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Index up 18 points as investors eye fresh boost
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Saturday, 11 February, 2012
Intl coal price-hike poses no significant threat to cement sector Cement dispatches in January up by 2.32pc to stand at 2.54mn tonnes g Winter season to keep demand flat till March g 200-bps cut in discount rate during FY12 to benefit leveraged companies
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KARACHI STAFF REPORT
HE cement dispatches for the month of January 2012 grew by 2.32 per cent Year-on-Year (YoY) to stand at 2.54 million tonnes compared to 2.49 million tonnes in the corresponding period last year, show the data released by all Pakistan Cement Manufacturers association (aPCMa). total cement dispatches in 7MFY12 stood at 17.95 million tonnes, up 3.94 per cent YoY, which previously stood at 17.2 million tonnes in the corresponding period of last year. Local dispatches during the 7MFY12
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showed growth of 7.21 per cent to 12.89 million tonnes, while exports remained on negative side, and posted a decline of 3.59 per cent to 5.05 million tonnes. “Cement demand is expected to remain flat till March-12 due to prevailing winter season and lack of infrastructural development, while the cement consumption in the country is expected to head up from april-12 onwards,” said Yawar Uz Zaman, an analyst at investCap Research. the analyst said international coal prices increased by 18 per cent YoY during the first half of FY12, which alongside rupee depreciation of average two per cent YoY during the same period signify cost pressures.
With exports dwindling on the broader scale and rising tilt of dispatches towards domestic market, the impact of costlier coal as a result of rupee devaluation has escalated. “However, the sector did manage to maintain higher cement prices at the local front in an attempt to cater to cost pressures,” Zaman said. in this manner, he said, local cement prices recorded a healthy increase of 23 per cent YoY during 1HFY12, providing buffer not only against higher coal prices, but also against slower exports and rupee depreciation. so far, mainstream companies had posted healthy increase in gross margins during 1HFY12 as a result of better pric-
ing as well as materialisation of cost controlling measures. the analyst said, although coal prices had shown further strength during the month of January, being up by four per cent MoM on average basis, but the increase was deemed to be a seasonal phenomenon related to coal demand in the winter season. the said increase, Zaman said, would likely revert in the coming months owing to lack of triggers offered by the demand side going forward. Moreover, he said, the coal price trend so far during FY12 was much more stable compared to the last two year trend. “We see coal prices at current levels presenting no significant threat to cement
sector profitability in coming quarters.” the cement industry, Zaman viewed, continued to remain one of the highly leveraged sectors of the country, where most of the companies faced lofty financial burdens on the income statement. “However, reduction in the policy rate by 200bps during FY12 will benefit leveraged companies within the sector,” he said. this coupled with favorable pricing scenario, up tick in domestic demand and higher realisation/allocation for PsDP during FY12/FY13 on the back of popular decisions expected to be taken by the government was likely to put the cement sector in a better position, said the analyst.
Govt releases Rs5b for power generation g
MWP demands Rs25 billion for February ISLAMABAD AMER SIAL
ovERnMEnt has released Rs5 billion during the first week of current month, while the Ministry of Water and Power (MWP) has estimated a demand of Rs25 billion to maintain uninterrupted power supply during February. an official source said that the next tranche would be released by the middle of the current month when the ministry presents the details of the recovery to the ministry of finance. He said government released Rs15 billion as against the projected demand of Rs25 billion during January. Giving reason for less releases than the estimate during January, the source said the releases were linked with the recovery of the power distribution companies (DisCos), which remained low during December. However, he said that the recoveries in January have been expedited, especially long overdue amounts that will help get maximum releases during February. MWP had demanded the amount to maintain the supply at 9500 MW. the source said that the power supply situation significantly improved after the opening of the canals. the hydel power generation jumped from 500 MW during canal closure period to 3800 MW during the last few days. this has helped end the load shedding. the power generation has increased to 9800 MW as against the demand of 9500 MW. the source said that all the DisCos were directed to improve their recoveries and targets were set at sub divisional levels which were continuously monitored that have helped improve the situation. He said measures adopted by government would help maintain the situation till april but after that energy conservations have to be adopted to avoid power outages.
