-
PM Imran Khan gets a place on ‘YouGov’s World’s Most Admired Men’ for 2021


Prime Minister Imran Khan has been named on the list of the world’s most admired men in YouGov’s international survey this year.
Former US president Barack Obama has retained his position in the survey this year, having wrested the position from long-time incumbent Bill Gates last year.
According to a YouGov survey, Michelle Obama likewise holds on to her position as the world’s most admired woman for the third year running.
The top three spots for each sex have been unchanged since last year, with business tycoon and philanthropist Gates remaining second among men, followed by Chinese premier Xi Jinping.
Actress and humanitarian Angelina Jolie continue to be the world’s second-most admired woman, ahead of third-placed British monarch Queen Elizabeth II.
This year’s study surveyed more than 42,000 people in 38 countries and territories to compile the list.
Pakistani human rights campaigner Malala Yousafzai and Indian actress Priyanka Chopra have risen farthest in the ranks this year, climbing five places to 9th and 10th, respectively.
Among the men, Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has seen the greatest increase since last time, climbing four places from 11th to 7th – his highest rank to date.
Despite this record placement, as well as, his recent Ballon D’or win, Messi still lags behind Portuguese rival Cristiano Ronaldo in 4th place (also Ronaldo’s best showing to date).
Entertainers are more prominent in the female list, with 10 of the most admired women being actresses, singers or TV presenters (although some, like Emma Watson and Angelina Jolie, are also notable for their humanitarian work). By contrast, the list of most admired men contains more people from political, business and sporting backgrounds.
New additions to the top twenties this year include US President Joe Biden and his vice president Kamala Harris, Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, Thai rapper Lisa (of Blackpink fame), and New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern.
This year’s rankings also see the re-entry into the top twenties of investor Warren Buffett, Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, Indian actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Chinese actresses Liu Yifei and Yang Mi.
The results are calculated from the combination of responses to two questions – whether a respondent admires the figure at all and then whether they are the figure the respondent admires the most.
Each nation’s results in the global compilation are also weighted to represent the country’s population size.
-
OLX Mall partners with Zero to offer a tech wellness range


OLX Mall, the E-Commerce platform of OLX Pakistan, partners with Zero to offer customers exclusive deals on tech wellness products Lahore, Pakistan – OLX Mall, the E-commerce platform of OLX Pakistan announced a partnership with Zero, a zero-illness and zero-stress lifestyle brand. With this partnership, customers would be able to benefit from exclusive pricing and promotions when they purchase Zero products from OLX Mall.
A formal signing ceremony was held at OLX Office in Lahore. In attendance were Asim Khan – Chief Executive Officer, Waqas Awan – Marketing Manager, Usaid Ahmad – Marketplace Manager from Zero and Adil Anver – Associate Director Commercial & Growth, Usman Zikria – Category Manager for Electronics, Badar Usman – Campaign Manager, Maha Athar Butt – Category Lead Lifestyle, Ayesha Akram – PR Manager from OLX Pakistan.
In-home health and fitness have been increasing in popularity, and it saw a steady rise during the pandemic as routines evolved with stay-home culture. More and more people are making self-care a priority while achieving their goals.
“We’re incredibly excited to offer tech wellness products on our platform,” said Associate Director Commercial & Growth, Adil Anver.
“These unique products are curated keeping the changing times in mind and a new market altogether. We’re hoping we’re able to welcome them with exclusive pricing and deals.”
“We are very much excited to list our healthcare products on the OLX Mall. Our sales started from day one & with the pace we are going, there is absolutely no doubt that OLX Mall will be the upcoming giant of the local e-commerce marketplace. Hopefully, we will grow together by offering exclusive deals and offers. Good luck to Team OLX,” said the Chief Executive Office, Asim Khan.
About OLX Mall:
OLX has been operating in Pakistan since 2009 and has built a leading destination for buying, selling, and exchanging products and services, becoming the number 1 marketplace in the country. Earlier in 2020, OLX Pakistan became a part of EMPG, valuing at US $1 billion, thus forming a proud unicorn of Pakistan.
OLX Mall is an E-Commerce platform under the OLX banner that provides consumers the opportunity to buy brand new products online, choosing from a wide range of categories including mobiles, electronics, appliances, gaming consoles, computers, lifestyle, health and beauty. It offers express delivery on a variety of products in key cities and an exclusive last mile solution employing OLX Move. Maximum customer convenience is ensured through customer support 7 days a week and a 14-day return option.
For more information, visit www.olx.com.pk/mall
About Zero:
ZERO is Asia’s No. 1 Healthcare brand that provides you a zero-illness & zero-stress lifestyle. ZERO has made a great and deep impression in consumers’ minds. With the precise marketing strategy, excellent brand reputation and professional attitude, they won the ASIA PACIFIC TOP EXCELLENCE BRAND AWARD in 2012, and MALAYSIAN HEALTH & WELLNESS BRAND AWARDS in 2018, and GOLDEN BULL AWARD in 2019.
For more information, visit https://zerohealthcare.com.pk/
-
Maya Ali & Wahaj Ali To Star In Historical Drama, ‘Jo Bichar Gaye.’


