Pakistani market is always a specific target segment: Chris Bram
Interview of NOKIA Vice President for Middle East and Africa
The mobile phone is not just a device that you make a call or send a message with. People are expecting to use all those services that they have become used to over the past couple of years. But now, they want it in their pockets. And that is a promise that we can deliver here at Nokia. Mr. Chris Bram, the Nokia Middle East and Africa Vice President for Sales. Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and growth of the converging Internet and communications industries.
Nokia first began as a company with Fredrik Idestam's paper mill on the banks of the Nokianvirta River, Finland. Between 1865 and 1967, the company became a major industrial force. But it took a merger with a cable company and a rubber firm to set the new Nokia Corporation on the path to electronics.
In 1967, the newly formed Nokia Corporation was ideally positioned for a pioneering role in the early evolution of mobile communications. As European telecommunications markets were deregulated and mobile networks became global, Nokia led the way with some iconic products.
In 1992, Nokia decided to focus on its telecommunications business. This was probably the most important strategic decision in its history. As adoption of the GSM standard grew, Nokia lead the mobile telephone industry's global boom - and became the world leader in the industry before the end of the  >>>>>

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Active social worker and Secretary General PANAH NGO: Uzma Noorani
We hardly witness the people, which show the real devotion and dedication towards human rights out of their preoccupation. But according to the rules of nature there are some who indiscriminately and indistinctly working to safeguard the rights of humanity without any covetous. It's like adding to elegance, that there is women leader for the protection of women rights. There is no doubt about it that Uzma Noorani is leading the women of this nation. In the year 1999 she became the member of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan. She swept motivational factor of his mother and became an activism of human fights. She is now the Trustee and General Secretary of Panah Shelter Home and pretty busy in the services of humanity.
By: Khadija Khan
While talking to Business Monitor, in an exclusive interview, she stated that she's been participated in the field of human rights and Women rights and she is one of the founder member of Women Action Forum which was founded in the early eighty during the period of General Zia ul Haq. In that period the military dictator introduced such laws, which discriminated against women. Then women challenged and spoke against these laws that they are discriminatory. This was a time when the political activities were banned.  >>>>>

DHA KARACHI LAUNCHED A NEW RESIDENTIAL-CUM
COMMERCIAL VENTURE
Karachi: DHA Karachi launched a new residential-cum-commercial venture on Superhighway under the brand name of 'DHA City Karachi'. The landmark project is being developed in accordance with contemporary town and master planning concepts into a complete city in itself with world class amenities.
Administrator DHA Brig Khalid Tirmizi said on the eve of the media launch of the project that the new residential estate coming up on Super Highway is spread over an area of approx 12000 acres of land and is at a twenty minutes drive from Karachi International Airport.  >>>>>

KBCA chief suspends area staff
The Chief Controller of the Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA), Manzoor Qadir, has suspended the entire KBCA staff of Liaquatabad Town, including its Town Building Controller for negligence and dereliction of duty. Meanwhile, KBCA Chief Controller Manzoor Qadir said that an inquiry committee has been constituted, comprising town building controllers and a senior KBCA official, to probe into the incident. Action will be taken "against the real culripts" after the committee  >>>>>

DHA undertakes huge construction projects
KARACHI- Defence Housing Authority has undertaken a huge construction project, regarding this is the Defence Authority Creek Club which plans to provide lodging facilities to its members along with changing the fa_ade. For some time, the authorities felt the dire need for a guest house and outstation guests of the members of the club.  >>>>>

Honouring past promises
The people elected government has utterly claimed to be wrangling concession from the IMF to postpone the elimination of electricity subsidy until December 2009, the question is what will happen after that? The exorbitant rates of electricity are becoming a hard nut to crack for the domestic and commercial consumers as well additionally putting them in the state of perplexity to whether in future the electricity will be available or not.
As a matter of actuality, the inefficient and decrepit country's power sector no long seemed to be generating power and the public has truly comprehended that transmission and distribution of electricity will take many years. Further more the electricity 's prices are going to be rocketing the sky in near future but on the contrary having a little bit assurance of power in the country. As the government has learnt too much from the disastrous experience of privatization of electricity then again it declaring further privatization for the KESC fiasco in coming future. Past promises of ending power cuts by December 2009 were always treated with skepticism, but even if it is not paid immense attention on this sector to disillusion-ize the public then many questions will take place among public regarding this scenario.
It is looking that government, after contesting election, has a nodding acquaintance with the public and is paying no heed to the needs of public. The long and the short is that the government must take prompt actions to resolve this prevailing situation in order to fulfill the future of power sector. Mega city like Karachi ought to be under significant attentions to overwhelm the line losses, which is, expected 40% in the city. Secondly there should no differentiation between the distribution and transmission of power sector. Industrial sector should be under dire consideration and speculation to push the country on the edge of prosperity.

