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Syntax Communications Makes It To Top 71 Companies Using Tech for Inclusive Media

By
Ariba Raza
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Image Source: Facebook

As we enter 2023, Omdena has compiled a list featuring 71 innovative companies in which Syntax Communications has also been ranked for utilizing technology for inclusive media, ultimately making a positive impact on society.

Syntax Communications, founded in 2004 by Ahmed Kapadia, is a strategic public relations agency based in Karachi, Pakistan, that represents forward-thinking brands and businesses. As an independent firm, they utilize the latest tools and tactics in the field of PR, along with their own expertise and passion, to achieve exceptional results for their clients.

When the agency’s founder, Ahmed Kapadia, was asked how he measures impact in an interview with Omdena, he said,

“We define impact as the measurable outcomes that our communication strategies deliver to our clients and their end-users. The impact can be measured in various ways, depending on the specific goals of each project. We use a hybrid evaluation system that combines both qualitative and quantitative metrics. We analyze data from various sources, such as social media analytics, surveys, and client/customer feedback, to evaluate the effectiveness of our communication strategies.

At Syntax, we measure impact in terms of increased brand awareness, engagement rates, lead generation, and sales, as well as social or environmental impact. Additionally, we have developed a mechanism that combines the Influence/Impression Matrix and AI tools to measure outcomes and provide long-term value for our clients. By doing so, we can identify what worked well, what needs improvement, and how we can optimize our future communication strategies to drive even greater impact.

As a PR agency focused on impact, we take pride in creating communication strategies that deliver measurable outcomes and contribute to making a positive difference in the world. We believe that AI and impact are not just buzzwords, but critical aspects of modern business that must be prioritized and continuously evaluated.”

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

 

Zindigi, Prince’s Trust International And Page Join Forces To Empower Girls Across Pakistan

By
Unzila Riaz
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Islamabad, 6th March 2023: Zindigi – Powered by JS Bank, Prince’s Trust International, and Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education (PAGE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch “The Achieve Program” a structured 360-degree package that will focus on the personal development, digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, and employability skills of young girls in Pakistan.

The pilot program will be funded by Zindigi – powered by JS Bank, Pakistan’s fastest-growing digital banking initiative targeted toward Gen Z and millennials. PAGE will deliver the program with the technical support of Prince’s Trust International founded by His Majesty King Charles III, formerly The Prince of Wales, to tackle the global youth unemployment crisis.

This forward-thinking initiative will promote alternative approaches to learning, support young girls to (re)engage with formal education and equip them with the skills needed to transition from school to sustainable careers.

Dignitaries from all key partners were present at the signing ceremony, including Shabir Randeree – Chairman Prince’s Trust International, Noman Azhar – Chief Officer Zindigi, Imran Shaikh – COO JS Bank, Fajer Rabia Pasha – Executive Director PAGE and Farzana Yaqoob, Chair of Board PAGE.

Speaking at the event, Noman Azhar stated, “We are delighted to be affiliating with Prince’s Trust International and PAGE Pakistan to create and launch an initiative that aligns deeply with our core mission of empowering the youth of Pakistan. This collaboration will help create a sustainable model that gives young girls the education and expertise they need to thrive.”

Wasim Malik, Head of Asia at Prince’s Trust International, commented: “Prince’s Trust International employability, education, and enterprise programs give young people around the world the tools to build sustainable careers. Delivered through local partners, our Achieve program is tailored to the specific need. This new partnership is an exciting development for our work in Pakistan and I am looking forward to seeing the positive impact for young people on the program”.

Zindigi, Prince’s Trust International, and PAGE Pakistan are committed to ensuring the success and sustainability of “The Achieve Program.”

Mrs. Fajer Rabia Pasha stated we are excited to be launching Achieve in Pakistan which will focus on giving young women the skills to develop their personal, entrepreneurial, and employment skills with digital skills as a cross-cutting theme. This program has the potential to empower young girls and prepare them for a bright start.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

Citizen’s Guide To Restricting Gender-Based Violence

By
Unzila Riaz
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In Islamabad, to commemorate International Women’s Day, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday unveiled the Citizen’s Handbook to Reduce Gender-Based Violence (GBV) within the ministry of planning. “If Pakistan is to be put on the path of rapid development, then we have to connect 100% of the population with the country’s development process,” stated Minister Ahsan Iqbal while addressing to the participants.

Image Source: Wikipedia

According to a press release issued here, the Planning Minister has started a number of programs for women as part of its development budget. In order to assess and consider development projects from a gender viewpoint, a gender unit has been established within the Ministry. The Minister emphasized that women are only eligible for 50% of the government-sponsored scholarship programs. Addressing women at Citizen Guide’s inaugural ceremony, Ahsan stated that over half of the Young Development Fellows YDFs Program’s initiators are girls who have led the most effective campaign against gender discrimination in Pakistani institutions.

