ATTOCK, SEPT 15 (DNA) – An aircraft of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has crashed in Makial near Pindi Gheb, Attock on Tuesday. According to spokesperson of Pakistan Air Force, the crashed aircraft was on a regular training flight. Fortunately pilot remained safe and no loss of life or property was reported at the crash site.
He added that Air Headquarter has constituted an investigation board to investigate the reasons behind the incident. DNA
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DNA
LAHORE, SEPT 15 – The traders of paper market and Urdu Bazar have assured their full support to the PIAF-Founders Alliance in the forthcoming elections of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) for 2020-21. The Alliance candidates under the leadership of Alliance Co-convener Mian Nauman Kabir visited the paper market and Urdu Bazar.
The paper market and Urdu bazaar leadership including Khamis Saeed Butt, while welcoming the Alliance Associate Class candidates, said the business community would continue support the alliance as whenever the businessmen of the market approached the LCCI over some issues, they got a quick response. They said that all the alliance candidates are known businessmen and would win the forthcoming LCCI polls with thumping majority.
Alliance Co-convener Mian Nauman Kabir, who is PIAF chairman as well as former LCCI senior vice president, said that LCCI is a true representative of the business community and the alliance had selected right persons for the polls. He said that the outgoing LCCI office-bearers had given a marvelous performance. He said that the country was passing through critical times and a true business leadership at every tier could help pull the country out of these economic issues.
Mian Nauman Kabir said that the government would be asked to rationalize the energy prices in the larger interests of the manufacturing sector and the trading community.
He said that they are fully satisfied with the performance of the Lahore Chamber, being run by the PIAF-Founders Alliance for last 16 years. He hoped that they would win the forthcoming election with a thumping majority, as their manifesto stands for services to LCCI members. He promised that Alliance would raise all the business issues at all relevant forms, help ensure businessmen access to cheaper loan for their working capital needs or expansion plans.
He said that the Alliance tried its best to introduce sector specialists as their candidates for the LCCI Executive Committee with the sole objective to forward solid proposals to the government for economic progress and prosperity.
The Associate class candidates include Nasir Hameed, Kashif Bashir, Maqbool Siddiqi, Salim Asghar, Shehzad Butt, Naeem Hanif, Shahid Nazir and Ali Afzal.
ISLAMABAD, SEPT (DNA) – British Airways has announced it will begin flying direct from Lahore, Pakistan to London Heathrow four days a week, commencing on 14 October 2020. Tickets are on sale now.
The ‘City of Gardens’, Lahore is known for its rich culture and will be the second city in Pakistan that British Airways will connect to London, US and Canada. The airline already flies every single day from Islamabad, connecting friends and family as well as business contacts.
Flights will be operated by a Boeing 787-8 departing from Heathrow Terminal 5, landing into Lahore’s International Airport.
British High Commissioner Christian Turner CMG said: “The first ever British Airways flights to Lahore is a sign of confidence in Pakistan, and the deepening ties between our two countries. I hope it will open up even more opportunities for business links, people-to-people ties and tourism”
Moran Birger, Head of Sales for The Middle East and Asia Pacific, said: “We are delighted to start direct flights four times a week from Lahore to London offering convenient travel options for customers flying for leisure or business.
“Our new services from Lahore will connect two of Pakistan’s biggest cities with London, and offer seamless transfer options to Manchester, the United States and Canada.
“Following the relaunch of services from Islamabad to Heathrow earlier this year, this new flight from Lahore represents our continued investment in Pakistan, and we look forward to welcoming our customers on board.”
Return fares from Pakistan if booked on ba.com start from $657 in World Traveller, $998 for World Traveller Plus, and $1806 for Club World.
In response to Covid-19, British Airways has introduced a range of measures to keep its customers safe. Prior to travel, they will receive information on changes at their airport and onboard experience and tips on how to prepare for their journey. Customers will also be asked to help manage the wellness of everyone travelling by:
Checking-in online, downloading their boarding pass and where possible self-scanning their boarding passes at the departure gate.
Observing social distancing and using hand sanitisers that are placed throughout airports.