It looks like historically based dramas are dominating the Pakistani screens now with an other addition to it by the drama serial Jo Bichar Jaye. They sent out feelers for their historical drama with teasers that were silent but promised a gripping plot, which the trailer proved.
In the trailer we see, Maya Ali and Wahaj Ali will be star lead with Talha Chahour and Nadia Jameel in smaller roles. Based on true events, the historical drama appears to be set during the 1971 war, with clashes leading to Dhaka’s collapse. With animosity on both sides, our main characters will find themselves in the midst of a struggle, each fighting for a cause they believe in, albeit they may not always be on the right side of history.
In the trailer, Maya Ali appears to be a performer of sorts from East Pakistan who opposes the revolution and is seen accusing a man of being a murderer for instigating the revolt in one scene.
Jo Bichar Gaye is directed by Haissam Hussain and written by Ali Moeen, will be releasing on this Sunday. While the drama is expected to be dramatic, it is also expected to be heartbreaking, as most historical dramas are.
New Launch | Jo Bichar Gaye | Starting on 12th December | Wahaj Ali | Maya Ali | Talha Chahour
-
OLX Mall Partners with Silkbank to Offer Users the Convenient ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ Plan


OLX Mall, OLX Pakistan’s e-commerce platform, partners with Silkbank to offer credit card customers convenient installment plans.
KARACHI, Pakistan: OLX Mall, OLX Pakistan’s e-commerce platform has partnered with Silkbank Limited to offer users the added convenience of the ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ plan. With this alliance, Silkbank credit card customers will be able to shop online from OLX Mall and convert their transactions into installment plans with zero markup for up to 6 months.
The signing ceremony was held at OLX head office. OLX Pakistan Country Manager E-Commerce Mr. Umair Munir; OLX Pakistan Head of Partnerships Alliances Mr. Syed Salman Bukhari; Silkbank Head Alliances, Loyalty & New Initiatives Mr. Nouman Butt; and Silkbank Regional Manager Loyalty & Alliances Mr. Kaleem Sheikh.
“Witnessing the growing trend of online shopping in Pakistan, we found it imperative to align our strategic goals with the intention of providing convenience to our Credit Card customers. This promising partnership allows us to serve our customers better,” Silkbank Head Alliances, Loyalty & New Initiatives Mr. Nouman Butt commented.
“It is an absolute privilege to be able to strengthen our vision of providing unparalleled online shopping solutions by signing an agreement with Silkbank Limited, the bank that is a mark of innovation and excellence when it comes to credit cards in the country,” OLX Pakistan Country Manager E-Commerce Mr. Umair Munir said.
The agreement will allow the partners to deliver an integrated response to market requirements in order to facilitate the mass adoption of e-commerce.
“Efficient, secure, and easy payment solutions are the game-changer for the mass adoption of E-commerce in Pakistan,” OLX Mall Head of Alliances and Affiliates Mr. Salman Bukhari said.
“Only with such synergies and financial institutions integrations, we can develop a friendly and productive ecosystem that will drive Pakistan into the new retail revolution.”
About OLX Mall:
OLX has been operating in Pakistan since 2009 and has built a leading destination for buying, selling, and exchanging products and services, becoming the number 1 marketplace in the country. Earlier in 2020, OLX Pakistan became a part of EMPG, valued at USD1 billion, thus forming a proud Pakistani unicorn.
OLX Mall is an E-Commerce platform under the OLX banner that provides consumers the opportunity to buy brand new products online, choosing from a wide range of categories including mobiles, electronics, appliances, gaming consoles, computers, lifestyle, health and beauty. It offers express delivery on a variety of products in key cities and an exclusive last mile solution employing OLX Move. Maximum customer convenience is ensured through customer support 7 days a week and a 14-day return option.
For more information, visit www.olx.com.pk/mall
About Silkbank:
Silkbank is a scheduled commercial bank listed on all stock exchanges in Pakistan with its Central Office in Karachi.
On March 31, 2008, a Consortium comprising International Finance Corporation, Bank Muscat S.A.O.G, Nomura European Investment Limited, and Sinthos Capital Advisors (led by Mr. Shaukat Tarin and Mr. Sadeq Sayeed) acquired a majority stake in Saudi Pak Commercial Bank Limited, which was subsequently rebranded as Silkbank Limited on June 1, 2009.
The Bank provides financial services via 111 branches located in 39 cities throughout the country and offers a range of retail, consumer, corporate, and Islamic products. As of today, Silkbank is one of the country’s most dynamic banks with a strengthened retail banking arm.
Excellence is what we aspire for, live, and deliver.
Silkbank recently received the “International Bankers Award” for Best Innovation in Retail Banking in 2020. As of today, Silkbank is proud to be one of Pakistan’s most dynamic banks with a strengthened retail banking arm. Silkbank has completed a decade in the banking industry and continues in our commitment to service quality, bringing the most innovative banking products and services to our customers. Excellence in service quality remains at the core of our business philosophy, while ensuring that our products and processes cater to the diversified financial needs of our valued customers.
-
Pakistani train driver who stopped for yoghurt suspended