Fighting for the survival
In meal or malt the small to medium-sized businesses are being adversely affected by the economic turndown and power shortages while the ruling party is still incapable to combat their survival. Many the small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are bewildering to either to lay off workers to get through the crisis or simply to shut down. Realizing profoundly, the most severely affected for small to medium-sized businesses, is the cost of production that makes them uncompetitive in the market and unquestionably affects their sales.  >>>>>

Chairman, KCCI Banking & Insurance urged to promote SME sector for economic stability
"Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are one of the principal driving forces in economic development, soft-term financing schemes are essential for their progressive emergence", expressed by Ateeq ur Rehman, Chairman, Banking & Insurance Sub-Committee of KCCI while chairing the 9th Meeting of Banking & Insurance Sub-Committee. Chairman, Pakistan Banks' Association and Chief Executive of Allied Bank, Muhammad Aftab Manzoor was invited in the meeting as Chief Guest. In his welcome speech, Ateeq ur Rehman asserted on the need of projecting and promoting the SME sector to uplift the face of the national economy.  >>>>>

Unleashing domestic market potential
The Strategic Trade Policy Framework 2009-12 announced by commerce minister Makhdoom Amin Fahim last week is focused on export promotion.  >>>>>

Thar coal: concerns of local community
ON July 27, a three-member team of the World Bank experts on coal and mining visited Thar coal fields and met the representatives of civil society organisations and the local community. The team also visited village Thario Halepoto near Islamkot, Tharparker. The first concern countered by the WB team was the fear of  >>>>>

State Bank to review monetary policy this month
KARACHI: The benchmark six-month Karachi Inter-Bank Offered Rate (Kibor) on Monday hit a 13-month low at 12 per cent, supporting the bankers and analysts foreseeing a significant cut in the T-bills yields and policy discount rate in the next monetary policy review. The State Bank of Pakistan said that the monetary policy would be reviewed on July 25. Inflation has been falling for the last couple of months to settle at 13.13 per cent in June 2009, a 16-month low, and is now lower than the policy discount rate.  >>>>>

Industrialization - ensuring level playing field
THE Planning Commission may have to look at a number of issues as it begins to focus on providing the country with an industrial sector that meet its needs. To begin with, what kind of direction and help should the state provide to the industrial sector in the light of developments taking place in the global economy and the evolution of the world's industrial production system? In its most recent report, the UNIDO has indicated that concentration on "tasks" rather than on the production of final products provides better opportunities to the  >>>>>

"SOUND & DYNAMIC ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY IS A MUST FOR POLITICO-ECONOMIC STABILITY OF POAKISTAN:" TARIQ SAYEED
PR (Islamabad)- A sound and dynamic 'economic diplomacy' is inevitable for politico-economic stability of the country, which will ensure country's economic strength in the time of recent crisis, stated Mr. Tariq Sayeed, President, SAARC CCI and former President, FPCCI while responding to the Presidential order for establishing Economic Diplomacy Wing (EDW) at the Foreign Ministry to be headed by a senior officer.  >>>>>

PIA appoints Abda Aviation as exclusive cargo GSSA in Malaysia
KARACHI: Managing Director PIA, Captain Mohammad Aijaz Haroon and Managing Director Abda Aviation Malaysia, Mr Zainal Abidin, signed an agreement at PIA head office appointing Abda Aviation as PIA's exclusive Cargo General Sales and Service Agent in Malaysia. Speaking on the occasion Managing Director PIA,  >>>>>

Korean trade delegation discusses investment opportunities
ISLAMABAD-A Korean Trade & Investment delegation headed by Mr. Huh, CEO of KP Chemicals along with Shin Un, Ambassador of Korea visited Board of Investment and called on Mr. Saleem H. Mandviwalla, Minister of State / Chairman, Board of Investment and Mr. Tariq Iqbal Puri, Secretary, Ministry of Investment  >>>>>