Using new contactless, automated features at our lounges, including a new online food and drink service.
Wearing a facemask at all times and bringing enough to replace them every four hours for longer flights.
Ensuring they have everything they need from their hand luggage before departure, and where possible, storing their carry-on bag under the seat in front of them.
Not travelling if they think they have any symptoms of Covid-19.
On board, all cabin crew will wear PPE and a new food service has been introduced which reduces the number of interactions required with customers. Surfaces including seats, screens, seat buckles and tray tables will be cleaned after every flight and each aircraft is completely cleaned from nose to tail every day.
The air on all British Airways flights is fully recycled once every two to three minutes through HEPA filters, which remove microscopic bacteria and virus clusters with over 99.9% efficiency, equivalent to hospital operating theatre standards. DNA
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DNA
ISLAMABAD, SEPT 15 – According to details, a woman passenger while travelling from Jhelum to Rawalpindi left her bag containing valuables worth Rs. 46,900/- in an unknown Hiace Van, when she changed vehicle at Gujjar Khan.
On receipt of information through control room by lady JPO Saba Ilyas, the patrolling officer namely IP/SPO Naseem Abbas responded immediately, reached at Gujjar Khan Bus stand and traced out the said Hiace van. The NHMP officer contacted the driver of the hiace van and recovered the lost bag containing valuables of the passenger.
Later on after completing codal formalities the same was handed over to the brother of concerned passenger who appreciated the honesty, courtesy and quick response of NHMP officers. The DIG N-5 North Muhammad Wisal Fakhar Sultan admired the performance of NHMP officers and awarded them commendation certificates, shield and cash reward.
DNA
ISLAMABAD, SEPT 15 – Pakistan strongly condemned the recent missile and drone strikes by Houthis on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is a violation of the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We commend how Saudi Arabia’s successful defensive actions prevented loss of many innocent civilian lives. Pakistan expresses full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and supports the Kingdom’s right to defend itself against aggression.
Pakistan has consistently urged all parties to the conflict in Yemen to engage in a meaningful and peaceful dialogue to end the hostilities, in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2216. In this regard, we appreciate the positive step taken by the Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, when it unilaterally declared ceasefire earlier this year. It is, however, regrettable that this step was not reciprocated positively.
Pakistan expresses deep concern at the recent escalation of conflict in Yemen, as the city of Marib is threatened by the Houthi militias. We believe that if military conflict engulfs Marib, it will result in a serious humanitarian catastrophe. This will further compound the existing precarious humanitarian situation in the country that has already seen countless deaths and injuries, and millions displaced.
We urge all parties to the conflict in Yemen, in particular the Houthis, to cease military actions, engage in a serious dialogue to end the conflict on the basis of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, and respond positively to the proposals made by Martin Griffith, the United Nation’s Special Envoy to Yemen.
Pakistan believes that war serves no purpose, and all issues can be resolved through peaceful dialogue. Adopting this path early will save thousands of innocent lives, as well as the future of the Yemeni people.
ISLAMABAD/DNA
Mian Akram Farid, Chairman, ICCI Founder Group said that the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry was the real representative body of traders and industrialists of the federal capital and all market associations of Islamabad were supporting the Founder Group in the annual elections of ICCI.
He said that the last five months of lockouts were very tough for business community, but ICCI played important role in highlighting the key issues of traders and industrialists during these difficult times for redress. He said this while speaking at a dinner, which was hosted by Rana Akram and Rana Qaiser in honor of ICCI Founder Group. Senior members of the Founder Group, its nominated candidates and a large number of business community were present at the occasion.
Speaking at the occasion, Muhammad Ijaz Abbasi, Chairman, Election Campaign of Founder Group introduced all the nominees of the Group and said that they were all educated people and represented their respective constituencies. He said that the candidates have been nominated on merit and insha-Allah the Founder Group would clean sweep the ICCI elections. Former Presidents of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry Zafar Bakhtawari and Khalid Iqbal Malik expressing their views said that the opposition was without any agenda due to which it has been losing elections continuously for the last several years. They said that the Founder Group candidates would achieve a landslide victory in ICCI elections while the opposition will get lesser votes than the last year. Sardar Tahir Mehmood, President, Islamabad Estate Agents Association and Chaudhry Masood, a well-known business leader, on the occasion announced full support for the Founder Group and said that the Founder Group would win by a landslide margin.
