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International Passengers Must Declare Any Foreign Currency They’re Carrying – FBR

passengers traveling abroad

Update, 4:30 pm, July 1st 2019:

It has recently been reported that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has imposed a ban on carrying niswaar (powdered tobacco) for both domestic and international flights/passengers.

If anyone is found with powdered tobacco during their flight, it will be considered a crime as it falls into the Middle Eastern states’ list of banned drugs.

With the aim to control crimes such as terrorist financing, money laundering, and other similar threats, it has been made compulsory by the government that passengers traveling abroad declare any assets and foreign currency that they are carrying both at arrival and departure.

Moreover, the Customs Act has also been amended under which adult passengers on an international travel will be allowed to carry a maximum of $10,000 per visit.

The currency limit for minors will be $5000 and for infants, $500.

Bonds Worth Rs. 7500, Rs. 15000, & Rs. 25000 to be Discontinued as Well?

For foreign currencies other than the USD, the limit would be equivalent to or less than that allowed in dollars. It is to be noted that passengers carrying money for their local airport expenses should not be confused or mixed with the foreign currencies.

In addition to foreign currency, passengers will also be required to declare the following assets in the prescribed declaration form:

  • volume of gold
  • precious and semi-precious stones
  • satellite phones
  • restricted and prohibited goods like drugs, firearms, weapons, and psychotropics.

The government has set up currency declaration counters at all airports for the same.

Passengers traveling abroad will also be needed to mention the purpose of their visit in the form, be it personal, business, official or tourism in nature.

 

PepsiCo’s Aquafina Bottles to be Replaced with Aluminum Cans

Do you think the amends will actually help the government curb terrorist activities at the airport?

Let us know in the comments below!

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more updates.

PepsiCo’s Aquafina Bottles to be Replaced with Aluminum Cans

pepsi to reduce plastic

PepsiCo, one of the most popular beverage companies, introduced its environmental plan over the weekend.

The company aims to reduce its use of plastic, as consumer backlash against pollution due to plastic is increasing by the day.

Pepsi Battle of the Bands Season 4 is Here & Our Excitement is Sky High!

Microplastics, found in both air and water, are tiny pieces of plastic less than five millimeters long which can be horribly harmful to our ocean ecosystems, as creatures and insects in the sea often mistake them for food and choke on them.

Therefore, PepsiCo is planning to eliminate its plastic bottles of Aquafina by introducing aluminum cans at locations around the U.S.A. The new water cans are expected to be sold at restaurants from 2020.

Here is an excerpt from PepsiCo’s envionmental plan:

At PepsiCo, we know we have a responsibility to help tackle this crisis and we’re striving to do our part to help build a world where plastics need never become waste.

We’re pursuing a strategy of reducing, recycling and reinventing our plastic packaging – and want to play a leading role in changing the way we as consumers use plastics through partnerships with like-minded organizations.

You can read the full plan by PepsiCo here.

People in the world of today follow brands religiously. Do you think this thoughtful initiative from PepsiCo to improve the environment will inspire its consumers to play their part as well?

The Biggest YouTubers in Pakistan are Ready for The Clash of the Year, Hosted by Mountain Dew!

Let us know in the comments below!

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more updates and news.

Huawei Allowed to do Business with US Companies Once Again!

huawei ban
Credits:GizGuide

US companies that were restricted to conduct any form of business with Chinese leading technology brand Huawei can now resume all operations.

The Trump Association has now called off the Huawei Ban in the US as they have declared the company is no longer a threat to the US national security.

“U.S. companies can sell their equipment to Huawei,” Trump shared. “We’re talking about equipment where there’s no great national security problem with it,” he continued.

Huawei can now once again acquire components and Qualcomm processors and Google’s Android OS as well.

Pre-Order HUAWEI Y9 Prime 2019 Over the Weekend!

“I said that’s O.K., that we will keep selling that product, these are American companies that make these products. That’s very complex, by the way. I’ve agreed to allow them to continue to sell that product so that American companies will continue,” Trump said, as per Bloomberg.

For now, Huawei is still on the “Entity List” of companies that the U.S. Department of Commerce bars from dealing with American entities. A formal decision is yet to be made as US-China discussions continue.