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akistan plans to auction at least 17 petroleum concessions within the next few weeks as the major irritants in the approval of the new Petroleum Exploration and Production Policy 2012 were resolved on Friday, with the federal government agreeing to include provincial government representatives in the concessions awards committee and reviving the zoning system. the decisions were made at a specially convened meeting jointly chaired by special assistant to the Prime Minister on Petroleum Dr asim Hussain and secretary Petroleum Ejaz Chaudhary and attended by Chief secretary Punjab nasir Mahmood khosa, Chief secretary sindh Raja Muhammad abbas and other senior officials of the provincial energy and mineral departments besides senior officers of the ministry of petroleum. an official source said that the reservation expressed by khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan forced the federal government to revive the
zoning system which was abolished in the new policy. the provinces were of the opinion that explorations in their areas were difficult as compared to other provinces and a premium should be offered. the amended draft would be circulated to provinces within the next few days after their approval the new policy will be announced. the new Petroleum Policy will have three zones. a price of $6.6 mmBtU will be offered for oil and gas exploration in zone one consisting of parts of khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, $6.3 mmBtU in zone two consisting of parts of Balochistan and sindh and $6 mmBtU for sindh and Punjab. the price for offshore drilling will be $7 mmBtU with a bonanza of $1 mmBtU for first three discoveries. the source said new prices will be offered to all discoveries made under the previous policies but not already linked with the transmission network. the source said the provinces were assured that all the decisions in the award of exploration blocks will be held with their consent. But they stressed inclusion of their representatives in the
awards committee which was accepted. However, a proposal of Pakhtunkhwa to get additional gas supply against its royalty payments was rejected by the committee as other provinces opposed it. Pakistan signed the last petroleum concessions agreements in 2010. the process was stopped after July 01, 2010, due the passage of the 18th amendment from the parliament that devolved many subjects on the concurrent list to the provinces that included power and energy sector. Later on the federal government clarified that the centre will maintain the role of the regulator in power and energy issues. to address the various concerns of the investors, new Petroleum Policy was drafted in 2011 but its approval got delayed due to the opposition of the provinces. the matter was taken to the Council of Common interest (CCi) for resolution which accorded an inprinciple approval to the Petroleum Policy 2012 on February 9. immediately after the announcement of the new Petroleum Policy, the source said bids will be invited for 17 exploration blocks out of the total available 36. He said 17
were ready for immediate bidding while process on the remaining was being expedited. Pakistan is faced with a shortfall of 2 bcfd of gas as against the estimated national demand of 6 bcfd. this has resulted in a shortfall of 5,000 MW resulting long power outages that is declining the GDP growth by three per cent per annum. a statement issued by the petroleum ministry said Dr asim Hussain congratulated the entire team comprising of the officers of the ministry of petroleum and provincial focal persons who worked on the preparation of new Petroleum Policy 2012. secretary petroleum said issues pertaining to royalties, zoning and well head pricing have been mutually agreed upon and provinces do not have any reservations any more. Provincial representatives agreed that a representative of the provincial governments would be part of the concessions awards committee as well as directorate of petroleum concessions and the average well head pricing in each zone would remain uniform.
