Musawar Ali

#FPW2016 dates are announced

September 28th, 2016

Fashion Pakistan Council has announced the dates for Fashion Pakistan Week Winter Festive 2016. The three-day premiere fashion event is scheduled to take place from October 30th 2016 to November 1st 2016.

Fashion Pakistan Council is celebrating 10 years of style with 2016 being the 11th fashion week, the new Fashion Pakistan Council board members, FPC selects its new board comprised of veteran and renowned designers Maheen Khan, Maheen Karim, Nauman Arfeen, Obaid Sheikh, Aamna Aqeel with Deepak Perwani as the Chairperson and Nida Azwer as the CEO.

Fashion Pakistan Council’s Chairperson Deepak Perwani commented “This year’s Fashion Pakistan week is a celebration of the evolution of style through a decade. It promises to be a nostalgic experience along with showcasing budding new talents.”

Fashion Pakistan Week is a platform for new designers to be a part of this industry along with the aspiring designers to exhibit their creativity at this prestigious event. This year Fashion Pakistan Week is going to take place in Karachi from October 30th 2016 to November 1st 2016.

About Fashion Pakistan Week:

Fashion Pakistan Week initiated in 2009, is part of the alliance created by Council of International Fashion Designers, with an understanding of working together to promote and support local fashion designers in global market place. The members of the Fashion Pakistan represent a major segment of Pakistan’s diverse and very talented design fraternity.

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For more information about Fashion Pakistan Week visit:

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Pakistan’s Great Online Shopping Festival 2016 is about to Commence

September 27th, 2016

In keeping up with the excitement of online shopping in the country, the Great Online Shopping Festival (GOSF) – Pakistan’s biggest online shopping festival will be held from September 28–30, 2016 at http://www.gosf.live. The festival, supported by Google, JazzCash, Yayvo.com, Goto.com.pk and powered by Jang Media Group, will see more than 50 e-commerce partners participating.

Users can shop for jewellery, shoes, apparels, books, kids wear, gadgets, watches, computer accessories, health & fitness equipment, home decor products and a host of other things and can expect generous discounts up to 70% from the participating e-tailers. The shopping festival not only caters to users in Pakistan but also allows Pakistani expats living all over the world to send gifts to their loved ones residing all across country.

Khurram Jamali, Industry Head, Google Asia Pacific said: “The ecommerce industry in Pakistan is doubling in size every year. With GOSF, we aim to tap into this robust growth by bringing sensational and affordable deals thanks to our partners. I encourage everyone to check out this year’s GOSF as it promises 72 hours of phenomenal shopping deals for everyone and their loved ones.”

Highlighting the importance of such online shopping festivals, Faizan Siddiqi, Managing Director, IMM-Jang Media Group stated: “The Jang Media Group is proud to be associated with GOSF – slated to be the biggest online shopping festival of Pakistan. Our collaboration with Google is in line with our commitment to promote e-commerce and e-tailing all across Pakistan. With our technological prowess, we have built the framework for GOSF and are looking forward to an outstanding response from people.”

JazzCash is the official payment partner for GOSF – a festival to promote e-commerce in Pakistan by offering merchants with an opportunity to showcase their product on a single platform. It offers the most secure and reliable payment method for customers during the shopping festival. During GOSF, customers who pay through JazzCash will get additional discounts of up to 80%. They can pay through three options i.e. JazzCash Mobile Account, Vouchers and Credit/Debit cards. Additionally, voucher payment can be done at the nearest JazzCash retailer from amongst more than 65,000 retailers nationwide.

Talking about the partnership between JazzCash and GOSF, Aniqa Afzal Sandhu, Director – Mobile Financial Service, Mobilink said: “We envision a remarkable growth in Pakistan’s e-commerce industry as more and more people are turning towards online shopping. JazzCash offers innovative e-payment methods that are not only secure but also allow a great deal of convenience for people looking to shop online. Our partnership with GOSF is a testimony to a rapid expansion of the online shopping industry and we remain committed to bring utmost convenience and reliability for people making online transactions all over the country.”