“Huawei is very much in play in terms of our country and in terms of intelligence and the intelligence community — we know a lot about Huawei — but I don’t want to mention that right now. I just think it’s inappropriate. We’re not making it other than what I told you… We’re going to save that for later.”

“We had a very good meeting with President Xi of China, excellent, I would say excellent, as good as it was going to be,” Trump said, according to the BBC. “We discussed a lot of things and we’re right back on track and we’ll see what happens.”

For owners of Huawei devices, the news should come as a relief.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

Huawei | Y9 Prime 2019 | Review | Brandsynario

Sonam Kapoor Takes Credit for Fawad Khan’s Success in Bollywood

Fawad Khan and Sonam Kapoor

Fawad Khan became an instant hit in Bollywood after making his debut with Sonam Kapoor in ‘Khoobsurat’. Sonam revealed that no other actor wanted to work with her in the movie and that is why Fawad was cast.

Sonam said it was very challenging for them to find a male lead since the name of the film was Khoobsurat.

“I can’t explain how difficult it was to make Aisha. Do you know how much effort it took to make Khoobsurat? No hero wanted to work with me because it was called Khoobsurat. I had to get Fawad Khan from Pakistan,” she revealed in an interview with Filmfare.

Taking credit for Fawad’s success she added that movie proved to be great for his career.

“And look at what happened. Fawad became a huge star. He had confidence.”

Fawad might have made his Bollywood debut with Khoobsurat, however, it was Kapoor and Sons and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil that showcased his true talent.

The Pakistani star enjoys a huge fan following despite the current political situation that does not allow Pakistani actors to work in India.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

Frieha Altaf to be Show Director for 18th LUX Style Awards

Frieha Altaf to be Show Director for 18th LUX Style Awards

Lux Style Awards

Ace choreographer and woman of many talents, Frieha Altaf who has long been associated with the LUX Style Awards (LSA) is the official show director for LSA 2019 that is scheduled to take place in July next month.

After a successful run last year where she orchestrated two grand segments at the show, she is brewing another star-studded yet glamorous flow of activities and elaborate performances full of flair and star power for this year’s show.

Frieha’s diverse talents and her immense experience within the Entertainment and Fashion Industry is what makes her the ideal match for putting together the most coveted awards night Pakistan witnesses.

Speaking on this occasion, she said, “It gives me great pleasure to return to LSA as Show Director. LSA is the single, most prestigious, non-aligned platform that honors excellence from the Fashion, Film, Music, and Television and I’m glad I’m a part of the 18th LUX Style Awards.

Having been associated with the LSA for numerous years, I always aim to bring forth Pakistan’s best each year. While I cannot reveal the details about LSA ’19, I can promise you all a thrilling and glamorous show with performances that will certainly showcase the best of our entertainment and fashion industries.”

Over the years Frieha has introduced new talent and honored legends, merged music and fashion and dance and drama to re-create some of the most iconic moments for Pakistan’s entertainment industry.

From Shabnam to Saba Qamar, from Nadeem Baig sahib to Humayun Saeed, from Mehnaz and Nahid Akhtar to Aima Baig, from Niloufer Shahid to Sana Safinaz every big star and the major player has had a role to showcase the best of Pakistan.

For the 18th edition, Frieha Altaf’s Catwalk is working with the many prominent personalities who plan tirelessly to bring forth a seamless show to the audience. Time and again, she instinctively and intuitively adds unique elements to the many signature performances at the LUX Style Awards and we wait in anticipation to find out!

The Biggest YouTubers in Pakistan are Ready for The Clash of the Year, Hosted by Mountain Dew!

Zaid Ali vs Ducky Bhai

We often witness YouTubers taking a dig at one another or calling each other out creating social media engagement.

Let’s be honest, its pure entertainment to watch them go against one another.

Mountain Dew has found a way to put an end to all the ruckus once and for all!

The brand invited 2 of Pakistan’s biggest YouTubers to battle it out at the Gamers Arena!

This time around, Mountain Dew has taken an exciting approach – the hilarious Ducky Bhai will take on the beloved Zaid Ali T in a one-of-a-kind PUBG match.

#TeamDucky or #TeamZaid ?