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KSE issues final delisting notices to 29 defaulting firms KARACHI ISMAIL DILAWAR
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oME 29 listed companies, mostly from textile sector, are on the verge of delisting for defaulting on the listing regulations ranging from non-holding of the annual General Meetings (aGMs) to non-payment of the listing fee. karachi stock Exchange (ksE) Friday issued final notices to the noncomplying firms that if failed to rectify the defaults would be attracting the ire of both the front and apex regulators. Companies are under fire for their failure to comply with clause b, e and g of the Listing Regulation number 30(1) that, respectively, entail the companies’ failure to hold aGM for two consecutive years, pay the annual listing fee for two years, penalty or any other dues and join
Credit Default swap (CDs). the default period for these firms ranges from 2001 to 2010. 17 companies which have been issued final notices and are facing delisting form the exchange include almal securities and services Limited, Dominion stock Fund, Harum textile Mills, investec securities, kashmir Polytex, nina industries, Pakistan industrial and Commercial Leasing, sahrish textile Mills, Usman textile Mills, Union insurance Company of Pakistan, Dadabhoy insurance Company, First islamic Modaraba, ittefaq General insurance Company, ittefaq textile Mills, Macdonald Layton and Co, Mian Muhammad sugar Mills and Zahur textile Mills. “these firms are already quoted in the defaulters’ segment of the exchange and trading in their shares has been suspended,” reads a notice issued by ksE’s Deputy
Managing Director, Haroon askari Friday. He said these companies had been issued a final notice to rectify the above defaults within 90 days, up to May 10, failing which the exchange shall proceed to de-list the companies from the exchange in accordance with the listing regulations. the cases of these companies have also been forwarded to securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (sECP) which would initiate appropriate action under the Companies ordinance, 1984 against these companies or their managements. also, the companies pursuance to the above listing regulation, have been advised the option of voluntary delisting through buy-back of shares of the minority shareholders by the sponsors or majority shareholders in accordance with listing regulation no 30-a. in addition, 12 other firms are
faced with the danger of having suspended trading in their shares or ultimately the delisting. these are accord textile Limited, al-azhar textile Mills, al-Qaim textile Mills, amin spinning Mills, Fawad textile Mills, Hashmi Can Company, indus Fruit Products, Libaas textile, Mubarak Dairies Limited, shahpur textile Mills, Zahur Cotton Mills and amz ventures Limited. ksE has set a 30-day deadline ending on March 12, until which these companies could rectify their defaults or brace for punitive action by the front and apex regulators. the cases of these companies, askari said, would also be sent to sECP for initiating necessary action under the applicable company laws. “these firms are already quoted in the defaulters’ segment of ksE on account of their defaults of various natures,” deputy managing director said.
Remittances swell over 21pc Companies registration jumps to $7.44b during July-Jan-FY12 by 31 per cent in January KARACHI
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akistanis working abroad sent back home over $7.435 billion during the first seven months of the current fiscal year 2011-12, the state Bank reported Friday. this, the central bank said, shows an impressive growth of 21.54 per cent or $1.317 billion compared to $6.118 billion, the dollar-hungry country had received during the last year’s corresponding period, JulyJanuary 2011. the remittances received from all countries of the world during JulyJanuary 2012, depicted growth, the bank said. it said during the review period, the inflow of remittances from saudi arabia, UaE, Usa, Uk, GCC countries (including Bahrain, kuwait, Qatar and oman) and EU countries amounted, respectively, to $2.008 billion, $1.644 billion, $1.328 billion, $853.47 million, $845.41 million and $215.64 million. Whereas, remittances from the same destinations last year amounted to $1.353 billion, $1.437 billion, $1.145 billion, $669.70 million, $721.47 million and $195.66 million, respectively, said sBP. it said the remittances received from norway, switzerland, australia, Canada, Japan and other countries were calculated at
$540.34 million as compared to $594.98 million received during the corresponding months of last fiscal year. the monthly average remittances for the period came out to be $1.062 billion as compared to $874.00 million of the same period in FY11. this shows a 21.54 per cent upsurge in the flow of remittances over last year, said sBP. Last month in January, the regulator said, an amount of $1.110 billion was sent back home by overseas Pakistanis, which registered an increase of 34.37 per cent when compared with $826.57 million the country received during the same period in 2011. During the month under review, the inflow of remittances from saudi arabia, UaE, Usa, Uk, GCC countries and EU countries accumulated to $346.58 million, $231.42 million, $178.07 million, $127.12 million, $124.22 million and $26.50 million, respectively, against an inflow of $209.58 million, $181.40 million, $148.03 million, $92.53 million, $95.18 million and $23.56 million in January 2011. Whereas, the remittances received from norway, switzerland, australia, Canada, Japan and other countries during the said month amounted to $76.73 million as against $76.29 million received during the same month in FY11.
