Bata & Czech Republic mark Centennial Anniversary

Bata Pakistan commemorated the 100^th anniversary of the Czech Republic at an exhibition. The T. & A. Baťa Shoe Company was founded in 1894 in the Czech Republic by Tomáš Baťa. As part of the 100 years commemoration Bata Pakistan held an exhibition at Batapur, a town located near Lahore. It is pertinent to mention that the town was established as a residence for the workers of the  Bata shoe factory. To mark the event Mr. M. Imran Malik Country Manager Bata Pakistan along with Honorary Consul General Mr. Kamal Monnoo inaugurated the event. Esteemed guests from a variety of embassies attended the exhibition. Guests were given an exclusive walkthrough of the exhibition area which highlighted Bata and Czech heritage through documentary archives, shoes and pictures.

Speaking on the occasion, Country Manager Bata Pakistan, Mr. M. Imran Malik, pointed out that, "Having a long-term vision and dealing with business in a sustainable and responsible way together with our employees, customers and business contacts is in the DNA of Bata. Bata has been in business for more than a hundred years because we strive to enhance the well-being of our customers by making them unobtrusively aware, through their everyday walks, that their perfect walking comfort and their footprint on the earth is enveloped in an exceptional shoe design full of character." he said.

FFC ANNOUNCES ITS THIRD QUARTERLY RESULTS ‎for year 2018

Fauji Fertilizer Company Limited (FFC) has announced third quarterly results for the year 2018.

The company earned Rs 70.68billion as sales revenue 22% higher than last year owing to higher offtake. FFC’s net profit recorded an improvement of around 44% to Rs 8.53billion translating in an earnings per share of Rs 6.70 for the period ended September 30, 2018. The Board of Directors has also announced Third interim dividend of Rs1.8per share with an aggregate distribution of Rs 4.95 per share for the nine months of 2018.

Durable ADATA HD720 external hard drive is waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant

ADATA recently launched its HD720 external hard drive in Pakistan. It’s an ultra-durable external hard drive with a sporty design and features ample storage capacity. It has undergone stringent tests for waterproofing, dust proofing and shock resistance to provide excellent protection of data.

HD720 is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts and active people who demand rugged devices to record and carry all their adventure. It is also a good choice for Fashionistas, LOHAS Followers and those who are keen on stylish products that match their active lifestyles.

HD720 meets the stringent IP68 standard, offering excellent protection against water and dust. It has also passed a stricter 1.8m drop test than the standard military-grade (MIL-STD-810G 516.6) requirement, which means it is capable of handling a very sudden crash. Thanks to its durable design, the HD720 works normally even in a dusty environment or after being submerged in its storage state in 2 meter-deep water for up to 120 minutes.

The triple-layer construction of the HD720 incorporates exceptionally elastic silicone material to provide great shock absorption from all angles while its shock sensors help users protect data. If it suffers a severe shock from being struck, the shock sensor protection automatically starts up and displays a flashing red light. When the shock has passed, a solid or flashing blue light displays indicating normal operation has resumed.

The HD720 also provides large storage capacities, allowing users to record every wonderful moment. The USB cable tucks into a wrap-around exterior groove on the drive casing, providing an elegant storage solution that matches the highly practical characteristics of the device.

Jazz leads in data services with 20m customers

Jazz has achieved another telecom industry milestone by crossing 20 million broadband subscribers. This securely puts Pakistan’s leading digital communications company as the number one provider of 3G/4G data. The growing reach of broadband users at Jazz attests to a customer commitment to both the brand and service.

The broadband subscribers at Jazz are not just accessing the internet, but are also contributing to a large innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.  When Pakistan Telecommunications Authority’s (PTA) telecom indicators for September 2018 stated that Jazz leads all other mobile operators with 20,431,479 mobile broadband subscribers, the celebration is about Pakistan’s digital-readiness.

The growth of the last 10 million 3G/4G Jazz customers only took place in the last few months alone. Given the rate of growth of the Jazz broadband network, technologists expect that Jazz will be the country’s choice data network. The success of the network rests in its quality and speed, having received the Ookla speed award, a commitment to quality infrastructure investment and also a robust technological backbone.

Aamir Ibrahim, Jazz CEO said, “Customer-obsession starts with the basics. The best network needs the best technical experts, the best software and the best hardware. We have never compromised on that and today when we thank our 20.4 m customers opting for data packages, we also applaud the mindset that believes in excellence and expertise.”

azz has more than 56 million mobile users. This is the highest number mobile subscriber base for any Pakistani network. “High-speed, high-capacity, affordable broadband networks like we have at Jazz does not just offer our nationwide customers better services but also fuels the related tech industry growth in Pakistan,” Asif Aziz, Jazz’s Chief Commercial Officer added.

