FARUKH SHEHZAD

UK-Pakistan Academic Partnership to Strengthen Research and Development in Emerging Technologies - Mike Nithavrianakis, Britain’s Deputy High Commissioner and Trade Director for Pakistan

KARACHI, JUL 10: Internet age and its usage, new technologies that are currently being developed or will be developed within the next five to ten years are referred to as emerging technologies.

Extreme Commerce Magna Carta College (ECMCC) and British Computing Society/AccrediNation are jointly establishing Pakistan’s first Centre for Emerging Technologies in Pakistan. The agreement to cement this partnership was signed by both organizations today in Karachi.

The partnership was signed by the Founder and Managing Partner AccrediNation (in country partner organization for British Computing Society), Asad Aamir Ansari and Head of Institution (ECMCC), Abdul Hafeez Malik.

Mike Nithavrianakis, Britain’s Deputy High Commissioner and Trade Director for Pakistan was the Guest of Honour and witnessed the partnership signing along with leading corporates from the tech industry.

British Deputy High Commissioner Karachi and Trade Director for Pakistan Mike Nithavrianakis attended and congratulated the institutions involved in agreeing on this partnership, which he hopes will flourish and lead to excellence in the area of emerging technologies”.

The world has seen a technological revolution since the advent of the internet, Sunny Ali, Founder Extreme Commerce in his message said, Pakistan has lacked a Centre for Emerging Technologies. Although there have been efforts in the public sector.

We are proud to take this lead in Pakistan to launch a private sector driven initiative. He further said, this partnership will set new benchmarks in training a new breed of human resource in the country that can provide leadership for the industry and business community alike for the emerging technologies for global challenges.

Asad Aamir Ansari, Founder and Managing Partner for AccrediNation said, emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence can be used in many different industries, including IT, medicine, finance, and more.

These technologies are making our daily usage devices smarter, providing deeper, more valuable insight into data and making cloud-based tools more efficient.

In terms of impact, these technologies have the power to change the way we deploy, engage, and make use of technology at all levels.

CEO MagnaCarta College Ejaz Chaudhry said ‘The IT certifications by BCS UK will increase the employability and freelance opportunities for our youth in the global arena.

In today's ever-changing and competitive market, IT professionals need knowledge, expertise and practical skills that are internationally recognised and industry relevant.’

For a technology to be classified as emerging, it is characterized by rapid growth, impact, radical novelty, coherence, and, sometimes, uncertainty and ambiguity.

These include but are not limited to Artificial intelligence (AI), Gene therapy, 3D printing, Nanotechnology, Cancer vaccines, In vitro meat, Medical field advancements, Robotics, Stem-cell therapy, Distributed ledger technology and other Technologies related to the Internet of Things (IoT). Each of these emerging technologies has the potential to create a significant competitive advantage for businesses in the near future.

The event was attended by business leaders, technology enthusiasts, leading entrepreneurs, civil society leaders including Raza Ahmed Sukhera, Joint Director Policy & Sector Growth at Ministry of IT and Telecom, Dr. Shahid Mahmud, Group CEO and Chairman Interactive Group of Companies.

AccrediNation chartered by the British Computing Society (BCS) has over a decade of experience in IT Services, Training, Transformation, Consulting and Outsourcing.

The BCS is the only professional body in the United Kingdom with the ability to grant chartered status to IT professionals under its Royal Charter, granted to them by the Privy Council.

Thus, having the ability to grant Chartered (Professional) status to both its Fellows and Professional members. Known as Chartered IT Professional.

AccrediNation has built strong relationships with International Chambers of Commerce, British High Commissions/Embassies, Federal & Provincial Governments and Corporate Sectors across the world.

Extreme Commerce Magna Carta College (ECMCC) is Pakistan’s first entrepreneurial higher education institute that came into being as a joint venture between Extreme Commerce and Magna Carta College, Oxford’s Independent Business School.

The purpose of ECMCC as a futuristic scholastic and incubation hub, is to build and disseminate a full spectrum of affordable pre- university to post-graduate competency and research-based learning, complemented by world-class, international qualifications.

