exclusive theatrical release of the feature-length documentary film, One Day In The Haram, in cinemas nationwide across Pakistan.

The theatrical distribution has been undertaken by Footprint Entertainment, the group which has been responsible for distribution of major foreign as well local content since 2005 in Pakistan.

From its world premiere at the Dubai International Film Festival, all the way through to its most recent premiere in India, One Day In The Haram has sold out cinema venues all over world. It is by far the most successful Islamic documentary film of all time.

One Day in the Haram is the extraordinary story of the Haram in Makkah, a place so revered that non-Muslims are forbidden from even setting foot in it. The film represents the first time in history that the Government of Saudi Arabia has allowed a film crew full access to the inner workings of the Haram.

British Pakistani director Abrar Hussain spent over a year researching different aspects of the Haram, to bring worldwide audiences the most complete and compelling vision of the Haram ever produced. Packed with knowledge and never before seen footage, this is a film that anyone with love for the religion of Islam must see.

This extraordinary film has already sold out cinemas in multiple countries all over the world, including Western countries such as the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada. In Islamic countries the film has been broadcasted in countries including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia and the UAE. The budget of the film was 50 million PKR.

In the UK the film was premiered at the House of Lords, the 1st Islamic film to ever receive this honour. The total viewership of the film now exceeds 32 million people worldwide.

The films multi award winning director Abrar Hussain said “It is a great honour to be able to share this important film with the audiences in Pakistan, especially at this spiritual time of Ramadan. Being of Pakistani heritage my-self, it really is a privilege to be able to showcase this film in my home country.”

The CEO of Footprint Entertainment, Mr Arif Baigmohamed, said “We are delighted to have secured the release of this spiritually uplifting film. This is a historic film in every sense, and we are pleased to be able to bring this film for Pakistani audiences”.

One Day In The Haram represents a cultural phenomenon that is showing no signs of slowing down. The film is commonly referred to as the most visually beautiful Islamic film ever made, has a current IMDB score of 9.2, and has struck an emotional chord with audiences all over the world.

Abrar Hussain is currently working on his next feature film project about Masjid Al Aqsa in Jerusalem, slated for release worldwide in September 2019.

Red Bull Neymar Jr.’s Five 2019 Tryouts Kick off in Pakistan

All local Pakistani football teams will be getting a chance to represent Pakistan in Red Bull Neymar Jr.’s Five World Finals in Brazil, as the local tryouts for teams from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad get ready to battle it out in the fields between 16th and 25th May.

The country qualifiers for Pakistan will kick off in Karachi, before moving on to Lahore and Islamabad. Once the tryouts are done, the top teams from each city will face-off in the national qualifiers in Lahore on May 25th, thus getting a chance to represent the country in the Red Bull Neymar Jr.’s Five World Finals in Brazil. To get a chance to enter this competition, the teams can simply sign up and register themselves by logging onto www.redbullneymarjrsfive.com any time till May 13th.

Red Bull Neymar Jr.’s Five 2019 Tryouts Kick off in Pakistan

The competition is based solely on the concept of survival of the fittest. Both males and females will be allowed to play together in a team, based purely on their skills and technique. A majority of the team’s players should be between the age of 16 and 25 years. The rules of the game include two parts: Two teams of no more than five players will play against each other for 10 minutes, without any goalkeepers, and every time a team scores, the opposing side would lose one of their players.

Red Bull Neymar Jr.’s Five is a tournament aimed to unite players from all around the world to celebrate football. In 2018, over 125,000 players from 62 countries signed up for the tryouts, and the tournament in 2019 is expected to be equally huge, if not a bigger deal.

Emax Media Kicks off Services in Pakistan with a Successful Meet and Greet

Dubuzz, previously founded as Emax Media, organized a meet and greet yesterday on May 3rd, 2019 in Karachi, for all the hosts of different Ramadan transmissions that will be aired during the blessed month.