Google has previously helped to organise online shopping festivals in other countries such as Singapore and Sri Lanka. In Pakistan, GOSF is looking to drive the trend of online shopping toward the mainstream thanks to the rapid growth of Pakistan’s mobile Internet market.
K-ELECTRIC MAINTAINS ‘VERY RESPONSIVE’ STATUS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

September 26th, 2016

K-Electric, in-line with its customer-centric approach, continues to facilitate its consumers by engaging them through Social Media platforms including Facebook and Twitter. The utility currently has over 235,000 fans on Facebook and 49,000 organic followers on Twitter.

To capitalize on the power of online media, KE established their presence on Social Media four years ago. The KE Social Care model is backed by a dedicated team that works round the clock to manage online queries and ensure immediate response. The digital platforms are also functional during public holidays. KE has successfully managed to maintain a very high response rate since its inception and has been tagged as ‘very responsive’ by Facebook. Last year, KE became the first ever utility in Pakistan to integrate its digital platforms with SAP thereby enriching company’s already wide range of customer care touch points such as 118, 021-99000, customer.care@ke.com.pk and the SMS service 8119 as well as IBCs.

According to KE spokesperson, “Digital is critical in today’s world and we are fully geared up. We have facilitated our consumers by connecting with them through social media so we are within the reach of their fingertips. Our social media pages also keep consumers updated on power-related developments across the city, create awareness on energy conservation practices, and enable consumers to report any safety hazard for immediate action.”

Known for implementing consumer-centric technologies, K-Electric has implemented several leading IT based services like – ‘Genesys’ – one of the leading customer experience platforms in the world; Centralized handling of complaints via web, social media and 29 IBCs; Complaints registration and closure alerts as well as bill payment via mobile platforms.
More than 110,000 Young Pakistanis Participate in Jazz Rising Stars

September 21st, 2016

‘Dunya Ko Bataa Do’ is a pledge that Jazz has taken to provide the right platforms and opportunities to the Pakistani youth for them to achieve success. With this quest, Jazz moves forward to create the next generation of cricketing stars for Pakistan. After collaborating in the inaugural edition of the successful Pakistan Super League, Jazz and Lahore Qalandars present Jazz Rising Stars – a one of its kind initiative which aims to find the hidden cricketing talent, provide them a platform and equip them with the right resources to shine.

As part of the initiative, cricket trial camps were set up in eight districts of Punjab where Aaqib Javed and Mudassar Nazar selected the best cricket talent for each district. A total of 111,553 contestants participated in the trials. Players from each district have been shortlisted to represent their districts in Jazz Rising Stars T20 Cup. The tournament will begin at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on September 24, 2016 with the final to be held on October 1, 2016.

While the tournament will be televised on Geo Super in its entirety, for live spectators entry would be free of cost. Four lucky spectators per day will leave the stadium with a brand new Jazz X handset courtesy of a lucky draw. For those who feel this still is not enough, there is an additional incentive that should they take a catch, they will be going home with a cash prize of PKR 10,000/- as well.

Talking about the initiative, Asif Aziz, CCO, Mobilink said: “We are a cricket crazy nation. Cricket is not just a sport for us, it is more like a religion. Jazz being Pakistan’s No.1 network, speaks the language of the nation and knows what they love. We’re committed to supporting and nurturing the sport in the country. Our aim is to help bring International Cricket back to the country and we’ll keep working towards that.”

Shahbaz Maqsood Khan, Director Marketing said: “Pakistan has prolific talent, but unfortunately our youth lack platforms and opportunities capable of enabling them to further their careers. Jazz Rising Stars however provides the perfect opportunity for our prodigious talent to showcase their abilities and prove their mettle on an international level.”