He added that the goal of the YDFs’ campaign against GBV was to educate female students on how to defend themselves from all forms of violence. Similarly to this, Citizen Guide will benefit women in this way.

The Minister also emphasized that the government will soon launch an internship program in which women and recent female graduates would be given equal opportunities.

Parallel to this, the government is launching a program called InnovationFund through which female entrepreneurs will be supported and given money to run their businesses so they may serve as role models for other women.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

Successful Pakistani Women In Technology May Encourage Young Women

By
Unzila Riaz
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One of the industries in Pakistan that are thought to be dominated by men is the technology sector. Many women, nevertheless, desire to make a difference in the tech industry. Whilst the lack of resources for women has been a problem, certain opportunities that could change the game have emerged in recent years. Businesses are putting increasing emphasis on educating women, and some IT startups have been started by female engineers, computer scientists, or programmers.

The Google Developer Expert Program was one of the initiatives that offered excellent chances to women seeking careers in technology. People have the opportunity to learn about the developing tech disciplines and acquire useful experience in them through GDE.

The success of Pakistani Women in the GDE Programme

Pakistan became the first country in the world to produce a Google Development Expert (GDE) in machine learning, thanks to the GDE platform. Aqsa Kausar made history by becoming the first female GDE in South-East Asia and the first GDE in ML (Frontier Region). Her tale may excite a lot of young ladies, as she stated acquiring an interest in Machine Learning during her school days.

The road taken by Aqsa was comparable to that of other women who desire to work in technology. Due to a lack of mentoring and insufficient learning materials, she faced a significant obstacle. But her desire to succeed in the tech industry drove her to continue studying and doing research. Aqsa has now worked on various projects connected to augmented reality, object identification, and recommendation systems. She has also given her expertise in Singapore, the Philippines, and other SEA nations. She was a three-time mentor at Google’s Women Development Academy.

Similar to Sakina Abbas, who co-founded ReacTree through GDE and advanced her tech career. Another name to add to the list is Mariam Aslam, who became the First Female GDE in Pakistan in the Firebase category. Taley’a Mirza became the first female Google Development Expert in web technologies.

One can conclude that there are a huge number of chances for Pakistani women in the technology sector based on the success of these few examples. More young women should act now and make use of the tools Google provides, such as GDE and other programs.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

Anoushey Ashraf Trolled For Her “Cheap Rickshaw Ride”

By
Unzila Riaz
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It’s not new for Anoushey Ashraf to stay in the news for something wrong she did or said. Recently, tweeps ripped out the veteran RJ for her “blinded privilege,” educating her. Anoushey Ashraf, a Pakistani radio and video DJ, was trying to make the journey in Karachi, a city where cars take up more space than people—normal when she climbed in a rickshaw. The well-known presenter, as she noted in her tweet, was recently offered a lift out of sympathy after someone witnessed her boarding a rickshaw.

Above is the video for you to watch. Have a look. “Got offered a sympathy ride when someone saw me getting into a rickshaw 2day. I thought it’d be an adventure, was close to home, relatively safe (you can jump out) and cheap,” she wrote, taking to her Twitter.

The 39-year-old famous broadcaster described herself as “well off,” writing: “But seeing a ‘well off’ person in a rick can really worry ppl here! Normalise public transport for all.” 

Anoushey, joyfully, posted about her infrequent “affordable experience” on her social media account, but the netizens weren’t in the mood to put up with her “privileged”, “tone-deaf” idea of a rickshaw ride, especially given the country’s continued elevated inflation, which is currently at a record high. As expected the public did not have a happy reaction. Some sarcastically mocked her and others were a bit more mean. Here are some reactions.

What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments below.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

Teaser For Danish Taimoor & Ayeza Khan’s Latest Drama Is Finally Out

By
Unzila Riaz
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Real-life couple Danish Taimoor and Ayeza Khan have long had ties to Pakistan’s entertainment sector. Before they got married more than five years ago, the two appeared together on screen in a number of drama serials, including Saari Bhool Hamari Thi, Shareek e Hayat, Kitni Girhain Baaki Hain, and a telefilm called Jab We Wed. For the first time since their marriage, they will be reunited on television once more.

Although they haven’t worked together in a while, the two have performed in a lot of drama serials during the past five years. Ayeza’s most well-known project to date is the just-finished Mere Paas Tum Ho, which attracted a lot of attention and praise for the actress. And Danish Taimoor recently got a massive appreciation for his work in Kesi Teri Khudgarzi. Watchers were impatiently waiting for what the forthcoming project had in store for them.