The event was graced by the striking presence of Reema Khan, who will be hosting the Ramadan transmission for Aaj News and Aaj Entertainment, produced by Emax Media, during the holy month. Among other anchors present at the event were Ali Rehman Khan – host of the Event, Reema Khan, Maya Khan, Sadiaa Imam, Amna Malik, Iqrar-ul Hasan & Sahir Lodhi.

The event was a huge success, where it was communicated how Emax Media is now open for services in Pakistan, after having provided innovative marketing tools to varying media partners in the Middle East, U.K. and Europe.

Emax Media is a content hub that provides customized content for different brands and Heads by CEO Farhan Gauhar. Their services include sales and marketing, content production, distribution, television and cable, etc. They provide technical support to operate and run television channels and are involved with broadcasting services. Emax Media have also globally partnered with Fox, Disney, Star and other networks. With the launch of their services in Pakistan, Emax Media is aiming to expand its horizons with the building of new clientele within the region.

Iqrar ul Hassan with his wife and cute son Pehlaaj at the Meet and Greet event of #EmaxMedia, to bring together all hosts and anchors of Ramadan transmissions at Ambrosia today! #EmaxRamadan @EMaxTVOfficial #DigitalSpartans @iqrarulhassan pic.twitter.com/IjtOJgYg9y
— Digital Spartans (@DigiSpartanspk) May 4, 2019

#AliRehmanKhan and Sanam Baloch at the Meet and Greet event of #EmaxMedia, to bring together all hosts and anchors of Ramadan transmissions at Ambrosia today! #EmaxRamadan @EMaxTVOfficial @alirehmankhan #DigitalSpartans pic.twitter.com/VxRGyiHFHm
— Digital Spartans (@DigiSpartanspk) May 4, 2019

Reema Khan at the Meet and Greet event of #EmaxMedia, to bring together all hosts and anchors of Ramadan transmissions at Ambrosia today! #EmaxRamadan #DigitalSpartans pic.twitter.com/zeGNvuguO6
— Digital Spartans (@DigiSpartanspk) May 4, 2019

Pakistan talent wins Islamic Development Bank funding to solve SDGs

. Transformers Roadshow winners receive seed capital and mentoring to realise their solutions to global development challenges

· Pakistan is third largest beneficiary member country of the IsDB with $12.43 billion financing received to date

· Health Minister Dr Zafar Mirza applauds IsDB’s contribution to the health sector in Pakistan. Awards winners of the roadshow.

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has awarded four Pakistani innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs seed capital and business skills mentoring as part of its fifth edition of the Transformers Roadshow competition, held in association with COMSTECH. The Roadshow is a global initiative in which applicants are invited to pitch ideas accelerating one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Minister of state for health, Dr Zafar Mirza was the chief guest for the Transformers Roadshow. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Zafar Mirza said that, the current initiative, namely the Transformers Roadshow, is a very novel idea. He congratulated IsDB for providing this opportunity to young Pakistani innovators to pitch their ideas for addressing one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. There is no dearth of innovative and creative ideas in our countries but there is a dire need of directing efforts towards providing indigenous solutions for the problems that we face, and secondly there is a strong need for connecting innovators with entrepreneurs, who can convert the ideas or prototypes into commercialized products or services.

Dr Mirza said that Pakistani innovators are using their skills in producing energy from renewable technologies, which can be linked with industry to eliminate poverty and generate employment. He said that with the help of IsDB we have started a project of mobile health clinics in Islamabad that will obviously facilitate people in providing basic health facilities in remote areas. Health minister said that IsDB and COMSTECH will provide support for providing health, education, food security and safe drinking for the poor of the society.

Addressing the gathering and during the press conference, President Islamic Development Bank Dr. Bandar Hajjar said, Pakistan is the integral member country of the IsDB group and is the third largest beneficiary of IsDB financing.

The IsDB group has provided a total financing of 12.43 billion USD to Pakistan, helping improve the lives of the people of Pakistan through a range of development projects. He highlighted that IsDB is financing Neelum Jhelum Hydro Power Project, Jamshoro Power Station, CASA 1000 project for improving energy needs of the country. Dr Bandar Hajjar said that he had a very fruitful and constructive meetings with the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of Road to Naya Pakistan will pave way for the economic prosperity of the country. He said IsDB has earmarked a 500 million USD fund for promoting science technology and innovation in the member countries.