Select players will qualify for the next phase of the competition based off their performance in the Jazz Rising Stars T20 Cup in Gaddafi Stadium. These players will be afforded the once in a lifetime opportunity to travel all the way to Australia to engage with and learn from the current reigning Big Bash League Champions 2016, the Sydney Thunders. The culmination of the Jazz Rising Stars will see us select the final two, one batsman and one bowler, to represent the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League 2017.
Stars of Janaan sparkle at European Premiere

September 20th, 2016

Setting a new benchmark on a global platform for Pakistani cinema, the romantic comedy Janaan received its European Premiere recently at London’s Cineworld, The O2.

Dazzling the red carpet at the premiere were the rising stars of Pakistani film industry, Armeena Khan, Bilal Ashraf and Ali Rehman Khan. The leading stars of the film were also joined on the red carpet by other members of the cast and crew, including actress Hania Aamir, actor Usman Mukhtar, actress and co-producer Hareem Farooq, producer Imran Raza Kazmi alongside writer Osman Khalid Butt and director Azfar Jafri.

Additional guests included: Former member of the Pakistani music band Awaz, singer Haroon, Pakistani actor and model Wiqar Ali Khan, urban Punjabi singer Tasha Tah and TV personality Yasmin Karimi to name a few.

The evening was presented by Munir Hussain Films – UK (Pepe’s Piri Piri Group) with the feature presentation hosted by radio personality Saima Ajram. Guests were also indulged with a performance by music artist Nafees.

Setting a new precedent for Pakistani cinema, Janaan has already set new records in the UK. As well as being the first Pakistani film to gross the highest single day collections recorded for a Pakistani film ever in the UK, it has climbed to number 8 in the UK Box Office Top 10 after its opening weekend – the first time ever for a Pakistani film.

Presented by IRK Films, Munir Hussain Films – UK (Pepe’s Piri Piri Group) and ARY Films, Janaan has also set a new trend for Pakistani cinema worldwide. The film has been distributed in the UK and internationally by B4U Motion Pictures, whose distribution strategy secured the biggest release of a Pakistani film to date across 18 territories, paving the way for a bright future for Pakistani cinema on a global platform.

Honouring Pakistan’s rich heritage in film, the arts and storytelling, Janaan (‘Beloved’ in Pashto) presents a stylish, witty and often emotional observation of contemporary Pakistan that has resonated with the audience globally. Helming a fresh team of young creatives and talent, Armeena Khan, Bilal Ashraf and Ali Rehman Khan, create screen magic in the lead roles in a film that is emblematic of a burgeoning Pakistani film industry that is consistently making waves internationally.

Janaan,was released on Eid ul Azha, worldwide presented by IRK Films, Munir Hussain Films – UK (Pepe’s Piri Piri Group) and ARY Films

Distributed by B4U Motion Pictures internationally.

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#JanaanPremiere /JanaanOfficial /ARYFilmsOfficial @JanaanOfficial @ARYFilmsARY @JanaanOfficial @ARYFilmsOfficial
foodpanda Generated an Additional One Billion Rupees for the Food Delivery Market in Pakistan

September 1st, 2016

CEO shares his pain of calling the restaurants for ordering food

foodpanda, Pakistan’s leading food delivery app, estimates that it has generated a staggering one billion rupees in additional sales for the restaurant industry in the last 12 months. Along with growing adaption of online service offerings in Pakistan, foodpanda has accelerated the switch from offline food ordering to online ordering through its website and mobile app, benefiting both its customers and restaurant partners.

Nauman Sikandar, CEO of foodpanda Pakistan notes: “Over the last three years we have helped customers to realize that they can spend their valuable time pursuing what they love, rather than preparing food at home. We have partnered with thousands of professional chefs at restaurants who prepare the most delicious meals of your choice for you, along with the convenience of having it delivered right to your doorstep.”