Jazz’s broadband network prioritizes rural areas as well as urban centers offering access to critical services in health, education, insurance and agriculture among others.

Property Festival concludes with a colorful launching ceremony of Graana.com

A two days property festival Islamabad exclusively organized by Graana.com successfully concluded with a colorful launching ceremony of Graana.com, the smartest property portal of Pakistan.  People from different walks of life including media, corporate, real estate and parliamentarians were present at the occasion and witnessed the history making event. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on overseas Pakistan, Zulfiqar Bukhari was the chief guest of the event.

Chief guest of the event, Zulfiqar Bukhari  congratulated the team of graana.com for successful launching with an aim to bring positive transformation of real estate industry.  He said that the positive growth of real estate sector will bring more foreign remittances in terms of investment from overseas Pakistanis in property market. He further added that Pakistan has huge potential of investment in real estate but we need to address the challenges faced by the investors especially the overseas Pakistani investors by bringing amendments in laws or introducing the new laws for more protection to investment.

Shafiq Akbar, CEO of Graana.com said that graana.com aim to bring real transformation through ease in use, more protection to investors and to change old patwar culture. He said that within three months, overseas Pakistanis will be able to buy property and invest in real estate sector online with full confidence and with sense of security. Pakistan can utilize its property market by providing better protection to investors interests and this will help economic uplift in a speedy way, he added.

Farhan Javed, director Graana.com explained the journey from a dream of 3 young overseas Pakistanis to a successful company with more than 350 employees. He said that graana.com is only a business but a platform to provide real awareness and hub of knowledge on real estate. Best use of technology with a team of young energetic graduates we will bring a revolutionary change if Pakistan;s real estate industry , he further added. 

Visitors of property festival Islamabad applauded the efforts of Graana.com and wished them great success. Participants of the event also eyeing a good change with the entry of graana.com in real estate market. 

Daraz announces 11.11 - World’s Biggest Sale Day, coming to Pakistan for the first time on November 11th

Leading e-commerce company, Daraz, is bringing 11.11, the ‘World’s Biggest Sale Day’, to Pakistan for the first time. The one-day sale is sponsored by Unilever, L’Oreal, P&G, Nestle, Mi, and PEL - as well as HBL as our financial main partner. The first mega event since the launch of the new Daraz App, customers can expect a truly personalized and supercharged lineup of activities. Daraz 11.11 is a first of its kind event and is set to be a game-changer for regional e-commerce.  

What is 11.11?

11.11 started in 2009, when Alibaba, Daraz’s parent-company, positioned it as Asia’s answer to Black Friday. Fast-forward 10 years and the headlining 11.11 sale is ready to make the journey to Pakistan.  The one-day event posts unequaled sales numbers, four times that of Black Friday. Customers can look forward to a fully personalized shopping experience, in addition to unimaginable mega deals, flash sales, thousands of brand vouchers, mystery boxes, discounts from banks, giveaways and more. The one-day sale event on the new Daraz App will be the biggest to date for the e-commerce company.

When is 11.11?

11.11 is the numeric short-form of 11th November. On November 11th, 2018, Pakistan will greet the sale phenomenon with open arms and carts. 

Managing Director Daraz Pakistan, Ehsan Saya, shared his thoughts on the upcoming flagship sale: “11.11 is poised to make e-commerce and mobile app history. Once you experience what the Daraz App has in store for you, everyone will be able to draw a line in the sand and say: that was Daraz before 11.11. This is Daraz after 11.11. It will mark a paradigm shift. 11.11 is about more than just deals and discounts - it will bring our entire digital ecosystem into play, fusing A.I, entertainment, algorithm-assisted personalization, and access to an assortment more than 2 million products deep - all in one.”For press queries please  contact:pr@daraz.pk 0302-261 4489 

Property festival Islamabad by graana.com kicks off in Islamabad

A two days property festival Islamabad exclusively organized by Graana.com kicks off in Islamabad. The property festival aimed at bringing potential buyers and seller at one platform for secure and transparent deals.  The event made its debut last year, is a perfect platform  that provides a premium environment to showcase current and fur sture investment, real estate and housing projects under one roof.

Leading players from the real estate sector are in the capital to take part in the festival. Over 50 companies, real estate developers  are showcasing their different projects to visitors for future deals.

