MCB Arif Habib Savings signs agreement with 1LINK
LAHORE (PR): MCB-Arif Habib Savings and Investments Limited (MCB-AH) has signed an agreement with 1LINK (Guarantee) Limited (1LINK) which will result in MCB-AH joining the PayPak scheme as an affiliate member.
This is the first such agreement in Pakistan, and MCB-AH is the first PayPak affiliate member and the first ever non-banking finance company to obtain membership of 1LINK's PayPak scheme in Pakistan. This agreement will also result in MCB-AH being able to introduce the first-ever proprietary card by any asset management company in Pakistan. PayPak is a domestic payment scheme that allows banks to promote financial inclusion. In line with State Bank of Pakistan Vision 2020, 1LINK launched Pakistan’s First Domestic Payment Scheme “PayPak” aimed at providing efficient, cost-effective, robust and ubiquitous payments solutions.
MCB-AH will aim to issue debit cards to its customers, giving them convenience and quick access totheir funds. This new card service will increase the range of facilities it offers to the customers by pushing the boundaries of technical excellence in the asset management industry in Pakistan.
Such steps are significant towards the digitization of the company and the overall industry, thus setting a trend for other players in the market. The use of debit cards will permit customers to utilize their accounts for quick withdrawal from ATM machines, and make online investments and payments.
Muhammad Saqib Saleem, CEO MCB-AH, claimed “In the era we stand today, the world has become entirely digitalized and to stay competitive, we must offer the best solutions to our customers. We are proud to be the pioneers in innovation and through our collaboration with 1LINK we are confident that our customerswill appreciate the convenience that it will offer.”
Najeeb Agrawalla, CEO 1LINK, stated, “The synergy of MCB-AH with 1LINK is an ideal alliance and opens the door for the launch of the PayPak affiliate initiative. Therefore, millions of Pakistanis will be able to enjoy scheme related benefits as customers of any corporate entity, apart from banks.Consequently, theend consumers will be able to reap maximum benefits and allow our affiliatepartner to offer best in class digital banking services to its customer base.”
UNW, MoHR, NCSW hold briefing session on Women’s Rights in FATA
LAHORE (PR): The 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence is an international campaign originating from the first Women Global Leadership Institute sponsored by the Centre for Women’s Global Leadership In 1991.
To commemorate 16 Days of Activism and International Human Rights Day, UN Women in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Rights and National Commission of the Status of Women co-organised a briefing session at a hotel on “Women’s Rights in FATA.” UN Women has undertaken a gender analysis of legal reforms and customary practices in FATA, in order to strengthen evidence base for legal reforms and policy action. This informative briefing session was an opportunity for UN Women to share the analysis and key findings of this gender analysis.
UN Women also launched a very enlightening documentary showcasing women’s experiences and achievements in FATA, with the aim to amplify the voices of women for inclusion in all stages of reforms process.
The overall feel of the event was that women need to have a stronger role in FATA reforms process and their priorities should be duly reflected in the legal and policy reforms. While enormous challenges are there, efforts are being made to ensure women’s inclusion and representation in order to safeguard women’s rights in FATA. With the coordination and cooperation of all stakeholders i.e. government, civil society etc., desired positive change can be brought forward to improve the lives of all citizens especially women.
LKPC takes IDAP on board as executing agency for construction works
LAHORE (PR): On Tuesday, Lahore Knowledge Park Company (LKPC) signed an agreement with Infrastructure Development Authority of Punjab (IDAP) to carry out the civil works at the site of Lahore Knowledge Park (LKP) in Lahore. According to the arrangement, IDAP will be acting as executing agency for the construction works of LKP in two phases which includes security road, entrance gates, civic infrastructure and civic amenities for the development of Lahore Knowledge Park.
Agreement signing ceremony was held at the office of Lahore Knowledge Park Company (LKPC) in Lahore. Dr Zafar Iqbal Ghouri, CEO LKPC, and Amir Mirza, General Manager Contracts, inked the agreement. Mujahid Sherdil, Chief Executive Officer, IDAP and Lt-Gen Muhammad Akram, Chairman LKPC, were also present at the ceremony among others.
According to the company source, construction works will begin at the site of LKP by the end of December 2017 as the tendering process has been completed by the executing agency (IDAP). It has been learnt that the civil works under the two initial packages will be finished within 8 months, which will enable the company to establish campuses of international varsities and R&D centers at LKP. Currently, LKPC is working towards hosting a consortium of three Italian universities; Politecnico di Torino, University of Bari, University of Bologna to setup Pak-Italy University of Engineering Science & Technology. The company is also at a preliminary planning stage with one of the leading British medical teaching hospitals and various other Swedish and Chinese universities to setup their campuses at LKP.
There are also high level prospects of host a frontline Turkish Technopark. Ground breaking of the Lahore Knowledge Park is expected to be held early next year. As first knowledge and research park of Pakistan, LKP will prove to be an economic game changer for the country.