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Why Did Hassan Ahmed Apologize To Aiman Khan & Muneeb Butt?

The twins, Aiman and Minal, ought to have a massive fan following among the biggest Pakistani celebrities. Meanwhile, Aiman’s husband, Muneeb Butt, is also following in his wife’s footsteps with more and more followers every day. At the same time, the growth and reach of their stardom to their followers have been questioned time and again. In a recent event, the matter was raised again at ‘The Couple’s Show’, which resulted in Hassan Ahmed coming up with an apology video.

Hassan Ahmed Talks About Aiman & Muneeb

Recently, Hassan Ahmed and his wife Sunita Marshall appeared at the couple show hosted by Aagha Ali and Hina Altaf. On the show, the celebrity duo talked about their family, career and life in general. Meanwhile, in a series of questions, Hassan Ahmed made a remark about Aiman and Muneeb’s followers on social media, which didn’t seem to sit well with the netizens.

Take a look at the viral clip below.

In a series of questions asked by the Host, Aagha asked the actor, “Which celebrity on Instagram does he thinks have a questionable fan following?”

The actor responded, “I think Aiman and Muneeb have an inorganic fan following.”

While none of that sounded in bad taste, the video clip soon went viral on social media, causing quite a stir among Aiman and Muneeb fans’.

Read More: 10 Most Underrated Actors of the Pakistani Drama Industry

Hassan Ahmed Apologize

Soon after the video went viral, Hassan Ahmed took to his Instagram account to apologise to the fans and cleared the air about what he shouldn’t have said on the show.

Here is what he had to say,

“Asalam-u-Alaikum! So I wanted to talk about the clip that recently went viral, in which I said something about Aiman and Muneeb. I have absolutely no way to defend myself, nor do I want to defend myself. I shouldn’t have said any of it, and I take all of that back, and I wish both Aiman and Muneeb the very best in their lives.”

Meanwhile, Aiman Khan being a sweetheart, took to the comments section of the post to respond to Hassan Ahmed’s apology, and it seems like there is no bad blood between the both of them.

Take a look at her comment below.

Image source: Instagram.com

While Aiman Khan and Muneeb Butt have come a very long way in their careers, fan following among their social media fans and followers has always been debatable since the very beginning. Meanwhile, we would like to hear your thoughts on the matter. Let us know in the comments below.

Read More: Hira & Mani Get Trolled Over Their Awkward Photoshoot

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

6 Easy Ways To Tame Your Frizzy Hair This Summer

6 Easy Ways To Tame Your Frizzy Hair This Summer
Image source: /www.smh.com.au

As they say, your hair is the crown or accessory you wear. It can still become very difficult to manage your hair amidst changing weather. Summer humidity is the major culprit of frizzy hair. The dry heat can extract the moisture out from the hair while making them look dull and dry.

Frizz can also lead to hair breakage which can create long-term problems like hair fall. As much as we all want to have luscious shining locks all year long. It becomes very difficult to achieve this task in the summer.

If you are someone who is going through the same problem and want to achieve a smoother look to your locks. Here are some tips and tricks which can help you tame the frizz in the summers.

1. Deep Condition 

Deep conditioning is the key to maintain and restore the moisture in your hair. As conditioners give the added benefit of providing nutrients to the hair. Leave-in conditioners can help add softness and moisture to the hair.

6 Easy Ways To Tame Your Frizzy Hair This Summer
Image source: blog.viviscal.com

2. Masking 

We rave about skin masks all the time. How about we give the hair mask the applause they deserve? Hair masks have the ability to provide megadoses of beneficial ingredients to hair that may help keep it nourished, moist, and frizz-free. Ingredients like almond oil, argan oil, and coconut oil can do wonders for your hair.

A DIY hair mask can be as good as a drugstore one. Look for sulfate-free options as they can improve the overall texture and strength of your hair but make sure to be consistent as consistency is key to achieve smooth hair all year long.

3. Avoid Overwashing and Towels

One thing you must avoid is to strip your hair of natural oils. Washing your hair daily can lead to a dry scalp which can create havoc for your hair. Alternate between using shampoos and conditioners. Avoid drying your hair with a towel as it can damage the shaft of the hair leading to breakage and more frizz. Rubbing your hair with a towel can also lead to split ends which ultimately causes dry hair.

6 Easy Ways To Tame Your Frizzy Hair This Summer
Image source: forbes.com

4. Step down on stylers 

As much as we love our styling tools they tend to damage our hair in the long run. Instead of clinging on to your favorite straighteners, try using hair products that can create a sleek and glossy look naturally.

6 Easy Ways To Tame Your Frizzy Hair This Summer
Image source: https://laylahair.com/

5. Turn Down The Temperature

Hot water can strip the moisture out of your hair while making them rough, dry, and frizzy. Try to use cold water to wash your hair as hot showers can elevate your cuticles exposing the hair shaft. Coldwater will not only strengthen the hair, but it can also create a smooth and shining look.

6. Get Rid of the Dry Ends 

Now, if you are planning to cut your hair and change your look now is the excuse for you to get an appointment with your stylist. Dry and split hair ends can cause hair breakage and weakened hair. This can ultimately lead to dry and frizzy hair and increased hair fall.

6 Easy Ways To Tame Your Frizzy Hair This Summer
image source: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/

With the help of these few techniques, you can manage your healthy locks, and taking care of your hairs is a whole task so get into it for a healthy and bouncy look.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

EBM And BBDO Pakistan Flip The Script On Mother’s Day

 Karachi, May 26, 2022: On Mother’s Day, EBM and BBDO Pakistan came together with a campaign that transforms a societal view of blaming mothers into empathizing with them through one of its leading biscuit brands Gluco. The idea was conveyed through a very clever “flip” of a commonly asked question in Urdu: “Kaisi maa ho?” (What kind of a mother are you?), a rhetorical question that is meant as a criticism of the mother. The powerful ad flips the words around to “Kaisi ho, maa?” (How are you, mother?), turning it into an empathetic question.

