EFP Seeks Govt Support to Save Stationery Industry from Disaster

Karachi: President EFP, Ismail Suttar, has strongly recommended the Hon’ble Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce & Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood, to look into the near-extinct state of Pakistan’s Stationary sector for extending the closure of schools due to Coronavirus for almost 250 days.

The Director EFP and a senior industrialist, Ahsan Ullah Khan, who has been manufacturing stationery products including Gel pens, markers, fiber-tip pens, pointers and pencils, ball-pens that are used in schools and colleges, universities and institutes, says the situation is very severe since the business is making no revenue or generating wages, anymore.

Mr Khan urged the authorities to release all outstanding sales and income tax refunds. For the next nine months, grants should be given to companies, says he, based on last 2019’s audited accounts for paying wages.

In addition to one-year tax relief, capping the mark-up at 5 percent and subsidizing power and 
gas by 50 percent for the stationery sector, all social welfare, and Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) fees should be waived.

Ismail Suttar pays tribute to all the national industrialists associated who remained determined with the Stationary Industry for facing extreme economic crisis in the midst of the global pandemic.

80 Sugar Mills Receive Show Cause Notice as the Prices increased

The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has issued show cause notices due to nexus and violation of Competition Act 2010. The notices are served to 80 Sugar Mills in the country as the sugar prices are on the rise.

According to the sources, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP), upon the request of Sugar Mills, has given some time to respond to the inquiry. Since this is the sugarcane crushing season which is why the sugar mill association asked for time, the hearing of the case will be held afterward.

Earlier this month, the prices were decreased on sugar by Rs20 per Kilogram. The decrease in prices was recorded due to the arrival of “new sugar” in the open market.

However, for the last two months, the prices went up by Rs11 or more per Kilogram as a result of the timely crushing of sugarcane

Previously, the Chairman All Pakistan Sugar Mills Association, Iskandar Khan, asked the government to prevent sugar smuggling and take severe actions against those who are responsible for high prices and to decrease the sugar price while maintaining it at the same rate.

Karachi’s weather drops

Last night the Karachiites experienced extreme cold winds as the weather suddenly dropped in just less than a week.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, inhabitants of Karachi are likely to face chilly nights and days in the next 24 hours.

The MET department reported a minimum temperature of 11 degrees Celsius with 59 percent humidity.
The temperature in the metropolis is predicted to decline even lower as Quetta’s extreme cold weather affects the atmosphere in the port city.
The Northeast winds will blow at a speed of 18 kilometers per hour in Karachi, reported PMD.
Earlier this month, Quetta temperatures have fallen to-9 degrees Celsius, and several cities of Pakistan including
Balochistan has been trapped in the cold.

Huawei Giving December Brings Gifts with Every Huawei Purchase

Karachi, 11 December 2020: The December festivities are upon us and while everyone is heading into the winter holidays spirit, Huawei has something exciting in store for its fans. For all their beloved phones such as; HUAWEI Nova 7i, HUAWEI Y9a, HUAWEI Y7a, HUAWEI Y8p and HUAWEI Y6p, people can get a guaranteed surprise gift*. This gives an option to choose from your most favourite device, whether it was the most searched HUAWEI Y9a, the fan favourite and most stylish Nova 7i, the superfast and powerful Y7a, the 48MP camera powerhouse Y8p or the youth-centric Y6p.

During this “Huawei Giving December” campaign, consumers purchasing Huawei’s top-selling smartphones will get delightful surprises and valuable gifts including; high-quality headphones, water-bottles, speakers and table-lamps, etc.

This campaign includes some of Huawei’s most feature-rich devices that are easy on the pocket. Inheriting blistering performance, trendy designs and handy functions are characteristics of the Y series. The HUAWEI Y8p boasts a high-definition OLED screen, which represents a major enhancement over its predecessors. Despite its sleek, slender body, it manages to pack a powerful, AI-bolstered 48MP triple AI camera system and 4,000 mAh battery. While the HUAWEI Y7a promises incredible charging speeds, a long-lasting battery, a stellar 48MP Quad camera and massive storage. Meanwhile, HUAWEI Y9a offers a sleek design, powerful performance and good value for money – housing a 64MP Quad Camera which packs-in Huawei’s market-leading smartphone camera technology and the Halo Ring Design makes sure you stand out in more ways than one. On the other hand, the Nova Series has been highly anticipated in Pakistan. This year’s Nova 7i offers a wide range of innovative features for multi-tasking and immersive gaming. It is one of the most complete devices by the company that ticks all the right boxes – design, camera, processor, charging etc.