Recently, Ayeza announced the news of her new Ramazan drama alongside her husband Danish Taimoor. She let her fans know through Instagram on Sunday by sharing a photo of the title page of her Chand Tara screenplay. She said, “Just another chapter of my life,” and included Chaudhry, her husband, and the filmmaker Danish Nawaz as tags.

Recently, Ayeza Khan just posted the first-ever trailer for Chand Tara and fans are even more excited now. Here have a look.

What do you think about Chand Tara? Will the fans like it? Let us know in the comments below.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

Emirates Announces First Robotic Check-in System At Airports

By
Unzila Riaz
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This year, Emirates will install a robotic check-in system in airports. According to an Emirates representative, the technology, called Sara, will speak at least six languages and assist with everything from check-in to hotel reservations. The automated check-in system was created by Emirates in association with its partners and was entirely made in the country. During the next two years, more than 200 of these devices will be operational in airports all throughout the city, according to Redha.

Image Source: Gulf News

“The needs of travelers keep growing,” said Ade Redha. “However, the airport is the same. We aim to serve our customers better with technology.” 

The statement was made on Thursday outside of the “FORSA TEK” showcase event, which the Emirates Group had prepared to highlight the most recent significant advancements in technology and sustainability in the aviation and tourist sectors.

The Emirates Group and its partners present a range of innovations at “FORSA TEK,” an interactive market, with the participation of startups from the “Intelak” and “Aviation X Lab” platforms as well as a select group of industry experts. These innovations include robotics, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and other technologies that will lead the future of travel.

What do you think about this? Let us know in the comments below.

Stay tuned to Bransynario for more news and updates.

This Drug Can Help People With Hair-Pulling & Skin-Pulling Disorders

By
Dr. Rida Qamar
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Alzheimer’s drug, memantine, has been shown in some studies to be effective in treating both hair-pulling disorder (trichotillomania) and skin-picking disorder (dermatillomania). Memantine is a medication that is typically used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, such as memory loss and confusion, by blocking the activity of a chemical in the brain called glutamate.

Trichotillomania and dermatillomania are both considered to be body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). These disorders involve repetitive and compulsive behaviors such as pulling out hair, picking at skin, or biting nails, which can lead to significant distress and physical damage to the affected areas. The exact causes of BFRBs are not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

Image source: studyfinds

Read More: Do You Take Protein Powder every day? Here’s What You Need To Know

Memantine For Skin & Hair Pulling Conditions 

The researchers recruited about 100 adults with the disorders, in a double-blind trial for eight weeks. The team assessed patients taking either memantine or a placebo every two weeks using the National Institute of Mental Health Trichotillomania Symptom Severity Scale. The scale was further modified to assess skin-picking since there isn’t a common measurement tool for it. Two people dropped out after reporting dizziness, and 79 fully completed the study.

26 out of 43 study participants saw ‘much’ or ‘very much’ improvement after taking memantine for eight weeks. Meanwhile, Six people in the memantine group and one in the placebo group experienced complete relief of their symptoms.

Image source: studyfinds

“A person’s self-esteem is greatly impacted by these behaviors, so they may not go for interviews for a better job, for example. They may not have the social life they want,” says lead author Jon Grant, MD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Chicago Medicine, in a media release.

According to Grant, the effects of memantine came kind of serendipitously. “One day the patient told me, ‘Wow, that stopped me from pulling my hair.”

Read More: This New Disease Is Linked To Ingesting Pollution

While it has been found that memantine can be effective in reducing the symptoms of BFRBs, more research is needed to confirm these findings. It is thought that memantine may work by reducing the activity of certain brain chemicals that are involved in the development of BFRBs.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Cursing On YouTube? The Policies Are Now Changing

By
Usman Kashmirwala
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Source:CNET

YouTube, the world’s largest video sharing platform, has recently announced changes to its cursing policy. The move is aimed at curbing the use of foul language on the platform, which has been a longstanding issue. In this article, we will explore the new policy changes and what it means for YouTube content creators and viewers.

YouTube’s new cursing policy is a part of its broader efforts to create a more positive and respectful environment on the platform. The policy now states that any content containing excessive use of profanity or vulgar language will be demonetized or age-restricted, even if it does not violate the platform’s community guidelines. The policy also extends to the use of racial slurs, hate speech, and other forms of offensive language.

Can it be termed as an infringement of speech?

While some may argue that this policy change is an infringement on free speech, YouTube has emphasized that it is committed to promoting responsible content creation and fostering a safe and inclusive environment for its users. The platform has made it clear that it is not trying to censor or silence creators, but rather to encourage them to be mindful of their language and the impact it may have on their viewers.