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SECP registered 356 companies in January ISLAMABAD
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STAFF REPORT
n increase in incorporation of companies was witnessed as the registration of new companies jumped by 31 per cent with securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (sECP) registering 356 companies in January as compared to 271 companies during December last year. according to the figures released by sECP, during the current financial year, a total of 1,942 companies have been registered compared to 1,700 during the corresponding period of last financial year, reflecting an increase of 14 per cent. the private companies have the highest share in new incorporation totaling to 323, followed by 21 single-member companies, two public unlisted companies, five non-profit association and foreign companies each registered during January. out of the five foreign companies, one each from Us, switzerland, turkey, Hong kong and sri Lanka were registered in Lahore. Foreign investment by
aJk nationals was witnessed in two new local companies registered in islamabad in trading and consultancy services. nationals from China and turkey also registered two new local companies in karachi and Lahore respectively in leather and tanneries, and it sectors, respectively. sector-wise positions show that services sector had the highest new incorporation of 53 companies, followed by trading 41 companies, hajj and umrah services 29 companies, construction 23 companies, it 16 companies, food and beverages 15 companies, engineering 14 companies, textile and communications 13 companies each, corporate agricultural farming 12 companies, tourism 11 companies and pharmaceuticals 10 companies. Company Registration office (CRo), Lahore registered 102 companies followed by CRos karachi and islamabad registering 100 and 97 companies, respectively. the remaining CRos Peshawar, Faisalabad, Multan and Quetta registered 25, 18, eight and six companies, respectively.
Afghan transit cargo strands, causes financial losses PESHAWAR STAFF REPORT
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CtinG President khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chamber of Commerce and industry (kPCCi), Ziaul Haq sarhadi said Friday hundreds of truck-loads of afghan transit commercial cargo are stranded at torkham border and takhta Baig checkpost, causing huge financial losses to traders. sarhadi said in this connection, a kPCCi delegation, led by kPCCi President afan aziz, had separate meetings with kP Governor Barrister, Masood kausar and Frontier Corps (FC) commandant sometime back, adding the said meetings resulted in formation of a committee, but in vain as no steps had yet been taken to solve the commercial cargo problem. sarhadi expressed these views at a meeting of Frontier Customs agents Group and Pakafghan transit traders held at the chamber. kPCCi vice President
abid salam, imtiaz ali, tufail Gurwara, kP Executive Committee Member, sikandar, and aamir Bilal, itehad Customs service and others attended the meeting. kPCCi acting president said trucks loaded with commercial cargo are still stuck. as a result, he added, traders had been suffering losses worth millions of rupees. He asked the participants of the meeting to give complaints in writing to the chamber so that these could be forwarded to the higher authorities for solution to their problems. He also suggested formation of a dry port trust. sarhadi said khyber Pakhtunkhwa was rich in marble, gemstone, furniture, match sticks and other natural resources. He said introduction of a business train from karachi was a welcome sign and would provide facilities to traders and industrialists. tufail Gurwara suggested the stakeholders should immediately address a press conference on afghan transit trade like they did in case of sui gas issue. He also proposed a meeting within this week with the collector customs to discuss torkham, dry port, afghan transit trade and other burning issues.