The competition attracted more than 200 entrants from across Pakistan, with shortlisted 20 teams presented their innovative ideas and 4 finalists were selected by the esteemed judging panel, awarded $3,000 seed capital and a ticket to Transformers Roadshow final to be held in Senegal later this year. The initiatives were assessed in line with the SDGs agenda across factors such as innovativeness, impact and outreach, practicality, scalability, sustainability, potential for patenting and commercialisation.

Coordinator General COMSTECH addressing the press conference said that “We are committed to developing local talent and nurturing solutions to key challenges. We are delighted that this event attracted some of Pakistan’s top minds who have made it their mission to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.” He said that the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan is collaborating with IsDB for funding innovative projects by Pakistani scientists.

Dr Hayat Sindi, Senior Advisor to the President, Islamic Development Bank said: “The quality of the applications here in Pakistan has been exceptionally high, and I am delighted to see so many innovative and novel solutions proposed across such a diverse mix of development issues. Science, technology and innovation are at the heart of the IsDB’s strategy and through the Transform Fund, our dream is to support solutions designed by local entrepreneurs and innovators who understand their communities.”

Winners of the competition will receive an invitation to attend the 2019 IsDB Transformers Summit in Senegal. The winners were:

Dr Osman Hassan, Smart SIM (Health)
Dr Khawaja Arsalan Habib, Short Circuit Fault Localization System (Energy)
Hassan Bin Rizwan, Muse Lessons (Education)
Ms Rehana Balti, Appricot Processing Strategy (Agriculture)

Teams presented their ideas to an esteemed judging panel from public and private sectors including:

Dr Hayat Sindi, Chief STI advisor to the President of the IsDB
Mr Yusuf Hussain, CEO, Ignite
Dr Fil Randazzo, CEO and Founder, Leverage Science
Lars Kroijer, Founder, Allied Crowds

Launched in July 2018, the Transformers Roadshow is one of the initiatives led by the IsDB Transform Fund set up to support the IsDB’s strategic focus on capacity building and human capital development. Previous editions took place in Uzbekistan, Niger, Kazakhstan and Bangladesh, where the Bank has awarded nine innovators. The IsDB mission via the Transform Fund is to equip people to drive their own economic and social progress at scale, putting the infrastructure in place to enable them to fulfil their potential.

‘Yaariyaan’ Wrong No.2’s First Official Song Comes Out Today

The season’s much-awaited rom-com by YNH Films and Distribution Club, Wrong No.2 released the video of its first official song ‘Yaariyan’ today.

A film by the most talented Yasir Nawaz, Wrong No.2 has been produced by the entertainment industry’s giants, Hassan Zia and Sheikh Amjad Rasheed, while the screenplay has been written by Yasir Nawaz. The movie is expected to be a love story with a comedic twist, and the song ‘Yaariyaan’ tunes in well with the genre of the film. With Simaab Sen as the music director, Harshdeep Kaur’s melodious voice can be heard singing the newly released soundtrack. The lyrics have been composed by Fatima Najeeb.

Wrong No. 2’s story centers around a rich heiress Zoya, played by the stunning Neelum Munir, who falls in love with a man lower to her in financial status, played by Sami Khan. The love story starts off with a lot of complications that don’t eventually die down. With a series of love interests, family drama and misfortune, the characters in Wrong No.2 get stuck in a crazy ride of romance and emotions, and a whole lot of laughter. The movie sports a powerful cast behind it that includes Jawaid Sheikh, Danish and Yasir Nawaz, Ahmed Hassan, Ashraf Khan, Shafqat Cheema, Sana Fakhar, and many others. Irfan Khosat will also be making a guest appearance in the movie.

It is a story by Danish Nawaz, while the dialogues have been written by Ahmed Hassan. Furthermore, YNH Films, along with Distribution Club, has partnered up with EROS International for the worldwide distribution of the film.