YouTube Updates Ad Policy To Allow More Profanity In Videos
Source: Search Engine Journal

So, what does this mean for YouTube content creators? For starters, it means that creators will need to be more careful about their language choices if they want to continue monetizing their content. The use of excessive profanity or vulgar language may result in a loss of revenue, which could have a significant impact on creators who rely on YouTube as their primary source of income.

Furthermore, creators will need to be mindful of the audience they are catering to. If their content is intended for a younger audience, they will need to be even more cautious about their language choices. This could result in creators self-censoring their content, which could have a negative impact on their creative expression.

The bright side 

On the other hand, this policy change could also encourage creators to be more creative and innovative in their content creation. They may need to find new and exciting ways to convey their message without resorting to foul language or offensive language. This could lead to a more diverse and inclusive range of content on the platform.

For viewers, this policy change means that they can expect to see less content with excessive profanity or vulgar language. This could be a welcome change for some viewers who find such language offensive. However, for others, it could be seen as censorship and a restriction on their freedom of expression.

YouTube plans to modify profanity rules that prompted creator backlash | TechCrunch
Source: TechCrunch

YouTube’s new cursing policy is a significant change for the platform, and it remains to be seen how it will impact content creators and viewers. While it is a positive step towards creating a more positive and respectful environment on the platform, it also raises questions about censorship and free speech. Ultimately, it will be up to YouTube to ensure that its policies strike the right balance between promoting responsible content creation and fostering a safe and inclusive environment for its users.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Google’s VPN Service: Here’s What You Need To Know

By
Usman Kashmirwala
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Google's VPN Service: Here's What You Need To Know
Source: Techradar

In response to growing concerns over online privacy and security, Google has released its own virtual private network (VPN) service. Google VPN is a service that provides users with a secure connection to the internet while protecting their online activities from prying eyes.

Here’s what you need to know about Google VPN:

What is a VPN?

A VPN is a virtual private network that encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server. This allows you to access the internet securely and anonymously. With a VPN, your online activity is hidden from your internet service provider, government, and other potential threats.

Why Use Google VPN?

Google VPN offers several benefits. Firstly, it provides a secure and private internet connection. This is particularly important when using public Wi-Fi, which is notoriously insecure. Secondly, Google VPN can help you bypass internet censorship and geo-restrictions. With a VPN, you can access websites and online services that may be blocked in your country. Finally, Google VPN can protect your online activities from hackers, data thieves, and other malicious actors.

Layanan Google One Tambah Fitur VPN untuk Pengguna iPhone, iPad - MakeMac
Source: MakeMAC

How Does Google VPN Work?

Google VPN uses industry-standard encryption protocols to secure your internet connection. It also routes your traffic through Google’s servers, which are located all around the world. This helps to mask your IP address and location, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activities.

Google VPN also uses a feature called “split tunneling.” This allows you to choose which apps and services are routed through the VPN and which are not. For example, you may want to use the VPN for your web browser but not for your email client.

How to Use Google VPN

Using Google VPN is simple. Firstly, you need to sign up for the service. Google VPN is currently only available to users of the Google One subscription service. Once you have signed up, you can download the Google VPN app on your device. The app is available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Google One VPN: What is it, how much it costs, and more
Source: Android Authority

After installing the app, simply log in with your Google One account details. You can then choose a server location and connect to the VPN. Once you are connected, your internet connection will be secured and all of your online activities will be protected.

Google VPN Pricing

Google VPN is currently only available to users of the Google One subscription service. Google One offers several pricing tiers, ranging from $1.99 per month for 100GB of storage to $299.99 per month for 30TB of storage. The VPN service is included in all of these tiers at no additional cost.

Google VPN is a powerful tool for protecting your online privacy and security. It offers several benefits, including a secure and private internet connection, bypassing internet censorship and geo-restrictions, and protecting your online activities from hackers and data thieves. While Google VPN is currently only available to Google One subscribers, it is an affordable and effective way to ensure your online safety.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Here’s Why District 19 Has Suspended ‘Girls Night’

By
Dr. Rida Qamar
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A few days ago, recreational center District 19 took to its official Instagram account to cancel its Girls’ Night indefinitely. The event which has gathered hundreds of women regularly to provide a safe avenue for them to practice their love for music and generally enjoy being themselves was shut down by women themselves. The management shared their utter disbelief at what had happened and what caused them to take such a difficult decision.

District 19’s Statement 

In an official statement released on the Instagram account, the officials cleared the air about multiple instances of their organizers being abused and receiving crass comments in their DM’s for not living up to girls’ demands.

“We have been receiving DM’s and it is time that we clear a lot of things. We have never spoken or talked about this but due to the circumstances from the last girls’ night event we want to address some key aspects once and for all.” 