Official launching of Graana.com , Pakistan's smartest property portal will be launched on 2nd day of the festival. Dignities from government and private sector will join the launching ceremony to be held in Pak-China friendship centre.

Shafiq Akbar, Chairman Graana.com while talking to media said that the Pakistan has huge potential of both the foreign direct investment and business. In coming years, our real estate sector is going to attract the foreign investment, He added that graana.com working to revolutionize the real estate industry of Pakistan and all its related sectors with professionalism and good practices.

Farhan Javed, Director Graana.com said that  our aim is to transform the real estate industry through technology. He further stated that the Graana will be a positive edition in the market which is created for ease of use, transparency and growth of real estate sector. Our mission is to provide overseas Pakistanis with a platform where they can feel secure for their investment when making deals in Pakistan's real estate projects.

Thousands of people from different walks of life are visiting the property festival and getting first hand knowledge on different real estate projects for investment. The event is an ideal place for prospective buyers  to walk in and explore several opportunities of investment.

International Technical Symposium by FFC concludes successfully

Fauji Fertilizer Company FFC, leading fertilizer producer successfully hosted a 2- day International Technical Symposium (ITSFFC) 2018 which concluded on 18^th October at local Hotel in Islamabad. The event was an ideal amalgamation of several industry experts, business leaders and knowledgeable speakers who shared their valuable insights, experiences and strategies on technological advancements and innovative solutions to combat industry challenges.

The symposium opened with a welcome address by the Symposium Manager who warmly greeted the participants.

CE&MD FFC Lt. Gen Tariq Khan, HI(M) (Retd) expressed his gratitude for all the participants and mentioned several challenges and prime concerns of the industry in general and Pakistan in particular that needs proper attention both at National and International level. He hoped that together at this symposium, everyone will have an integration of understanding and learning at a collective level.

Chief Guest Mr. Khalid Mansoor- CEO The Hub Power Company stressed on the importance of Symposium Theme: “Maximizing Asset Potential” as the key to the survival and success of all kinds of businesses. He highlighted several factors impeding the growth of fertilizer industry like high cost of inputs, depleting natural resources and inconsistent policies etc. He further added that the industry should be consulted in formulation of trade and industry related policies. The government and industry together needs to sensitize farming community and other stakeholders on efficient use of fertilizer and other resources to tackle the challenges like water scarcity, food and energy crises in the country.

The symposium was attended by around 300 delegates including leading international and national companies. ITSFFC has now become an important learning platform offering great opportunities for collaboration and tackling challenges being faced by the industry. It was much appreciated by all participants.

FFC Convenes International Technical Symposium – ITS FFC 2018

Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), top company on Pakistan Stock Exchange for last 7 consecutive years and as the leader in fertilizer industry takes on several initiatives for capacity and knowledge development, and therefore keeps on organizing several national and international technical events.

This year, FFC is proudly convening a two-day International Technical Symposium on 17th and 18th of October at a local Hotel, Islamabad. Theme of the event is “Maximizing Asset Potential” which aims at providing an excellent opportunity for interaction and knowledge sharing between global leaders of technology and industry. Various technical and policy matters will also be discussed during the course of the event. The FFC as the organizer is endeavoring to make this landmark event a convenient and successful networking platform for the delegates.

Over eight (08) carefully designed symposium sessions will feature several industry experts and well known speakers who will share their strategies and insights on enhancement of asset life cycle through predictive and preventive maintenance, optimization of maintenance cycles, performance improvement through operation and energy audits, incorporation of new technology in old plants, embracing new environmental regulations, learning through experience and innovations in maintenance procedures and techniques.

On one hand, the symposium will bring in latest information on technological advancements and innovative solutions through the foreign experts, whereas on the other hand Pakistani business leaders will present their rich experience in operating and maintaining chemical process industry and the challenges therein. Therefore, it will be an ideal amalgam of latest technology and unmatched experience – a true platform for learning.

Live in the moment with the Galaxy A9

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. todayannounced the Galaxy A9, a smartphone built for those who love to explore, capture the moment and share it as they see it. The pioneering Galaxy A9 debuts the world’s first rear quad camera and is packed with features designed to help you live each day to the fullest.

                                                         

The Galaxy A9 is tailored for those who know what they want, and go after it. Whether it’s capturing a dare-devil selfie or that perfect panorama, the Galaxy A9 is the ultimate companion for capturing and sharing everyday adventures, no matter where life takes you. 

“As a global leader in smartphone innovation, we understand the demand for meaningful innovation in a fast-paced world driven by visual communication,” said DJ Koh, President and CEO of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics. “Building on our legacy in smartphone camera development we’re introducing next-generation technology across our entire Galaxy portfolio to give more consumers the opportunity to experience cutting-edge innovation. We’re excited to deliver on this promise and debut world leading smartphone camera technology with the Galaxy A9.”

