Business council welcomes
efforts to boost Pak-US trade
islamabad (Staff Reporter): The US-Pakistan Business Council (USPBC) has expressed its support for the 3rd Pakistan–United States Business Opportunities Conference held in Islamabad, welcoming efforts to advance trade and investment ties between the US and Pakistan. The Council’s delegation was led by USPBC President Esperanza Jelalian. On the sideline of the business conference, members of the Council met with Minister of Commerce Khurram Dastgir Khan and Chairman of FBR Tariq Bajwa. “We are encouraged that government officials remain committed to spur growth, foster investment, and implement economic reforms,” said Jelalian. “All business requires stability, predictability, and security to thrive.

A reasonable tax structure and transparent customs and tax procedures with proper enforcement can enhance government revenue while supporting the legal and compliant industry and in turn will help American companies view Pakistan as a favorable destination.”

Steel Labour Union condemns
FIR against office-bearers
KARACHI (Staff Reporter): The Pakistan Steel Labour Union (PASLU) has strongly condemned the registration of FIR against its office bearers including PASLU president Haji Khan Lashari, general secretary Zafar Khan, and other office-bearers by the administration of Pakistan Steel Mills. According to details, the employees of Pakistan Steel Mills were staging sit-in protest at the parking area against the non-payment of their four months’ salaries. However, the administration registered an FIR against the protestors in Bin Qasim Police Station. The PASLU office-bearers termed it an attempt to pressurize the employees and Labour Union leaders. They demanded the authorities concerned to eliminate the cases registered against the leaders of labour unions.


PASLU was of the view that the thousands of employees were staging a peaceful sit-in protest against the non-payment of their four months’ salary. They termed the said act of administration an unjustified and baseless, as the employees were demanding their due right.

Australian investment sought

lahore (Staff Reporter): Australian investors should come forward and explore the huge potential that exists in Pakistan which is fast becoming good destination for foreign direct investment (FDI) in South Asia. These views were expressed by LCCI Vice President and Deputy Head of a trade delegation visiting Australia, Syed Mahmood Ghaznavi while addressing at a high profile meeting Australia Pakistan Business Council. Chairman of the Council Rana Iftikhar, Pakistani Consul General in Australia Abdul Aziz, Member Australian Parliament Toni Issa, Khawaja Khawar Rasheed and other members of the delegation also spoke on the occasion. Syed Mahmood Ghaznavi said that said that Australian technology and experience could play important role for economic uplift of the country.

Int’l business conference concludes

KARACHI (Staff Reporter): An International Conference on Business Management (ICOBM) regarding the role of industry, government and academia for sustainable business opportunities in emerging markets concluded at CBM, Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Korangi on Friday. At the conference, national and international speakers focused on specialized tracks towards endeavors in business and academic excellence, socio-economic stability, scientific and technological development with focus on Pakistan. The conference participants were top brass from the corporate sector, imminent businessmen, media figures, environmentalists, deans, rectors, directors and vice chancellors from leading Pakistani universities and international guest speakers from India, Germany, France and the United States.

On the occasion, speakers emphasized on the need for mutual cooperation among academic, corporate sector, business circles and government.

Rs20 commemorative coin

KARACHI (Staff Reporter): The State Bank of Pakistan is issuing Rs20 commemorative coin in the wake of the Government of Pakistan’s decision on the eve of 100 years of Islamia College, Peshawar. These coins will be issued through the exchange counters of all the field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation from 16th March, 2015. The coin weighs 12 grams with 75% copper and 25% nickel. Its shape is round with a diameter of 30.0 mm. The centenary celebration of Islamia College Peshawar is inscribed in wording as “100 years of Glory” on the obverse face of the coin. Along with periphery and top of the coin is inscribed in wording “ISLAMIA COLLEGE PESHAWAR”. The lower side along with the periphery of the coin is inscribed with dates“1913-2013”.
There is picture of historical building of Islamia College Peshawar on the reverse side of the coin. Along with periphery and above of said building there is inscribed in wording “Islami Jamhuria Pakistan” in Urdu script. The face value of the coin in numeral “20” in bold letters and rupia in Urdu script are inscribed at the lower side of the coin.