Read More: Ushna Shah Is Back On Instagram With New Pictures

Image source: Instagram

“We are heavily saddened about how the majority of the crowd trashed the place and wasn’t careful about littering even though it is a very basic thing to be mindful of. It caused us and our staff an immense inconvenience. Although this happens at almost every girls’ night, this time it was unbearable.”

“Girl’s Night isn’t just about music and dancing but is all about bringing girls of all backgrounds together. The music is a reflection of diversity amongst all women and may resonate with various women differently. As is the case with ALL clubs and parties around the world, and the music is up to the DJ’s discretion.”

“We do not tolerate any amount of disrespect to our talent or staff members by anybody. Regular patrons or not. When we talk about providing a ‘safe space,’ we meant for everyone, including our team, staff, and especially our artists.”

Now that the girls’ night is suspended indefinitely, Karachi girls have one less thing to look forward to when it comes to leisure activities. However, the immense backlash and constant criticism is something that the public needs to be varied off.

What are your views about the cancellation of the girls’ night? Let us know in the comments below.

Read More: People Are Questioning Shoaib Malik’s Absence At Sania Mirza’s Retirement Bash

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Jazz Pledges To Address The Gender Gap In The Digital Sphere 

By
Unzila Riaz
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In Islamabad, today on the 9th of March, in order to strengthen its commitment to the GSMA Connected Women Initiative and increase the number of female mobile broadband users and female microentrepreneurs, Jazz, Pakistan’s top digital operator and a member of the VEON Group, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with GSMA, a global organization that unifies and represents the mobile ecosystem.

The major goal of the GSMA Connected Women Initiative, which is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is to promote women’s empowerment by enabling their access to financial independence by creating and promoting microbusiness opportunities for them. In accordance with this Letter of Intent, GSMA will offer Jazz consulting support to investigate how female micro-entrepreneurs utilize cell phones for their enterprises, pinpoint obstacles preventing their expansion, and develop new digital and commercial strategies in order to maximize profits.

The goal of Jazz’s partnership with GSMA is to provide regular updates and feedback on their projects while also expanding smartphone ownership and internet access among female micro-entrepreneurs.

Jazz was previously honored by GSMA for successfully launching the Jazz Digit 4G smart features phones globally in order to enhance 4G penetration and smartphone ownership under its “4G for All” mission. To entice everyone to join the digital ecosystem, the digital operator also provides Shariah-compliant simple installment payment plans on these 4G-enabled phones.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Aamir Ibrahim, Jazz CEO, highlighted, “Women empowerment is at the heart of everything we do at Jazz so we are proud to extend this collaboration with GSMA. Over the years, we have undertaken a number of initiatives, to bridge the digital gender equality gap including our ongoing nationwide Rural Data Education Campaign to digitally empower rural populations including men and women.”

Jazz has worked with UNDP and UN Women to conduct numerous national financial and digital literacy training programs to equip women with the technical and entrepreneurial skillsets necessary to improve their lives and means of subsistence.

In collaboration with LUMS, Jazz also established an executive leadership development program for its female managers. This program is also open on the basis of merit to senior female professionals outside the organization.

Jazz’s Diversity, Equality & Inclusion (DEI) vertical is built on a strong policy framework that addresses the particular issues faced by women in the workplace. It also delivers a gender-balanced workplace that provides women from all backgrounds with a welcoming professional space. The corporation offers maternity leave benefits for six months, flexible return support for new mothers for six months, and a program for women returning to corporate roles after a pause in their careers, among other female-specific initiatives. It also offers Pink Cards, which give Jazz employees and their families a 50% discount on medical exams connected to women.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, emphasizes the urgent interventions required to address the gender disparity in the workplace in the fields of technology, science, engineering, and mathematics. These initiatives attest to the company’s mission to create a Digital Pakistan and are in line with this theme.

Four Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations are achieved through the extension of the GSMA Connected Women Initiative, including SDG 5 on gender equality, SDG 9 on the industry, innovation, and infrastructure, SDG 10 on reduced inequalities, and SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia Partner Up for a $100 Million Tech Boost

By
Unzila Riaz
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The $100 million Tech House in Islamabad, Pakistan, received its official opening from Saudi Prince Fahad bin Mansour. Through partnerships with Pakistani Technology companies, the project aims to create opportunities. The goal of this project is to wean Saudi Arabia off its dependency on oil and position it as a worldwide investment powerhouse with a cutting-edge digital infrastructure. It is a component of the Saudi Arabian government’s Vision 2030 strategy plan.