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PESHAWAR, JUL 10: An In-House Discussion on the topic “Understanding the Legal Framework and Regulatory Regimes of Central Asia” was jointly organized by Area Study Center (Russia, China, and Central Asia), University of Peshawar, Peshawar and Center for Global & Strategic Studies, Islamabad at Peshawar to discuss the regional trade and investment legal framework.

This in-house discussion focused on examining the legal challenges, modalities, need for improvement in existing laws, and exploring new avenues of cooperation under a revised legal framework.

Prof. Inayatullah Khan, Dean, Law College, University of Peshawar discussed the compatibility of laws between Pakistan and Eurasia and provided a comparative study on the trade laws of Pakistan and Central Asia.

He suggested to invest in the human resource of the academic sector of Pakistan, so they may study the trade laws and regulatory regimes of Central Asia and construct a comparative analysis of these laws with Pakistan. He was of the view that we should work towards integrating our cultures and laws with the Central Asian Region.

It was discussed that laws and regulatory Regimes of Central Asia will be studied by scholars and subject experts to get a better understanding and overview of their comparability with laws in Pakistan. Comparative analysis of these regulatory Regimes will also be ensured.

Mian Abdul Rauf Former Advocate-General Islamabad & Prosecutor-General of Pakistan under the Protection of Pakistan Act and Member Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan was the Chief Guest at the occasion.

He stated that modern day developments further exemplify the importance of effective legal frameworks in Pakistan and Central Asia. Highlighting the significance of the legal frameworks, he stated that, at present, the legal frameworks of states within Central Asia are variable.

With the passage of time, uniformity must be deemed necessary in light of trade and commerce developments within the region.

It is further imperative that inter-state commerce and trade be regulated by a coherent and comprehensive legal framework for the region in order to sustain economic development in the region. He stated that learning from the past and analyzing the future is important.

He also stated that peace in Afghanistan is imperative which will open new gateways for Central Asia, Russia and other regional countries.

Establishment of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATs) of SCO is a step towards integration with elimination of radicalization. 

Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmed, Director, Area Study Center, (Russia, China, and Central Asia), University of Peshawar while addressing the forum said that the Centre’s scholars have been conducting research on Alternative Dispute Resolutions (ADRs), refugees laws and Pak-Afghan Trade Agreement.

However, it was emphasized to study the trade and investment laws of the CARs to find out the discrepancies with Pakistan’s legal framework and accordingly address these issues.

It is important that soft component of the regional integration i.e. harmonization and coordination of laws and regulations has been developed within the region. It was suggested that national human resource shall be pooled to help in this regard.

We must focus and study on Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and must analyze how Pakistan can benefit from these projects.

Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Centre for Global& Strategic Studies, Islamabad explained in detail the evolving regional dynamics.

He highlighted the importance of academic linkages in the developing scenario and the significance of international projection of Pakistan’s academia and scholars. 

He stated that the laws of Pakistan and Central Asia are different, therefore, a detailed study must be done to ensure enhanced trade and commerce activities for the better interest of the region.

Mr. Akram stated that we must utilize the human resource of Pakistan for laws and regulatory regimes.

The In-house discussion was attended by approximately 30 participants including the law experts, Faculty Members and PhD scholars of law departments from various universities of Peshawar.

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MULTAN, JUL 9: Roundtable Discussion on “Food Security vis-à-vis Sustainable Agriculture in Pakistan: Policy Outcomes and Prospects” was jointly organized by Center for Global & Strategic Studies (CGSS), Islamabad, Hanns Seidel Foundation Pakistan and MNS University of Agriculture, Multan at Multan.

The Discussion commenced with the opening remarks by Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, Centre for Global& Strategic Studies, Islamabad. He welcomed the panelists and participants of the discussion.

He appreciated and acknowledged the hard work of the university particularly in the domain of food security. He stated that a follow up Conference on food security will also be organized inIslamabad.