Ashfaq Chatha, Former Vice President of Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that today’s gathering has proved that the victory belonged only to the Founder Group. He welcomed Atique Janjua Secretary General Traders Welfare Association I-9 Markaz and Asif Altaf for joining the Founder Group.
KARACHI: TPL Life, a leading Insurtech Provider in Pakistan, has partnered with The Health Bank (THB), a Global Health Management Company headquartered in Singapore, offering excellence in healthcare services using technology and innovation.
THB provides Virtual Hospital (Home Care and After Care), Telehealth, Wellness and Lifestyle Programs and Chronic Care Management. THB has tailored a complete Health Management Membership solution to introduce an exclusive Virtual Health Platform to its Members, in collaboration with TPL.
Through the strategic partnership, the two companies have introduced ‘Global Care’ in Pakistan, a premium one-stop solution for Health Management and Wellness Services which customers can access easily from anywhere in the world. These services include, 24/7 access to a doctor on call, management of appointments, referrals to physicians and a dedicated Health Manager to assist them through their journey towards wellbeing.
The strategic move is in line with TPL Life’s vision of providing convenient Life and Health Insurance solutions to every customer segment in Pakistan and simplify the process of acquiring and using Life & Health insurance services.
Speaking at the occasion of the initiative’s launch, Faisal Abbasi, CEO, TPL Life said, “Our collaboration with The Health Bank is in tandem with our continuous endeavors to offer value added and easy to use services to our customers. We focus on customer mobility and remote access to exceptional healthcare solutions. In a world that is increasingly more digital, tele-health services have become more essential than ever. Being a true Insurtech Company, TPL Life strives to be at the forefront of innovation and tech to meet these demands.”
Revolutionizing the insurance industry, TPL Life is committed to delivering seamless and innovative Health and Life Insurance solutions with continuous investments in cutting-edge technology and market intelligence.
Salman Arif, CEO, The Health Bank said, “The collaboration between THB and TPL will ensure clients peace of mind and timely access to quality care – Especially during the pandemic, it saves unnecessary hospital visits, and exposure to the virus and risk. Through our digital platform and technologies we are able to manage, monitor and coordinate, care for our members remotely, leading to better health outcomes.”
The Health Bank takes pride in its unparalleled healthcare services and a Global Nexus with over 25,000 world-renowned physicians, hospitals, and healthcare providers.
KARACHI : The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced on Tuesday to operate special flights to Iraq’s holy cities of Najaf and Baghdad to facilitate people intending to perform the religious ritual of Arbaeen.
A spokesperson for the national flag carrier said the flight schedule has been finalised as people will now be able to travel to Najaf and Baghdad from Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. The airline will operate flights from September 27 till October 5, he said.
PIA has introduced special reduced fares for pilgrims, the spokesperson said.
PIA CEO retired Air Marshal Arshad Malik, sharing his views on the finalisation of the flights’ schedule, said the airline feels privileged to serve zaireen. He instructed PIA officials to provide the best possible services to passengers travelling via the national airline’s flights.
The spokesperson said the decision to operate special flights was made on the instructions of Federal Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan to facilitate pilgrims.
He said the PIA CEO also held meetings with Iraq’s ambassador to Pakistan to discuss and ensure swift commencement of special flights.
DNA
LAHORE – The first phase of PepsiCo’s ‘Access to Safe Water Program’ has made safe water accessible to 30,000 people in Lahore. With the help of its on-ground partner WaterAid, a total of eight water filtration facilities have been rehabilitated.
The intervention has focused on underserved urban settlements in Gulberg, Sultanke and Dhoop Sari. The filtration plants provide sustainable safe water to targeted communities including three schools. 20 water user committees have been formed to oversee the operation and maintenance of the water filtration plants.