He further adds: “I am a foodie at heart and order from my favorite restaurants almost every day.I used to make tons of telephone calls each month to restaurants and the overall process was extremely painful! Finding the correct telephone number, reading out my order from a leaflet, communicating my address, and then the frustrating moment when I realize that they misunderstood my order through the phone. With foodpanda, you simply logon to our app, select or discover your favorite restaurant and place your order with a few clicks. The app remembers all your details, so you only enter them the first time. Now I can place an order at my favorite restaurant within 30 Seconds”

foodpanda estimates over 7500+ restaurants established all across Pakistan, which it aims to add to its portfolio over the next few years. Last year, the company grew its restaurant inventory to over 1,000 restaurants which is a 360% increase compared to the previous twelve months. Next to the local neighborhood favourites, foodpanda signed partnerships with national restaurant chains, such as Nando’s, McDonald’s, Sarpino’s and ginsoy. Over the last years, foodpanda has accelerated the growth of the food delivery market to around 20% year on year, compared to original growth levels of around 7%.

Raza Pirbhai, CEO of KFC: Foodpanda as a concept has taken Pakistanis into the future, not only from the customer point of view but also from the business end. With delivery being the fastest growing channel, KFC Pakistan has seen a rapid growth pattern in its online sales which is doubling over time. Together with Foodpanda we plan to take KFC to every household in Pakistan over the next few months.

The figures in the attached infographic represent Pakistan’s enriched and rapidly growing food ordering market and shows that foodpanda is the pioneer leading explosive growth and improvements in the industry.

About foodpanda Pakistan

foodpanda is Pakistan’s leading online food delivery marketplace. foodpanda offers a convenient platform to order food online from the widest gastronomic range through its mobile app and website. With over 1,000 local and international food chains on-board, foodpanda.pk, currently offers its services in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and other cities. The foodpanda mobile app is available for download at Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Janaan releasing in 15 countries worldwide this September

September 1st, 2016

ARY Films, IRK Films, MUNIR HUSSAIN FILMS and B4U Films is set to release Janaan, in 15 countries worldwide this Eid ul Azha including Pakistan.

Janaan, a romantic comedy, stars Armeena Rana Khan, Ali Rehman Khan, Bilal Ashraf, Hania Aamir and Usman Mukhtar and is directed by Azfar Jafri.

Besides Pakistan, Janaan is also releasing in Dubai, UK, US, Canada, Australia to name a few and B4U Films is distributing it worldwide.

“We are extremely excited that our first venture, Janaan is releasing in 15 countries simultaneously.” stated Imran Raza Kazmi, one of the producers of Janaan. “It’s a proud moment for Pakistan to have our films screened so extensively globally giving international audience a chance to recognize Pakistani talent and the film industry here.”

“Sincerely, I am thankful to the immense love and support towards Janaan we have been receiving since the film was announced and we continue to fulfil the ARY Films’ promise to provide good entertainment to the viewers under the Made In Pakistan banner.” commented Jerjees Seja, CEO, ARY Digital Network.

Janaan, the beloved, revolves around Meena (played by Armeena Rana Khan) and her return from Canada to attend her cousin’s wedding in her native homeland “Swat”. While trying to adapt to her ethnic roots, she often finds herself in hilarious situations.

Janaan is all set to release in cinemas on Eid ul Adha in 15 countries across the globe.

About Janaan:

Janaan (meaning beloved) is an upcoming Pakistani romantic comedy film directed by Azfar Jafri, written by Osman Khalid Butt and co-produced by Hareem Farooq, Reham Khan, Munir Hussain and Imran Raza Kazmi under production banners of IRK Films and Munir Hussain Films – UK. The film stars Armeena Khan, Bilal Ashraf and Ali Rehman Khan in lead roles. This film will be released in Pakistan by ARY Films on September 13, 2016 (Eid ul-Adha). B4U Films will distribute the film internationally.
Colgate offers Scholarship of up to 1 Lakh Rupees

August 29th, 2016

Colgate; the world’s #1 toothpaste recommended by dentists brings an exciting opportunity for children to win a scholarship of Rs. 1 lakh. Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection is a premium quality toothpaste brand that has been organizing this scholarship program since many years.

