UBL Funds and RIZQ Partner to Drive Financial Wellness in Pakistan

Karachi, February 28, 2023 (PPI-OT):UBL Funds and RIZQ have joined hands to drive financial wellness in Pakistan. The partnership aims to empower salaried professionals and freelancers to save smartly amid rising inflation. RIZQ is a financial wellness app that offers a wide range of products and services, providing enhanced access to financial planning and security for salaried professionals and freelancers.

Features include daily profits, goal-based savings, committees, loans, smart payments, intelligent budgeting, tailored health insurance plans, and much more. Designed to boost the financial ecosystem, RIZQ acts as a ‘financial passport’ for its users by offering 1-tap access to financial services from licensed financial institutions.

The Savings Wallet, powered by UBL Funds, will play a key role in improving the penetration of mutual funds in the retail segment, which currently sits at less than 1%. Users can earn daily profits on their savings with the option of anytime withdrawals.

“Career wellness and financial wellness go hand-in-hand. Our company continues to drive innovation and meet the changing needs of today’s market,” shared S. H. Kazi, CEO of RIZQ and Rozee.pk.

UBL Fund Managers Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of UBL Bank Limited, is one of the leading asset management, pension funds management, and investment advisory companies, managing more than Rs.150 billion (at end of Jan’2023, ~USD 566 million) in both conventional and Shariah-compliant funds/plans (excluding Advisory mandates).

Al-Ameen Funds is the Shariah-compliant funds range under the supervision of the Shariah Advisory Council Comprising Mufti Mohammed Najeeb Khan and Mufti Mohammad Hassaan Kaleem. UBL Funds was Pakistan’s first AMC to have Global Investment Performance Standards (of CFA Institute) compliant status in 2010 and also the first to launch a CPPI Fund based on internationally renowned methodology.

The following year in 2011, it went international and launched UBL Fund Managers in the Middle East. In 2017, it was assigned the ‘AM1’ rating by VIS, the highest Management Quality rating for an Asset Manager in Pakistan, and has been maintained since then.

UBL Funds’ mission is focused on superior returns, excellent customer service, and need-based products with the highest ethical and professional standards. Nearing the completion of its beta testing phase, RIZQ is currently available on both the Play Store and App Store.

For more information, contact:
UBL Fund Managers Limited
4th Floor, STSM Building,
Beaumont Road, Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-111-825-262
Email: customercare@ublfunds.com
Website: https://www.ublfunds.com.pk/

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Dasu Hydropower is a major milestone of CPEC: PCJCCI President

Lahore, February 28, 2023 (PPI-OT):Moazzam Ghurki, President Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) stated during a think tank session held at PCJCCI Secretariat yesterday, that Dasu Hydropower Project (DHPP) in the Upper Kohistan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has created at least 2,664 jobs for the local community which is one of the major milestones of CPEC at this hour of crisis. He added that this project would help to address the problems of load shedding and will provide inexpensive electricity to consumers after completion.

President PCJCCI said that it is a run of river project where the lake of the dam only stores water for energy production and then releases it into the river, the Dasu dam reservoir would not be used for irrigation. Another major benefit of this project is has increased the life of Tarbela dam up to 40 years as it would stop the mud and sand which usually flows with the river Indus and decreases the height of the Tarbela dam after deposit in the lake.

Fang Yulong, Senior Vice President PCJCCI added that this project will accommodate more people in the coming days from the local area, which is one of the backward regions of the country. Currently, over 3,700 people (including 2,664 locals) have been given jobs during the peak construction period; the number of jobs will be increased to 8,000 with the majority from the local areas.

He added that currently, work on the 10 project sites is underway to meet the 2026 deadline for power generation. The under-construction sites include diversion tunnels (Indus River water has been recently diverted to one of the tunnels while one is under construction) underground powerhouse, a flushing and traffic tunnel, right bank access roads, 132 KV transmission line, WAPDA colony, and offices.