Being the most popular technology brand in Pakistan, all these revolutionary products reflect Huawei’s deep understanding of the evolving digital needs of the modern-day consumers, enhancing their performance with perpetual digital connectivity, on the go. In a fast-paced lifestyle, they must engage globally, expressing and sharing their ideas, creativity, memories and experiences with the world.

Jazz, CDA And Active Media partner to Offer Drive-In Cinema

Karachi: Jazz, Pakistan’s number one 4G operator, and Pakistan’s largest Internet and cable service provider are introducing Pakistan’s film-driven experience in partnership with the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Activemedia, Pakistan’s top experiential marketing firm.

The Jazz Drive-In Cinema will be opened at the Parade Ground next to the Islamabad Highway in Islamabad on 18 December 2020. Starting as a one-month pilot in the capital, Karachi and Lahore would also be added to the Jazz Drive-In Cinema.

JazzCash will be the official wireless payment affiliate of the Jazz Drive-In Cinema with both food stalls and ticket counters providing mobile payment solutions. In addition, JazzCash will now give 50 percent cash back on tickets and food at the venue for a limited period to encourage digital purchases.

Movies will be shown from Friday to Sunday in the evenings and will adopt a weekly theme for each family member, ranging from classics to adventure, science fiction, fantasy, and animation.

Speaking about this exciting initiative, Asif Aziz, CCO – Jazz said, “Drive-in cinema is the only way to provide the big screen experience and entertainment safely with moviegoers in these changing times.”

He went on to say that, as the leading technology corporation, Jazz is proud to introduce the first of many drive-ins by leveraging state-of-the-art technology to provide film lovers with a socially distanced cinematic experience from the convenience and safety of their vehicles. It is necessary to adjust to the modern mainstream.

Speaker CDA said on this day, “We applaud the entrepreneurial spirit of Jazz and support to create the ultimate drive-in experience for audiences.” For many families, following the COVID-19 pandemic, this is going to be the first proper outing in the last few months in a secure and relaxed setting with tight SOPs applied.

Saad Khan, CEO of Activemedia, said “we have always taken pride in creating something new for the consumers.”

“During the global pandemic followed by lockdowns, we wanted to do something in response to the temporary closure of cinemas” added he.

“The new normal called for something new and this is our contribution to launch the Jazz Drive-in Cinema,” mentioned Saad M. Khan, CEO – Activemedia.

Careem Reduces its commission to 5% in Support of the Restaurant Industry

KARACHI: Careem, the Middle East and Pakistan Mega App, has reported that its restaurant commission fees will be reduced to 5 percent with the second phase of COVID-19 entering Pakistan and the closure of indoor dining. This announcement was made on the social media properties of Careem, urging individuals to request more.

The reduction in commission fees would allow Careem to expand the required restaurant help by passing on these commissions to customers in the form of discounts while facilitating increased orders. The restaurant business has experienced a serious economic blow after the first lockdown when dine-in was totally shut down due to a pandemic involving millions of lives. Things are also difficult, though as current SOPs still need reduced pacing with a full in-door dining ban.

Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa believes in democracy Says Imran Khan

Karachi: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa believes in democracy and that is why he is tolerating the criticism leveled against him.

In an interview, the Prime Minister of Pakistan mentioned that criticism of Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has angered the army. General Bajwa did not respond because he believes in democracy and is a man of understanding. Had there been an army chief, there would have been an immediate response.

Khan also claimed that the interests of the opposition parties are not aligned with the interests of the country. The country wants rule of law and justice in the country, while the opposition parties want to save their theft, the opposition parties are putting pressure on the army to remove the democratic government.