Dewdz! Are you ready to find out who the REAL gamer is? We've got the Ultimate Showdown lined up for you! So whether you're #TeamDucky or #TeamZaid, come and cheer on your favorite contender this Sunday. The arena awaits. #DarrKeAagayJeetHai #DoTheDew

Posted by Mountain Dew PK on Friday, June 28, 2019

Instead of fueling their differences and engaging them in endless clashes, the brand has provided an opportunity for the content creators to settle things in a fun, entertaining and more effective manner.

Previously, the gaming arena had been introduced as a platform for the talented gamers of Pakistan to make a name for themselves and receive recognition both nationally and internationally.

Now, the same platform will be used to put an end to endless debates, pointless fights, and loose ends.

The initiative caught the attention of another leading brand! None other than… Samsung Pakistan!

The Ultimate Showdown

The ultimate showdown between Ducky Bhai and Zaid will take place on 30th June at Packages Mall Lahore!

Are you ready Dewdz? We are!

Huawei | Y9 Prime 2019 | Review | Brandsynario

Still wondering if google apps work on Huawei phones? To answer all your questions we have reviewed the latest Huawei Y9 Prime 2019 which comes with a pop up camera of 16MP at a very affordable price. So when are you buying this one?

Pre-Order HUAWEI Y9 Prime 2019 Over the Weekend!

Huawei Y9 2019

With consumer anticipation running high, Huawei has begun accepting pre-orders for HUAWEI Y9 Prime 2019.

The smartphone that sports Huawei’s first pop-up camera and Ultra FullView display of 6.59” comes fully loaded with cutting-edge technology from its design, display, and performance all the way to its battery.

An Authentic Bezel-free Experience

Remarkably, the HUAWEI Y9 Prime 2019 contains no notch, slider, or hole. The screen is simply a smooth and unobstructed glass surface, offering a futuristic feel and wholly immersive viewing experience. The full-screen display measures at 19.5:9 in aspect ratio, and takes up 91% of the front surface, giving the phone a slender body and first-rate aesthetics.

Visionary Pop-up Camera with Stunning Low-light Imagery

The HUAWEI Y9 Prime 2019 packs a 16MP + 8MP + 2MP triple-camera on the back. The 16MP primary camera’s F/1.8 aperture is a top performer, receiving 50% more light than the F/2.2 aperture that is more commonly seen on the market, as well as focusing more quickly and controlling noise more effectively.

As a result, the HUAWEI Y9 Prime 2019 empowers users to recreate scenes in their full complexity, with enhanced image clarity, contrast, and overall quality. AI image stabilization algorithms are used to support handheld long exposure shots for a maximum of 6 seconds at nighttime.

This improves the dynamic range and makes vivid, colorful photography possible in dark environments.

High Performance, Prolonged Battery Life

The smartphone is powered by the 12nm Kirin 710F four A73 2.2Hz cores and four A53 1.7Hz cores, which delivers lightning performance while consuming less power. This Kirin chipset represents a significant upgrade over its predecessor in both CPU and GPU.

CPU single-thread performance is improved by about 75%, multi-thread performance by around 68%; GPU boasts doubled power efficiency and 1.3 times the overall performance. It is also equipped with a 4,000 mAh (typical value) battery. Huawei’s proprietary smart power-saving technology boosts battery life to unforeseen levels.

4D Gaming from the Future

Thanks to Huawei’s pioneering research and development, the smartphone utilizes artificial intelligence creatively to identify gaming scenarios and match them with real-life sensations, like reloading, recoil, and the waves from an explosion. Stay on edge, and game with an edge!

huawei y9 prime

The pre-orders for HUAWEI Y9 Prime 2019 run from Saturday, 29 June to Sunday, 7 July 2019 for PKR 33,999/-.  People can order it in three colors: Midnight Black, Sapphire Blue, and Emerald Green – each with an enchanting and unique visual identity. Additionally, consumers will be treated with a Bluetooth speaker and a Zong data package upon pre-ordering. So hurry up and get ordering!

Stay Online with Jazz & Coca-Cola!

jazz and coca cola

Jazz, Pakistan’s largest digital communications company, and Coca-Cola Company, one of the most popular beverages in the country have partnered to offer consumers a chance to win free unlimited data.

This partnership focuses on heavy data users who prefer to live stream sports, especially during the ongoing Cricket World Cup, and surf the web on the go. This first of its kind offer is not limited to the ongoing Cricket World Cup but will be available afterward as well.

