Monday, 18 September 2023

CM PUNJAB MOHSIN NAQVI ASSESSES PROGRESS AT GHORA CHOWK FLYOVER CONSTRUCTION SITE

                                              

Chief Minister Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi, conducted a site visit to the Ghora Chowk Flyover construction site to evaluate the development progress. The Ghora Chowk flyover project is initiated by the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA) also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab).


CM Punjab was received by CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, accompanying CM Punjab were Provincial Minister Housing & Urban Development Punjab, Syed Barrister Azfar Ali Nasir, Provincial Minister Information Punjab, Amir Mir, Commissioner Lahore, Muhammad Ali Randhawa and other government officials.


Executive Director Commercial CBD Punjab, Mohammad Omer, Executive Director Technical CBD Punjab, Riaz Hussain, Director Project Management CBD Punjab, Asif Iqbal, along with technical staff of CBD Punjab and staff members of the National Logistics Cell (NLC), the official contractor for the project were also present during the visit.


During the visit, CEO CBD Punjab Imran Amin and Executive Director Technical CBD Punjab Riaz Hussain provided a comprehensive briefing to CM Punjab, Mohsin Naqvi regarding the project. The Chief Minister emphasized the need to utilize all available resources efficiently to ensure the timely completion of the Ghora Chowk Flyover.


CM Punjab Mohsin Naqvi stated, "Our top priority is the public's relief and the development of Lahore. The Ghora Chowk Flyover will significantly alleviate traffic congestion in the area”.
CEO CBD Punjab, Imran Amin added, "In line with the directives and vision of CM Punjab, we are working tirelessly to meet the stipulated project timeline. This project will be a new jewel in Lahore’s crown. This project will improve all over traffic flow in the area."


The Ghora Chowk flyover is being constructed with an estimated cost of Rs 1.5 billion PKR, the three-lane, 450-meter-long flyover will be completed within 90 days and will accommodate 200,000 vehicles daily. The project holds great promise for Lahore's infrastructure, and CBD Punjab remains committed to enhancing the city's connectivity and overall development.

Thursday, 14 September 2023

Standard Chartered enters into an agreement with Kashf Foundation

                                                

Standard Chartered Bank has entered into a distribution agreement with Kashf Foundation. Through this arrangement, Standard Chartered will be offering Kashf Gender Bonds to the Bank’s non-individual business banking clients.

This distribution arrangement of the Kashf Gender Bond is a significant step towards the Government’s agenda of economic empowerment and financial inclusion of women in Pakistan. The proceeds from the Bond will be utilised for micro-infrastructure finance loans directed towards the welfare of women through entrepreneurship, business support, flood rehabilitation, education, and home rehabilitation projects to name a few. The Bond also offers a great value proposition for the Bank’s client base, attributable to its long-term rating of AAA and market competitive returns along with a guarantee by InfraZamin.  InfraZamin is guaranteeing 100 per cent principal amount along with two quarterly interest payments.

 

This agreement was signed in presence of Saadya Riaz, Head CPBBStandard Chartered Bank; Roshaneh Zafar, Founder and Managing Director, Kashf Foundation and Maheen Rahman, CEO InfraZamin, at a ceremony in Lahore.

 

Saadya Riaz, Head CPBB, Standard Chartered said, “At Standard Chartered we are strongly focused toward lifting participation of women and we feel privileged to have partnered with Kashf Foundation for this impactful venture.

 

Our commitment to our clients is absolute and we strive to offer solutions well suited to their needs. Through our Wealth Management Platform we bring forth the best-in-class investment and protection solutions for our clients. This arrangement gives us an opportunity to deliver real value to our clients due to bond’s quality credit rating, market competitive return and guarantee by InfraZamin and we foresee a strong appetite for it.”

 

Roshaneh Zafar, Founder and Managing Director, Kashf Foundation said, Kashf has always been at the cutting edge of investing in innovative financial services for women. The gender bond will make finance accessible for women from underprivileged backgrounds by linking them with capital markets, a segment that is often ignored. We are thankful to InfraZamin for playing a significant role as a guarantor that will boost the confidence of investors. The distribution agreement between Kashf Foundation and Standard Chartered Bank is a significant stride in the financial sector. Which, in turn, will contribute significantly to sustainable economic growth in the country and establish a compelling business case for investing in women.