OGDCL starts production from Kunnar Pasaki LAHORE: LPG association of Pakistan has congratulated oGDCL on commencing production of 120 Mt of LPG per day from its kunnar Pasaki Field. “this is the first significant production of LPG in the country in the past seven years and represents a major achievement for oGDCL” said Belal Jabbar, the spokesman for the LPG association of Pakistan. the additional LPG will add 12 per cent to the existing local production and will once again boost local production which has been on the decline. the new production is also likely to replace costly imports and provide a relief to the national exchequer. LPG prices hit a record high earlier this month due to the imposition of Petroleum Levy and an all time high saudi aramco Contract price with which local prices are indexed. Petroleum Levy was enforced to equate the price of local production with imports in a bid to improve supplies of the latter. “Faced with a lackluster demand due to unfathomably high prices, marketing companies have begun to scale down their sale rates. Demand pattern is also shifting due to change in weather and resumption of gas supplies to industries and households” said Belal. STAFF REPORT
Korean firm to bring food-based investments KARACHI: a korean company has expressed its interest to encourage and bring food-based investments in Pakistan. the company agreed to bring investment to special Economic Zone where the utilities and other requirements are ensured from within by sEZ developer. according to a statement issued by tDaP, the development was made during a meeting held between the Chief Executive tDaP, tariq Puri and representative of sojung Cooking and G-Food of korea on the sidelines of the planning meeting for Yeosu Expo 2012. Besides that the chief executive also offered to introduce them to parties for their plan regarding green-house farming of red chillies. sojung Cooking and G-Food plan to visit Pakistan in May 2012 to progress their business plan. the foreign company’s representatives also discussed their plan for growing horticultural products in Pakistan and processing them for value added export of horticulture products particularly rice related value added products and korean variety of red chillies. STAFF REPORT
LCCI, KCCI concerned over pharma victimisation LAHORE/KARACHI: Lahore Chamber of Commerce and industry has expressed concern over undue victimisation of the domestic pharma industry. in a statement issued on Friday, the LCCi President irfan Qaiser sheikh said that it is a matter of concern to target the pharmaceutical industry as a whole with bad publicity, which will also hamper the pharmaceutical exports as well as shake the confidence of citizens on the pharma companies. He voiced that it has been observed that such cases sometimes occur in developed countries also. He said that there are a number of pharmaceutical companies, which are manufacturing quality medicines to cater to the national needs, along with exports to Middle East, asEan countries, Cis, african and other regional countries. irfan Qaiser sheikh said that owing to the good reputation of the accused pharma company in Pakistan and abroad since the last 35 years, chances of conspiracy to malign the name of the alleged company may not be ruled out. karachi Chamber of Commerce and industry (kCCi) has expressed its deep concern over undue victimising of pharmaceutical industries of karachi in particular and Pakistan in general, in the sidelines of tragic incidence of deaths at Punjab institute of Cardiology. President kCCi Mian abrar ahmad voiced that the negative publicity was tarnishing the image of the whole pharmaceutical industry of Pakistan which is the fourth largest revenue contributor to the national exchequer. He articulated that such incidents had happened in the developed countries as well. Recently, in France a drug killed around 1,300 people. such an accident also took place in our neighbouring country and the Chernobyl tragedy claimed thousands of lives. He was of the view that tragic incidents happen around the globe and inquires and investigations are made to find out the real cause of the happenings, however, the industries are penalised or compelled to shutdown or sealed, anywhere in the world. STAFF REPORT
Car sales up 17pc in 7MFY12 KARACHI: Car sales during 7MFY12 increased by 17 per cent to 96,922 units compared to 82,767 units in the same period last year. the improvement in volumetric sales is on account of yellow cab scheme announced by the Punjab government and deferred sales from June to July because of reduced tax structure in federal budget FY12, said the analysts at topline Research. in the month of January, car sales improved by 34 per cent to 14,991 units as compared to 11,214 units in December 2011 due to the year-end deferred sales phenomenon. However, sales grew by a mere two per cent as compared to the same month last year. Company-wise, PsMC continued to depict strong growth of 33 per cent in 7MFY12 to 60,159 units versus 45,113 units seen in the same period last year. “the company is benefiting from the announced yellow cab scheme, with Mehran and Bolan showing an impressive growth of 40 per cent and 43 per cent, respectively,” said nauman khan. Moreover, the analyst said, sales of swift had reached 3,847 units in 7MFY12, depicting a growth of 95 per cent. as regards to company’s market share, it has expanded to 62 per cent in 7MFY12 against 55 per cent in the same period last year. STAFF REPORT