Dr. Steffen Kudella, Resident Representative, Hanns Seidel Foundation Pakistan, in his welcome remarks, stated that the climate is changing, we are facing a global water crisis, land is degrading, the global population growing, diseases affect livestock and crops, food prices are rising – all at the same time: food is often being wasted, the environment is stressed – all these factors are influencing our food security.

He highlighted the UN’s definition of food security as  “all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their food preferences and dietary needs for an active and healthy life.”

He also mentioned the 1948 UN Declaration of Human Rights, where the UN recognized the “Right to Food.”

Dr. Kudella stressed that food is a necessity for the survival and well-being of people, and therefore, this necessity must be ensured by the people. Moreover, adaptation strategies and policy responses to food security risks must be developed.

Food security is one of Pakistan’s non-traditional security challenges and today’s roundtable discussion at the MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, which is located in the agricultural heartland of Pakistan, provides the perfect setting for experts to discuss food security and sustainable agricultural production.

Prof. Dr. Asif Ali (TI), Vice Chancellor, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan was the Chief Guestat the occasion. He welcomed the worthy panelists. He stated that there are several non-traditional security challenges that Pakistan is facing. However, food security remains on top while climate change is second on the list.

He ensured specialized research and development in different domains of nontraditional security challenges particularly food security and climate change. He vowed to work together in collaboration with CGSS & HSF in the sectors of nontraditional security challenges.

He highlighted several initiatives that are being undertaken by the University in this regard. He stated that MNS university has built models for water security, clean and green environment and climate change.

Ms. Palwasha Nawaz, Project Executive, CGSS presented a brief overview on the working of CGSS. She gave presentation on Food & Agriculture Security: An Emerging Nontraditional Security Challenge for Pakistan. She stated that food security is a multidimensional concept.There must be sufficient supplies of affordable food throughout the year to ensure a healthy and productive life.

She highlighted the four components of food security that are physical availability of food, economic access, utilization of food in body and stability. Furthermore, she also described in detail the situation of food security after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The discussion was conducted in two sessions. The theme of the first session one was “Understanding Food Security in Pakistan: Incorporating New Techniques and Policy Recommendations”.

This session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Sajjad Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor, Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Bahawalpur. He thanked all the participants for their contribution. He stated that we must highlight the potential of Pakistan in the agriculture sector on various forums.

The panelists of the first sessionstated that food security is about making food available to everyone at all times. Around 820 million people go to bed hungry at night. In Pakistan, the future of our nation i.e. children are suffering from hunger and do not have sufficient nutrition.

During session one, overview on the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and the zero hunger agenda was also presented. It was discussed thatby 2030, there would be end to all forms of hunger and malnutrition.

People–especially children will have sufficient and nutritious food all year. Furthermore, it was stated that there is a need to promote sustainable agriculture, supporting small-scale farmers, technology and markets.

There must be international cooperation to ensure investment to improve agricultural productivity. The role of academia was also discussed in the perspective of food security, nutrition, and sustainable development.

During the discussion food security, sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and policy measures adopted in South Asian countries were also discussed. The panelists also presented facts and figures of food security in Pakistan including food utilization, food access and availability.

The panelists of session one included the following:

•             Dr. Umar Saeed, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Pakistan

•             Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Director ORIC, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan

•             Dr. Saeed Akhtar, Department of Food Science and Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan

•             Ms. Rabia Sultan, Progressive Grower / Director Gurmani Foundation

•             Dr. Khalid Bashir, Assistant Professor, Institute of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Agriculture Faisalabad

The theme of the second session was Critical Analysis of the Agriculture Sector in Pakistan: Ramifications and Policy Recommendations and the session was chaired by Syed Ibne Hussain, IGPolice (Retd), Member, Punjab Public Service Commission.

He thanked the panelists for their contribution. He stated that the panelists elaborately covered their topics. The panelists also presented innovative ideas and techniques.

The panelists of the second session discussed agriculture and economic cooperation for ensuring sustainability.

It was stated that there is a need to fully understand the major strategic importance of accelerating scientific and technological innovation and accelerate the resolution of some key issues restricting the development of scientific and technological innovation.