Hamza Khalid, Vice President PCJCCI added that upon completion, Dasu will become the project with the highest annual energy generation in Pakistan. He added that every hydel project recovers its cost from the production within five to seven years, cost of the Dasu Hydro Power Project Phase I according to PC-I was 400081 million rupees. Salahuddin Hanif, Secretary General PCJCCI added that we hope that such projects under CPEC will definitely add value and create job opportunities for the well-being of our beloved country. Currently Pakistan is at the verge of devastation, projects like these can save our country from such miseries in future.

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI)
Mega Tower, 309 – 6th Floor, Main Boulevard, Gulberg II,
Lahore, Punjab – Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35777460-02, +92-42-37032203, +92-42-35874353
Fax: +92-42-35777524
Cell: +92-324-4925611
Email: info@pcjcci.org
Website: www.pcjcci.org

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The SquarePeg takes centre stage at ITCN 2023

Islamabad, February 28, 2023 (PPI-OT):The SquarePeg, a leading women-led digital marketing agency, remained the centre of attention at ITCN Asia 2023 which served as inspiration for other women leaders and professionals. An information technology and telecom show that was recently held at the Pak-China friendship centre, with massive footfall, and provided an outstanding opportunity for the entire tech ecosystem of Pakistan.

The SquarePeg with a diverse culture that encourages innovation and creativity was passionate about empowering and supporting women in the tech industry. People from all walks of life took great interest in the company’s booth, they learned more about their services, met their team, and explored how the agency helps other businesses thrive in the digital age.

At the occasion, Zunaira Omar, founder of The SquarePeg said that more women representation with creative and innovative minds is needed in this growing sector and we aim to work toward a healthier and more just world. “We believe in inclusiveness to drive innovation and growth, and we are committed to building lasting relationships with our partners,” said Qanaita Mehmood, Senior Project Expert.

Founder President IWCCI Samina Fazil and members of the trade body also visited the expo to support the initiatives of the women entrepreneurs. Business leaders should be answering more calls to address some of the most pressing issues and help communities by taking their experience into the social sector.

The tech world needs the perspective of more women if we’re going to tackle some of the biggest challenges impacting us, said Naima Ansari, former VP of FPCCI. She said that India is earning 178 billion dollars through IT exports while Pakistan is making only 2.5 billion dollars. Pakistan can outshine India if policymakers pay attention to this sector.

For more information, contact:
President,
Islamabad Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IWCCI)
Mobile: +92-323-5343199
Tel: +92-51-2252256

The post The SquarePeg takes centre stage at ITCN 2023 appeared first on Business News Pakistan.

Families of martyrs of Lahore Police were honoured on the instructions of IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar 

Lahore, February 28, 2023 (PPI-OT):On the instructions of Inspector General Police Punjab, Dr. Usman Anwar, a series of measures are being taken to honor the families of police martyrs and paying tribute to their sacrifices. In this regard, the children and families of the martyrs of the Lahore Police were invited to the Gaddafi Stadium and they were shown PSL cricket match in the IGP enclosure. IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar himself reached the stadium to meet the families of the martyrs and watched the match with children of the martyrs.

IG Punjab met the children of the martyrs with the players of Lahore Qalandar. Lahore Qalandar captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and other players gave autographs on shirts of children of the martyrs, while star bowler Haris Rauf and opener batsman Fakhar Zaman presented flowers to the children of the martyrs. IG Punjab also met with players and administration of Lahore Qalandar.

IG Punjab while talking said that security measures have been taken under comprehensive strategy for peaceful conduct of PSL matches in Lahore’s Gaddafi and Rawalpindi cricket stadiums. He said that the police teams are performing security duties on high alert and the convenience of the citizens and the efficient flow of traffic have been kept in mind during the security arrangements. Dr. Usman Anwar said that all possible measures will be continued for the respect and of the families of the police martyrs.