As seen from the trailer released earlier, the music in the movie seems to be upbeat and quite attention-grabbing. With such a powerful team behind Wrong No.2, the audience awaits to hear more soundtracks from the movie soon.

Credits of the Song:

First Official Video Song “ YARIYAAN” of Wrong No. 2…

Singer: Harshdeep Kaur

Lyrics: Fatima Najeeb

Music Director: Simaab Sen

Director: Yasir Nawaz

Producers: Sh. Amjad Rasheed & Hassan Zia

Watch Complete Song here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pttMYjlXVmM&feature=youtu.be

GEO has released the official OST for their Ramzan transmission titled ‘Ehsaas Ramzan’

[Karachi, May 3rd, 2019] With the imminent arrival of Ramzan, GEO has released the official OST for their Ramzan transmission titled ‘Ehsaas Ramzan’.

The touching OST features the legendary Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who has also composed the music. The intensity of Rahat’s voice along with the OST’s soulful lyrics make this a truly memorable endeavor. The poetry of the OST focuses on the essence of Ramzan and has been written by Sabir Zafar. The OST reinforces the message of the Ehsaas Ramzan transmission and encourages the essential values of patience, respect and empathy in this blessed month.

Ehsaas Ramzan is a special transmission featuring a series of programs and segments by GEO, aimed at bringing about a change in the way Ramzan is seen and practiced in our country. The transmission will be hosted by Rabia Anum and features programs and segments including ‘Bachay Mann Kay Sachay’, ‘Mera Pehla Roza’, ‘Wah Wah Subhan’, ‘Rab-e-Zidni Ilma’, ‘Riyasat-e-Medina’, ‘Aalim Online’, ‘Nanhi si Khuwaish’, ‘Jazba-e-Khidmat Allah’ and ‘Mukafat’. These segments will air at different times throughout the day and will reinforce the theme of Ehsaas and its importance in the spirit of Ramzan.

The focus on ‘Ehsaas’ is what makes GEO’s transmission concept unique, and the OST by Rahat Fateh Ali perfectly engenders the theme of generosity.

Star Studded Teaser of Heer Maan Ja Released

The blockbuster on-screen jodi Hareem Farooq and Ali Rehman Khan are back together in IRK Films & Arif Lakhani Films upcoming movie Heer Maan Ja, releasing worldwide on Eid Ul Azha (August 2019).

Heer Maan Ja has been directed by Azfar Jafri who has previously directed box office successes Siyaah, Janaan, Parchi and Sherdil and penned by debutant writer Owais Korai Baloch.

The teaser also unveils the star studded cast of the film that includes Ali Kazmi, Aminah Sheikh, Sami Khan, Saleem Mairaj, Ahmed Ali Akbar, Mojiz Hasan, Faizan Sheikh, Shamyale Nasir and Abid Ali in pivotal roles, and the big screen comeback of 90’s Lollywood starlet Zara Sheikh.

“Heer Maan Ja is the fourth and the biggest (to date) big screen venture for IRK Films and with this project we have made sure we leave no stone unturned to give paisa vasool entertainment to our audience from the first look of the film.” stated Imran Raza Kazmi the producer of the film.

“After Parchi, Heer Maan Ja is my second collaboration with IRK Films, and we are extremely glad to be able to give the worldwide audience extremely high quality family entertainment.” said Arif Lakhani the producer of the movie.

The over one-minute teaser will leave movie watchers in anticipation of what’s to come next. With some hilarious sequences, action packed pace and catchy tunes, the first look of the upcoming movie takes you into the RJ topsy turvy world of gorgeous Heer (Hareem Farooq) and Kabir (Ali Rehman Khan) who is an architect and a super confident, go getter who constantly runs into bad luck, and thus begins the roller coaster ride for the two.

Heer Maan Ja will be distributed by Distribution Club and the Geo Group is the official Media Partner.