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The India Show 2012 being put up today Index up 18 points as LAHORE IMRAN ADNAN
EDERaL Minister for Commerce Makhdoom amin Fahim will inaugurate the first ever single country exhibition of indian products, the india show 2012 at Lahore Expo Centre here today. around 58 indian companies are showcasing their products in the india show 2012. indian exhibitors have imported millions of dollars worth merchandise for the exhibition. Even Pakistani government has given special permission for the import of some products that are on the negative list. the india show 2012 will remain open from February 11 to February 13. according to the website of the india show, products related to agriculture machinery and farm technologies; agro processing/services and inputs; all important boards- tea, coffee, jute, coconut, spice, rubber, alternate medicines – ayurveda, unani, homeopathy, apparels, automobile components, bearing bicycle manufacturers, building materials and technolo-
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gies, capital goods, chemicals and petrochemicals, CnG kits, consumer durables, cosmetics, cotton and machinery, dairy machinery, edible oil, electrical and electronic goods, FMCG products and services, fragrances, gems and jewellery, handicraft, healthcare equipment, heavy industrial sector; home appliances, information technology, infrastructure (power, road, railways), inverters and batteries, iron, irrigation equipment, logistics, meat processing, medical tourism, mineral and mining, oil, paper/paper technologies, pesticides, pharmaceutical machines, plastic technology, polyester, printing/bar-coding/packaging, printing machinery/large format printing machines, project planning and management, rice equipment, science and technology, seed companies, service sector, stationery, stone/stone technologies/mines, surgical equipment, technical education, textiles and textile machinery, tourism, tyre companies, warehousing/cold chain/post harvesting, water filtration systems, wires and cables, real estate developers, electric tandoors, fans and spices manufacturers. import data shows that gem
and jewellery sector is leading the india show 2012 as some 20 companies from this sector are participating in the show. Figures show that indian exhibitors have already imported some $25 million worth gold and jewellery products for display. some 110 stalls have been installed. other important sectors include, female clothing and cosmetic products as indian exhibitors believe that these products have huge demand in the Pakistani market. Federation of indian Chambers of Commerce and industries (FiCCi) in collaboration with the indian Ministry of Commerce and industries and supported by commerce ministry of Pakistan and the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and industry (LCCi) is organising the india show 2011, to raise awareness of indian products in Pakistan. Goutam Ghosh, Head arab Division Federation of indian Chamber of Commerce and industry (FiCCi) coordinating the indian Commerce, industry and textile Minister, anand sharma visit to Pakistan said that they were expecting good response from Pakistani buyers. “so far things are going well and huge crowd was expected in
the india show in three days activity which would be closed in an impressive ceremony performed by anand sharma,” he said. the india trade show is the result of LCCi 100-members delegation visited india and invited their counterparts to Pakistan in December 2011. the second important segment of the india show is the CEos conference; as a big delegation of around 100 CEos of indian companies are visiting Pakistan. “the very objective of CEos roundtable is to bring the businessmen of two countries further close. it would be a sort of B2B between Pak-india businessmen,” said LCCi President, irfan Qaiser sheikh. He said the indian delegation would also be hold B2B meetings in Lahore, islamabad and karachi other then participating in the india show – single country Expo in Lahore. LCCi is mainly arranging an inter-active session of the businessmen of Pakistan and india. LCCi former senior vice President and Convener Pakindia trade promotion standing Committee aftab ahmad vohra said the Expo would increase volume of the legal bilateral trade between Pakistan and india.