The Jazz branded Coca-Cola bottles, available at stores across Pakistan, provide consumers of the widely popular drink a chance to win unlimited Jazz Super 4G data by dialing in the code available at the back of each bottle’s label. Just dial *145*insert code# from the phone for a chance to win.  

Commenting on this partnership, Head of Marketing at Jazz, Kazim Mujtaba stated:

This is the coming together of two giant brands to empower millions of people with free mobile data, especially during the ongoing Cricket World Cup. In a first of its kind initiative, Jazz offers Coca-Cola’s customers a chance to use Pakistan’s fastest mobile internet.

“Coca-Cola is well known for its innovative and upbeat partnerships, and we are pleased to partner with Jazz for this campaign that focuses on users who love our brand and have acquired the lifestyle of digital nomads. While Coca-Cola is the official sponsor for ICC Cricket World Cup, it also pledges to offer its consumers with the best on-the-go experience this cricket season,” commented Abbas Arslan, Head of Marketing at The Coca-Cola Company, Pakistan.

Coca-Cola is one of Pakistan most favorite beverage with millions of customers, while Jazz is the country’s leading mobile operator serving about 60 million customers. The coming together of these two brands, after the success of the recently concluded Coke Festival powered by Jazz, showcases the mutually beneficial relationship these two enjoy.

“Osman Khalid Butt has even proposed to me,” Meera

osman proposed to meera

Baaji the film has finally released in cinemas nationwide and the reviews seem intriguing enough to make one run to the cinema and grab a ticket.

Meera, Osman Khalid Butt, and Amna Ilyas make for a power packed star cast, and the gripping story makes the film worth a watch.

 

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Osman has been actively updating her social media accounts with posts full of excitement for Baaji.

In an interview with Dawn, OKB and Meera spoke candidly about their roles and chemistry as co-stars. The actors discussed their experiences on set and how OKB enjpys working with Meera, appreciates her professionalism, and helps Meera with her conversational English.

Meera even jokingly added that OKB has even proposed to her, and then added a mischievous “just kidding” to it.

A month ago, during the promotions of the film, we had asked Meera why she chose Baaji as her comeback film, and here is what she said:

Meera for Baaji: She reveals why she chose this role!

Jokes aside, we look forward to watching the movie and wish Baaji the film all the very best!

Have you made plans for the weekend yet? Perhaps you can watch Baaji! Let us know how you like it when you do.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more updates and news.

 

Expats with Bank Accounts Exempted from Biometric Verification in Pakistan

biometric verification for banks

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has exempted expats from the biometric verification procedure in order to continue using their bank accounts.

The individuals have to provide their banks with proof of living abroad in order to be able to access their accounts.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Syed Zulfikar Abbas Bukhari shared this news through a tweet on Wednesday.

Earlier, SBP had instructed Pakistanis to have their biometrics done in order to be able to use their banking services and facilities.

This step was taken in order to prevent fake accounts from being illegally used to do money laundering and other criminal activities.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

Budget 2019-20: Car Prices to Increase in Upcoming Days

Motorcycle Girl Starring Sohai Ali Abro to be Screened at Stanford University

Motorcycle Girl Movie

Adnan Sarwar’s Motorcycle Girl starring Sohai Ali Abro is all set to be screened at the Stanford University as part of the institute’s Global Studies Summer Film Festival.

The film is based on Zenith Irfan, the first female motorcyclist to travel solo across Pakistan on a motorbike.

Receiving immense praise from the audience, the movie proved to be a real game changer for Sohai who did complete justice to the role.

The big news was shared by Zenith on her official Facebook page.

“AAHHHHHHH I AM CRYING WITH HAPPINESS RIGHT NOW. Stanford University is showcasing my biopic. My life story this July. This is huge. This is big news. I cannot even express my joy. I just don’t know what to say. This is unbelievable. Ya Allah Tera lakh shukar hay,” she shared her excitement.

The Stanford website states that Motorcycle Girl is scheduled to be screened on July 31, 2019.

Other than Sohai, the film also stars Ali Kazmi, Sarmad Khoosat, and Samina Peerzada in prominent roles.

Released in cinemas nationwide last year, Motorcycle Girl is also available on platforms like iflix for streaming.