PM explained that this is the state of their democratic struggle, they should be subjected to R-6, it becomes a case of treason because they are inviting the army to overthrow the government.

Imran Khan said that General Zia prepared Nawaz Sharif out of fear of PPP, Nawaz Sharif started corruption in the country, Sharif drowned the country with bribes.

He went on to say that Pakistan would be better off if the opposition parties had resigned,

Maulana Fazlur Rehman will bring madrassa children to the sit-in, madrassa children will not march for more than a week, added Khan.

Macron is in Crisis

The anti-Islam movement’s biggest supporter has got corona.

French President Emmanuel Macron has also been infected with the global coronavirus.

According to the details, French President Macron’s corona test has come positive, after which he has quarantined himself.

Later this year, Macron was caught himself in hot water, for attempting to hurt Millions of Muslims by supporting caricatures of Islam’s most sacred and adorned Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in the name of ‘freedom of speech’.

He also used derogatory remarks against Muslims and Islam saying, that he will not “give up on the cartoon”.

 

Pakistan attracts new LNG crisis

Pakistan was not even able to collect a single offer for three Liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes for the first half of January and drew the high prices for the second half of January, largely due to delayed tenders in the light of rising international prices.

The official said that in October, the government had pre-ordered a $6 per mmBtu ship primarily aimed at delivery using contractual flexibility, however it met with $13 and $15 per mmBtu. At $6 per mmBtu, an estimate of 3.2 million mmBtu shipment operated at around $19m, while at $15.28 per mmBtu the same cargo will charge about $49m—almost $30m way more costly.

He demonstrated that at $15.28 per mmBtu, LNG was almost $85-90 per barrel of oil relative to the current Brent price of around $50 per barrel. “This is economically impractical even for the power sector and politically suicidal for the PTI-government,” added an official,
His remarks suggested that the government would have to withdraw from these bids. The private firm’s executive exclaimed that “there was no logic of downward flexibility of January to October”. The private firm owners were appealing for third party access to order low-cost supplies.

Nawaz Sharif’s property records come to light

Significant information regarding the properties of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been exposed in the illegal plots allotment case.

The media has obtained the details of the property records of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) report revealed that Sharif owns 1679 kanals of agricultural land which is located in Lahore and Sheikhupura. The PML-N leader is also the owner of two luxury vehicles and two agricultural tractors.

The NAB has submitted the documents of the property in the court as Nawaz Sharif has been declared a fugitive.

The report says that Nawaz Sharif is a shareholder in 4 companies which includes Muhammad Bakhsh Textile that has more than 467,000 shares, Hudabia Paper Mills with nearly 343,000 shares, Hudabia Engineering Company having a almost 22,213 shares while Ittefaq Textile Mill has more than 48,000 shares.

The important documents were published by Samaa.

 

Maryam Nawaz removes her tweet about Israeli news channel

Karachi: Maryam Nawaz, PML-N leader, took down a Twitter post that contained a link to an interview of an Israeli news channel. In the interview, the researcher, Noor Dahri was speaking about the latest visit of the PM’s advisor of Pakistan to Israel.

Shortly after the tweet was removed, PTI took a toll on Maryam Nawaz saying that she has exposed Nawaz Sharif by accident. The ruling party also took a screenshot of the post and shared it on the same online platform.

This is the video clip that was shared by PTI as evidence of Maryam’s act of “accidental” posting and then removing the post minutes later.

MG Motor UK plans to introduce two more cars in Pakistan

The demand for British cars is quite high in Pakistan, says one of the prominent partners, Javed Afridi, in the Chinese Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) and JW-SEZ group in Pakistan. Afridi has now become the owner of the British Morris Garages (MG) Motor.

MG Motor UK plans to introduce two more cars in Pakistan

Afridi also said that MG Motor wants to grow their global presence therefore, they have decided to bring more cars here to Pakistan.

The arrival of such cars with the latest technology will revolutionize the auto market in Pakistan. 