In an exciting and connected world where moments and memories, from the everyday to the once-in-a-lifetime, are captured and shared instantly, the smartphone has become so much more than just a phone to consumers. That’s why the Galaxy A9 is packed with Samsung’s best camera innovations, to enable all consumers to achieve more, experience more and unlock more possibilities every day.

The Innovative Rear Quad Camera

The Galaxy A9 allows you to capture dynamic and beautiful photos effortlessly. With four lenses, experience even more ways to unleash your creativity and capture, create and share stunning images.

·         Get close without compromise with 2x Optical Zoom for incredible and detailed close-up shots even from far away.

·         Capture the world in its fullest and without limit, with the Ultra Wide Lens, and shoot like a pro with the Scene Optimizer. Thanks to AI Scene Recognition, your camera is now smarter, and able to identify the subject and adjust settings accordingly for the best photo, in an instant.

·         Express your creativity with the Depth Lens, giving you the freedom to manually manage the photos’ depth of field and focus on the subject for stunning, professional looking images. 

·         Capture clear and bright images in both bright and low light conditions with Galaxy A9’s 24MP Main Lens, for gorgeous photos at any time of the day.

Powerful New Features For Exceptional all-day Performance

The reliable3,800mAh[1] battery life on the Galaxy A9 lets you live without limits and enjoy outstanding long-lasting performance. You can now capture everything, without restriction, store more and delete less with the Galaxy A9’s 128GB storage and up to 512GB of expandable memory.

Designed to make life more convenient, the Galaxy A9 features Bixby[2], Samsung Pay[3] and Samsung Health and you can take advantage of the many multi-tasking benefits the Galaxy A9 offers, including App Pair.

First Class Design

Building on Samsung’s heritage in first-class design, the Galaxy A9 is styled in three unique colors; Caviar Black, Lemonade Blue and Bubblegum Pink[4] with a sleek and ergonomic design, that fits in one hand with a 3D Glass curved back for a high-quality comfortable feel. The Galaxy A9 will be available in selected markets from November.

For more information about the Galaxy A9, visit http://www.samsungmobilepress.comnews.samsung.com/galaxy or www.samsung.com/galaxy

Samsung Galaxy A9 Product Specifications

	Galaxy A9
Display	6.3” Full HD+ Super AMOLED, 1080x2220 *Screen measured diagonally as a full rectangle without accounting for the rounded corners
Camera	Rear: quad camera   - Main Camera : 24MP AF, F1.7   - Telephoto : 2X optical zoom, 10MP AF, F2.4   - Ultra Wide : 120°, 8MP, F2.4 - Depth : 5MP, F2.2 Front: 24MP, F2.0
Body	162.5 x 77 x 7.8 mm, 183g
AP	Octa Core (2.2GHz Quad + 1.8GHz Quad)
Memory[5]	6GB RAM,128GB +MicroSD Slot(up to 512GB) 8GB RAM,128GB +MicroSD Slot(up to 512GB)* *May differ by market and mobile operator *User memory is less than the total memory due to storage of the operating system and software used to operate the device features. Actual user memory will vary depending on the operator and may change after software upgrades are performed
Battery	3,800mAh (typical) *Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 3,720 mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
OS	Android 8.0 (Oreo)
Network	3CA, LTE Cat.9
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz), VHT80 MIMO,  Bluetooth® v 5.0 (LE up to 2Mbps), ANT+, USB Type-C, NFC, Location (GPS,  Galileo*, Glonass, BeiDou*) *Galileo and BeiDou coverage may be limited.
Payment	Samsung Pay (NFC)* *The availability may vary by country, device, feature, card issuer and merchant
Sensor	Accelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Proximity Sensor, RGB Light Sensor
Audio	MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, WMA, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA
Video	MP4, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, WMV, ASF, AVI, FLV, MKV, WEBM

*All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice.

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[1] Typical value tested under third-party laboratory condition. Typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 3,720 mAh. Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.

[2]Availability of Bixby services may vary by market and Bixby voice only supports Bixby 1.0.

[3]Availability of Service may vary by country

[4]Available colors may vary depending on country

[5]Actual storage availability may vary depending on pre-installed software

PepsiCo Launches Third Edition of Change the Game Challenge

The Change the Game Challenge, launched by PepsiCo for the first time in 2016, is back. The goal of the competition is to harness ideas from youth on how to solve real business issues. Forthis year’s Change the Game Challenge, participants are being asked to address the business challenge of managing plastic waste and eliminating plastic in production. Registration for Change the Game Challenge 2018 is open from 10-24 October 2018.