Peek Freans Gluco through its platform of Gluco Moms wants to continue the tradition of celebrating motherhood in all the roles. With EBM’s purpose of nourishing lives, hearts, and communities, the campaign will help in changing behaviors and will serve as a mirror to society. In the sub-continent, a child is seen as a mother’s scorecard. Every failure and achievement of the child is attributed to the mother.

The campaign features mothers in the home, at work, and traveling – ensuring representation of mothers from all walks of life in Pakistan and their experiences. The minute and a half-long video is a powerful call for action when it comes to supporting mothers.

Aaminah Saeed, General Manager of Marketing, EBM Pakistan, believes it’s about time we change the narrative around motherhood. “Motherhood is a lonely journey where the toughest of critics are often your own family members and relatives,” said Aaminah. “Through this campaign, we as EBM with our aim of nourishing lives, hearts, and communities’ endeavour to initiate conversations that may lead to a wider societal change.  EBM’s Peek Freans Gluco under the platform of Gluco Mom’s, have flipped the narrative by turning around the same question into a positive one and focused on the need for more empathy for mothers. This might be a small gesture of changing the words, but it goes a long way of changing the world for mothers. Each small step leads us to the bigger picture each day”

“As BBDO, we are always eager to tell stories that create impact for brands and for the culture alike. In Gluco, we found a willing client who shared our eagerness. We all might not be moms, but we all have moms. I wish that all mothers are shown compassion rather than criticism”; says Atiya Zaidi- Managing Director and Executive Creative Director, BBDO Pakistan.

In a span of two days, the film has received more than 5 million views and has sparked a much-needed conversation on being kind to mothers and not hold them to impossible standards.

6 New Food Trucks In Karachi That Are Worth Stopping By

6 New Food Trucks In Karachi That Are Worth Stopping By
Image source: https://www.thenews.com.pk/

Food trucks are a food lover’s dream. Waiting to get your favourite food, standing outside a food truck is something out of the movies, but in reality, it’s even better. The best thing about the food trucks is the constant effort the vendors put in to maintain the quality of the products. Lately, the food truck business in K-town has been budding with a lot of great reviews.

Today, we are doing a round-off of all the food trucks, which are worth paying a visit at least once.

1. Bao-Bae 

Drag your Bae to Bao-Bae and have the best-selling bao-buns in K-town. The truck is located at main Kahyaban-e-Sehar next to famous O’s. Their food is fresh, delicious, yet eye-catching. From food to packaging to their marketing, everything about Bao-Bae is spot on and is one of the most beloved food trucks of the Karachities at the moment.

Image source: mashion.pk

2. Bon Bistro

Bon Bistro is a food truck with a wide range of dishes on its menu. They are located at Gulshan-e-Iqbal and have got everything, be it beef, fish or chicken. From burgers to sides and fish bites, their food is getting some rave reviews. The generous quantity and the pocket-friendly prices make it a must-visit spot.

Image source: facebook.com

3. Street Dudes 

Tried finding those crispy Korean corn dogs in Karachi but failed? Well, look no further because this food truck has finally launched our much-awaited Korean snack in the heart of Karachi. They are located in front of the Dolmen Mall main gate. Besides Korean corn dogs, street dudes also serve excellent quality pizzas in all the basic styles, including a Detroit. Yet, we are already getting the best of both world vibes from their menu.

Image source: facebook.com

4. Snacc 

Stop by Snacc to curb those mid-day snack cravings. Stop by snacc, which is located at Gulshan-e-Iqbal Block 4. The food truck offers a whole variety of food on their menu, perfect for all age groups. Not only their big servings and pocket-friendly prices were enough to get our attention, but the catchphrase has totally sold us out.

Image source: facebook.com

5. Street Kitchen  

The Street Kitchen was the pioneer of food trucks in Karachi. Their cart moves to places including Boat Basina and Sindhi Muslim. Their food truck offers almost all the dishes served in their restaurant on the menu. From burgers to pasta and sandwiches, everything is a must-try on their menu.

Image source: facebook.com

6. Samyang Korean Noodle Truck 

If you have mastered the art of ramen, then take up a challenge and try some extra hot noodles from this truck located at Sindhi Muslim. However, proceed with caution because fire!

Image source: https://www.facebook.com/

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

4 Reliable Tour Companies Taking You All Over Pakistan

tour companies
Image Source: Morning Post

Most of the time, what happens is that you want to travel, but you are not able to. And it is all because you are scared that you might lose your money to the fraudulent tour companies that have always been around. So we have figured out a solution just for you. Here are 4 tour companies that are reliable and will take you to your desired location in Pakistan once you book that tour with them.

Here we would like to mention that we do not guarantee the level of comfort or service each tour company can give. I mean, the hotels could very well be 3 stars or 2 stars, but at least you will get to go.

1. Rover Pakistan

Rover Pakistan or Rover Adventure Club is known for taking tours to Gorakh Hills, Kund Malir, and the Northern Areas. From time to time, they also conduct Beach nights at Ormara. They have been said to provide comfortable tours for trips that are already taking you out of your comfort zone.

The company’s philosophy is said to prioritize customers and their experiences. So you can totally give them a try.

tour companies
Image Source: Hostel World

2. Baydaar Experiences

With a 4.9 rating out of 5 on Facebook, Baydaar Travels is an Islamabad tour company. Alternatively known as Baydaar Experiences, they truly ‘wake’ you by taking you to all those scenic locations Pakistan has to offer.

3. Magellan Travels

I personally have met several people who traveled with Magellan. When you have a lot of data, you get a broader idea. So I will not say that you will get to stay in 5-star rooms or that the washrooms will be the definition of perfect. But some people loved their travel trips, and they were those who were true travel freaks. So do they take you out of your comfort zone? Yes. But are they scam? Not so much.

tour companies
Image Source: Lonely planet

4. The Travel Diary

Now you may know the travel diary as that famous Facebook group where people document their journey. But did you know that they arranged tours as well? And the best part here is that the organizers are very much present in the group, so many people know them. If you have any doubts about accountability, you will be able to track them down through fellow group members.

