KOICA’s capacity building training programme
LAHORE (PR): Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) implemented a country focused training programme, ‘Policy Making and Implementation for Science and Technology’ for 10 government officials from Pakistan Ministry of Science and Technology. The programme, designed to share mutual experience of the two countries. Started from Oct. 19th to Nov 2nd, aiming to improve the effectiveness of science and technology policy, and to contribute on institutional level capacity building along with enhanced human capabilities.
NBP launches Foree Remittance Account
KARACHI (PR): Recent addition of “NBP Foree Remittance Account” in the Foree Remittance family of remittance product range offered by NBP is a step towards providing convenience to customers without compromising on the efficiency of remittance delivery. With the introduction on Foree Remittance Account, customers are no longer required to visit branches and wait in lines for receiving remittances, rather home remittances are immediately credited to the customer’s account upon receipt from the overseas and a SMS Alert is sent on the customer’s designated mobile number with the option of withdrawing cash either from ATMs across Pakistan at their convenience or by visiting NBP’s nearest branch.
While addressing, Syed Iqbal Ashraf President National Bank of Pakistan said that NBP Foree Remittance Account is a dedicated account for remittance customers.
Passions-Redefining Style opens outlet
LAHORE (PR): Passions - Redefining Style opened its doors to families, friends and clients at the Diplomatic Enclave Islamabad in a fashionable manner. Passions is a name that people of the twin cities are well aware of with a number of branches in the twin cities catering to a wide array of clients ranging from politicians, celebrities and diplomats. “The diplomats living in Islamabad has asked me several times to open an outlet of our Salon in the Diplomatic Sector and I believe this is exactly why we are here today at the launch” Muhammad Shahzad Bhatti -CEO & Founder of Passions Salons is a renowned dermatologist, entrepreneur and a Humanitarian. His vision has made “Passions” grow into a chain of Salons.
Soneri Bank announces 3Q results
KARACHI (PR): Soneri Bank Limited posted a pre-tax profit of Rs.1.75 billion for the nine months ended 30 September 2014. The Board in its 139th meeting held on 23 October 2014, approved the Bank’s third quarterly financial statements. On this occasion, the Chairman, Mr. Alauddin Feerasta appreciated the Bank’s continued positive performance during the third quarter and expressed satisfaction on the overall scale of growth.
During the period, Bank’s total revenue amounted to Rs.6.56 billion, which is up by 22.13% from the last year’s comparative figure of Rs.5.37 billion. The deposits momentum continued, registering growth of 7.00% over 2013, to close at Rs.150.43 billion (December 2013: Rs.140.58 billion).
AMWT eye camp
LAHORE (PR): Al Mustafa Welfare Trust-UK (AMWT) has operated 112 cataract patients and screened out about 800 patients during a two-day free eye camp in Darya Khan of District Bhakkar. Al Mustafa arranged free medicines, lenses, eye-sight glasses, food and accommodation for the needy and poor patients.
The visiting chairman of AMWT Abdul Razzaq Sajid distributed medicines and glasses among all the patients after successful surgeries.
Former President of Anjuman-e-Talba Islam Sohail Akhtar Niazi and Vice President of Zarai Bank Ch Fayyaz were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the concluding ceremony, Abdul Razzaq Sajid said that Al Mustafa was supporting the largest drive of free-eye camps in country. AMWT was setting up eye camps in backward and far-flung areas where local community has not access to medical facilities. He said Al Mustafa was working in 21 countries of Asia, Middle East, Africa and other areas in the world and aiming to operate some 10,000 cataract patients during next one year. After concluding eye camp at Bhakkar, medical team left for Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir for next camp.
Govt urged to take notice of delay in clearance of containers
Our Staff Reporter
KARACHI - Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Iftikhar Ahmed Vohra has urged Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research, Sikandar Hayat Khan Bosan to take notice of delays in clearance of hundreds containers carrying wheat, chick peas and pulses, causing heavy demurrage and detention losses to the importers.
In a letter to Sikandar Hayat Bosan, President KCCI said that they have been receiving complaints from KCCI members who import large quantities of grain, pulses and agricultural commodities but are facing serious issues in clearance of cargo due to abuse of power by the staff responsible to implement quarantine and plant protection requirements. He said that the issues are being created by the department of Plant Protection at Port Qasim which takes illegal actions, causes harassment and imposes fines which are outside the standard prescribed procedures.
Iftikhar Vohra also expressed deep concern over 100 percent examination of all containers, which was impossible due to port congestion as the time required for such process can take weeks. He said that standard procedure is to conduct random examination by drawing the samples and sending them for laboratory testing.