Prince Fahad stated earlier in 2023 that he intended to establish a tech company in Pakistan. He thought that the tech company will help to improve Saudi Arabia’s and Pakistan’s trade relations. This initiative will be run by ILSA Interactive, a company with offices in Riyadh and Lahore that was created in 2009 by Prince Fahad and Pakistani billionaire Salman Nasir. Prince Fahad said it was an honor to announce the opening of the Saudi Pakistan Tech House while speaking during the ceremony in Islamabad.

He added that the venture represented a new dimension for better cooperation and enhancing the long-standing strategic relationship between the two nations. “Our business in Pakistan will be a catalyst for this alliance to give a platform for more collaboration and progress,” he said. I want to reiterate that over the next five years, we want to launch more than 300 projects with a minimum investment of $100 million, and we hope to create more than 1,000 employees in Pakistan.

The prime minister’s special assistant for youth issues, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, applauded the Saudi crown prince’s initiative to modernize the Kingdom.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Instagram Down For Users Worldwide Again

By
Unzila Riaz
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Image Source: 9to5mac

According to the outage monitoring website Downdetector.com, Meta Platform’s (META.O) Instagram was down on Wednesday for thousands of customers worldwide. By combining status information from numerous sources, including user-submitted faults on its platform, Downdetector collects outage statistics. Instagram users experienced issues signing in, posting content, and using several of the app’s capabilities, however, the specific cause of the outage was not immediately apparent.

At the height of the outage, more than 46,000 users in the US reported having trouble accessing the photo-sharing network, according to Downdetector, which keeps track of outages by compiling status updates from various sources, including user-submitted problems on its own platform. Several customers were dissatisfied and unable to utilize the platform during the outage, which lasted for many hours before service was restored. The Instagram Comms Twitter account stated that the incident was connected to a technical issue on Instagram’s end.

Almost 2,000 UK users were affected, while there were over 1,000 reports each from India and Australia, according to Downdetector. As usual, all Instagram users took to Twitter to show off their humorous sarcasm. Here are some reactions Twitter users started to give immediately.

This is not the first time that Instagram servers have been down. Time and again, Instagram shits down globally and almost all users face problems. Although, Instagram has never stated a specific reason for this. Instagram users have now become so used to this that they take it lightly and joke about it on other social platforms like Twitter.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

FBR Imposes 25% Sales Tax On Luxury Goods

By
Unzila Riaz
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The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed a 25 percent sales tax on the import and local supply of a variety of luxury goods, including aerated water/juices, confectionery items, crockery/footwear, furniture, home appliances, jewelry, cosmetics, cigarettes, and vehicles in Completely Built Up (CBU) condition as well as locally produced/assembled vehicles with engine capacities of 1400cc and above.

A 25 percent sales tax on luxury products has been imposed by the FBR as of March 8, 2023, per the S.R.O. 297(I)/2023 released on Wednesday.

Image Source: The Current

The FBR has placed a 25 percent sales tax on the import and local supply of

  • Aerated water and juices
  • Confectionary
  • Vehicles in CBU conditions
  • Sanitary and bathroom wares
  • Carpets (excluding those from Afghanistan)
  • Chandeliers and lighting devices or equipment
  • Chocolates
  • Cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes
  • Corn flakes and other ready-to-use cereals
  • Cosmetics and shaving items
  • Tissue papers
  • Crockery
  • Kitchenware and tableware and household articles
  • Decorations or ornamental articles
  • Dog and cat food only
  • Doors and window frames
  • Fish
  • Footwear
  • Fruits and dry fruits (excluding those imported through land routes or barter mechanisms)
  • Furniture
  • Home appliances CBU
  • Ice cream
  • Jams
  • Jellies
  • Preserved fruits and fruit and vegetable juices
  • Leather jackets and apparel
  • Mattress and sleeping bags
  • Fresh, chilled, frozen, preserved, or processed meat
  • Musical instruments
  • Pasta
  • Arms and ammunition excluding defense stores
  • Shampoos
  • Sunglasses
  • Tomato ketchup and sauces
  • A ship designed or adapted for use for recreation or pleasure or private use
  • An aircraft designed or adapted for use for recreation or pleasure or private use
  • Articles of jewelry (both precious metals and imitation)
  • Wristwatches

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

Video Of Money Being Thrown Out Of The Prado Is Raising Concerns

By
Dr. Rida Qamar
-
Image Source: Facebook

A video has caught fire on social media for reasons you can never get accustomed to. The video shows Prado cruising through the highway where the people in the car are throwing money out of the window.

Car Or Cash On The Roll?

The money got moved literally in this case where the passengers are having fun while throwing money out of the window. Initially, ten rupee notes were thrown out. Later, hundred rupee notes were thrown out of the car which tempted many to make a stop to collect some.