The KCCI's delegation visited the fire incident site of Khauri Garden
Acting President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Muhammad Ali along with former President-KCCI, A.Q. Khalil and other Members of KCCI, Salim Farooqi, Rafiq Jadoon, Rasheeduddin Rashid, Asif Nisar & Iftikhar Vohra visited the fire incident site of Khauri Garden Market located at M.A. Jinnah Road. Today, a fire incident took place in the Khauri Garden Market where combustible fireworks items were stored. Acting President-KCCI, Muhammad Ali expressed his grief on the fire incident and demanded that combustible fireworks items must be prohibited for manufacturing and storing in the congested business markets. He said that occasion of Shab-e-Barat was near and manufacturing and storing of fireworks items are increasing which may act as potential threat for big accidents in the congested markets. He urged the Police and law-enforcing agencies for strict surveillance of potentially hazardous and combustible items and restrict them from coming in the market. He also asserted on the business circles to discourage the manufacturing and storage of combustible items of fireworks in the markets and inform the Police, City District Government and Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry about the locations where such items are stored and manufactured so that measures maybe taken for their removal. He also urged the KESC to devise a strategy to improve the poor conditions of electricity meters and cables in the markets which were acting as potential threats for short-circuits. He also urged the Government to investigate the fire-incident of Khauri Garden and compensate the losses has highly criticized the performance of PEPCO & KESC for their inefficiency to handle the power crisis. Yesterday black-out in Karachi has extremely annoyed the consumers & spread unrest and discontentment. KESC is playing havoc with common-man and business community since its privatization. Upto 24 hours electricity  >>>>>

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The Indus Hospital provides specialized medical care
Dr. Abdul Bari Khan while giving his presentation to the delegation of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that the Indus Hospital is a state of the art tertiary care center accessible to the public free of charge. A team of local and expatriate professionals provides specialized medical care with an emphasis  >>>>>

Pakistan and UK to explore new dimensions of health business
A three day Pakistan- UK conference on cooperation in Health Care industry commencing explored untapped potential of collaboration and business opportunities between the two countries for mutually beneficial outcomes. Arranged by the Pakistan High Commission, the conference titled Health Care Initiative Pakistan aims at  >>>>>

Mr. Muhammad Ali As Acting President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry visits the Indus hospital
In every angle Muhammad Ali is a balance personality he underwent a baptism of fire in the services of his own regarding indoor and outdoor. Its real proof was the time of election when he had been elected with heavy margin of 1600 or more votes. He has a line's share in promoting, developing and introducing chamber at national and international level. Honestly speaking he, being a vice president of the 7th largest chamber of the world, extending his significant consultation with banks in order to resolve the problems and issues pertaining the business community. Recently, he visited the Indus Hospital with his superior delegation to examine the ongoing working. A team of doctors warmly welcomed him. Speaking at the occasion he maintained that he is much happy of having such institutions in Pakistan. He attached immense importance to the ideas of Ateeq ur Rehman of suggesting such a visits. He was of the firm views that he was immense happy of such health facilities to people of this country but justice, education and health and the foremost law and order situation are the responsibilities of the state to its public free of cost. Elaborating, he said there should be no difference between haves and have-nots in this country like here we have, citing to the Indus Hospital. In his final words he extended his full coordination to the Indus Hospital. Later on, he was taken to the different departments of the Indus hospital to examine the ongoing working process.