 

Maheen Rahman, CEO, Infrazamin said: We are excited to the part of the first Gender Bond transaction in Pakistan and grateful to Kashf Foundation for their pioneering vision towards their long history of enabling women empowerment. As a country which sits near the bottom of the Gender Equity Index this transaction marks a significant leap forward in raising commercial capital directed to female empowerment and financial inclusion and represents an important milestone in the development and growth of the capital market. This transaction also demonstrates the power of using guarantees and credit enhancement facilities to enable a crowding in of private institutional investment into private sector-led projects.


Sunday, 10 September 2023

CBD PUNJAB and City traffic police ANNOUNCES TRAFFIC DIVERSION PLAN FOR GHORA CHOWK FLYOVER CONSTRUCTION

                                         

Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has announced a comprehensive traffic diversion plan for the construction of Ghora Chowk flyover. This diversion plan has been developed in close collaboration with the City Traffic Police (CTP) Lahore, to ensure the smooth flow of traffic during the construction phase.

Commuters traveling from Walton Road to destinations like Cavalry, Gulberg, and Firdous Market are advised to use Street No. 6, 5, and 2 Cavalry Ground as their route. Those heading from Gulberg and Firdous Market to Walton Road should follow the route via Khurshid Alam Chowk, turning left at RA Bazar, and continuing onto Ahmed Bakhsh Road for access to Cavalry under the Jinnah Flyover.

Additionally, those traveling from Walton Road to Lahore Cantt. and DHA are encouraged to take a detour within the project area towards Cantt, where a new temporary U-turn towards DHA will be provided at the end of the proposed flyover. For those moving from Cantt. to Walton Road, the designated route directs them to utilize a detour route beside the project area towards Walton Road.

Residents traveling from Cantt. to Gulberg and Firdous Market should consider the route via Shami Road and Jail Road. Conversely, those traveling from Gulberg and Firdous Market to Cantt. have two options. They can either choose the Jinnah Flyover route, passing through Khalid Butt Chowk and Khurshid Alam Chowk, or opt for the Jail Road route.

For easy access to the CSD and PSO Pump on Masood Anwari Road, commuters should use Street No. 5 or Street No. 2, linking Link street 7  of Cavalry Ground towards the CSD and PSO Pump.

CBD Punjab and CTP are committed to minimizing disruptions and ensuring the safety of all road users. This traffic diversion plan will be in effect throughout the construction period, and commuters are urged to follow the designated routes and exercise caution while driving through the areas.

Thursday, 7 September 2023

TCL’s Cricket Fiesta: Massive Discounts on 85’ and 55’ Big Screen LED TVs for the Ultimate Cricket Experience!"

    

                                               


TCL, Pakistan’s No.1 LED TV brand and The Official Associate Partner of the Pakistan Cricket Team, is gearing up for an exhilarating cricket season with the announcement of their highly anticipated "Cricket Fiesta Sale." This exciting limited time offer brings unmatched discounts on TCL's top of the line LED TVs including 85' P735 and 55' P635, ensuring that cricket fans can enjoy the game like never before.

 

TCL is offering the spectacular 85-inch P735 LED TV at an irresistible price of just PKR 549,900. This remarkable offer includes a massive discount of PKR 200,000, providing an incredible 26% off its original price. The TCL 85' P735 boasts cutting-edge features such as Google TV, Dolby Audio, Dolby Vision, Micro Dimming, 4K Ultra HD resolution, and MEMC technology, guaranteeing an immersive cricket-watching experience. Allowing you to enjoy cricket match with friends and family on the big screen.

 

For those seeking a more compact yet equally impressive option, TCL presents the 55-inch P635 LED TV at an unbeatable price of just PKR 124,900. This sleek and sophisticated TV offers a cinematic experience with its 4K Ultra HD resolution, ensuring that every moment of the cricket season is crystal clear and vivid.

 

"Our exceptional discounts on our top-of-the-line LED TVs make it more affordable than ever to bring the stadium experience into your home." said Majid Niazi, Head of marketing for TCL.

 

In addition to these amazing deals, TCL extends its incredible discounts to other TV sizes, including 32, 43, and 40 LED TVs. Whether you're upgrading your living room setup or enhancing your entertainment space, TCL has a TV to suit your needs.

 

This limited time offer is available on TCL's nationwide stores, TCL-authorized dealerships and online on TCL’s website.