There must definitely be several other travel tour companies that are reliable, but for now, we trust these 4. To satisfy your travel desires by traveling with them. And with the beauty hidden in our country, it will be just sad if we choose not to travel just because we are not sure about a tour company.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!

BARD Foundation Sponsors Naila Kiani, Pakistan’s First Female Mountaineer To Summit A 8,000er Peak, For Her Upcoming K2 Expedition

Lahore – May 26, 2022: Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation, a project of Descon – Pakistan’s largest engineering company – has recently collaborated with celebrated female mountaineer, Naila Kiani, for her upcoming mountain climbing expedition. Scheduled for June 2022, Naila Kiani will be attempting to become the first female Pakistani mountain climber to summit the world’s 2nd highest peak, Mount Godwin Austin, more commonly known as the K2. Naila Kiani has thus far successfully climbed Gasherbrum II (8,035 meters), which is the world’s 13th highest mountain.

BARD Foundation carries a deep vision to promote and facilitate local athletes and sportspersons in order to highlight their talent and true potential across the world. BARD Foundation is a human-development initiative, founded by the renowned industrialist & technocrat – Abdul Razak Dawood and his philanthropist wife – Mrs. Bilquis Dawood. This resourceful foundation has the vision to nurture the Pakistani youth in various professional or technical fields, by enabling these champions to learn more skills, receive better opportunities, and the kind of recognition needed to compete internationally.

Naila Kiani is a Dubai-based Pakistani banker and an amateur boxer, whose love for the mountainous regions inspired her to carry out her wedding ceremony right at the K2 basecamp in 2018. She boldly summited an 8,000+m peak, the Gasherbrum II, right after giving birth to her child. She is a true symbol of empowered, strong, and resilient female athletes in the country, and was presented with an award in December 2021 by the President of Pakistan, to acknowledge her great achievements and contributions to mountaineering. She continues to inspire global competitiveness among Pakistani women, while also propagating gender equality across the world.

Expressing her delight in the sponsorship, Naila recently stated, “I am indebted to my nation, especially the mountain climbing community, for always honoring my humble efforts. I would like to thank the BARD Foundation for their support of my endeavors – their enthusiastic approach towards my goal to summit the mighty K2 is a testament to their noble vision to enable Pakistani talent and sports. This pursuit will act as a beacon for other Pakistani female adventurers and encourage them to explore the mesmerizing beauty of the world’s highest peaks in Pakistan.”

One of the Directors of Descon, Faisal Dawood, stated that: “It is a matter of great pride for us to sponsor the unmatched courage of another Pakistani star – Naila Kiani. Through her many dangerous treks, this female dare-devil is living her dream and building a softer image of Pakistan, globally, as a progressive destination for adventure tourism. Her K2 expedition will engage mountaineers from numerous countries, to promote global peace and harmony and attract more foreign and local female climbers to visit Pakistan.”

6 Important Things To Check If You Drive A Manual Car

Manual car and things to keep in mind
Image Source: insidehook.com

Automobiles are just as an essential part of our lives as housing and clothes are. Not everyone owns a car, but everyone uses transport for their commute. Even if they don’t use as much transport, they still require a vehicle for long road trips or long distances. If you are an avid car driver, you must be quite familiar with the inner on-goings of your car. You know when to fuel it, and you know when it requires a little service. Now some people prefer manual cars and some prefer automatic. If you are more of a manual car person, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Manual cars and things
Image Source: autoblog.com

1. Don’t rest your hand on the gear

A lot of drivers are often seen doing this. Whenever the car is stationary, they keep the hand on the gear to shift quickly. Resting your hand on the gear will make the gears inside grind together. This may not seem like a lot on the outside, but it’s causing wear and tear in the long run. It is recommended to remove your hand from the gear altogether.

2. Move your gear into neutral at a red light

It has been noted that many drivers keep their cars in gear when they have stopped at the red light. This puts unnecessary strain and pressure on the clutch plate. It is recommended to shift the car into neutral and let the clutch breathe a little.

cars and keeping in mind
Image Source: cars.lovetoknow.com

3. Don’t rest your foot on the clutch pedal

If you have changed your gear and are speeding up, don’t rest your foot on the clutch until the next gear. Even if you aren’t pressing the clutch down, ultimately, the resting foot is causing the plate to grind. You may notice that, at a higher speed, if you release that resting foot off the clutch, the car gains momentum.

4. Gradually Increase speed, don’t go into Overspeed

Gears are present for us to increase to a higher speed gradually. You cannot go into fifth gear if you are still at a rate of 30-40 km/h. If you shift earlier than is applicable, the engine gets a lot of pressure on it. You are pushing it into a zone where the RPMs are low, the fuel is not enough, and the gears are moving too fast.

speed of car and Manual
Image Source: sciencefocus.com

5. Check the manual transmission oil occasionally

Since the manual transmission in the car is different from that of automatic, its upkeep is different. When there is a manual car, it has manual transmission oil. It is good for the car to keep this oil in check and not let the vehicle run dry. If there is no lubrication, there will be a lot of friction and a chance of heating.

6. When going downhill, use engine braking

This is a trick that takes a while to learn and master. When your vehicle is moving downhill, try to refrain from using the brake pedal to slow down the car. It is more efficient for your vehicle if you use engine braking. Engine braking is when you step down your gear and slowly release the clutch. This, in turn, causes the engine to grasp at a lower gear and reduce its speed. It takes practice!

Manual car and engine braking
Image Source: holtsauto.com

Stay tuned for more from Brandsynario!

Case Of Right Family Systems In TVCs & Pakistani Dramas: Who’s Doing It Right?

Top Pakistani Dramas 2019
credit: ebuzztoday.com

The TV may be taking a backseat in the media worldwide, it is very much a mainstream platform in Pakistan. In Pakistan, TV has quite a lot of power when it comes to dispensing an idea to the masses. What caught my eye specifically was the family models shown. When you are watching Pakistani dramas, you come across joint family models, and when you see a TVC, you find a nuclear family model.

Read More: What Are Brands Doing To Keep Their Customers’ Information Safe?