Previously the British company had launched the compact SUV MG-HS and further plans to introduce cars, MG-ZS 1.5 and MG ZS EV, that are fully electric and have the power of 44.5 kWh.

The CEO, of Haier Pakistan and the owner of the Peshawar Zalmi team, said that the vehicle company was pleased with the experience after launching commercial trucks under the name of JW-Forland in Pakistan, and will also bring the EXtender and RX8 in 2021 along with other models of sedans and hatchbacks.

After the government made the announcement of its Auto Development Plan 2016-21, MG Motor was one of the automobile companies to come to Pakistan

 

Pakistan Announces 15-Member Squad for T20 Series Against New Zealand

Karachi: An event was organized where Pakistani Captain, Shadab Khan, said that he is honored to be the leader of Pakistan’s cricket team while announcing the national team for the first T20 match.

The national cricket team of 15 members has been established for the upcoming first T20 match against New Zealand.

Shadab Khan will be leading the squad for the first T20 while the rest of the team includes Abdullah Shafiq, Haider Ali, Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Emad Wasim, Khushdal Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Fahim Ashraf, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hussain Talat, Wahab Riaz, and Mohammad Rizwan.

“I have the experience of playing in Eden Park, the boundaries here are small, looking forward to playing again in the presence of spectators, the best opportunity for the new players in the team to show the essence of their abilities,” he said.

Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand is just one day away from its formal start. Fans of green shirts around the world, including Pakistan, have high hopes for the national team.

The first T20 International match between Pakistan and New Zealand will be played in Auckland tomorrow 18 December. The match will start at 11 a.m. according to Pakistani standard time. The other two matches of the three-match series are scheduled for December 20 and 22.

Pakistan’s highest score in the T20 format against New Zealand is 201. The national team won the match by 48 runs in 2018.

The lowest score of the national team in the T20 against New Zealand is 101. In this match, Pakistan lost by 95 runs.

Sehat Kahani’s Tele-ICU Software Connects 45 ICUs to Critical Care Doctors in 45 days

KARACHI: Sehat Kahani, Pakistan’s leading Health Tech Social Enterprise, has successfully implemented its Tele-ICU software in 45 out of 60 target ICUs till date. These ICUs are located in Sindh, Punjab, KPK, Balochistan and Azad Kashmir. Over 800 doctors have also been trained on critical care and the usage of the software.

The Tele-ICU Project was initiated with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Health Services Academy, the Ministry of Health, Health Department & Government of Balochistan.

A mid-project briefing event was conducted today and was attended by the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health, Dr Faisal Sultan along with the Assistant Resident Representative of UNDP, Amir Goraya; Vice-Chancellor of Health Services Academy, Dr Asad Hafeez; and co-founders of Sehat Kahani, Dr Sara Saeed Khurram and Dr Iffat Zafar Aga.

Speaking during the meeting, Special Assistant to the PM said, “Tele-ICU is the need of the hour. We support Sehat Kahani and its partners in this great initiative as it aids in providing high-quality intensive care to patients in rural as well as urban areas.”

Amir Goraya, Assistant Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan said, ‘Impressive results have been achieved by the collective effort of UNDP, UNFPA, Ministry of Health and Sehat Kahani. Setting up 45 tele-ICUs contributes greatly to our goal of supporting the ongoing national response to the pandemic as well as advancing the country’s commitment to digital health. We are confident that this partnership will change the landscape of digital health in Pakistan.’

According to the President of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Pakistan currently has only 50 to 70 critical care specialists to cater needs of a population of 200 million people.

Sehat Kahani Tele-ICU Platform allows doctors in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and High Dependency Units (HDUs) to connect to critical care specialists in real-time, recording patient information and conducting a video consultation.

Zubair Motiwala Takes Over as Chairman BMG

KARACHI: The Supreme Council of Businessmen Group (BMG) unanimously resolved to give the responsibility of BMG Chairmanship to Zubair Motiwala who will now be leading the ruling Group of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI).