The panelists also discussed agriculture development issues and policy ramifications in Pakistan. It was stated that agricultural sector is indispensable to Pakistan’s economic growth, food security, employment generation and poverty reduction. Pakistan is essentially an agricultural country, generating more of its export from cotton, rice, and fruits.

Most of the people, i.e. 64% lives in rural areas depending on agriculture for livelihood. Several recommendations as the way forward were presented by the panelists.

It was stated that food security must include nutritional security. The political economy of food security must not compromise profitability of the farmer.

It was also stated that water is an indispensable ingredient to agricultural production and without water, farmers would not be able to grow their crops and feed their animals. Therefore, water insecurity means food insecurity.

The Panelists of the second session included:

•             Dr. Muhammad Ashfaq, Project Coordinator, MNS University of Agriculture Multan

•             Dr. Sofia Anwar, Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Govt. College University, Faisalabad

•             Dr. Ayesha Hakim, Assistant Professor, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan

•             Dr. Asif Kamran, Economists, Nuclear Institute of Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad

•             Prof. Dr. Irfan Ahmad Baig, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, MNS University of Agriculture Multan

Mr. Barak Ullah, Additional Secretary Agriculture (TF), South Punjab presented the concluding remarks. He congratulated MNS University, CGSS and HSF on organizing a successful discussion.

He was thankful to the farmer community who have reduced the usage of pesticides and have shifted towards bio-science.

The discussion was attended by approximately 70 participants including experts of the relevant fields, deans, faculty members and students.

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ISLAMABAD, JUL 9: AAA Associates, A leading group of Companies, has announced the names of its top employees in an annual award ceremony held in its corporate office.

The Event is graced by AAA Chairman Mr. Sheikh Fawad Bashir and Managing Director Lt. Col Shahzad Ali Kiani (Retd) along with other Senior Management ( or BOD members) who distributed Awards among best performing employees from each department based on their achievements and consistent results.

The ceremony intends to motivate hard working employees and acknowledge their exceptional performance infront of their team members ( or colleagues) to encourage others to follow their footsteps and earn recognition.

The selected employees have gone through strict evaluation criteria set by management to screen out most brilliant members based on their punctuality, Work ethics, Crisis management, Social interaction and situation handling.

The  awards goes to Umer Sheraz, Shahbaz Aslam, Nadeem Akhter, Ghulam Murtaza, Abid Niazi, Yasir Talib, Afraz Ali, Mariam Babar Abbasi, Fahim Shahzad Kiani, Mir Afzal, Qasim Abbas, Zurain Yousaf Khan, Tuba Azhar, Sher Bano, Shahzad Asghar, Mohsin Abbasi, Tajdar Alam, Moazam Ali, Saif Khan, Senir Silas, Zain Rishi, Danish Ali, Zain Mughal, Tariq Azeem, Imtiaz, Ali Raza Ansari, Adil Saeed, Ahmed Amin, Wajahat Ali, Hassan Javed, Babar Ali and Haseeb Abbasi…

It’s a proud moment for AAA associates that so many talented minds are working towards advancement of the Organization to make it a leading brand, Said AAA Chairman Mr. Sheikh Fawad Bashir.

He further added “Our aim is grooming our professionals with best of Industry practices and technological tools so when they go out in the industry they must standout, distinguished in terms of work ethics, Performance and industry practices.

Our company invest more in their character building and professional skills development to take best out of them.”

AAA Managing Director Lt. Col Shahzad Ali Kiani (Retd) has personally thanked awarded employees for their dedication and loyalty towards the organization.

He shared his thoughts” I’m grateful to our every employee who supported us in this successful journey. Our success is not possible without the contribution of each team member and I’m hopeful if we continue to work as a team AAA Associate will become one of Pakistan’s top company.

The awarded employees are our most valuable assets and driving force towards company’s excellence. We are honored to have such talented people among us who are the reason of our organisation’s success”.

Beside awards, the best employees are also promoted to senior level to offer a career path to polish their skills and explore their full potential. AAA associates strongly believes in employee centric approach and regards its workers as a real strength of the company.

