BankIslami Pakistan Limited and EFU Life Assurance Limited have entered into strategic alliance for distribution of EFU Life’s Hemayah Family Takaful products.
BankIslami is one of the leading Islamic banks operating through a network of 330 branches in 114 cities in Pakistan. EFU Life is one of the leading life insurance companies in Pakistan and is the first Window Family Takaful Operator licensed by SECP.
The signing ceremony was held at BankIslami Head Office Karachi and the agreement was signed by Syed Amir Ali, President & CEO of BankIslami and Mr. Taher G. Sachak, MD & CEO of EFU Life. Mr. Bilal Fiaz, Head-Consumer Banking of BankIslami, Mr. Laeeq Ur Rehman, Head-BancaTakaful of BankIslami, Mr. Mohammed Ali Ahmed, Executive Director of EFU Life and other senior officials from both the organizations also attended the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Syed Amir Ali, President & CEO of BankIslami said, “On this prestigious occasion, two of the leading organizations in their respective sectors have entered into a partnership. This strategic alliance will certainly help in providing better services to our customers. With this alliance, we are inking a new chapter in the success story of BankIslami’s BancaTakaful products.
Mr. Taher G Sachak, MD & CEO of EFU Life said, “We are delighted to have BankIslami on board as our Bancatakaful distribution partner. EFU Life and BankIslami share the same vision of creating value and convenience for their customers through innovative Shariah Compliant financial solutions for their saving and protection needs. There is a huge potential for Shariah Compliant takaful solutions in Pakistan and together with BankIslami we aim to penetrate further into this segment”.
This Ramadan will see the exclusive theatrical release of the feature-length documentary film, One Day In The Haram, in cinemas nationwide across Pakistan.
The theatrical distribution has been undertaken by Footprint Entertainment, the group which has been responsible for distribution of major foreign as well local content since 2005 in Pakistan.
From its world premiere at the Dubai International Film Festival, all the way through to its most recent premiere in India, One Day In The Haram has sold out cinema venues all over world. It is by far the most successful Islamic documentary film of all time.
One Day in the Haram is the extraordinary story of the Haram in Makkah, a place so revered that non-Muslims are forbidden from even setting foot in it. The film represents the first time in history that the Government of Saudi Arabia has allowed a film crew full access to the inner workings of the Haram.
British Pakistani director Abrar Hussain spent over a year researching different aspects of the Haram, to bring worldwide audiences the most complete and compelling vision of the Haram ever produced. Packed with knowledge and never before seen footage, this is a film that anyone with love for the religion of Islam must see.
This extraordinary film has already sold out cinemas in multiple countries all over the world, including Western countries such as the UK, USA, Australia, and Canada. In Islamic countries the film has been broadcasted in countries including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Malaysia and the UAE. The budget of the film was 50 million PKR.
In the UK the film was premiered at the House of Lords, the 1st Islamic film to ever receive this honour. The total viewership of the film now exceeds 32 million people worldwide.
The films multi award winning director Abrar Hussain said “It is a great honour to be able to share this important film with the audiences in Pakistan, especially at this spiritual time of Ramadan. Being of Pakistani heritage my-self, it really is a privilege to be able to showcase this film in my home country.”
The CEO of Footprint Entertainment, Mr Arif Baigmohamed, said “We are delighted to have secured the release of this spiritually uplifting film. This is a historic film in every sense, and we are pleased to be able to bring this film for Pakistani audiences”.
One Day In The Haram represents a cultural phenomenon that is showing no signs of slowing down. The film is commonly referred to as the most visually beautiful Islamic film ever made, has a current IMDB score of 9.2, and has struck an emotional chord with audiences all over the world.
Abrar Hussain is currently working on his next feature film project about Masjid Al Aqsa in Jerusalem, slated for release worldwide in September 2019.
All local Pakistani football teams will be getting a chance to represent Pakistan in Red Bull Neymar Jr.’s Five World Finals in Brazil, as the local tryouts for teams from Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad get ready to battle it out in the fields between 16th and 25th May.
The country qualifiers for Pakistan will kick off in Karachi, before moving on to Lahore and Islamabad. Once the tryouts are done, the top teams from each city will face-off in the national qualifiers in Lahore on May 25th, thus getting a chance to represent the country in the Red Bull Neymar Jr.’s Five World Finals in Brazil. To get a chance to enter this competition, the teams can simply sign up and register themselves by logging onto http://www.redbullneymarjrsfive.com any time till May 13th.