A female resident of Gulberg commented on the rehabilitated facility in the area,” The water filtration plant in our area was not functional and for a long time I had to travel quite far to get water for myself and my children. I am happy that the plant is functional again and am satisfied with quality of water for my family.”
An integral part of the program has been community sensitization on hygiene, water safety and water conservation. 4,000 people were trained on hygiene promotion through interactive sessions such as street theatre and story-telling. The second leg of the program is underway in Islamabad and the infrastructure invention will be completed by the end of 2020. Going forward, in 2021 the program will have a more focused lens on hygiene promotion and safe storage of water.
PepsiCo’s ‘Access to safe water’ program is supporting the Government’s Clean Green Pakistan movement aimed at environmental sustainability by providing access to safe water to 140,000 people in the country by end of 2021.
“Mr. Furqan Ahmed Syed, CEO PepsiCo Pakistan and Afghanistan said, “Access to clean drinking water is one of the most basic human needs. PepsiCo’s partnership with WaterAid is an effort to serve the under privileged communities of Pakistan that are still struggling to get access to clean water. This initiative is an integral part of PepsiCo’s ‘With Purpose’ agenda and in line with our commitment of “In With For Pakistan”.
WaterAid Pakistan representative commented, “WaterAid Pakistan is committed to supporting Clean Green Pakistan Initiative by the Government of Pakistan and are happy that through this collaboration with PepsiCo we were able to reach vulnerable populations residing in the urban areas. PepsiCo and WaterAid Pakistan will continue to take initiative to provide access to safe water as part of the Clean Green Pakistan Movement.”
PepsiCo’s water strategy is designed to enable long-term, sustainable water security for its business and for local communities that depend on an accessible and reliable supply of clean, safe water. Through partnerships funded by The PepsiCo Foundation, the company’s philanthropic arm, PepsiCo since 2006 has helped more than 44 million people gain access to safe water through distribution, purification, and conservation programs, far surpassing the company’s original target to help 25 million people by 2025. PepsiCo has set an ambitious new target to expand safe water access to 100 million people by 2030 with an immediate-term focus on supporting water distribution, sanitation, and hygiene practices.
DNA
Karachi: The All Pakistan Restaurant Association (APRA) has protested over the unfair practices by foodpanda and boycotted, also announced to stop food delivery from September 15, 2020 in the first phase in Karachi.
In a letter of complaint to the CEO of the company, Muhammad Naeem Siddiqui, chairman APRA apprised their member’s grievances and concerns, pointing out that foodpanda repeatedly pressed for increase in commission and non-implementation of the agreement and made some important demands. In which it is clearly stated that if unfair practices will not stop then APRA consider to stop work with foodpanda on a permanent basis.
“Vendor Delivery was the original concept by foodpanda and FP’s own delivery was launched as an optional service. Forcing restaurants to close their Vendor Delivery, which has not only increased unemployment but have “disconnected” them from customers and is not acceptable at all. We demand Vendor Delivery to be operational for all regardless of the size of the brand”, he added.
APRA chairman said that majority of our members are being pressurized to increase commissions but our industry already runs on razor thin margins and it’s impossible to pay 25-35pc commissions for aggregation services. It is especially difficult for new entrants, as their startup costs gets drastically higher. We need to ensure that there is a cap on commission that foodpanda may charge.
“Managers blackmail APRA members to increase the commission many folds, for e.g. from 18pc to be increased to 25pc, threatening and shutting their brands from your portal. This is the most unethical way of extorting any member to accept foodpanda terms & conditions and it needs to be stopped immediately”, Naeem demanded.
APRA president opined that our members have also complained that foodpanda ask them to work with restaurants exclusively which falls under anti-competitive business conduct and can be challenged in Competition Commission of Pakistan.
He further said that Restaurant industry was majorly hit during Covid-19 and now is the time when they need maximum support from their stakeholders. We did raise similar concerns earlier but there has been no permanent solution from their higher-ups, which has lead us to announce Suspension of Services by all our members.
APRA president warned that all APRA members will be closing their tablets from 15th September onwards initially in Karachi and if no resolution is achieved, we will be left with no option than to close the services permanently Nationwide.