LAHORE: An inter-city train driver in Pakistan has been suspended after he made an unscheduled stop to pick up some yoghurt.
A video of the driver’s assistant collecting the snack from a street stall before climbing back into the carriage has been circulating on social media.
The incident on Monday raised questions about the safety and regulation of railways in Pakistan, where accidents are common due to mismanagement and neglect.
“When you stop a train in the middle (of the tracks) it becomes a safety issue. Safety is our priority. We cannot tolerate anything which compromises safety,” Syed Ijaz-ul-Hassan Shah, a spokesman for the railway ministry, told AFP on Wednesday.
The passenger service had started its journey in the eastern city of Lahore and was moving south towards Karachi.
In a statement the country’s minister of railways, Azam Khan Swati, warned that he will not “allow anyone to use national assets for personal use”.
A railway official admitted to AFP that such incidents are not uncommon in Pakistan, and that oversight is often lacking.
More than 60 people were killed in June when a train hurtling through farmland smashed into the carriages of another service that had derailed minutes earlier.
-
Zameen Developments and Bodla Builders sign agreement with DHA Multan to develop Golf Views Rumanza


MULTAN: Zameen Developments (ZD) — the development arm of Zameen.com — and Bodla Builders recently signed an agreement with DHA Multan to develop a project overlooking the incredible DHA Rumanza Golf Course, called the ‘Golf Views Rumanza’. Zameen.com — Pakistan’s largest property enterprise — has come on board as the sales and marketing partner for the venture.
Zameen.com Senior Director Sales (Central) Sheikh Shuja-Ullah Khan and Bodla Builders CEO Pir Sohaib Tariq Bodla signed the agreement on behalf of their respective companies. Also present on the occasion were Zameen Country Head Ahmed Bhatti, Director Affiliates and Acquisition Adil Kamal, Bodla Builders Managing Director Pir Junaid Bodla and DHA Multan’s Project Director.
On the occasion, Zameen Country Head Ahmed Bhatti stated that the development of high-rise projects was the need of the hour for South Punjab, particularly Multan. He added that the upcoming project that Zameen was developing with the Bodla Builders at an ideal location in DHA Multan Rumanza would go on to become an architectural symbol for the entire South Punjab region.
Zameen Senior Director Sales (Central) Sheikh Shuja-Ullah Khan said that that the Golf View Rumanza project would make an incredible addition to the city for the residents of Multan. He further said that it was the first project to be developed by Zameen Developments in South Punjab and that not only would they ensure that it was delivered and constructed within the predetermined timelines, but that many more such projects would be developed in the region by Zameen Developments in the future.
Bodla Builders CEO Pir Sohaib Tariq Bodla said that the partnership with Zameen Developments was their attempt to provide the residents of the ‘city of saints’ with affordable luxury apartments in a prime location in the city. He added that the project’s most prominent feature was that it was being developed in DHA Multan Rumanza, which would not only provide the people of South Punjab with avenues of investment, but also provide opportunities for investment for people across the country.
-
Hiba Bukhari got engaged to Arez Ahmed