The competition is based solely on the concept of survival of the fittest. Both males and females will be allowed to play together in a team, based purely on their skills and technique. A majority of the team’s players should be between the age of 16 and 25 years. The rules of the game include two parts: Two teams of no more than five players will play against each other for 10 minutes, without any goalkeepers, and every time a team scores, the opposing side would lose one of their players.
Red Bull Neymar Jr.’s Five is a tournament aimed to unite players from all around the world to celebrate football. In 2018, over 125,000 players from 62 countries signed up for the tryouts, and the tournament in 2019 is expected to be equally huge, if not a bigger deal.
Dubuzz, previously founded as Emax Media, organized a meet and greet yesterday on May 3rd, 2019 in Karachi, for all the hosts of different Ramadan transmissions that will be aired during the blessed month.
The event was graced by the striking presence of Reema Khan, who will be hosting the Ramadan transmission for Aaj News and Aaj Entertainment, produced by Emax Media, during the holy month. Among other anchors present at the event were Ali Rehman Khan – host of the Event, Reema Khan, Maya Khan, Sadiaa Imam, Amna Malik, Iqrar-ul Hasan & Sahir Lodhi.
The event was a huge success, where it was communicated how Emax Media is now open for services in Pakistan, after having provided innovative marketing tools to varying media partners in the Middle East, U.K. and Europe.
Emax Media is a content hub that provides customized content for different brands and Heads by CEO Farhan Gauhar. Their services include sales and marketing, content production, distribution, television and cable, etc. They provide technical support to operate and run television channels and are involved with broadcasting services. Emax Media have also globally partnered with Fox, Disney, Star and other networks. With the launch of their services in Pakistan, Emax Media is aiming to expand its horizons with the building of new clientele within the region.
. Transformers Roadshow winners receive seed capital and mentoring to realise their solutions to global development challenges
· Pakistan is third largest beneficiary member country of the IsDB with $12.43 billion financing received to date
· Health Minister Dr Zafar Mirza applauds IsDB’s contribution to the health sector in Pakistan. Awards winners of the roadshow.
Transformers Road show by IDBF
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has awarded four Pakistani innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs seed capital and business skills mentoring as part of its fifth edition of the Transformers Roadshow competition, held in association with COMSTECH. The Roadshow is a global initiative in which applicants are invited to pitch ideas accelerating one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Minister of state for health, Dr Zafar Mirza was the chief guest for the Transformers Roadshow. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Zafar Mirza said that, the current initiative, namely the Transformers Roadshow, is a very novel idea. He congratulated IsDB for providing this opportunity to young Pakistani innovators to pitch their ideas for addressing one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. There is no dearth of innovative and creative ideas in our countries but there is a dire need of directing efforts towards providing indigenous solutions for the problems that we face, and secondly there is a strong need for connecting innovators with entrepreneurs, who can convert the ideas or prototypes into commercialized products or services.
Dr Mirza said that Pakistani innovators are using their skills in producing energy from renewable technologies, which can be linked with industry to eliminate poverty and generate employment. He said that with the help of IsDB we have started a project of mobile health clinics in Islamabad that will obviously facilitate people in providing basic health facilities in remote areas. Health minister said that IsDB and COMSTECH will provide support for providing health, education, food security and safe drinking for the poor of the society.
Addressing the gathering and during the press conference, President Islamic Development Bank Dr. Bandar Hajjar said, Pakistan is the integral member country of the IsDB group and is the third largest beneficiary of IsDB financing.
The IsDB group has provided a total financing of 12.43 billion USD to Pakistan, helping improve the lives of the people of Pakistan through a range of development projects. He highlighted that IsDB is financing Neelum Jhelum Hydro Power Project, Jamshoro Power Station, CASA 1000 project for improving energy needs of the country. Dr Bandar Hajjar said that he had a very fruitful and constructive meetings with the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan. He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of Road to Naya Pakistan will pave way for the economic prosperity of the country. He said IsDB has earmarked a 500 million USD fund for promoting science technology and innovation in the member countries.
The competition attracted more than 200 entrants from across Pakistan, with shortlisted 20 teams presented their innovative ideas and 4 finalists were selected by the esteemed judging panel, awarded $3,000 seed capital and a ticket to Transformers Roadshow final to be held in Senegal later this year. The initiatives were assessed in line with the SDGs agenda across factors such as innovativeness, impact and outreach, practicality, scalability, sustainability, potential for patenting and commercialisation.