For more information, contact:
Punjab Police
Punjab Police Computer Bureau,
5th Floor, Central Police Office (CPO),
Punjab, Lahore
Tel: +92-42-99213019, +92-42-99213013
Fax: +92-42-99213012
Email: sapcb@punjabpolice.gov.pk
Website: www.punjabpolice.gov.pk

IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar awarded 14 officers and personnel of Lahore and Faisalabad regions with CC1 and cash reward 

Lahore, February 28, 2023 (PPI-OT):Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar has said that officers and personnel who diligently perform their duties are valuable assets of the department and all possible measures are being taken to encourage them at every level. IG Punjab directed that the investigation of important cases across the province should be carried out to the logical conclusion as soon as possible with effective supervision and no effort should be spared to get these criminals strictly punished.

Dr. Usman Anwar said that the protection of life and property of the citizens and selfless service is prime duty of Punjab Police and the officers and employees who fulfill this duty with hard work, honesty and sincerity are doing their duties in true sense.

IG Punjab said that such dutiful officers are a beacon for the entire force, whose encouragement is the best tradition of Punjab Police. He expressed these views while giving certificates of appreciation and cash prizes to Lahore and Faisalabad police officers at the Central Police Office today.

According to the details, IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar encouraged 14 officers and personnel of Lahore and Faisalabad police with CC1 certificates and cash rewards for arresting the accused of heinous crimes through excellent investigation today.

The police team that arrested the accused in the blind murder case during a robbery at a shop in Raiwind area of Lahore was awarded with commendation certificate and cash reward. The performance of the police team that arrested the two suspects involved in the abduction and murder of a citizen in Badami Bagh Lahore was appreciated.

The police team was awarded certificates of appreciation for arresting three accused involved in the murder of a former professor of Punjab University in Azam Garden. In Faisalabad, four officials of the Dolphin team were awarded certificates of appreciation for arresting the accused in dangerous dacoities, while in Lahore, the police team that arrested the five accused who attacked the former MPA were given cash rewards and certificates of appreciation.

IG Punjab gave Inspector Hussain Farooq a CC1 certificate and one lakh rupees cash for tracing four cases and arresting the accused, while Constable Manwar Ali and Constable Shahbaz Ali were given 40,000 rupees each and CC1 certificates.

Among the other officials who received awards were SI Muhammad Naveed Anwar, SI Hafiz Mubasher Ali, SI Muhammad Ashfaq, ASI Mansoor Akbar, Head Constable Zulfiqar Hussain, Constable Muhammad Umair, whereas from Faisalabad region, Dolphin team personnel Muhammad Waqas, Muhammad Waleed, Muhammad Abdullah and Mussadiq Hussain were among those who were awarded 10,000 each and CC1 certificate by IG Punjab. IG Punjab gave Shabash to all the officers and officials and directed them to perform their duties with the same spirit of hard work and dutifulness.

For more information, contact:
Punjab Police
Punjab Police Computer Bureau,
5th Floor, Central Police Office (CPO),
Punjab, Lahore
Tel: +92-42-99213019, +92-42-99213013
Fax: +92-42-99213012
Email: sapcb@punjabpolice.gov.pk
Website: www.punjabpolice.gov.pk

National Assembly special committee for affected employees 

Islamabad, February 28, 2023 (PPI-OT):The twenty-ninth meeting of the special committee of the National Assembly for affected employees was held under the chairmanship of Professor Dr. Qadir Khan Mandukhel. Member Power WAPDA Jameel Akhtar told the committee that on the order of the committee, Chairman WAPDA has rehabilitated 17 affected employees of Tarbela Dam and will not make any employee to vacate the house and has issued an advertisement as per the rules and regulations in which These 17 employees will be regularized.

The committee ordered that the employees should be regularized by completing the process within 14 days and the regular orders of these 17 employees should be submitted to the committee.

Manoor etc. 26 employees member Water Ghazi Brotha report sought, notices issued to the concerned project members on the requests of other employees as well.

Ministry of Marine Affairs.

The chairman committee asked for the implementation of the orders reverted.

The officers said that they have started work for the approval of the board of directors for the restoration of sun quota and the implementation of other orders. Orders to implement all orders and report tomorrow at 2 o’clock otherwise legal action will be taken.

Capital Development Authority (CDA)

The officers told the committee about the progress on the implementation report that according to the orders of the committee, the contracts of 136 employees have been extended. To regularize these employees, they will regularize all these employees after taking approval from the upcoming meeting of the board of directors.