Joint family in Pakistani dramas 

Pakistani dramas force the narrative of joint families down the viewers’ throats. In most dramas, you will find a joint family system. And in almost all of them, you will see that the struggle of getting a separate house and getting out of the joint family paints the daughter-in-law in a bad light. The older generation picks up on it who wants their sons to stay close to them.

pakistani dramas
Image Source: Dawn Images

Nuclear model in TVC

Television commercials (TVCs), in order to promote their product, have to show an ordinary family’s lifestyle. In doing so, they showcase the nuclear family model. Be it a cooking oil, dairy product, or electronic item, you will always see a mother, a father, and their kids in the equation. Probably during Ramadan campaigns, will you be able to find extended relatives like cousins and grandparents in the picture.

Read More: Robbery On The Rise – Why Do Karachiites Always Suffer?

Disjuncture in the media

On one scale we are promoting the nuclear family model while on the other we are promoting the joint family system. Both of these are happening on TV, so why is there a disjuncture? Is it the media industry’s way of establishing a balance; conveying that they do not stand with one particular family system?

pakistani dramas
Image Source: IMDb

We, or rather the industry, need to understand that not everyone watches TVCs and not everyone follows all the dramas. If they are seeking a balance then they need to distribute the portrayal of both family systems equally on both categories. As a viewer, I must see a positive portrayal of the nuclear family model in TV dramas, and the existence of joint families in the TVCs.

Knowing the clout that TV and the issues it broadcasts has on viewers, the players involved in driving the narratives should shed some attention on this matter as well.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates!

6 Best Travel Accommodation Apps For iOS & Android

Ever since the pandemic and travel restrictions started, everyone is just stuck at home trying to make the best of their time. However, since the vaccines are being administered and the restrictions are lifted, now is your chance to take out your bags and start planning your next trip and accommodation.

Planning for a vacation is time-consuming and hectic if you do not know where to start. So to make the process easy today, I’m sharing a list of apps that can help you find your accommodation at cheaper rates with less hassle.

1. Hotel Tonight

If you are on a budget and look for last-minute bookings, Hotel Tonight can help you look for last-minute discounts on empty hotel rooms. Available for both iOS and Android, this app has 24/7 customer support. In addition, the app is easy to navigate and can help you search by city or attraction.

6 Best Travel Accommodation Apps For iOS & Android
Image source: https://www.digitaltrends.com/

2. Couch Surfing

If you want to socialize while you travel, then couch surfing is the perfect app for you. It helps you connect with locals who have space in their homes for travelers to stay for free. The app is a big yes for those trying to save some money on accommodation since the couch surfer hosts will mostly give you the accommodation for free. The app is available for iOS and Android, and its unique features will help you meet other travelers or locals on the go.

6 Best Travel Accommodation Apps For iOS & Android
Image source: https://www.digitaltrends.com/

3. Air BnB

We are no strangers to Airbnb, and this multi-million corporation has something for everyone looking for decent accommodation. It lets you rent individual rooms, couches, or an entire apartment from locals while you travel the world. Airbnb is available for both iOS and Android.

6 Best Travel Accommodation Apps For iOS & Android
Image source: https://shorttermrentalz.com/

4. Booking.com

This app will help you find the best hotel deals at the last moment if you are looking for one. You can book hotels, motels, B&Bs, and luxury apartments for your next trip within seconds. Yet with paperless confirmation, no booking or credit card fees, and 24/7 support from the Booking.com team.

Travel
Image source: https://notesontraveling.com/

5. Hostel world

This app is not only easy to navigate but does all the things you expect a booking app to do so. In addition, the full-screen interactive map on the app will help you make your decision easily about where to stay or whether you like the location or not.

Image source: pinterest.com

6. Trivago

One of the most famous apps for accommodation with a million hotels on its books, Trivago helps find you the best price for your dates and destination, including last-minute deals.

Image source: https://www.fayerwayer.com/

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

5 Famous International Food Chains We Want to Come to Pakistan

Pakistan is no stranger to international food chains. Some of the biggest names have already integrated themselves well within the local market. Some even have a presence in multiple cities. And while we all have grown accustomed to these chains, there are a few there are still to open up here.

We made a list of places we hope will soon open up an outlet in Pakistan so we too can update our Instagram with flashy pictures.

1) Starbucks

This one is hardly surprising. Recently there was a fake news of Starbucks opening in Pakistan and everyone lost their mind. That alone shows how badly we want the chain to open here. We feel left out honestly when the rest of the world is going crazy over those unicorn frappes we make do with our Gannay ka sharbat and do sabr. 

2) Taco Bell

Pakistan has a serious dearth of good places that sell tacos. Some local food chains might be serving them on the menu, but we aren’t quite sure how authentic they are. That being said, we really hope Taco Bell comes to Pakistan soon.

3) Applebee’s

They are extremely famous for the delicious pies, but more than that, people have been ordering their sirloin steaks and chicken wings. We do have a lot of steakhouses in Pakistan, and no, we don’t count chicken cutlets drowning in white sauce as steaks. But one look at the steak being served at Applebee’s we know nothing here can compare. Plus we won’t complain about having a nice big slice of pie afterward either.

4) Wagamama

We have quite a few places serving Pan Asian cuisines in Pakistan and most are doing quite well. Wagamama is one of the most famous Japanese/Asian food and noodle house in the UK. Surely it will open its doors in Pakistan as well.

time

anytime is the right time to feed your good | find your nearest wagamama here http://bit.ly/2o7IDlR

Posted by wagamama on Thursday, April 20, 2017

5) Five Guys

This place is the true representation of fast food and as American, as it can be. Think of greasy burgers, fries and hotdogs and you’ll find the best ones at Five Guys. We really hope they open up a franchise in Pakistan.

Wendy’s

While they did try to open up in Pakistan a couple of years ago, they weren’t quite successful. Could be we weren’t ready for them then. Now, however, we really hope they do open up. More than their food, we really appreciate their social media persona. Recently a Twitter user tweeted asking them how many retweets would it take for them to give him for a year of free chicken nuggets. The brand instead of brushing it aside, responded and got a lot of positive coverage. So much effort for chicken nuggets, we really want to try them out too!