Coordinator General COMSTECH addressing the press conference said that “We are committed to developing local talent and nurturing solutions to key challenges. We are delighted that this event attracted some of Pakistan’s top minds who have made it their mission to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.” He said that the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan is collaborating with IsDB for funding innovative projects by Pakistani scientists.
Dr Hayat Sindi, Senior Advisor to the President, Islamic Development Bank said: “The quality of the applications here in Pakistan has been exceptionally high, and I am delighted to see so many innovative and novel solutions proposed across such a diverse mix of development issues. Science, technology and innovation are at the heart of the IsDB’s strategy and through the Transform Fund, our dream is to support solutions designed by local entrepreneurs and innovators who understand their communities.”
Winners of the competition will receive an invitation to attend the 2019 IsDB Transformers Summit in Senegal. The winners were:
Dr Osman Hassan, Smart SIM (Health)
Dr Khawaja Arsalan Habib, Short Circuit Fault Localization System (Energy)
Hassan Bin Rizwan, Muse Lessons (Education)
Ms Rehana Balti, Appricot Processing Strategy (Agriculture)
Teams presented their ideas to an esteemed judging panel from public and private sectors including:
Dr Hayat Sindi, Chief STI advisor to the President of the IsDB
Mr Yusuf Hussain, CEO, Ignite
Dr Fil Randazzo, CEO and Founder, Leverage Science
Lars Kroijer, Founder, Allied Crowds
Launched in July 2018, the Transformers Roadshow is one of the initiatives led by the IsDB Transform Fund set up to support the IsDB’s strategic focus on capacity building and human capital development. Previous editions took place in Uzbekistan, Niger, Kazakhstan and Bangladesh, where the Bank has awarded nine innovators. The IsDB mission via the Transform Fund is to equip people to drive their own economic and social progress at scale, putting the infrastructure in place to enable them to fulfil their potential.
The season’s much-awaited rom-com by YNH Films and Distribution Club, Wrong No.2 released the video of its first official song ‘Yaariyan’ today.
A film by the most talented Yasir Nawaz, Wrong No.2 has been produced by the entertainment industry’s giants, Hassan Zia and Sheikh Amjad Rasheed, while the screenplay has been written by Yasir Nawaz. The movie is expected to be a love story with a comedic twist, and the song ‘Yaariyaan’ tunes in well with the genre of the film. With Simaab Sen as the music director, Harshdeep Kaur’s melodious voice can be heard singing the newly released soundtrack. The lyrics have been composed by Fatima Najeeb.
Wrong No. 2’s story centers around a rich heiress Zoya, played by the stunning Neelum Munir, who falls in love with a man lower to her in financial status, played by Sami Khan. The love story starts off with a lot of complications that don’t eventually die down. With a series of love interests, family drama and misfortune, the characters in Wrong No.2 get stuck in a crazy ride of romance and emotions, and a whole lot of laughter. The movie sports a powerful cast behind it that includes Jawaid Sheikh, Danish and Yasir Nawaz, Ahmed Hassan, Ashraf Khan, Shafqat Cheema, Sana Fakhar, and many others. Irfan Khosat will also be making a guest appearance in the movie.
It is a story by Danish Nawaz, while the dialogues have been written by Ahmed Hassan. Furthermore, YNH Films, along with Distribution Club, has partnered up with EROS International for the worldwide distribution of the film.
As seen from the trailer released earlier, the music in the movie seems to be upbeat and quite attention-grabbing. With such a powerful team behind Wrong No.2, the audience awaits to hear more soundtracks from the movie soon.
Credits of the Song:
First Official Video Song “ YARIYAAN” of Wrong No. 2…
The renowned production house, 7th Sky Entertainment, led by the accomplished duo of the Pakistan Media Industry, Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi, is yet again coming up with another exciting project, “Shahrukh ki Saaliyan” to entertain their audience.
Written by the legendary writer, Dr. Muhammad Younis Butt and directed by the ace director Mazhar Moin, Shahrukh ki Saaliyan stars the heartthrob of Pakistan, Ahsan Khan, and Kaisa Hai Naseeban famed, Ramsha Khan in lead roles. The genre of the drama is going to be a rom-com and the brilliant producers Abdullah Kadwani and Asad Qureshi, promise it to be a fun-filled journey for the viewers.
Currently reaping rave reviews for “Romeo Weds Heer”, “Dil Kiya Karey”, “Seerat” and “Mera Rab Waris”, the multi-talented production team aims to awe its viewers once again with this signature project that will air on Geo Entertainment real soon.