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Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

Also Watch: 

Motorcycle Girl | Sohai Ali Abro Compares Motorcycle Brands With Pakistani Celebrities

Evercare Hospital Lahore: Pakistan’s First LEED Gold Certified Hospital Opens

Evercare Hospital Lahore

Today marked the opening of Evercare Hospital Lahore, a new private multi-specialty healthcare facility based in Wapda Town that will commence operations this month.

The hospital is Pakistan’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment) Gold certified facility in the country. The hospital aims to be the leading provider of affordable and quality healthcare to the citizens of Lahore and its catchment areas.

The hospital has been designed and equipped to best practice with regards to infection control and patient safety by reputed local and international consultants.

The hospital’s policies have been developed in line with international standards for patient safety and aim to be the first commercially operated hospital in Lahore to receive Joint Commission International (JCIA) accreditation.

Amongst one of the few full-suite tertiary care facilities in Lahore, Evercare Hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and led by an experienced management team with local and international experience.

“Evercare was built on the belief that we could bring much needed integrated healthcare services to markets that needed it. Evercare Hospital Lahore is an example of that strategy put into practice, bringing a vital suite of services to patients across the region, and elevating the standard of care,” said Andrew Currie, Chief Operating Officer of Evercare.

The facility comprises of 270 inpatient beds, 9 operating rooms. 2 cardiac catheter labs, 4 delivery suites, 2 endoscopy suits, adult and neonatal critical care services and dialysis. As a patient-led facility, the hospital’s patients will be offered quality care through qualified consultants, nurses, paramedical and support staff, most of whom have received international training and qualifications.

Evercare Hospital Lahore has also partnered with the Islamabad Diagnostics Centre (IDC) to establish a best in class diagnostics facility at the hospital, offering comprehensive radiology and pathology services on a 24/7 basis. IDC has a presence across 10 cities in Punjab, received numerous awards, certifications, and accolades, and is also a trusted partner with the Government in providing affordable and high-quality lab services across 3 rural districts in Punjab.

It has received CAP (College of American Physician) Certification and is also the recipient of the Quality Medical Service Award from the National Health Services Department in 2018.

Both Evercare Hospital Lahore and IDC are part of The Evercare Group, formed in 2015. The Evercare Group comprises of hospitals and clinics across Nigeria, Kenya, and India. Today, the Group consists of 26 hospitals, 45 diagnostics centers, and 18 clinics, having established over 4,100 beds and treating more than 1.8 million patients a year across the platform.

The Evercare Group globally is managed by TPG, a global private equity firm managing assets of over US$108 billion, and is supported by The Rise Fund, a global $2 billion impact investing fund that invests in growth businesses that are poised for financial success alongside the creation of positive social and environmental impact.

The Rise Fund’s key outcomes are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Existing investors in Evercare include some of the world’s leading development finance institutions and investment organizations.

Evercare Hospital Lahore’s services include:

Pakistan’s Zainab Abbas Praised by ICC Official Aarti Singh

zainab abbas

Pakistani cricket enthusiast turned ICC digital insider, Zainab Abbas received appreciation from ICC Head of Media Rights, Broadcast & Digital Aarti Singh Dabas.

She had praised Zainab for conducting a heartfelt interview with Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.

“Fantastic work”, tweeted Aarti appreciating the interview.

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Zainab was quick to receive the praise and thank Aarti in return.

In the insightful interview, Sarfaraz Ahmed talked about the loss against India and how the abuse affected him personally as well as professionally.

Sarfaraz revealed that the episode was more hurtful and scarring for his son and wife than it was for him.

“I was very angry at that moment, but if I had gotten into an argument people would not have seen the truth and I would’ve been seen in a negative light instead. That’s why I felt not reacting to the incident was the best response as I left it to God,” he said.

“But when the video became viral my body language was demotivated. It was not because of me. It was because of my son Abdullah who was with me at that time. That’s why it hurt me even more,” he further shared.

Speaking of the abusive video, the captain said that he found his wife crying in the hotel room after watching the clip where he is being compared to a pig.

What are your thoughts on the situation?

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Wife Cried After Watching Him Being Harassed in Viral Video

Banks to Remain Closed on Monday: SBP

bank holiday

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced a bank holiday on 1st July. All public and private banks will remain closed for public dealing.

Banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and Microfinance Banks (MFBs) would remain closed for public dealing on Monday -Statement from SBP

However, despite the bank will remain closed, all employees, DFIs, and MFBs will attend the office as it were a regular working day.

The reason why SBP has announced it as a holiday is that 1st July is the beginning of the new fiscal year in Pakistan. All banks and related financial organizations need to conclude annual closings of accounts of the previous year.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.

“Investors, Be Warned Against Prize Bond ‘Agent Mafia’” – State Bank of Pakistan

Is Your Passport Number Being Misused? Find Out!

passport is misused

While briefing the federal cabinet, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) revealed that the data of almost 45 thousand international passengers has been stolen to unlock illegal or smuggled mobile phones in the country.

The meeting was chaired by PM Imran Khan himself.

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The authorities shared documents that revealed the theft and misuse of travel documents such as Passport and CNIC details of around 45,000 passengers who traveled to Pakistan.

It is reported that the misuse began since the implementation of Device Identification Registration and Blocking System (DIRBS).

If you are an international traveler or a Pakistani living overseas, follow the below steps to confirm the status of your data:

  • Go to the PTA’s official website
  • Click on the Online Mobile Registration Tab
  • Click on the Sign-up option to create a new account
  • Add your details in the given form
  • After filling out the form, if you receive an error message popping up from the top right corner of the screen saying (User with that Pa already exists, please try again), it means that someone has stolen your passport number.

If you receive an error message, you will have to file a complaint at PTA’s official email address using the below-mentioned steps:

  • Go to PTA’s official website
  • Select the Contact Us option from the top right corner of the screen
  • Click on the Complaints tab
  • Copy the Email-id, which is “complaint@pta.gov.pk”
  • Send your passport number and the relevant detail at the email given above

Make sure to find out the status of your data before it gets too late.

“Investors, Be Warned Against Prize Bond ‘Agent Mafia’” – State Bank of Pakistan

Have anything to add to the story? Let us know in the comments!

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more updates.

“Investors, Be Warned Against Prize Bond ‘Agent Mafia’” – State Bank of Pakistan

prize bond sbp

Citizens have been warned by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) against agent mafia, who have been reported for charging money for cashing out a prize bond.

According to the central bank’s spokesperson, these dealers and cashers are not associated with the State Bank at all, and customers are not supposed to be charged for encashing their prize bonds. The law enforcing agencies must make sure that they take prompt and strict action against these agents, he said.

 

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Prize bond owners can avail cash payments of their bonds through through the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Banking Services Corporation and the authorized branches of six commercial banks including the following:

  • United Bank
  • MCB Bank
  • National Bank of Pakistan
  • Allied Bank
  • Bank Alfalah
  • Habib Bank

In order to encash the bonds, their bank accounts must be registered under the bond owner’s name, he further clarified.

It was also reported earlier that the State bank had announced to stop the sale and purchase of Rs. 40,000 prize bonds. The last date to cash out your Rs. 40,000 prize bond is March 31, 2020.

Rs. 40,000 bearer bonds can also be converted to Special Saving Certificates (SSC) or Defence Saving Certificates (DSC) through 16 field offices of the SBP Banking Services Corporation, National Savings Centers, and authorized commercial banks.

The rate of return on the SSC and DSC is currently 11.57 percent and 12.47 percent respectively.

Do you currently hold a Rs. 40,000 prize bond in Pakistan? Make sure to cash it out or convert it before March 31st, 2020!

PTI Government Hints End to Prize Bonds: FBR

Let us know if you have anything to add to the story.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more updates and news.

Pepsi Battle of the Bands Season 4 is Here & Our Excitement is Sky High!

PEPSI BOB Season 4

One of Pakistan’s biggest music platforms, Pepsi Battle of the Bands (BoB) is back with season 4!

This time around, the judges have raised the bar of their expectations and are ready to give the contestants a tough time to find that one band that will lift the trophy this year.

Hina Altaf, a bubbly and chirpy face and personality we all so dearly love is now the new host who is going to bring a new wave of energy to the stage.

Hina Altaf

Fantastic 4 Judges Panel!

PEPSI BOB Judges

As usual, Pepsi BoB has brought together Pakistan’s most talented personalities to guide the bands and help the country pick its new winners.