Dr. Abdul Bari Khan Cardiac logic at Indus Hospital
Dr. Abdul Bari Khan was born in Karachi in 1961.His family hails from Peshawar. He did his matriculation from Springfield School in KDA scheme-1 and Inter Sciences from Adamjee College. He completed his medical from DOW Medical College in 1986 and fellowship in Cardiac Surgery from College of Physicians & Surgeons Pakistan in 1995. He has always been involved in social welfare activities. As a medical student he was a volunteer for Patients' Welfare Association (PWA) in DOW medical College. Soon he became its focal person for the PWA blood bank. After acquiring Cardiac Surgery training, he joined Civil Hospital Karachi as Assistant Professor where no Cardiac Surgery ward existed. His post was like a Minister without any portfolio or driver without a bus. We collected funds of Rs.3.5 Crore from the platform of "Friends of Cardiac Surgery" for the establishment of Cardiac Surgery Department. We are performing Cardiac Surgery FREE OF COST. Up till now we have done more than thousands surgeries in these 5 years. Our journey hasn't stopped; we are looking forward for better services and facilities. For the people who cannot afford expenses of treatments and surgeries we have setup the "Rufaydah Foundation". This foundation formed by a group of God-fearing and Islam-loving professionals, businessmen, social workers and intellectuals seek to provide unconditional and uncompromised medical services for the poor and the weak. The Rufaydah Foundation (RF) is dedicated to the revival of this glorious tradition of devotion and services. In realization of this vision of Islam RF seeks to establish state-of-the-art tertiary care centre where all poor and needy would avail state-of-the-art medical care free of cost. Alhamdulillah Rufaydah Foundation has gone into an agreement with Islamic Mission Hospital Trust. They have 20 acres of hospital land at Korangi and we are planning to establish 800-bedded hospital there where free treatment would be provided. The name of this hospital has been suggested as "Indus Hospital".

Mr. Ateeq ur Rehman Chairman Sub-Committee Banking/Insurance Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry extends his visit to the Indus hospital
Young in spirit and fresh as the xephyr, Ateeq ur Rehman started working with all of his intents and purposes when he took over the charge as a Chairman of Sub-Committee Banking & Insurance of Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry probably in Jan, 2009. He became the chairman by dint of his untiring efforts and devotion towards business community and he is above board with his working. He, not only, extended his sympathetic sentiments to suffering and affected community but also practically implemented and promulgated his reinforcement by instigating financial institutions. The recent visit to Indus Hospital was one of his visits. He moved his heaven and earth to assured is financial support to the Hospital with his good grace. He visited the Indus Hospital with his delegation under the kind supervision of Muhammad Ali Acting President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Need of FTA between Pakistan and Canada
There is a need of Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Canada to minimize the trade imbalance between both the countries. The issue was discussed today in a meeting with Mr. Bruce Archibald the Deputy Minister of International Trade and investment Government of Ontario and the Pakistan Trade Delegation  >>>>>

Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Minister for Commerce to inaugurate Pak-Canada Expo in Toronto
Mr. Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Minister for Commerce will inaugurate the Canada Pakistan Trade Expo to be held from 8th to 12th July, 2009 at Toronto, Canada which is being organized by FPCCI with the cooperation of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan and  >>>>>

Industries may default on loans if govt doesn't support: FPCCI
KARACHI: Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has feared that if government did not come to rescue the industrial sector, most of the industrial units would default on their payments of loans. "The economic crisis in the country has made it hard for the industrial sector to operate smoothly and needs immediate supportive steps on part of government", president FPCCI, Sultan Chawla said Saturday. He expressed satisfaction over the meeting between advisor Finance and business community and said advisor assured to  >>>>>

FPCCI to hold int'l conference in October
KARACHI: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has planned to hold 'International Private Sector Investment Conference-Business Forum and Exhibition' in Islamabad on October 3-4, 2009 under the theme 'Discover the Resources and Potential of Pakistan through Trade and not Aid'. According to FPCCI standing committee meeting on Foreign Investment and Trade Delegation for the year 2009-10 the main objective of the forum is the promotion and enhancement of investment and trade ties between Pakistan and participating countries. staff report.

International Private Sector Investment Conference / Business Forum and Exhibition
"Discover the Resources & Potential of Pakistan through Trade and not Aid." is scheduled to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan, on October 3-4, 2009. Under the Chairmanship of Sheikh Humayun Sayeed, FPCCI Standing Committee meeting on Foreign Investment and Trade Delegation for the year 2009-10, was held at Federation House, Karachi on July 10, 2009 to discuss the  >>>>>

FPCCI expressed serious concern over trade policy 2009-10
Mr. Akhtar Hameed Chadda, Acting-President, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry has shown serious concern over the Trade Policy 2009-12. He said that the present trade policy seems a 'medium term policy framework' for the next three years; which is a task should be performed by the Planning Commission- not by the Ministry of Commerce.  >>>>>