Los Pollos Hermanos

Yes, yes, we know this isn’t a real place. We also don’t mean a Breaking Bad themed cafe. We wish there was a place here like Los Pollos Hermanos. It certainly would make watching reruns of the show easier, especially the scenes when Hank is seen chewing on some crispy chicken!

Which international food chain do you want to see in Pakistan? Let us know in the comments below.

Google Celebrates 15 Years Of Street View

Image Source: Dunya News

Airports, Malls and Mosques are the top places Pakistanis love to explore in 360 degrees
Karachi, 24 May 2022: Fifteen years ago, Google launched Street View, a 360-degree map of the entire world. Today: There are now over 220 billion Street View images from over 100 countries, including Pakistan, allowing people to fully experience what it’s like to be in these places right from their phone or computer. And Street View doesn’t just help you explore virtually, it’s also critical to our mapping efforts — letting you see the most up-to-date information about the world while laying the foundation for a more immersive, intuitive map.

In Pakistan, people have been exploring places with Pegman for years, searching from the majestic serene blue tides of the Arabian Sea to the eye-glaring view of Northern Pakistan, Street View has led people to a new era of tourism. In fact, when the country started opening up after the pandemic, Pakistanis turned to Street View to explore the updates on the places they plan to visit such as airports and mosques.

As part of Street View’s 15th birthday celebration, we are sharing the places Pakistanis had fun exploring on Street View during the last year.

Most Popular Places:

The 10 most popular places on Street View in Pakistan were:
1. Islamabad International Airport
2. Jinnah International Airport (JIAP)
3. Shah Faisal Masjid
4. Badshahi Mosque
5. Frere Hall
6. Allama Iqbal International Airport
7. The Centaurus Mall Islamabad
8. Minar-e-Pakistan
9. Mohenjo-daro
10. Umbrella Waterfall
Most Visited Cities:
The top cities that people visited on Street View in Pakistan over the past year were:
1. Karachi
2. Lahore
3. Islamabad
4. Multan
5. Peshawar
6. Faisalabad
7. Gujranwala
8. Swat
9. Sialkot

Most Popular Museums:

Over the last year, these are the ten most popular museums that people explored on Street View in Pakistan:
1. Mazar-e-Quaid, Jinnah’s Mausoleum
2. Lahore Museum
3. Mohatta Palace Museum
4. Pakistan Air Force Museum
5. Quaid e Azam House Museum
6. TDF MagnifiScience Centre
7. Pakistan Maritime Museum
8. Peshawar Museum
9. Lok Virsa Heritage Museum
10. Gulzar Palace
Most Explored Beaches and Lakes:
Last year, Charna Cliff and Hawksbay Beach were two of the most popular beaches in Pakistan that people explored on Street View. Here is the complete list:
1. Charna Cliff
2. Hawksbay Beach
3. Sunehri Beach Deep Blue Sea
4. Spoon Lake
5. Ratti Gali Lake
6. Tushan Beach
7. Gwadar Sea Port
8. Clifton Beach
9. Khasala Dam
10. Neela wahn Ponds

For more insights beyond Pakistan, and other birthday surprises head over to our blogs covering new Street View features and Street View’s adventures over the years.

Airport Authorities Are Being Questioned For Seizing Imported Goods

Airport authorities are under fire for seizing food items from the passenger’s luggage. The development came in after the government decided to impose a ban on the import of around 38 non-essential luxury items in lieu of the declining economic stability.

Airport Authorities Under Fire

Last week authorities banned the import of mobile phones, CBU, home appliances, cosmetics, pottery, pet food, private weapons and ammunition. Imported shoes, chandeliers and lighting (except energy savers), headphones and loudspeakers, doors and window frames. Travelling bags and suitcases, sanitary ware, carpets (except Afghanistan), tissue paper, furniture, and shampoos. Including automobiles, luxury mattresses and sleeping bags, bathroom ware/toiletries, heaters/blowers, sunglasses, kitchenware, and cigarettes. As well as shaving goods, luxury leather apparel, musical instruments, saloon items like hairdryers and decoration/ornamental articles.

However, a week after the decision, Pakistan Customs are now seizing items from travellers arriving at the country’s airports. The issue was raised by a traveller who had travelled from a location yet to be disclosed. The seized items include around 5kg of foodstuff and other essentials.

Image source: twitter.com

Read More: Regulatory Duties On Cars & Tyres To Increase Up To 100%

The Custom Authorities Response

A letter was devised by the collectorate who decided to write about the issue at hand to the member of the Federal Board of Revenue. In the letter, they mentioned how the customs officials at the Karachi airport scanned the passengers arriving from the ‘risky destinations’, which led to the seizure of the goods found in their luggage.

Read More: Gucci Launches Gaming Academy & Here’s Everything You Need To Know

“Round the clock vigilance at the international arrival terminal resulted in seizures of various items. Which had been brought in the garb of bona fide passenger baggage,” said the letter from the Collectorate of Customs’ at the Jinnah International Airport

Meanwhile, severe criticism on social media platforms leads Miftah Ismail to clear the air.  He also mentions the decision taken and to whom it might apply amidst the rising tension with customs officials.

“As the govt has banned importing a few non-essential items, we fear that smuggling of these items will increase. Therefore we have increased enforcement against professional khaipyas. Officials know who they are. A few items brought by ordinary citizens will not cause an issue.”

He also shared the document which showed the number of items carried by the customers in their baggage. The huge quantity leads to the confiscation of products. According to which around 76-kilogram foodstuff, 127-kilogram fruits, 42-kilograms sanitarywares. As well as 213 cell phones and 96 pairs of branded shoes by the customs officials.

Image source: twitter.com

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Introducing EcoStar Android 11 TV Series

Nothing brings a family together like the EcoStar that has all the #FeaturesThatMatter. Doesn’t matter if you’re hosting a game night with your friends or having a movie night with your family, EcoStar ensures the best viewing experience at such an affordable price.