The consensus was reached at BMG Supreme Council’s Meeting held here on Saturday which was presided over by Vice-Chairman BMG Tahir Khaliq and attended by Vice Chairmen BMG Zubair Motiwala, Haroon Farooki, Anjum Nisar and General Secretary BMG AQ Khalil. While reviewing the emerging situation after the sad demise of Siraj Teli, it was unanimously decided that Mr Zubair Motiwala will be the Chairman Businessmen Group.

The participants also lauded and paid tribute to Late Siraj Kassam Teli for his matchless contribution and lifelong quest for the rights of business and industrial community and the Karachiites.

Zubair Motiwala has been Chairman Sindh Board of Investment, Advisor to Chief Minister Sindh and Chairman/ Member Advisory Board/ Member Board of Directors at a host of private and public sector institutions. Zubair Motiwala, who is one of the founding members of Businessmen Group, has served as President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, President Pak-Afghan Joint Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Chairman of Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association, All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association, Site Association of Industry, Council of Karachi’s Industrial Association, Bolton Market Affectees Relief Committee and various Standing Committees of the government.

Zubair Motiwala vowed to continue the legacy and footprints of Siraj Teli in order to make sure that KCCI remains a leading voice and a vibrant institution dedicatedly serving the entire business & industrial community and Karachiites under BMG’s policy of Public Service.

Unveiling of T20 Series Trophy Between Pakistan and New Zealand

Karachi: T20 series trophy between Pakistan and New Zealand unveiled.

The captains of both the teams had a photo session with the trophy while Shadab Khan said that he is confident of performing well in the series, today.

On the other hand, New Zealand captain Mitchell Centenary says that all the boys are excited, the series will not be easy.

Also read, Pakistan Announces 15-Member Squad for T20 Series Against New Zealand

Pakistan is all set to buy covid vaccine

Pakistan has contacted 8 companies to buy the Covid-19 vaccine.

However, VC National Health Services Academy Islamabad Dr Asad Hafeez says that Pakistani authorities have little interest in Pfizer and Modern Messenger RNA vaccines.

He mentioned that getting the vaccine for 500,000 front-line workers in three months would be a great achievement for Pakistan but it would unthinkable to provide a vaccine to the majority of Pakistanis for six months to come.

According to Parliamentary Secretary Health, Noshin Hamid, the government of Pakistan is collecting funds for the corona inoculation and will begin vaccinating in the second quarter of the next year. Moreover, the vaccine will be made available to the public free of charge.

On the other hand, the federal cabinet has approved an allocation of $150 million for the covid vaccine and the government has agreed to buy the vaccine in advance.

Internet efficiency is central to industrialization – President KATI

Karachi: Executive Vice President of Pakistan Telecommunication Company (PTCL) Abdul Zahir Achakzai has informed industrialists that a new fibre optic cable in Gwadar has been laid and this is a piece of good news for future investors. He was addressing a meeting held at Korangi Association of Trade & Industry (KATI) here on Wednesday. President KATI Saleem-uz-Zaman, Chairman and CEO KITE Zubair Chhaya, Senior Vice President Zaki Sharif, Vice President Nighat Awan, Head of KATI’s standing committee on PTCL Syed Wajid Hussain and others addressed the occasion.

EVP PTCL Mr. Achakzai said that PTCL has taken many initiatives to improve internet connectivity for industrial areas as we acknowledge the importance of communication infrastructure and have already taken a number of measures to improve it in Korangi and rest of the city.

President of KATI Saleem-uz-Zaman said that internet connectivity, speed and efficiency have emerged as a new standard and prerequisite for the industrialization and business growth. He said that PTCL has improved its services and hope that it will excel to the modern standards. He said that in KATI, our first priority is our members, to facilitate them by any possible mean and we urge all the service providers in the area to build effective coordination with KITE, as many infrastructure projects are underway.

Chairman and CEO KITE Zubair Chhaya urged to form a mechanism for better coordination between the PTCL and KITE and assured that before any development work in the area PTCL would be taken into consultation to avoid any losses on both sides. Head of KATI’s standing committee on PTCL Syed Wajid Hussain lauded the complaint response of PTCL. Former Chairman of KATI Gulzar Firoz, Ehtesham Uddin, Farhan-ur-Rehman, Senior Officials of PTCL and others also attended the meeting.