investors eye fresh boost
KARACHI STAFF REPORT
HE market remained in a holding pattern today as the ksE-100 inched up a meager 18 points to close at 12,231 points. investor activity reflected a profit taking sentiment in scrips such as JsCL and FCCL, which had been recording strong gains in recent trading sessions but ended up retreating today. after a quiet couple of weeks, fertiliser newcomer FatiMa roared back into action as it gained 2 per cent from its previous close along with a solid 8mn traded share volume. For the banking sector,
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nBP and MCB made the highlight reel as both stocks made positive strides in today’s session. While volumes remained over the 100mn mark, a declining trend was evident as the week came to a close, signaling that the existing trigger effect has been absorbed and investors need a fresh boost to remain active, said ali Hussain, senior investment analyst at HMFs. the ksE 30 index closed at 11415.20 levels with the gain of 10.43 points, while all share index closed at 8504.74 levels after gaining 13.36 points. total 10 scrips advanced 127 declined and 71 remain unchanged out of total 306 scrips traded.
CORPORATE CORNER LG glasses-free 3D smartphone knocks out 3D cameras
LAHORE: LG’s 3D technology has once again caught the attention of global consumers through its collaboration with national Geographic to showcase the world’s first 3D image gallery at this year’s iFa. after shooting, all six artists testified to LG optimus 3D’s excellent image quality while eliminating the burden of heavy equipment and praised it to be the 3D device of choice. Justin Guariglia, one of the participating photographers, mentioned that the technology is just amazing in such a small device. Every photographer would love to have the power of a great camera in a little phone. this is clearly a step in that direction. if the degree of convergence is not set correctly, users may experience dizziness due to the ‘crosstalk effect’. LG has thus succeeded in preventing the ‘crosstalk effect’ through an auto convergence technology. PRESS RELEASE
Abu Dhabi Group announces launch of mobile financial services KARACHI: in order to realise the potential of branchless banking, abu Dhabi Group (aDG) has announced the launch of an independent mobile financial services company. this venture will initially harness Bank alfalah and Warid's synergy in this space and will also develop a branchless and electronic eco-system comprising products and value proposition for merchants, businesses, consumers and the government sector. this venture is being headed by ali abbas sikander who has vast experience with other prominent international banks and has led successful e-banking and branchless banking projects in the past in Pakistan and abroad. PRESS RELEASE
Benazir Income Support Programme launches Benazir card LAHORE: Benazir card has been launched in Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad and DG khan for the transparent and prompt delivery of the monthly cash grant to the beneficiaries of Benazir income support Programme. this Benazir Card, will help the registered families of BisP for to get
the monthly cash grant from any atM or Bank easily. this card is being provided free of cost to the millions of BisP beneficiaries to ensure their convenience as well as transparency in payment by replacing traditional postal services. shahid aslam Mohar Director General Punjab said that Benazir income support Programme is making the country a social welfare state and Benazir card is the milestone towards it. Under which a beneficiary family can get the benefits at doorstep. Due to the transparency of this programme, the international donors are giving financial support to BisP. PRESS RELEASE
Club Caramel and Samsung launch new song ‘Deewana’
LAHORE: Club Caramel, a Lahore based duo comprising of musicians adnan sarwar and kiran Chaudhry launched their latest song 'Deewana', in collaboration with the samsung Galaxy series at the World Fashion Café in Lahore. the premiere of 'Deewana' marked the bands' third original release, Zindagi (March 2011) being the first and teray Bin (october 2011) the second. indeed, 'Deewana' is an offset of Club Caramel and samsung's collaboration in bringing a fresh sound to Modern Pakistani Pop Music - the song itself is available for download through Club Caramel's official Facebook Page and also as a ringtone with all samsung Galaxy series Handsets. the evening started with the Premiere of the video for Deewana, after which adnan sarwar and kiran Chaudhry shared a few words on the concept of their song. samsung representative Farid Jal further spoke on the brands' direction within music and their bid to encourage original and new music within Pakistan's music industry. the event concluded with an live unplugged session where Club Caramel duo adnan and kiran performed their songs 'Zindagi' and their latest release 'Deewana'. PRESS RELEASE