EcoStar has introduced the new Android 11 series at an amazing price starting from just Rs. 37,500. The CX 32U871 – HD is available for just Rs. 37,500 whereas the 40” CX 40U871 – FHD is available for just Rs. 49,900 and the 40” CX 40U872 – FHD is available for just Rs. 51,900 and lastly the 43” CX 43U871 is introduced at an amazing price of just Rs. 53,900. We believe there are not many brands out there in Pakistan that offer such amazing features at such affordable prices.

The new Android 11 series comes with officially licensed Netflix, Youtube, and Amazon Prime that puts a world of entertainment right at your fingertips. Discover new series or binge-watch your favorite ones from the comfort of your home. Keep yourself up to date with what’s going on in the world of entertainment with a simple click of the button on the EcoStar Android 11 TV remote.

EcoStar Android 11 TV Series supports Google Assistant which gives you control of everything around you and also enables you to speak commands without having to type them. The licensed Google Play store gives you access to unlimited entertainment and applications that keeps you entertained whenever you feel like it.

You can relive your memories on the big screen with Chromecast feature that lets you cast your favorite pictures and videos on the stellar EcoStar TV screen. That’s not all, you can also connect your consoles and enjoy a fun gaming session with your friends and family or connect upto 5 devices simultaneously with Bluetooth 5.0. Take your gaming skills to another level with EcoStar TV as it offers lag-less gaming with the impressive Quad-Core Processor and GPU.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your hands on the amazing EcoStar Android 11 TV Series that has all the #FeaturesThatMatter by visiting your nearest EcoStar outlet or order online from the comfort of your home whenever and where ever!

Brandsynario Interviews Pakistan’s Leading Digital Operator Jazz On #WTD2022 | Brandsynario

This World Telecom Day, we visited the head office of Pakistan’s leading digital operator, Jazz, to meet its Chief Commercial Officer Asif Aziz and Head of Marketing Rizwan Fazal for a candid discussion on their professional journey, some powerful tips for startups & marketers, insights on winning campaigns at Effie, and Jazz’s role in developing an inclusive digital ecosystem and policy interventions to accelerate the Digital Pakistan vision.

Standard Chartered Launches Futuremakers Inclusive Employability Project

Standard Chartered donates USD 249,000 for flood relief
Image Source: acfcs.org

Karachi May 24, 2022: Standard Chartered Bank Private Ltd. (SCBPL) has launched the Futuremakers Inclusive Employability project which focuses on economic empowerment of youth with disabilities. This project is part of ‘Futuremakers by Standard Chartered’ – the Bank’s global initiative to tackle inequality, by promoting economic-inclusion for young people, including those affected by COVID-19.

Through this programme the Bank will be reaching out to targeted beneficiaries, including more than 480 youth with disabilities of which 20% will be visually impaired. Expected project outcomes include 20% of the project beneficiaries transitioning into formal employment (including self-employment) and at least 40% of beneficiaries will be females, because currently, their participation in the Pakistani labour force is extremely low.

Commenting on the occasion Mr. Rehan Shaikh, Chief Executive Officer, Standard Chartered Pakistan said, “Supporting underprivileged and differently-abled youth and helping them learn, earn and grow is a key component of our Futuremakers strategy. The launch of the Futuremakers Inclusive Employability project is aimed at training youth, especially people with disabilities, to join the workforce in order for them to realise their full potential. This project is directly aligned with our vision to drive commerce and prosperity through our unique diversity, while we reinforce our brand promise – ‘Here for good’.”

“I am very optimistic that the Bank is playing a role in bridging the socio-economic inequality of youth, and especially women living with disabilities. Through this programme we strive to becomes a catalyst of change and create lasting impact not only for those participating but also for the future generations”

Funded by Standard Chartered Foundation, the project is delivered with support from Sightsavers. The project is based on a strategic partnership that builds on a successful pilot of how labour market systems can adapt to be more inclusive of people with disabilities in formal employment.

The project will focus on four core pathways: Pathway-1 will build the employment readiness and self-confidence of jobseekers with disabilities. Pathway-2 will build the disability confidence of employers. Pathway-3 will strengthen the supporting functions of the labour market and Pathway-4 will influence employment regulatory frameworks. Sightsavers will implement this project in partnerships with a local implementing partner – Civil Society Human and Institutional Development Programme (CHIP). Other collaborations include Deaftawk, Community Based Inclusive Development Network (CBIDN) and the National Forum of Women with Disabilities (NFWWD).

Country Director of Sightsavers, Munazza Gillani, stated that: “It is a proud moment for us to collaborate with Standard Chartered’s Futuremakers initiative that focuses on economic empowerment of youth with disabilities in Pakistan, including the visually impaired. The project will build on learning from Sightsavers’ Inclusion Works programme, using existing resources that we have developed (including the Markets for the Poori (M4P) methodology; Accenture’s Skills-to-Succeed Learning Exchange and the Inclusive Futures’ Disability Employers’ toolkit. This initiative will ultimately facilitate the realisation of ‘Leave No One Behind’ agenda, that is the central principle of the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 framework. “

HUAWEI Nova 9 – Here Is What Blew Our Minds In The Trendy Flagship & Camera King

Everybody wants a smartphone that does not only look stylish and trendy, but one that comes with solid and innovative features. Be it a high-resolution camera setup, powerful all-day performance for intensive everyday use or some cool features that make the daily use of the phone easier and simpler.

Huawei has something that ticks all of the above boxes. Introducing the Trendy Flagship & Camera King – the Huawei nova 9. The latest addition to its popular mid-range HUAWEI nova series comes with an all-new colourway called Colour No. 9, an astonishing Ultra Vision AI Quad Camera, 66W HUAWEI Supercharge in addition to cool Super Device and EMUI 12 features, which all but make using the smartphone, fun and enjoyable.

The HUAWEI nova 9 is now available in Pakistan in a lavish Colour No. 9 at the price range of 107,999/- PKR.