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ISLAMABAD, JUL 8: Pakistan’s first reliable Smart Female Safety & Security App Iyzil is available now on Google Playstore with a 21-day Free Trial!

Iyzil is a futuristic and comprehensive solution that will revolutionize the Pakistani females’ lifestyle. It empowers all women in Pakistan with a sense of security so they ‘Feel Safe’ and ‘Stay Safe’.

According to a report, 93% of Pakistani females face some form of violence in their lifetime.

Therefore feeling unsafe is common among them, but Iyzil is going to change that. Iyzil will ensure that whether they are at home, work, school or college/university, or they are shopping, traveling, in a medical emergency, or being harassed, they always Feel Safe’ and ‘Stay Safe’.

In case of a threat or an incident, a female user can simply trigger a Panic Alert to inform their Personal Responders (up to five friends & family) and Iyzil’s 24/7 Professional Monitoring Service.

The Panic Alert is triggered by using an In-App Button, Pressing the Volume Button thrice or Shaking the Phone. 

Once alerted, the Iyzil Professional Monitoring Service will contact the female user instantly and ensure that the relevant emergency services (Police-15, Rescue-1122, Fire Brigade-16) are informed.

In addition, all her Personal Responders will also receive notifications about the incident and her whereabouts.

Moreover, a female user can stay in touch with her family and close friends without sending a single text with a range of smart and timed real-time notifications.

Let’s make Iyzil a product of choice for all women in Pakistan so that they 'Feel Safe' and 'Stay Safe'.

You can download Iyzil from Google Playstore now! Free Trial for 21 Days.

For more information, Please visit our website https://www.iyzil.com/

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ISLAMABAD, JUL 8: Systems Limited is ready to explore a new approach to design as it reimagines its creative workspace, Studio 77 - the company’s center of creative excellence where human-centrism meets cutting-edge technology to bring breakthrough ideas to life.

At Studio 77, the team re-thinks design processes, pushes the boundaries of technology, and innovates to create user experiences that align with the behaviors, expectations, and perspectives of the customers.

To celebrate the launch of Studio 77, Systems Limited hosted a physical event that welcomed prominent figures from the IT sector, senior management of its clientele, and country’s art & design fraternity. The launch was organized with all the precautionary COVID-19 SOPs in place.

Asif Akram, COO at Systems Limited, welcomed the guests and while sharing his vision behind Studio 77, commented, “We've seen a recent surge in the growth of workplaces with creative spaces. With Studio 77, we aim to introduce a creative atmosphere where our driven and motivated team has the right tools and technology at its disposal to bring its breakthrough ideas to fruition.

What you see today is the result of multiple brainstorming sessions, meticulous planning, and tireless commitment by our team to make sure that every nook and corner of Studio 77 screams innovation and creativity - something that Systems has become synonymous with.”

Systems Limited has used a modular design approach to bridge the gap between traditional office space and best-in-class technology to support the multiple phases of the creative and design process. Badar Khushnood, co-founder Bramerz and Fishery, commented, “I congratulate the entire team of Systems Limited for bringing a user-driven perspective in Pakistan emphasizing a problem-solving mindset.

It is the need of the hour, and more companies should adopt this well-structured approach of leveraging design to breaking big problems into smaller challenges.”

Further explaining the human-centric approach of Studio 77, Khurram Safdar, Head of Customer Experience and Design, added, “The two driving forces behind Studio 77 are digitization and human-centrism.

Digitization in today's world is happening at a fast pace, and we need to embrace it. And we need to work together and use all the technological innovations at our disposal to deliver human-centered experiences to our clients.

It is a space where we make impactful decisions while keeping humans at the center of everything we create. With Studio 77, we're bringing our creative ethos of collaborative ideation, constant innovation, and rapid implementation to the world.”

Learn more about Studio 77: https://www.systemsltd.com/blogs/studio-77-by-systems-limited

Systems Limited holds a staunch belief in creating the right working environment to stimulate creativity and innovation. Studio 77 is an open, creative space for the team to dive into their creative streams and design simple yet intuitive technology solutions that solve complex problems.