Bankruptcy law soon: Tarin
Karachi-The Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance, Shaukat Tarin, has announced that bankruptcy law would be introduced in the country in the current quarter. He was briefing media about his meeting with bankers, held at NBP head office, during his visit to Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE). He said that work on bankruptcy law was in progress and it would be effective soon  >>>>>

HBL to assist small businessmen
KARACHI: Habib Bank would soon start Small Business Finance to help support small & medium enterprises (SME) in the country, said Mubashir Maqbool, Head of Retail and Commercial Banking.He said this in a meeting with businessmen at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Thursday.Although the banking sector of Pakistan is facing tough times  >>>>>

Faysal Bank expands ATM network
KARACHI Faysal Bank as part of its initiatives to bring added banking convenience to its customers has recently added 20 more ATMs to its already comprehensive network, bringing the total Faysal Bank ATM count countrywide to 113.

It is pertinent to note that the bank already operates 129 branches and two sub branches in 38 cities. Faysal Bank's strength is validated by its credit rating of AA (Double A) for long term and A1+ (A1 plus) for the short term assigned to it by both by PACRA and JCR VIS.

The bank this year has been awarded a 'Certificate of Excellence' by Management Association of Pakistan for its good corporate governance and best business practices. It has also been recognised by ICAP / ICMAP for the excellent quality of its 2008 annual report.

Role of Pakistan Eye Bank praised
KARACHI, The role of Pakistan Eye bank Society (PEBS) for the cause of humanity was lauded at the 35th foundation day of the organization. Speaking on the occasion the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany  >>>>>

Britain plans strict oversight of bank bonuses
LONDON: Britain's government on Wednesday set out plans to toughen regulation of its banking sector, including greater oversight of bonuses paid to staff, following the worst financial crisis in decades.

Fertiliser hoarders to be taken to task: Gondal
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Food and Agriculture Nazar Mohammad Gondal said on Wednesday that the government would never tolerate hoarding of fertilisers and warned of strict action. "There is no shortage of the commodity in the country and despite that we have received complaints of hoardings," he said after addressing a workshop on "Role of media in accelerating agricultural growth in the SAARC region" on Wednesday. Replying to a question, Gondal said that the government had encouraged wheat growers, announced support price of Rs950 per 40kg and as a result they produced a bumper wheat crop.

Cotton brokers demand hedge market
KARACHI: The Karachi Cotton Brokers Forum (KCBF) has urged the government to announce the re-opening of the hedge market for raw cotton under the Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) in the forthcoming cotton policy. In a statement on Wednesday, chairman of the Forum Naseem Usman said that ginners as well as growers and the entire cotton trade will benefit from future contracts. He said that it was right time to allow functioning of cotton futures contract in the textile policy for 2009-10. Usman was of the opinion that the cotton futures trading will stabilise cotton trade and reduce price fluctuation, thus benefitting the overall national and economic interests.

UBL Fund declares payout
KARACHI: The Board of Directors of UBL Fund Managers has declared a final payout of Rs1.58 per unit for the unit holders of United Islamic Income Fund (UIIF) for the year ended June 30, 2009. This payout is in addition to an interim dividend of Rs3.27 per unit paid to the unit holders in October 2008. This takes the total payout to Rs4.88 per unit. UBL Fund Managers had also announced interim payouts for its conventional open-ended funds in June. These included Rs3.24 per unit for the United Money Market Fund (now merged into UGIF), Rs2.15 per unit for United Growth & Income Fund (UGIF) and Rs0.18 for UBL Liquidity Plus Fund (ULPF).

PQ activity
KARACHI: The Port Qasim handled 64,284 tons of cargo, comprising 24,830 tons of import and 39,454 tons of export cargo during 24 hours ended 0800 hours on Wednesday. Berth occupancy was recorded at 73 per cent. Eight ships Nedlloyed Europa, Maersk Georgia, Sargodha, Rimar, Amina, Nasco Peace, Bunga Kantan Tiga and Sun Bridge were loading/offloading containers, rice, cement, palm oil and chemicals during the reported period. Two ships sailed out to sea during last 24 hours. Four ships CMA CGM Jade, ACX Jasmine, Marida Melissa and Liquid Silver carrying containers, 7,848 tons chemicals and 11,979 tons palm oil were expected to take berth at the Container Terminal, Engro Terminal and Liquid Terminal.