The multi-talented anchor, activist and public speaker, Sidra Iqbal is all set for her special Ramadan transmission by the name of ‘Baraan-e-Rehmat’.
The show is expected to be aired on Aaj News every day all through Ramadan, between 1 to 4 pm.
Talking about the show, Iqbal commented, “I am looking forward to hosting Baraan –e-Rehmat, Ramzan 2019 special show on Aaj News. My team and I have put in a lot of thought, love and dedication in designing this daily. It will cover socio-religious subjects and allow viewers to learn and reflect in this holy month. I believe it’s a month for inward reflection and spiritual growth, and that has exact been the central thought of this show and its thoughtful segments.
Sidra Iqbal has been a youth icon for many years now. She became the first Pakistani who was invited to take part in the International Leadership Program in 2016, by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of UK. She has been in the media industry since 2005 and is famed as a communication and media strategist, and a life coach for the youth. The only Pakistani to have received the GR8 Women Award for Journalism, Sidra Iqbal has successfully given a new face to our morning shows. With her graceful presence, Sidra Iqbal’s appearance this Ramzan on ‘Baraan-e-Rehmat’ can be looked forward to by her viewers.
[Karachi, May 3rd, 2019] With the imminent arrival of Ramzan, GEO has released the official OST for their Ramzan transmission titled ‘Ehsaas Ramzan’.
The touching OST features the legendary Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who has also composed the music. The intensity of Rahat’s voice along with the OST’s soulful lyrics make this a truly memorable endeavor. The poetry of the OST focuses on the essence of Ramzan and has been written by Sabir Zafar. The OST reinforces the message of the Ehsaas Ramzan transmission and encourages the essential values of patience, respect and empathy in this blessed month.
Ehsaas Ramzan is a special transmission featuring a series of programs and segments by GEO, aimed at bringing about a change in the way Ramzan is seen and practiced in our country. The transmission will be hosted by Rabia Anum and features programs and segments including ‘Bachay Mann Kay Sachay’, ‘Mera Pehla Roza’, ‘Wah Wah Subhan’, ‘Rab-e-Zidni Ilma’, ‘Riyasat-e-Medina’, ‘Aalim Online’, ‘Nanhi si Khuwaish’, ‘Jazba-e-Khidmat Allah’ and ‘Mukafat’. These segments will air at different times throughout the day and will reinforce the theme of Ehsaas and its importance in the spirit of Ramzan.
The focus on ‘Ehsaas’ is what makes GEO’s transmission concept unique, and the OST by Rahat Fateh Ali perfectly engenders the theme of generosity.
The blockbuster on-screen jodi Hareem Farooq and Ali Rehman Khan are back together in IRK Films & Arif Lakhani Films upcoming movie Heer Maan Ja, releasing worldwide on Eid Ul Azha (August 2019).
Heer Maan Ja has been directed by Azfar Jafri who has previously directed box office successes Siyaah, Janaan, Parchi and Sherdil and penned by debutant writer Owais Korai Baloch.
The teaser also unveils the star studded cast of the film that includes Ali Kazmi, Aminah Sheikh, Sami Khan, Saleem Mairaj, Ahmed Ali Akbar, Mojiz Hasan, Faizan Sheikh, Shamyale Nasir and Abid Ali in pivotal roles, and the big screen comeback of 90’s Lollywood starlet Zara Sheikh.
“Heer Maan Ja is the fourth and the biggest (to date) big screen venture for IRK Films and with this project we have made sure we leave no stone unturned to give paisa vasool entertainment to our audience from the first look of the film.” stated Imran Raza Kazmi the producer of the film.
“After Parchi, Heer Maan Ja is my second collaboration with IRK Films, and we are extremely glad to be able to give the worldwide audience extremely high quality family entertainment.” said Arif Lakhani the producer of the movie.
The over one-minute teaser will leave movie watchers in anticipation of what’s to come next. With some hilarious sequences, action packed pace and catchy tunes, the first look of the upcoming movie takes you into the RJ topsy turvy world of gorgeous Heer (Hareem Farooq) and Kabir (Ali Rehman Khan) who is an architect and a super confident, go getter who constantly runs into bad luck, and thus begins the roller coaster ride for the two.
Heer Maan Ja will be distributed by Distribution Club and the Geo Group is the official Media Partner.
To watch the teaser, please click on the following link:
Musawar Ali 