This initiative not only aims to promote oral hygiene and dental care practices among people, but also provides an opportunity to parents for winning a scholarship of Rs. 1 lakh and give their children a bright smile and future.

The recently launched Colgate Scholarship Campaign includes a TV commercial, press advertisements and other media. This campaign increases awareness of cavity protection and also provides a chance to win this scholarship of Rs. 1 lakh and secure their children’s future.

The procedure to participate in the Colgate Scholarship Program is extremely easy. You just have to type ‘Colgate’ and send it via SMS to 9460 or call at 0800-22111. The contest is subject to terms and conditions that can be found on the website www.colgate.com.pk. All the correct answers will be entered into a weekly lucky draw and given a chance to win the scholarship of Rs. 1 lakh. This amount will be awarded to the winners in the name of their educational institutions only.

Colgate Scholarship Program will encourage people to adopt oral hygiene and dental care habits and will also fulfill parents’ dreams of their children’s bright future.
A night of Celebrities’ Cricket held in Karachi

August 29th, 2016

To celebrate the upcoming Eid ul Azha release of their film #Janaan, ARY Films and IRK Films recently organized an entertaining night of celebrities’ cricket at Moin Khan Academy with friendly matches held between the cast and team of Janaan, Lahore Se Aagey and team behind ARY Films.

Janaan starring Armeena Rana Khan, Ali Rehman, Bilal Ashraf, Hania Aamir & Usman Mukhtar is directed by Azfar Jafri and will release on Eid ul Azha worldwide.

It was an entertaining and thrilling event to celebrate Pakistani cinema which was attended by the Janaan cast along with other celebrities like Anwar Maqsood, Noman Habib, Fatima Effendi, Faysal Quraishi, Moomal Sheikh, Hasan Rizvi, Fahad Mustafa, Humayun Saeed, Fahad Sheikh, Danish Nawaz, Naveed Raza and many others who were present at the event to support our cinema.

Director Wajahat Rauf along with the cast and crew from his upcoming film Lahore Se Aagay came out to support Janaan and Pakistani cinema.

The star studded audience was entertained by the running commentary about the on-goings by the legendary Anwar Maqsood.

“We are really loving how everyone is loving the vibe and freshness Janaan has to offer for the movie lovers.” commented Jerjees Seja, CEO, ARY Digital Network, “This night was to celebrate Pakistani cinema and our commitment to keep providing quality movies under the Made In Pakistan umbrella to our audience.”

In the end the ARY Films team came out as the overall winner for the night beating both the Lahore Se Aagay & Janaan teams.

Janaan is all set to release in cinemas worldwide on Eid ul Azha.
Big Dipper Party reaches Karachi

August 27th, 2016

Pizza Hut, one of the largest international food chains in the country and a pioneer within the pizza industry, hosted a big party and launched The Big Dipper in Karachi, Pakistan.

The event was attended by the cast and crew of the upcoming film Janaan including Bilal Ashraf, Ali Rehman Khan, Armeena Rana Khan, Hania Aamir, Hareem Farooq, Imran Kazmi, Azfar Jafri, socialites Salima Fareesta, Maliha Rao, Munaf and Sabeen, Adeel Feroz and others.

The newly launched Big Dipper includes twenty four delicious slices with four dips that will make the pizza even more enjoyable and delicious. One can have all four dips in one pizza which are Fiery Peri, Garlic and Mint, Creamy Ranch and Chipotle BBQ.

We aim at making Pizza Hut the fastest growing and most loved food chain in Pakistan. The brand is known for leading the market in food innovation, using the finest quality of ingredients. The launch of the new Big Dipper is one such initiative that the consumers will surely love.” said Marya Khan Chief Marketing and Innovator Officer (CMIO) MCR PVT LTD.

The newly launched Big Dipper is available at all Pizza Hut outlets across Pakistan for dine in, take away and home delivery.

The all New BIG DIPPER is now in Pakistan with 24 scrumptious slices & 4 mouth-watering dips! So gather up, come over or order from home, this heavenly pizza is a great experience.