The dapper and handsome hunk Fawad Khan is truly a sight for sore eyes.

The gorgeous Meesha Shafi is rocking it with her new look and is ready to voice her say.

Faisal Kapadia- one of the voices behind Pakistan’s iconic rock band Strings that had broken stereotypes, is also back!

Last but not the least, Bilal Maqsood, the other half of Stings, a guitarist and vocals guru in one, is ready to set the stage on fire with the new talent.

In the refreshing teaser, we can hear some mind-blowing feedback, while there are some who were sent back home in an instant.

While some bands managed to impress our judges and give us goosebumps, others were told to try again next year.

We now have to see which bands make the cut and move on to the next round.

Watch the PEPSI BoB S4 Teaser Below to Know What’s in Store for you!

Catch full length episodes and other content by subscribing to their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/pepsibattleofthebands

“He was sent by God, God took him away” – Conversations with Kanwal on the Loss of a Spouse

conversations with kanwal episode 8

Conversations with Kanwal is a digital talk show conceptualized and hosted by Kanwal Ahmed, the founder of Soul Sisters, explores real stories from Pakistan to show the world what women are made of.

Kanwal likes to call Soul Sisters Pakistan an empowering movement for women, built upon the idea of highlighting their struggles and achievements and providing them with a platform where they can share anything they feel the need to.

Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Wife Cried After Watching Him Being Harassed in Viral Video

The theme of the latest episode of Conversations with Kanwal was the loss of a spouse, and it featured Madiha who spoke openly and warmly about coping with her husband’s passing away in a plane crash.

Loss is ever an easy subject to discuss, as there is no parameter to measure the pain brought with loss, nor is there one fixed way of addressing the anguish. Especially the loss of a spouse, with which is attached an ache that is entirely unexplainable.

Watch the full episode here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoYkerFoQJM

As always, the audience fell in love with the episode and its theme.

Considering that the society we live in is strongly patriarchal in nature, a woman’s losing her spouse becomes even more complicated.

As a woman she is required to grieve but perhaps not as openly as she might like to, she is required to stay at home for around 3 months which means has to stay indoors the whole time and can barely divert her mind even if she wants to.

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The challenges of a widow are many, but the latest episode of Conversations with Kanwal was focused on dealing with the loss of a spouse. Needless to say, it is a topic not widely discussed, so an episode on it was more than necessary.

Kudos to Kanwal for touching upon subjects that are often brushed under the rug and considered either too insignificant or too taboo to discuss openly.

Have you seen the episode? Tell us what you think, and tell us if and how it helped you cope with any kind of loss you may have faced in life.

Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more updates.

There Will Be No Funding for New Universities – HEC

hec to stop funding new universities

A drastic slash was observed in the funds allocated to HEC by the federal government this year. From Rs. 45 billion last year the funds have reduced to Rs 37 billion.

Owing to this budget cut, the HEC has announced that it will stop providing funds to new public varsities. NOCs from the HEC will still be provided to the universities though.

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The Sindh Government has established four universities in the last one-and-a-half years, all on its own:

  1. Government College University Hyderabad
  2. Sheikh Ayaz University Shikarpur
  3. Begum Nusrat Bhutto University for Women
  4. Sukkur and the Sufism University, Bhit Shah

HEC Chairman, Dr Banuri confirmed that there is insufficient money to fund the operations of already existing universities, so allocating funds to new universities is unthinkable.

However, some funds have been allocated for a Knowledge Economy. The knowledge economy is part of measures taken by the Minister of State for Revenue Hammad Azhar to remove structural flaws in the economy, which by previous governments had neglected.

Dr Attaur Rehman, Science and Technology Chairman and former HEC chairman, mentioned that he had demanded a budget of Rs30 billion for the knowledge economy even though there is no separate ministry for it, but was allocated even less than half of that, which is about Rs 13.5 billion.

The concept behind the knowledge economy is linked to industries, agriculture, science and technology, primary and secondary education and higher education; hence, the funds allocated to it will help promote education in other way.

“Overspending on Weddings & Dowry Is Not the Same” – Muneeb Butt

Do you think these decisions by the government and HEC will affect the literacy rate of the country adversely?

Let us know in the comments.

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