It is a place that fosters autonomy and incites people to be proud of their work, rethink how they navigate their challenges, and inspire each other.

Studio 77 got an overwhelmingly positive response from the honorable guests and attendees. Specific praise was given to the core philosophy of the initiative, which revolves around putting people at the center of every problem-solving approach and design process.

The guests enjoyed photo booths and other activities while engaging in highly interactive and insightful networking sessions.

Going beyond the confines of typical activities around design, user experience, and art direction, Studio 77 also caters to, marketing intelligence, copywriting, social media and content, and user research.

Through Studio 77, where people come first, and creativity knows no bounds, Systems Limited aims to fully embrace the culture of innovation, inclusivity, and human-centrism in the world of technology.

The company intentions to simplify and humanize technology, stimulate creativity, and facilitate employees to think beyond it.

ISLAMABAD, JUL 8: Systems Limited is ready to explore a new approach to design as it reimagines its creative workspace, Studio 77 - the company’s center of creative excellence where human-centrism meets cutting-edge technology to bring breakthrough ideas to life.

At Studio 77, the team re-thinks design processes, pushes the boundaries of technology, and innovates to create user experiences that align with the behaviors, expectations, and perspectives of the customers.

To celebrate the launch of Studio 77, Systems Limited hosted a physical event that welcomed prominent figures from the IT sector, senior management of its clientele, and country’s art & design fraternity. The launch was organized with all the precautionary COVID-19 SOPs in place.

Asif Akram, COO at Systems Limited, welcomed the guests and while sharing his vision behind Studio 77, commented, “We've seen a recent surge in the growth of workplaces with creative spaces. With Studio 77, we aim to introduce a creative atmosphere where our driven and motivated team has the right tools and technology at its disposal to bring its breakthrough ideas to fruition.

What you see today is the result of multiple brainstorming sessions, meticulous planning, and tireless commitment by our team to make sure that every nook and corner of Studio 77 screams innovation and creativity - something that Systems has become synonymous with.”

Systems Limited has used a modular design approach to bridge the gap between traditional office space and best-in-class technology to support the multiple phases of the creative and design process. Badar Khushnood, co-founder Bramerz and Fishery, commented, “I congratulate the entire team of Systems Limited for bringing a user-driven perspective in Pakistan emphasizing a problem-solving mindset.

It is the need of the hour, and more companies should adopt this well-structured approach of leveraging design to breaking big problems into smaller challenges.”

Further explaining the human-centric approach of Studio 77, Khurram Safdar, Head of Customer Experience and Design, added, “The two driving forces behind Studio 77 are digitization and human-centrism.

Digitization in today's world is happening at a fast pace, and we need to embrace it. And we need to work together and use all the technological innovations at our disposal to deliver human-centered experiences to our clients.

It is a space where we make impactful decisions while keeping humans at the center of everything we create. With Studio 77, we're bringing our creative ethos of collaborative ideation, constant innovation, and rapid implementation to the world.”

Learn more about Studio 77: https://www.systemsltd.com/blogs/studio-77-by-systems-limited

Systems Limited holds a staunch belief in creating the right working environment to stimulate creativity and innovation. Studio 77 is an open, creative space for the team to dive into their creative streams and design simple yet intuitive technology solutions that solve complex problems.

It is a place that fosters autonomy and incites people to be proud of their work, rethink how they navigate their challenges, and inspire each other.

Studio 77 got an overwhelmingly positive response from the honorable guests and attendees. Specific praise was given to the core philosophy of the initiative, which revolves around putting people at the center of every problem-solving approach and design process.

The guests enjoyed photo booths and other activities while engaging in highly interactive and insightful networking sessions.

Going beyond the confines of typical activities around design, user experience, and art direction, Studio 77 also caters to, marketing intelligence, copywriting, social media and content, and user research.

Through Studio 77, where people come first, and creativity knows no bounds, Systems Limited aims to fully embrace the culture of innovation, inclusivity, and human-centrism in the world of technology.

The company intentions to simplify and humanize technology, stimulate creativity, and facilitate employees to think beyond it.