Top 5 runner-up teams from the competition will form part of the potential pool for PepsiCo Pakistan’s Management Trainee Program (an accelerated career development platform for recent graduates) as well as the Summer Internship Program for 2019, bypassing all the hiring processes (excluding interviews).The top 2 winning teams will win a grant of USD 100,000 to bring their ideas to life. Finally, the winning team will secure a permanent job offer from PepsiCo, with an added International job experience for 12 months in the Asia, Middle East and North Africa (AMENA) sector offices in Dubai.In case the winners have more than one year to graduate, the award will be a 2 months paid Internship within the AMENA offices.

Furqan Ahmed Syed, Vice President and General Manager for PepsiCo Pakistan, said: “The Change the Game Challenge reflects our commitment to sustainability and solving global problems, at a local level. It is also a competition about harnessing the creative potential of our youthto solve critical environmental issues. We look forward to the solutions they propose.”

The Change the Game Competition targets 3^rd and 4^th year Undergraduate students as well as Graduates with a maximum of 2 years’ work experience. Candidates must have a Business or Engineering background.The participants in this competition will have access to educational and informative sessions delivered by PepsiCo professionals, providing them with an unprecedented insight into the workings of the company, and imparting knowledge that they can then transfer to their future careers. Potential candidates are also being scouted through a series of campus drives that will take place in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad.

For registrations and more information on the Change the Game Challenge, visit www.pepsicochangethegame.com.

FFC holds National Tree Plantation Drive

Keeping up with the government’s initiative to build a better & greener Pakistan, Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) has also pledged its support for the national cause.

In this respect, FFC organized a National Tree Plantation Drive with the slogan “Plant for Pakistan”. The tree plantation drive was organized on Murree Express Way from Maysouri to Lower Topa. A total of 1000 Pine trees were planted taking on board Forestry Department and implementing partner “One Cause, One Path”. This drive was organized as a part of FFC CSR activities highlighting the company’s commitment towards environmental conservation and societal betterment.

SALAMAIR expands its Network with four new destinations

SalamAir, Oman’s first budget airline was launched in 2016 to meet the country’s rapidly increasing demand for affordable travel options and to generate further opportunities for employment and business creation within the various sectors in Oman.

SalamAir recently added direct flights to Khartoum, Kathmandu, Najaf and Dhaka to its expanding network. With the addition of these new routes, Oman’s 1st low cost carrier has recently achieved another milestone of carrying one million passengers as of 1st October 2018. SalamAir started its operations to Pakistan in 2017 and currently fly to three cities, Karachi, Multan and Sialkot with 3 flights a week offering guests more choice and flexibility to plan their business or leisure travels, while meeting their needs.

Catering to this strategic growth, the airline recently announced the addition of six brand new Airbus A320neo aircraft to its growing fleet. It is expecting the delivery of one purchased Airbus A320neo by Q4 2018, and five leased Airbus A320neo by Q1 2019. The new A320neos are specifically customized for SalamAir to seat 180 guests, allowing more space and boosting comfort levels.

SalamAir Country Manager Mr. Nawaz Hussain said, “Our strategy is to provide affordable travel across our expanding network in Pakistan. The launch of our new destinations is yet another milestone in SalamAir’s young history. It allows us to continue providing our customers with exciting travel possibilities and budget-friendly rates.”

He further added, “Supported by SalamAir's new aircraft order, we will continue to expand its network of destinations to meet the growing demand for budget travel in this region. We are offering our guests a convenient, flexible and reliable experience to a growing range of exciting destinations.”

The new destinations complement a wide spectrum of traveler needs. Khartoum is the airline’s first African destination and first direct flight to Sudan’s capital, while Kathmandu is the airline’s fifth Indian sub-continent destination. In addition, and in response to the high demand from the Oman, GCC and Indian subcontinent markets ,SalamAir is also flying four times a week to Najaf in Iraq.

In less than 2 years’ time, SalamAir network expanded to 16 destinations including Muscat, Salalah, Suhar, Dubai, Doha, Jeddah, Karachi, Multan, Sialkot, Shiraz, Tbilisi, Baku, as well as newly introduced Dhaka, Kathmandu, Khartoum and Najaf. All routes offer a choice of three easy fare options: Light, Friendly & Flexi. A cost-conscious menu of additional services is also available to guests, which includes extra luggage allowance, seat selection, and priority check-in.