Meanwhile, with highway accidents not being uncommon anymore, such acts are a recipe for disaster. Following driving rules is one thing but going bonkers on the road can cause major accidents on the road – that too on a busy highway.

Here’s a look at the video below:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?extid=CL-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C&mibextid=1YhcI9R&v=205166052122797

Read More: Food Wastage In Detergent Commercials: Can We Opt For Responsible Advertising?

Public Reacts To The Video

The public’s reaction to the video has been conflicting. From commenting about black money to sharing their views about the class gap which is getting bigger and bigger with the ongoing financial crisis. Netizens shared their two cents about the scenario.

Here are some of the comments from the post:

Image source: Facebook
Image source: Facebook
Image source: Facebook

Read More: Saboor Aly’s Birthday Pictures Going Viral For Being ‘Indecent’

Meanwhile, netizens mentioned that the notes are fake and that those who were thinking to stop the car to gather some would only have made a fool of themselves. Despite the ongoing comments such an act only depicts the lack of sense our public has in general. Not to mention the ability to acknowledge our wrongs and try to take responsibility for the wrongful acts.

What are your thoughts on the current video? Share your views in the comments below.

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Google To Host 7 Women Techmakers Events To Support Pakistani Women Developers

By
Unzila Riaz
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In Pakistan’s Karachi, on March 8, 2023, this year, Google is putting on seven Women Techmakers (WTM) events across five locations in Pakistan to help and empower more than 1,550 female developers. Google’s WTM program aims to give women in technology visibility, a sense of community, and access to tools.

The seven events, which include rallies, workshops, networking opportunities, and conferences, will take place between March and May and offer training in a variety of entrepreneurship topics, such as leadership, technical skills, and how to get around particular obstacles faced by women in technology.

International Women’s Day, which falls on March 8, will be the day of the first gathering (IWD). This year’s IWD theme for WTM events is #DareToBe, where we promote women’s confidence and courage to dream large and take chances. We encourage everyone to consider all the ways they will “Dare To Be” in 2023, whether they are brave, tenacious, or inventive.

The activities will be hosted by regional WTM Ambassadors with assistance from Google. The WTM Ambassador program supports women in tech who are seeking to create impact and give back to their communities. As ambassadors, they will participate in one or more leadership events each quarter in order to interact with their communities.

Farhan S. Qureshi, Google Regional Director for Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka said: “These events, in collaboration with Women Techmakers (WTM) Ambassadors, don’t only recognize the accomplishments of women in tech, but will also encourage more women to join the fast-growing tech industry. Over the years, WTM and its ambassadors have organized many events that have helped women developers reach their true and full potential. That said, the program will promote diversity, equality, and inclusion in the tech sector, which is the primary mission of Google.” 

An attendee from last year’s program, Manahil Qureshi, recalled her experience at the WTM: “The speakers’ sessions were filled with power-packed talks on Education, Women’s Workforce, Community Building, and future prospects for women in tech in Pakistan. The speakers fired up the event with interactive discussions and some interesting Q&A sessions. The vibe of the event was so warm and positive.”

Our WTM activities this year expand on the encouraging outcomes from the WTM sessions we conducted in Pakistan last year, during which we taught more than 800 women developers. The events, which were conducted in conjunction with IWD celebrations, covered vital subjects like online safety, coding, and presentation skills.

The 2023 WTM meetings will begin on March 8, 2023, and last throughout Pakistan until April 29, 2023. For further information, please visit, https://sites.google.com/view/iwd-wtm-2023-pakistan/

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Dawlance CEO Meets Senate Finance Committee – Urging Them To Ease Imports

By
Ariba Raza
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Dawlance
Image Source/Seek Vector Logo

Dawlance is Pakistan’s leading producer of innovative home appliances and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arcelik A.S. Turkiye – the 2nd largest manufacturer of home appliances in Europe. The Chief Executive Officer of Dawlance – Mr. Umar Ahsan Khan recently held a meeting with a Senate Finance Committee, to highlight the adverse economic impact of the current interruption in Pakistan’s imports.

The participants discussed critical issues; as the shortage of foreign-currency reserves in Pakistan, has driven the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to curtail the imports of many important commodities, raw materials and goods, over the past many months. Even large-scale industries are not allowed to open LCs for importing raw materials essential for their operations. Dawlance’s shipments of raw materials and components have also been blocked, halting the manufacturing operations since January for all products that are not only sold locally but exported to other countries too.

Expressing his concerns about this crisis, Mr. Umar Ahsan Khan said: “Restrictions were placed on Dawlance’s imports, from May to August 2022, so we were not able to open any LCs for ‘Chapter 84 and 85 items’. From August till December 2022, we were instructed by the State Bank to work under a quota of 38% of our past year’s imports, forcing our company to significantly reduce production. Even this small quota was not received in full, or on time.” On 27th December, the SBP instructed all the banks to prioritize the LCs for essential items like; food, fuel, fertilizers, only.

