Democracy dependent on overcoming terror
LAHORE (PR): Dr. Ayesha Jalal, an eminent historian and the Mary Richardson Professor of History at Tufts University, USA, asserted that the future of democracy in Pakistan is dependent on overcoming terrorism.  She was speaking at the Graduate Institute of Development Studies, Lahore School of Economics. Professor Jalal’s talk was based on her forthcoming book, ‘The Struggle for Pakistan: A Muslim Homeland and Global Politics’, to be published by the Harvard University Press in fall 2014.

Rich tributes paid to Dr Meekal
LAHORE (PR): Rich tributes were paid at the Lahore School of Economics to Dr. Meekal Ahmed, a renowned economist and policymaker, after his tragic demise recently in Washington, D.C. Dr. Ahmed, who had a doctorate from Oxford University, was the Pakistan representative at the IMF for several years and worked at the Planning Commission during his distinguished career. The event was attended by prominent economists, policymakers and friends of Dr. Meekal Ahmed. Dr. Pervez Tahir, former Chief Economist Planning Commission, and Mr. Shahid Kardar, former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan and currently Vice Chancellor of Beaconhouse National University, spoke on the occasion.

Quran khawani
LAHORE (PR): Recitation of the Holy Quran for the late Mian Muhammad Fazil, the founder and Chairman of Orient Electronics (Pvt.) Ltd., was held at the Orient’s factory.  Hundreds of people, including Orient’s Management, employees and others participated in the Quran Khawani.

Ethanol export can fetch Rs3b annually
LAHORE (STAFF REPORTER): After observing huge potential in exporting ethanol, a plant has been set up at Shahkot with an investment of Rs 2.25 billion which would also provide job opportunities to more than 200 people. A huge investment is also being expected in this sector in Pakistan since ethanol price has been hiked up to $900 per ton in the international market, said experts. They said that with the export of ethanol, Pakistan can earn above Rs 3 billion annually.  Now sugar mills across the country are taking initiatives to adopt modern technology to produce ethanol for export, they added.

Emirates heads to Taipei
DUBAI (PR): Taipei became Emirates’ newest passenger destination when flight EK366 arrived at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport inaugurating the airline’s daily non-stop service from Dubai International Airport. “Emirates and Taipei began their partnership in 2003 when Emirates Skycargo launched freighter services from Dubai. I am proud that we have been able to increase our commitment and begin daily, non-stop passengers’ services,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group.

Scyef-2014 today
LAHORE (PR): Following its vision of empowering positive business thinking and improving cooperation within the region, The SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry in collaboration with the FPCCI is organizing the Young Entrepreneurs’ Summit - South Asia (YES-SA) 2014, on 14-15th February 2014 here. The theme for this year’s Young Entrepreneurs Forum (SCYEF) is, “Building Bridges & Creating Opportunities”.

Haj balloting for LDA workers today
LAHORE (PR): Haj balloting for four LDA employees will be held today (Friday). All the employees of LDA have been divided into four categories according to their pay scale for the balloting.

LDA auctions 34 plots in Rs 200m
LAHORE (PR): As many as 34 out of a total of 42 commercial and residential plots were auctioned by Lahore Development Authority against a sum of Rs. 200 million on Thursday. Open auction of commercial plots of Johar Town and Mustafa Town  and residential plots of Jubilee Town and Nawab Town(Approved Private Scheme) was held at LDA Community Centre  which was participated by 97 bidders who had deposited earnest money in the form of pay orders of requisite amount for this purpose.
Maximum bid was offered for commercial plot No 797-F, situated in block G-IV, of Johar Town, measuring 1.84 Marlas, which was auctioned against a total amount of Rs.3.73 million. Its base price had been fixed as Rs 1.98m per Marla where as it fetched a price of Rs2.03 m per Marla.