The committee ordered that 136 employees should be regularized within 10 days and the problem of Jahangir Shah employee should be resolved. 4 employees of CDA told the committee that despite the order of the Supreme Court, the organization is not restoring us. On which the committee ordered the Joint Secretary Interior and Chairman CD to restore the four seceded employees including Akhtar Abbas Awan, Fida Hussain, Babar Saeed and Muhammad Saeed within a week.

Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad

The employees told the committee that we are 10 women teachers who are working on daily wages, not being regularized.

The committee ordered the Chairman CDA and Ministry of Home Affairs to regularize all these teachers within 10 days.

Ministry of Privatization Division

While presenting the report, the officers told the committee that there are no seceded employees, there were 5 on contract who have been regularized in the light of the committee’s orders, 8 employees are working on daily wages.

The chairman committee said why these daily wages were not regularized despite clear orders.

The committee ordered that all these daily wages employees be regularized within a week.

Ministry of Economic Affairs Division

Abdul Razzaq etc employees told the committee that we 8 employees who were working as daily wages since 2009 were not regularized and were fired without any notice in 2018.

The committee ordered that the problems of these employees should be resolved within 15 days.

Nadira

The officers told the committee that a meeting was held with 39 employees on the order of the committee, out of which 37 have been reinstated, apart from this, a special review committee has been formed in the organization to solve the problems of the employees so that all the employees they can solve their problems by meeting together.

The chairman committee ordered that 298 employees should be called region-wise to solve the problems and report to the committee.

Cabinet Division

The employees said that in 2019 we fired 12 employees, we were working in Pepra,

The committee asked Additional Secretary Asim Iqbal to revert within a week.

Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC)

The officers told the committee that they have contacted the Establishment Division and the Ministry of Law to implement the orders of the committee, they are waiting for the response.

The committee ordered that no property should be given to the provinces and the problem of all these employees should be resolved within a week and returned to the committee.

SME Bank

The officers said that there are 86 employees, whose case is also going on in the court, these employees are not only of SME Bank, their problem has to be solved by the National Bank, and Muhammad Hanif Secd employee said that I am not being reinstated.

The committee ordered that the case of 85 and other 4 employees be reviewed and a full report be given to the committee in the next meeting to be convened by SME Bank.

Members of National Assembly MNA Asia Azim, MNA Kishore Zehra and MNA Naveed Ameer Jeeva participated in the meeting.

For more information, contact:
Secretary,
National Assembly of Pakistan
Automation Centre, National Assembly Secretariat,
Parliament House, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9221082-83
Fax: +92-51-9221106
Email: assembly@na.gov.pk
Website: www.na.gov.pk

ADB Executive Directors meet chairman FBR to discuss cooperation in Revenue Mobilization

Islamabad, February 28, 2023 (PPI-OT):Executive Directors of ADB, Mr. Takahiro Yasui (Japan), Mr. Weihua Liu (China), Mr. Sagmin Ryu (Korea) and Mr. Noor Ahmed (Pakistan) along-with Country Director Mr. Yong Ye, Mr. Ronald Ray San Juan Director’s Advisor, Mr. Shunsuke Sakugawa, Director’s Advisor for Japan, Mr. Yusuke Sekiguchi JFPR Fund Manager visited FBR HQs on Monday to meet Chairman FBR and his team to discuss cooperation in the area of Revenue Mobilization.

During the meeting, both sides discussed the progress on ADB funded projects. Chairman FBR briefed the Mission on the revenue mobilization initiatives of FBR and discussed various mutual areas of cooperation. It was agreed that the FBR was on the right track to achieve the targets and both sides will continue to work towards identifying further areas of cooperation.

For more information, contact:
Second Secretary (Public Relations)
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)
FATE Wing, Federal Board of Revenue,
Constitution Avenue, Sector G-5,
Islamabad, Pakistan
Phone: +92-51-9217267
Fax: +92-51-9208456
Email: mujeeb.talpur@fbr.gov.pk, talpur35@gmail.com
Website: https://www.fbr.gov.pk/