Hiba Bukhari finally announced her relationship with Arez Ahmed as she penned a heartfelt post on her Instagram handle.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the Fitoor actor posted a picture of her hand in Ahmed’s hand as she expressed, “Okay… so here is me announcing… You as mine @imarezahmed” adding a heart emoticon.
She stated, “I still remember how uncomfortable I was holding your hand in bholi bano, and today I feel the safest in your hands. I intentionally tried to stay away and not fall for you but gladly did. don’t know who chose whom but I feel lucky to be selected for this crazy rollercoaster ride….“

“Looking forward a lifetime with you. Lastly thank you for holding me when I was unable to hold onto myself. This is to announce that in this bustling world YOU are MINE! Shukar Allah and Mash’Allah,” she added.

Meanwhile, Ahmed uploaded the same photo on his Instagram account and wrote, “Aur aik muajzay ki tarah mili tum mujhe…muhabbat muajza hi hai, “let‘s get married.”
-
SNGPL agrees to a wave of 66% ‘Take or Pay’ clause says Hammad Azhar


ISLAMABAD: The board of directors of the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has agreed to waive the 66 % “Take or Pay” clause for the government-owned liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants, a senior government official said.
“In the long run, this will help reduce the capacity payments that the government has to pay to power plants even when they are not supplying electricity,” Federal Minister for Energy Hammad Azhar tweeted.
The minister said the board also approved, in principle, the company’s pipeline capacity allocation for Energas for its upcoming LNG terminal that “will supply gas on a B2B [Business-to-Business] basis.”
Hammad said this would pave the way for private sector entities to supply the commodity to their consumers and ensure the availability of LNG across the country.
-
Zameen.com organises third edition of Pakistan Property Event in Dubai


Dubai: Pakistan’s largest real estate enterprise, Zameen.com organised the Pakistan Property Event (PPE) 2021 in Dubai on December 3& 4. The event attracted a huge number of overseas Pakistanis from the gulf region who expressed a keen interest in the projects on display from Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Faisalabad, Multan and other major cities. The two-day affair showcased 125 projects, which are being marketed and sold exclusively by Zameen.com.
Zameen.com Head of UAE Region Aatif Rana, Associate Directors Project Sales Faizan Khan, Faisal Qureshi, Farough Khan, Tauqeer-Ul-Hassan, Senior Manager Marketing Rizwan Kazmi and Manager Industrial marketing Yasir Niazi and senior management was present on the occasion.

During the occasion, Aatif Rana said that the event had provided overseas Pakistanis direct access to some of the best and most promising real estate projects from their respective hometowns. He added that the event had also allowed Zameen.com to effectively present the potential of Pakistan’s real estate and construction industries to the global business district of Dubai.Zameen.com’s Associate Director Project Sales Faisal Qureshi stated that the recent launch of several world class real estate projects in Pakistan is increasing the local property market’s net worth. Zameen.com has always made sure to showcase the best of these real estate developments to the Pakistanis living in the Gulf Region, said Faizan Khan.
Additionally, the event allowed visitors to get the latest market insights on property investment from the expert sales representatives of Zameen.com.

-
Govt decides to suspend CNG supply to filling stations till February 15


Credits: AFP KARACHI: The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) announced on Monday to suspend gas supply to CNG filling stations for two-and-a-half months in winter to meet the additional demand of domestic consumers.
The government decided to suspend the supply of gas to all CNG stations across Sindh and Balochistan from December 1, 2021, to February 15, 2022.
It may be recalled that CNG supply to all captive power plants of non-export industries was halted three days ago because of the rise in demand during winter.
Nevertheless, supply of gas to all the industries, including zero-rated export industries, captive power plants and fertiliser sector would continue, said a spokesperson of the SSGC.
The SSGC spokesperson said the decision was taken to overcome the gap of demand and supply and to fulfill the requirement of domestic consumers.
He said it was imperative to provide additional gas in Balochistan for the protection of human lives as gas worked as a lifeline for them. They have dire need of using different instruments of gas in low temperatures to keep themselves warm, he maintained.