WISE College in collaboration with ICM launches UK Bachelor programme LAHORE: Launching ceremony of HEC and Uk Govt recognised Bachelor (Hons) programme was held in a local hotel here. a large number of renowned educationists, institute heads, political figures and students were present on the occasion. While
addressing to the people, Principal WisE College Hamda tariq said that WisE College is the pioneer institute in Pakistan offering HEC recognised Uk Bachelor (Hons) in Management studies and now students need not to fly abroad for foreign degree program rather they can complete bachelor (Hons) level programme here at fraction of cost for the first time. she also said that the main objective of this program is to provide students with globally recognised professional foreign qualification in their homeland at affordable fee package so that they can secure placement in the local as well as international job market upon completion of this degree programme. PRESS RELEASE
painting, drawing and singing. the torchbearers also utilized the opportunity to emphasize the importance of education and its benefits for the children and the country as a whole. PRESS RELEASE
LEAD organises mainstreaming reproductive health in social development
Muhammad Manzoor assumes charge of MD Overseas Pakistanis Foundation ISLAMABAD: Muhammad Manzoor PsP officer of Grade-21 has assumed the charge of Managing Director overseas Pakistanis Foundation (oPF). Prior to assuming charge of the office of Managing Director, oPF, he was working as additional Director General, immigration Fia, Head Quarter islamabad. He is a carrier officer and served in various important positions in different departments throughout country. He has vast experience in management of organizations. after assuming the charge, he expressed his intention to put an extra labour to contribute in improving the working of oPF. He said oPF has a great potential to serve overseas Pakistanis more effectively in resolving their problems and extending welfare services to them. PRESS RELEASE
Mobilink torchbearers renovate Pehli Kiran School
LAHORE: LEaD Pakistan is non-profit organization registered in 1995. Headquartered in islamabad, LEaD also has a project office in sindh. in keeping with its vision, inspiring Leadership for sustainable development, LEaD has established itself as a leader in research, capacity building, project development and implementation in the development sector. LEaD has demonstrated capacity to work with leaders from diverse sectors to inform policy discourse and decision making. LEaD has, over the years, convened hundreds of small group formal, semi-formal and informal meetings of key decision makers to encourage free discourse and interaction. Leadership for Environment and Development (LEaD) Pakistan has launched a new project “our World” – women Leadership in Reproductive and Health (WLRDH), in collaboration with the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. the goal of the project is to assist in raising the profile of Reproductive Health (RH) in social Development sector by mainstreaming RH issues through public policy engagement and media. PRESS RELEASE
Warid launches Tijarat LAHORE: Mobilink torchbearers, the volunteer wing of the Mobilink Foundation, participated in a renovation of a JaQ trust’s Pehli kiran school in islamabad. the activity aimed at providing a safe and child-friendly environment in the school that provides education to children from the katchi abadis surrounding islamabad. Mobilink torchbearers worked alongside students, teachers and community members to construct a wall around the school to protect the children from extreme weather conditions. in addition to the renovation, the torchbearers spent the engaging the children with fun activities such as face-
KARACHI: Warid telecom (Pvt) Ltd, the innovation leader, recently announced the launch of Warid tijarat. this exciting portal allows Warid users to buy and sell simply through mobile phones. Warid tijarat helps bridge the gap between people with similar interests by allowing them to trade their goods and services with someone in the same city. one can sell/buy property, cars, mobile phones, electronics, find jobs and join book clubs and even buy tickets for local events and concerts through this portal. PRESS RELEASE