Huawei Nova 9

A Marvellous and elegant colour and design

The HUAWEI nova 9 debuts with a brand new colourway – Colour No. 9. The low-saturation bluish purple finish is created with a new ‘Starry Flash AG Glass’ manufacturing process to produce an out-of-this-world effect. The HUAWEI nova 9 has a stunning 6.57-inch Original-Colour Curved Display with a tapered surface that flows like a waterfall, minimising the left and right bezels for more immersive viewing.

It can display 1.07 billion colours, featuring a refresh rate of up to 120Hz and 300Hz touch sampling rate for improved responsiveness. Combined with support for full-path P3 colour, the display ensures spectacular viewing experiences with smooth visuals, vivid colours and incredible details. While measuring only 7.77mm thick with a weight of 175g, making it perfect for slipping into your handbag or pocket when out and about! The HUAWEI nova 9 sports a Star Orbit Ring design, making it even more recognisable and eye-catching.

Ultra Vision camera system

The rear camera system includes a 50MP Ultra Vision Camera, an 8MP Ultra Wide Angle Camera, a 2MP Depth Camera and a Macro Camera that lets you capture at as close as 4cm. Both the front and rear cameras support 4K shooting at 30fps, allowing you to express yourself through short videos and vlogs for social media. The main camera has a large 1/1.56-inch sensor and a RYYB colour filter array with a high light sensitivity. This collects 40 percent more light compared to a standard RGGB sensor, ensuring the utmost clarity on all images, while enabling outstanding low light performance. Once the camera hardware captures an image, the XD Fusion Engine gets to work. The HUAWEI nova 9 inherited Huawei flagship smartphones’ XD Fusion Engine, which uses sophisticated computational photography techniques to greatly enhance image details and quality.

Having a good hair day? Do not let it go to waste! The HUAWEI nova 9’s 32MP front camera is perfect for selfies in addition to its 4K selfie video shooting, and Portrait Mode will help your selfie-portraits pop with Bokeh Portrait. There are also AI Beauty effects and filters you can use. Selfies never looked so slick.

Moreover, introducing an all-new feature – Continuous Front/Rear Recording. With this new innovation, you can also switch between the front and rear cameras, allowing them to fluidly capture their story within a single video file. Dual-View Video recording allows users to showcase their live reaction to events, simultaneously using the front and rear cameras with no editing required or, for when you want to show the big picture and the detail, you can simultaneously capture a close up shot and wide-angle shot at the same time.

With the Petal Clip app, you can easily choose from a variety of video templates and themes before posting your vlogs or other videos to social media in no time. Making group shots and video easier as well, the HUAWEI nova 9 also supports Remote Shutter. This means you can easily set-up your HUAWEI nova 9 on a tripod and capture a group photo with your friends without having to worry about awkward frames as you walk to and from the camera.

Charge rapidly with 66W HUAWEI SuperCharge

Whether for gaming, recording, working or simply browsing the Internet, the HUAWEI nova 9 delivers excellent battery life with a large and long lasting 4300mAh battery, which is supported by a 66W HUAWEI SuperCharge. The smartphone can be charged much faster; it only takes 15 minutes to charge to 53% and 38 minutes to full 100%.

Gucci Launches Gaming Academy & Here’s Everything You Need To Know

FACEIT and Gucci got together in one of the most interesting partnerships in the market for sports. The luxury fashion brand has partnered with the organization to achieve a new initiative and bring the youth to the fullest potential in sports and production, and achieve “unhealthier playing and competition environment”.

The Gucci Gaming Academy 

The program will be focusing more on the soft skill of players with dedicated coaching and teamwork activities. Taken from the fact that playing is like being on the team and working towards the goals of your team in the pursuit of quality and fun. Basically, to better prepare them in areas that many people who play any e-sport often neglect.

The Gucci Gaming Academy is taking over four players from the FACEIT team. A competitive and moderated online league. This game has emerged as the foundation of some of the most popular esports players. Meanwhile, with the intent to join this e-sports program with the intention to grow this number in time.

The Selection Criteria

Candidate selection is not only based on their performance in-game. But also on interviews to assess their personal values and soft skills. Including their aptitude for teamwork and their approach to conflict resolution.

Players will be part of the Academy for a maximum of one year or so, until they can become professional, making them successful.

Read More: Adidas & Gucci’s Umbrella Collaboration Gone Wrong

“Gucci is at the forefront of the luxury industry’s foray into the world of gaming and as part of our mission to build meaningful relationships with communities in a genuinely authentic way, we are dedicated to supporting the up-and-coming generations of players to help manage the challenges they may face as a result of participating in esports,” stated Nicolas Oudinot, govt vice-president of latest enterprise and chief govt of Gucci Vault, in a press release.

“Understanding the issues that are relevant to them and learning about these from the people they affect are at the core of this collaboration.”

As part of the program, Gucci and FACEIT will also work with the World Health Organization (WHO). To find ways to support all gamers involved in improving their gameplay while making health and safety a priority. This will include mental and physical health, and fighting misinformation online, among other topics.

“We welcome efforts by Gucci and Faceit to encourage their large online communities to take the necessary steps for better health and wellbeing,” said WHO’s digital channels team lead Andy Pattison in a statement.

“We need to continue to reach people with lifesaving health messages where they are, in the palms of their hands.”

Read More: A New Makeover? Heinz Ketchup To Introduce Paper Bottles To Help The Environment

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

 

Regulatory Duties On Cars & Tyres To Increase Up To 100%

Image Source: Pakistan Today

The government is considering raising regulatory and additional customs duties up to 100% on imported goods. This step is part of government policy to overcome the volatility, and instability in Pakistan. According to sources in the media, the present government is working on a revised plan to cut monthly import bills by approximately $1 billion via increasing RD to 100%.

Ban On Imported Goods

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the Ministry of Commerce proposed at a meeting led by Finance Minister Miftah Ismail to discuss the possibilities. Authorities told the president that these actions might save the government $1 billion on its monthly import cost. Besides Cars and tyres, Consumer products, home appliances, power generation machinery, general machinery, steel products, ceramics, polypropylene, and mobile phones have all been proposed for higher regulatory and customs taxes.