To watch the teaser, please click on the following link:

Besttttt of luckkkk to this amazing entertaining colorful vibrant & humorous team ❤️ #HeerMaanJa @FarooqHareem @alirehmankhan Cuteeeez! 😍😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/c2qsuECaeo
— MAWRA (@MawraHocane) May 1, 2019

Alkaram Goes Bigger and Better with a New Flagship Store in Com 3, Karachi

The renowned clothing brand Alkaram successfully launched its new flagship store in Com-3 Mall, Clifton, Block 6, Karachi, with a spectacular opening ceremony on Friday, 19th of April.

The new store is located right in the central hub of Karachi and is expected to carry all of the brand’s products in one retail outlet. The opening ceremony of the brand went magnificently with quite a few known faces from the fashion industry making an appearance. The stunning Saboor Aly, Ali Rehman Khan, and Nabeel Zuberi were among the many celebrities that adorned the occasion. The ribbon-cutting at the prestigious event was done by the Chairman of Alkaram.

Alkaram in Com-3 Mall Karachi — Saboor Ali, Ali Rehman Khan and Nabeel Zuberi with Alkaram’s Brand Team

Alkaram with its haute couture and ready-to-wear products has been at the forefront of the Pakistani clothing industry for more than three decades. It offers an extensive range of fabrics, designs and styles, selling an extraordinary combination of quality and trendy fashion. With its one-store-for-all policy, Alkaram aims to cater to all, and till date it has consistently kept the customer at the forefront.

About Alkaram Studio: Building on the strength of Alkaram Textiles, the concept was created for customers to experience the depth, range and creativity of the Alkaram product portfolio. From fashion fabrics and apparel for Men, Women and Kids, to Home Textiles and home-ware needs, alkaram studio offers a complete creative concept where customers can realize their dreams and aspirations. Alkaram studio is a perfect haven for aesthetically-inclined women, who can bring their style language to life with fashion fabrics, ready-to-wear lines and stunning accessories from our stores.

Alkaram studio is located in Karachi, Hyderabad, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Multan, Gujrat, Mirpur, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Daska, Muzaffarabad, Mardan, Swat, Narowal, Bahawalpur and Dubai.

UIT Holds CISCO Networking Academy Launch

Karachi: Usman Institute of Technology (UIT) affiliated with NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, held a launching ceremony for UIT’s Cisco Networking Academy (NetAcad) to be established at its Karachi campus and CISCO’s National Conference.

The guest for the event was Kashif-ul-Haq, Cisco Country GM, Marc Khayat, CISCO Technical Manager Middle East and North Africa, and other invited guests, students and NetAcad team members.

With award distribution and presenters Mohammed Jinini and Faheem Anwar who were an integral part of the daylong event. He is also a certified ethical hacker and network associate from CISCO.

The Internet and Education will be the great equalizers of the next century, creating enormous opportunities for people and countries that succeed in harnessing the power of information and knowledge. But the lack of Internet-supported education and the shortage of technology-savvy workers are global dilemmas, threatening to place nations that fall behind at a permanent disadvantage in the new economy.

The Cisco Networking Academy Program at UIT is a timely response to these challenges.

UIT stated that: ‘Having a Cisco Networking Academy at UIT will help to deliver a comprehensive, 21st-century learning experience to help students develop the foundational ICT skills needed to design, build, and manage networks, along with career skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking.

Students complete hands-on learning activities and network simulations to develop practical skills that will help them fill a growing need for networking professionals around the world.

UIT Holds CISCO Networking Academy Launch

Cisco Systems, through this innovative partnership, the Cisco Networking Academy program is preparing students for the demands and enormous opportunities of the information economy, while creating a qualified talent pool for building and maintaining networks.

The academy at UIT will impart training among the students with leading-edge technologies in the field of networking. Availing this opportunity, students can be trained to deal with real-life networking design issues, find complex networking solutions, and to troubleshoot problems. The successful candidate will achieve a certification titled “Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)” which is highly sought after in the industry.

Cisco Networking Academy is a global education program that teaches students how to design, build, troubleshoot, and secure computer networks for increased access to career and economic opportunities in communities around the world. Networking Academy provides online courses, interactive tools, and hands-on learning activities to

help individuals prepare for ICT and networking careers in virtually every type of industry

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