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ISLAMABAD, JUL 7: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday appointed Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP) chief and MNA Shah­zain Bugti as his special assistant on reconciliation and harmony in Balochistan.

The Cabinet Division, in a notification, said: "The Prime Minister [...] has been pleased to appoint Nawabzada Shah­zain Bugti MNA as Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Reconciliation and Harmony in Balochistan, with immediate effect. He shall hold the status of Federal Minister."

The appointment comes on the heels of the government working on holding talks with "disgruntled" Baloch leaders who are not associated with India.

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry, a day earlier, had said Balochistan would soon be a "cradle of peace" in the country, adding that those involved in Lahore's Johar Town blast — who the government earlier said have links with India — have been arrested by authorities.

PM Imran Khan, two days back, had said he was mulling over speaking to the insurgents in Balochistan, as the situation in the province had changed, and Pakistan was moving towards a better future.

The premier, addressing an event in Gwadar, had said the insurgents might be upset with the state due to some past grievances or India might have used them to spread terror in Pakistan.

The newly appointed SAPM was elected from Dera Bugti's NA-259 constituency. His party is also an ally of the PTI-led government in the Centre.

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Starting a business in an online market is not tough if one has a fabulous business idea. Here’s a list of 8 profitable online businesses ideas that you can start with a minimum investment of Rs 25,000.

Starting a business may seem like a mammoth task, especially when the capital is limited. Thoughts like managing inventory, logistics, marketing etc., often shake a beginner’s confidence. 

It’s a long arduous journey, but when the plans are right, it reaps benefits for the founders, stakeholders, and several others who depend on it for their livelihood. 

Today, starting a business in the online medium with a small investment is not hard. SMBStory has made a list of eight profitable online businesses ideas, which can be started with a minimum investment of Rs 25,000.

Artificial jewellery

Jewellery never goes out of style neither its demand. Even during the COVID-19 lockdown, when most businesses were shut down, the demand for artificial minimalist jewellery pieces remained in constant demand. 

Setting up an artificial jewellery business is doable with an investment as low as Rs 25,000. Chinu Kala, Founder of Rubans — a Bengaluru-based jewellery brand — says launching an imitation jewellery business is a great idea, and suggests one can invest between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000 in buying products in bulk.

“THERE ARE PORTALS LIKE TRADEINDIA, WHERE PEOPLE CAN GET CONNECTED TO GOOD MANUFACTURERS FOR PROCURING JEWELLERY AND SELLING BY SETTING UP AN ONLINE SHOP,” CHINU SAYS.

She adds that the first customers of the business can also be friends and family who can endorse the products in their circle and urge them to buy online. 

Home bakery

Setting up a basic home bakery business doesn’t require a hefty investment but a strong intent to bake and a handful of money to procure an oven and buy ingredients for baking. 

Mariam Mohuideen, Founder of Baker’s Treat, Mangalore, started from a small bakery set built out of passion. She says baking is a craft, and to set up a business in this industry, “one has to think out of the box to succeed.” 

“THERE’S NO NEED OF DOING BRANDING WHEN STARTING FROM A SMALL SCALE, BUT FOCUS ON THE QUALITY AND DELIVERING A FLAVOUR THAT CUSTOMERS WOULD RELISH,” SHE ADDS.

A home bakery can be started with an investment between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000.

Homemade candles

In the last few years, people are taking to buying more candles, especially scented candles, to enhance their home interiors and for gifting purposes.

One can start a candle business with a minimal investment either by making it at home or procuring it from a third party.

The raw materials used to start the business include wax, wick, moulds, thread, aroma oils, and more. 

Besides, you also need to have some candle-making equipment, which includes a melting pot, thermometer, pour pot, weighing scale, hammer, and an oven (to melt wax).

Many beginner candle-makers can start by listing their products on Itsy Bitsy — a one-stop shop for art and craft manufacturing to retail to D2C stack in the country.

It has 26 stores across the country, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Panjim, Ahmedabad, Mysore, Shimoga, and Delhi.

