NBP opens new Islamic banking branch
LAHORE (STAFF REPORTER):National Bank of Pakistan opened its “Aitemaad” Islamic Banking Branch in Khayaban-e-Sehar, Commercial Avenue, Phase-VII, DHA Karachi on Monday 15th Ramadhan 1435 A.H, i-e, Monday 14th July 2014. The inauguration and ribbon cutting ceremony was conducted by the Deputy Governor, State Bank of Pakistan Mr. Saeed Ahmad along with the President of National Bank of Pakistan, Syed Iqbal Ashraf. This branch is located ideally for customers and the only Islamic Banking Branch of NBP in the vicinity. NBP-Aitemaad aims to provide continued commitment, service and convenience to its customers.
The newly opened branch is in tune with the Bank’s policy to expand its network and reach and includes an expanded teller line, a walk-up ATM in a vestibule and a highly protected locker room. The key services provided by the branch include Deposit and Credit Facility, Pay Order, Bank Drafts, Remittance Services, Western Union, Government Collection, and Utility Bills Collection. The Deputy Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Mr. Saeed Ahmad said that “Islamic Banking” is an emerging banking sector which needs to expand its services across Pakistan with specialized products in all major economic sectors such as agriculture, housing, SMEs and Trade etc. Islamic Banking needs more awareness and work on untapped and unexplored markets which are not becoming part of banking circle because its Non-Shariah products and services.

Etihad will launch six
new routes
LAHORE (PR): Etihad Airways will launch six new routes in the first half of 2015, offering even more choice and improved connections to travellers worldwide.
Daily flights will commence to the European capitals of Madrid (Spain) and Edinburgh (Scotland) next year, together with the historic state capital of Kolkata (India) and one of the most important business and government centres in East Africa, Entebbe (Uganda). The airline will also operate four flights a week to the world-class tourism and economic hub, Hong Kong, and three flights a week to Algeria’s vibrant capital and largest city, Algiers.
In addition, Etihad Airways’ existing daily flights to Brisbane (Australia), currently operated via Singapore, will become a direct service from June 2015, offering the first non-stop connection between the city and Abu Dhabi. The route will be operated using a three-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with the airline’s brand new First Suite, Business Studio and Economy Smart Seat.
Further service upgrades in June 2015 include the introduction of a three-class Airbus A330-300 aircraft on daily flights to Singapore, and a three-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on daytime flights to Moscow, marking the debut of First Class cabins on both of the existing routes.

Rahat presides over lucky draw at McDonald’s
LAHORE (PR): Rahat Fateh Ali Khan looked pretty excited after the release of his new album “Back to Love” at McDonald’s.
The event was made even more exciting when Rahat Fateh Ali Khan sang a few songs from Back to Love much to the surprise of the audience, who loved the live performance. McDonald’s Assistant Director Marketing, Raza Ali welcomed Rahat Fateh Ali Khan to the restaurant. The patrons at McDonald’s were extremely delighted as they got a chance to have their pictures taken with from Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and get his autograph. He also toured different departments of McDonald’s.
McDonald’s support for his album launch was greatly appreciated by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan.

KEPZ exports up by 43pc

LAHORE: (PR): The Chairman ‘EPZA Rabiya Javeri Agha has expressed satisfaction over consistent growth trends in EPZ exports recorded during last seven months. Karachi Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) has achieved significant export success by increase of 43pc in the month of June 2014. The months of April’14 and June ‘14 set records of highest exports in any individual months over all the previous years. Annual exports for 2013-14 were $363.13 million compared to $ 299.16 million in 2012-13, an overall increase of 26 %. Gradually, signs of healthy resurgence of KEPZ export activities are being noted and are duly reflected in export growth which is pulling KEPZ out of its dormancy. This achievement becomes all the more important if analyzed in context of 5 % export drop in 2011-12 and 2 % decline in 2012-13.
European Union (EU) is single largest export destination of Zone products with 38% market share, which itself displays existence of value-added manufacturing /quality compliances in the Zone. The other notable destinations include Middle East, Africa and Asia.
Reinvigoration of KEPZ industrial activities may be rightly attributed to exclusive efforts being made to improve its investment and business environment. These include consultations with Zone investors to resolve their immediate operational issues, facilitating sick units towards revival of operations, besides, exercising regulatory controls on import/export operations.

Microsoft devices offers
exclusive Apps
KARACHI (PR): Microsoft has introduced exclusive Ramadan content for the users of Lumia and Nokia X range. Now, users can welcome this auspicious month with renewed fervour and attain divine blessings with Ramadan apps, which are available on the Windows Phone Store for Lumia phones and Nokia Store for Nokia X range of devices.
The announcement comes at a time when Muslims all around Pakistan are devotedly observing the blessed month of Ramadan.  During this holy month, the demand for exclusive Ramadan content rises, and Microsoft has introduced the apps to let users observe the venerated month with full zeal. Commenting on this announcement, Kamran Masood Niazi, Communications Manager, Microsoft Devices said: “Ramadan is a month of self-awareness and devotion towards Allah.
It is a month in which we gain inner tranquility and salvation through worship and fasting. Keeping in view the sanctity of Ramadan, Microsoft brings Ramadan Kareem apps for your Windows Phone and Nokia X devices. With these apps, users can read the Quran and listen to tilawat by renowned Qaris of the world. They can also read Ahadith, special duas and azkaar along with sharing them on social networks to spread the blessings far and wide among family and friends.”