Read More: 7 Driving Hacks That Will Help You Spend Less On Gas

Regulatory Duties on Cars and Tyres

According to reports, the FBR has suggested raising the regulatory duty and additional customs duty on cars above 1,000cc by 100% and 30% respectively.

The current regulatory duty on import tyres is 20%. The government could increase regulatory duty on import tyres by 50%. In addition, the Regulatory Duty on import home appliances increased by up to 50%, whereas machinery importers will face a 10% surcharge.

Image source: profitbypakistan.com

On the current rates, a 35 percent Additional Custom Duty has also recommended. More, these are merely suggestions right now. However, given the current state of the economy, the government is likely to approve these recommendations in the upcoming fiscal budget.

Regulatory Tax Implementation

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s assent is required for the proposed regulatory and additional customs taxes to take effect. Before implementing these measures, the Federal Government will endeavor to gain support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Furthermore, If the government approves these proposals, it will benefit car manufacturers who assemble vehicles locally. Meanwhile, companies that buy imported units, such as MG and Haval, will have a hard time competing in the local market.

The new coalition government is also mulling over increasing regulatory duty and additional customs duty on other items, including consumer products, home appliances, power generation equipment, steel products, ceramics, and mobile phones.

Read More: Pakistan Exports Its First Vehicle Made By Master Changan Motors

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.

Beaconhouse Group Launches The Lighthouse, A Children’s Orphanage Providing A ‘Home With Love & Care’, In Islamabad

Islamabad – May 23, 2022: The Lighthouse, a non-profit organisation formed under the Beaconhouse Group has recently been launched, aimed towards providing a loving home for orphans to nurture them into empowered and confident individuals. This project was initiated by Amina Wattoo Kasuri, Founder and Executive Director at The Lighthouse, and Project Director at Concordia Colleges in Pakistan.

Located near the Srinagar Highway in Islamabad, The Lighthouse is a boarding and education facility for orphaned and less privileged children to provide them with a home that will ensure that they receive quality education, necessary life skills, and other emotional and developmental support without discrimination.

As stated by Amina Wattoo Kasuri, Founder at The Lighthouse, “We have over the years worked tirelessly towards the development and uplifting of deserving members of our society. The Lighthouse is an extension of our efforts, and has been a dream of many years. Our vision is to invest in children’s lives today in order to transform their future, while we work to create a safe and stimulating environment where they receive adequate nutrition and are healthy, and are given ample support for their education.”

“Positive changes inevitably take time, but we are committed to improving the lives of disadvantaged children for the long haul. As our name suggests, we aim to be the guiding light that safely leads children towards a secure future,” she expressed.

The orphanage provides free lodging to children, as well as free education at The Educators, a chain of schools by Beaconhouse. The resident children at The Lighthouse will also be given necessary medical services and treatments, transportation facilities to educational and recreational institutions, nutritious meals, financial support to facilitate their marriages once they are of appropriate age, and support and guidance from trained and dedicated staff.

The Lighthouse is a project established under the Mahmud Ali Kasuri (MAK) Welfare Trust, an independent non-profit organisation working towards uplifting the less privileged sector of society. The Trust and its key donors, Beaconhouse, the Kasuri family, and Beaconhouse employees, have consistently responded with meaningful contributions during national crises, including the 2005 earthquake that devastated the northern areas of Pakistan, the IDP crisis of 2009, the massive flooding of 2010 and 2014 and the Covid-19 crisis engulfing the country in 2020.

Details about the orphanage and donations can be found at www.thelighthouse.com.pk.

What Is Monkeypox? Should We Be Worried?

A new skin condition known as Monkeypox is on the rise. Amidst the rising number of cases, National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued a high alert and reporting of suspected Monkeypox cases.

What Is Monkeypox?

Monkeypox is caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the same family of viruses as smallpox, although it is much less severe and experts say chances of infection are low. It occurs mostly in remote parts of central and west African countries, near tropical rainforests.

Where Did It Emerge?

Scientists discovered the virus in 1958 after two outbreaks of a “pox-like” disease in laboratory monkeys — hence, the term Monkeypox . In 1970, a nine-year-old child in a remote section of Congo became the first reported human infection

There are two main strains of virus – west African and central African. Two of the infected patients in the UK travelled from Nigeria, so it is likely that they are suffering from the West African strain, which is generally mild.

Another case was a healthcare worker who picked up the virus from one of the patients. More recent cases do not have any known links with each other, or any history of travel. It appears they caught it in the UK from spread in the community. Meanwhile, epidemiological investigations are on-going.

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How Many Countries Have Been Affected So Far?

In recent weeks, cases have been detected in Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands. Switzerland and Sweden as well as in the United States, Canada and Australia, raising fears the virus may be spreading. Spain reported 24 new cases on Friday, mainly in the Madrid region where the regional government closed a sauna linked to the majority of infections.

Israel also reported its first case on Saturday, signalling the virus’ spread to the Middle East.

Symptoms Of Monkeypox  

Initial symptoms include fever, headaches, swellings, back pain, aching muscles. Once the fever breaks a rash can develop, often beginning on the face, then spreading to other parts of the body, most commonly the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

The rash, which can be extremely itchy or painful, changes and goes through different stages before finally forming a scab, which later falls off. The lesions can cause scarring.

The infection usually clears up on its own and lasts between 14 and 21 days.

Do We Need To Be Concerned As South Asians?

According to Dr. Farooq Nawaz Sahil, a resident pulmonologist at Lahore’s Services Hospital, two cases of Monkeypox have been detected in Lahore’s Jinnah Hospital. The infected patients have been isolated and are currently being treated at the hospital’s isolation ward.

In a recent development NIH has directed the provinces to take precautionary measures required to deal with the Monkeypox outbreak in Pakistan. Health Department Government of Sindh has issued a high alert and reporting of suspected Monkeypox cases.

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Now that the disease has been reported in Pakistan, it is customary to take necessary measures to avoid contracting the virus. According to statistics, vaccination against smallpox has been proven to be 85% effective in preventing Monkeypox . The health ministry has also recommended increasing the surveillance process to prevent the spread.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.