Corona Updates

The government of Pakistan has updated the number of people affected by the global pandemic and provides the report of the cases that emerged on Tuesday.

According to the stats published on the government of Pakistan on their website, the coronavirus confirmed cases amount to 2,459 in the last 24 hours while the deadly virus took 7 lives in Pakistan in 24 hours, the recovered cases are 1614 and 34551 people have been tested. The critical patients under observation are 39.

The Province wise cases

In Sindh, the total number of cases have been reported around 196,962, in KPK 52,787, in Punjab 128,138, in Balochistan 17,771, in Islamabad 35,045 and virtually 7,750 / 4,793 cases have occurred in AJK/GB.

The global virus that broke out from Wuhan, the first case of coronavirus was reported in 2019 and took its toll on people in March 2020.

So far the number of affected has mounted to hundreds to thousands in Pakistan alone.

The total number of confirmed cases, deaths, recovered, tests, and critical cases 

The total confirmed cases are 443,246

The total Deaths are 8,905

The total number of patients who recovered from the virus are 386,333

The total number of the tests that were administered are 6,098,771

The total number of critical cases are 2,495

Indians showered Modi with Shoes and Slippers

This video of Indian PM is making rounds on Social Media

The Modi government, following extremist and anti-Muslim politics, is seen as a threat not only to the region’s enduring stability but also to India’s minorities. That is why extreme anger and frustration are found among the minorities in India, which is also expressed from time to time, against the Modi government.

A video shared on Twitter is evidence enough to prove the hatred against Modi harbouring in the hearts of Indians. Members of the Sikh community, kids, and the elderly can be seen slapping Modi’s puppet with all sizes of slippers in the video.

People are also chanting “Modi Sarkar Murdabad” in the video.

The video came in a response to ongoing farmers’ protests by the people in India who have been protesting for the last 18 days against the anti-farmer agricultural laws passed under Modi’s government. The farmers are demanding that the anti-farmer agricultural laws be withdrawn.

Pakistani Fast Bowler Unable to Endure Mental Torture Anymore

Karachi: Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Aamir has announced retirement from cricket.

In an interview with Samaa TV, the cricketer revealed, “I am being mentally tortured. I’m often ridiculed that Pakistan has invested heavily in me.”

Here is Pakistani fast bowler @iamamirofficial announcing retirement from international cricket as a protest against Pak team management’s behavior. he was talking to me pic.twitter.com/TMC2LDEZHb

— Shoaib Jatt (@Shoaib_Jatt) December 17, 2020

“I don’t think I can play under the current management. I am leaving cricket. I have endured a lot of torture from 2010 to 2015,” he continued.

“I give credit for my return to cricket to two men, Najam Sethi and Shahid Afridi. These two men helped me a lot in difficult times. I thank them,” the fast bowler expressed his gratitude for the “two men” in his cricket career.

Also read, Pakistan announces 15-member squad for T20 series against New Zealand

“Retirement from Test cricket was my personal stance but it was demonstrated as if I don’t want to play for the country,” he said. He further divulged that at one point the bowling coach would say “Aamir has ditched” and other times he would say “Aamir does not have a workload.”

“I have just returned to Pakistan. I will make a final and formal announcement to quit cricket in a day or two after meeting my family,” he added.

Sangeeta is infected with Coronavirus

Karachi: Leading actor and director of Pakistan film industry Sangeeta also fell victim to the global epidemic, coronavirus.

Sangeeta said in a statement that she tested positive for the coronavirus, after which she has quarantined herself at her residence in Karachi.

According to actress Sangeeta, she does not have any special symptoms of the corona, while she has also appealed to the fans to pray for her speedy recovery.

Also read, Mahira Khan gets Coronavirus

Before Sangeeta, many personalities of the Pakistan showbiz industry have also been infected with the Coronavirus, including actress Mahira Khan, Nada Yasir, Usman Mukhtar, Aliza Gabol, and others.

See, Rashid Khan, the CEO of PTCL loses battle with COVID-19

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