The Government has been requested to consider Dawlance as a special case because most of its products are essential for food preservation and hygiene, so it is playing a key role in the well-being of common families and ensuring public health. Therefore, it may be categorized as an industry which is allowed to import its raw materials for production. The Chairman committee Mr Saleem Mandviwalla asked the Governor of SBP to look into resolving the issues being faced by this very important Turkish investor in Pakistan.

Since its 100% acquisition by Arcelik, in 2016, Dawlance has not remitted out of Pakistan any dividend, royalty or technical fee to Arcelik. Dawlance pays approximately PKR 15 Billion annually, as taxes and duties to the Government of Pakistan, besides providing employment to more than 4,500 Pakistanis. The company is transferring technologies and contributing great value to Pakistan’s socioeconomic growth and sustainability.

Pakistan Government must understand that clear and consistent, long-term policies and a business-friendly environment are needed to attract and retain foreign investments, for the sake of stabilizing the national economy, during these challenging times. Dawlance is committed to play a pivotal role in implementing the “Make in Pakistan” policy.

ACCA Urges Companies To Advance Flexible Working On IWD

By
Unzila Riaz
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In Lahore on March 8th, 2023, employers all over the world are celebrating International Women’s Day today, and ACCA is highlighting the value of flexible work arrangements and training for fostering diversity.

The ACCA is urging firms to keep up the momentum as remote and hybrid employment, education, and training are proving essential in broadening access to opportunity.

Following the conclusion of a significant piece of study that polled 8,000 finance professionals worldwide, ACCA discovered that the majority of people desire hybrid working because they believe it increases productivity, with additional benefits highlighted by women.

According to the ACCA’s 2023 Global Talent Trends report, while men and women valued hybrid working almost equally (88% and 86%, respectively), women were more appreciative of the advantages of remote working, with 73% of women saying they were more productive when they worked from home compared to 66% of male respondents.

The study’s findings indicate that hybrid working improves overall mental health and retention, with hybrid workers being less likely to leave their organizations. Employers are still considering how this can affect teamwork and collaboration, though.

Women reported being better able to manage the effects of remote working on cooperation and engagement, with a lower percentage (43% compared to 52% of male respondents) saying that they found collaboration challenging or felt more disengaged.

“Flexible approaches to working are delivering considerable benefits to everybody, but can be particularly useful to individuals where geographical, financial, or extra commitments create limits that can have an influence on working location or hours,” said Helen Brand OBE, chief executive of ACCA. 

“The cultural changes brought about by the pandemic, along with evolving technology, mean remote work and study is now an option for a greater diversity of people. As employers consider the culture of their organizations, it’s important this inclusivity benefit is kept front of mind.”

Although not all jobs and studies may be done remotely, such as those in the construction and healthcare industries, expanding accessibility and flexibility where it is possible helps broaden the pool of potential candidates. Future recalls, remote learning, and tests all contribute to giving many more people the chance to pursue professional professions. ACCA is dedicated to improving inclusion for its members.

Helen Brand added: “E-learning has brought extra flexibility to study, giving people who live in remoter areas, or with challenging commitments outside of study, the scope to build education into their lives. It opens up the promise of a profession to many who might have been excluded until now.”  

Download the full ACCA Talent Trends report here.

Find out more about ACCA’s International Women’s Day activities here

TCL Heartwarming Match Screening Brings Joy to SOS Village Lahore

By
Ariba Raza
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TCL has hit a home run in its efforts to promote diversity via sports by airing an emotional cricket match at SOS Village Lahore. TCL prepared an incredible event in partnership with the village, bringing together almost 200 children and their instructors to see a thrilling match between their favorite teams, Peshawar Zalmi and Lahore Qalandar. McDonald’s came on board as a food partner, offering the kids their favorite meals, making the event even more spectacular.

The kids had a great time cheering on their favorite teams and enjoying the thrill of sports in a fun and safe environment. The event gave the kids a chance to socialize and interact with one another, making it a memorable experience for everyone.

Commenting about the occasion, TCL Marketing Head, Mr. Majid Niazi, stated, “We believe in the transforming potential of sports and the great impact it can have on children’s life. It was great to see the SOS Village children join together to enjoy the match-screening event and cheer on their favorite teams. We aim to continue arranging such activities in the future in order to convey joy and positivity throughout our community.”

TCL has always been dedicated to giving back to the society and assisting Pakistan’s needy populations. Through events like this, TCL hopes to inspire children and promote inclusivity through sports, leaving a lasting impact on the community.

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