Bedsheets

Starting an online bedsheet business is quite pocket-friendly for founders as the products can be bought in bulk and at a cheaper cost from manufacturers.

Entrepreneurs can connect with manufacturers through Indiamart or can directly buy from cities like Panipat, Jaipur, Delhi, Surat, and Kolkata, which are famous for their bedsheets. 

JABALPUR-BASED ENTREPRENEUR REKHA SABHARWAL SAID SHE STARTED A BEDSHEET BUSINESS FROM HOME BY SOURCING PRODUCTS FROM DELHI’S SADAR BAZAAR. 

She started selling via WhatsApp groups, and today, she is running a successful business, selling in and around Jabalpur.

Papad

From plastic, areca to bamboo spoons, bowls, and plates, the market for disposable cutlery has a constant demand in India, especially from Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), retail, and from customers for several occasions. 

The disposable cutlery business is a low investment and a high-profit business, given the items procured are from local wholesalers or manufacturers. 

Spices

India is a big market for spices, with major demand coming from across the country. Earlier, we used to use fresh spices made at home, and continue to do so. Many spices, including garam masala, jeera masala, paratha masala, etc., are made at home and there is a constant demand for them.

Mother-daughter duo Urmila and Aarti Samant started Masala Tokri, a Mumbai-based spices brand, which they started by selling in their circle of family and friends. 

In a span of a little over two years, the duo now aims to touch the turnover of Rs 1 crore. 

The business is profitable and requires a small investment for procuring raw materials. 

The masalas are carefully curated by Urmila. Aarti says that their background of running a family business of masala chakkis helped them connect to premium raw material vendors from across the country. 

Buttons

Either in menswear, kidswear, or womenswear, buttons always enhanced the elegance of an outfit. The button business requires bare minimum investment and can be started from home to set up an online shop for selling.

From plastic to fabric and steel buttons, there are various categories in this niche that you can select depending upon your choice of business.

For selling purposes, creating a local group online on social media channels or messengers can be an initial step. SMB entrepreneurs can also set up their personalised online store within minutes on the MyEasyStore platform.

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COURTESY yourstory

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RAWALPINDI, JUL 6: Azerbaijan Ambassador to Pakistan Ali Alizada on Tuesday paid a farewell call to Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa at GHQ, said Inter Services Public Relations in a statement.

During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, regional security situation, including the Afghan Peace Process and measures to further enhance bilateral and defence cooperation were discussed.

COAS thanked Ambassador for his services in Pakistan and acknowledged his contributions towards strengthening Pak-Azerbaijan relations.

The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s role in ensuring peace and stability in the region and also pledged to contribute positively towards Afghan peace.

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COURTESY 24newshd

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MOSCOW, JUL 6: Wreckage from a plane that went missing Tuesday in Russia’s Far East region of Kamchatka was found around five kilometers (three miles) away from a runway at an airport on the coast where it was supposed to land, officials said.

The governor of Kamchatka, Vladimir Solodov, told the Interfax news agency that the aircraft’s fuselage was found on land near the coast, while other wreckage was found nearby in the Okhotsk Sea.

According to Russian media reports, none of the 28 people on board have survived the crash.

The plane belonged to a company called Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise. The plane has been in operation since 1982, Russian state news agency Tass reported. 

The company’s director, Alexei Khabarov, told the Interfax news agency that the plane was technically sound before taking off in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

A criminal investigation into the incident has been launched. Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise‘s deputy director, Sergei Gorb, said that the plane “practically crashed into a sea cliff,” which wasn’t supposed to be in its landing trajectory.

The plane was on approach for landing when contact was lost about 10 kilometers (six miles) away from Palana’s airport. The head of the local government in Palana, Olga Mokhireva, was aboard the flight, spokespeople of the Kamchatka government said.

In 2012, an Antonov An-28 plane belonging to Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise crashed into a mountain while flying from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsk and coming in for a landing in Palana. 

A total of 14 people were on board and 10 of them were killed. Both pilots, who were among the dead, were found to have alcohol in their blood, Tass reported.

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COURTESY Anews

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