Wednesday, 6 September 2023

U.S. AMBASSADOR APPLAUDS CBD PUNJAB’S VISIONARY DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS

                                          

U.S. Ambassador Donald A. Blome, accompanied by a delegation from the U.S. Consulate, paid a visit to CBD Punjab to acknowledge and commend the authority’s forward-looking approach in promoting economic growth and collaboration. The delegation, led by Ambassador Blome, included Ms. Kristin Hawkins newly appointed Consul General in Lahore along with the team members from the Economic, Public Diplomacy & Management Office.

Imran Amin, CEO of CBD Punjab and Commissioner Lahore, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, extended a warm welcome to Ambassador Blome. The esteemed guests were introduced to key figures, including the Chairman Board CBD Punjab, Fazeel Asif Jah COO of CBD Punjab, Brigadier (R) Mansoor Janjua, Executive Director Commercial Mohammed Omer, and teams from Business Development, Architecture, Project Management, Human Resources & Commercial.

In productive discussions facilitated by representatives from the U.S. Consulate, both sides

underscored the pivotal role of women in driving societal and economic progress. These

dialogues delved into initiatives, policies, and practices fostering women's advancement, aiming to exchange insights for an inclusive society. 

Ambassador Blome applauded CBD Punjab's strides in women's leadership, recognizing the platform it provides for women to showcase their talents. An insightful presentation highlighted CBD Punjab's diverse projects, impressing the Ambassador. The presentation showcased the authority's visionary initiatives that bolster infrastructure and economic growth in Punjab. Ambassador Blome commended the Authority's dedication to these goals.

CEO Imran Amin said, "Ambassador Blome's recognition of our commitment to making Punjab an economic excellence hub is very encouraging. His visit strengthens our pursuit of sustainable economic growth. We appreciate his acknowledgement as we transform our vision into reality."

During their visit, the U.S. Ambassador and his delegation toured the CBD Punjab project site, witnessing tangible progress. This visit signifies escalating bilateral cooperation and highlights potential business avenues and investments between the two regions.

Infinix Unveils Cutting-Edge Explorer Satellite Communication Technology

              

Infinix, a leader in innovative technology solutions, proudly introduces its groundbreaking achievement in communication technology at the "Story On" event held in Venice, Italy. The focal point of this announcement is the pioneering Explorer Satellite Communication Technology, showcased through the newly launched ZERO 30 5G prototype.

This revolutionary technology is developed on the foundation of LoRaWAN long-range IoT satellite systems, setting new standards in communication. It facilitates rapid message processing and two-way text messaging, ushering in a new era of communication that transcends conventional network limitations.

The Explorer Satellite Communication Technology boasts significant advantages in terms of reliability, efficiency, and capacity. It empowers users to maintain uninterrupted connectivity in remote or challenging environments, bridging the gap between the sky and earth. This comprehensive satellite communication solution, developed by Infinix, has the potential to revolutionize communication and address various emergency rescue needs.

Utilizing the advanced LoRaWAN low-earth orbit satellite network, Infinix has crafted an efficient message system architecture, enabling rapid message transmission with an average rate of one message per second. This system's baseline transmission speed exceeds 2.2kb/s, creating opportunities for future image transmission capabilities. Moreover, LoRaWAN's impressive capacity allows it to handle up to 1.9 million messages per hour, with scalability to serve even more users as additional satellites are deployed.

Infinix's Explorer Satellite Communication Technology offers bi-directional communication, allowing users to transmit up to 84 bytes of data at a time. This versatile and flexible approach enhances connectivity, especially in remote areas and during emergencies, ensuring continuous communication between users. Infinix's strategic plan includes a phased global rollout of this technology, expected to commence around 2024. This initiative aims to fulfill users' security requirements during critical situations.

CM PUNJAB'S VISIT CBD PUNJAB QUAID DISTRICT.

                                          

In a bid to assess development work at Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), the Chief Minister of Punjab, Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi,  visited the CBD Punjab Quaid District and Kalma Underpass CBD Punjab Quaid District Barrel. During his visit, CM Punjab was briefed on the ongoing development work by the CEO of CBD Punjab, Imran Amin, Commissioner Lahore & DG LDA, Muhammad Ali Randhawa, Deputy Commissioner Lahore, Rafia Haider, Executive Director Commercial CBD Punjab, Mohammed Omer, Executive Director Technical CBD Punjab, Riaz Hussain, Director Project Management CBD Punjab, Asif Iqbal, Director Construction CBD Punjab, Asif Babar and staff members of  CBD Punjab Technical Directorate were also present during the visit. 

Emphasizing the importance of the project, CM Punjab directed that the infrastructure within CBD Punjab must be completed at an unprecedented pace, aligning with his vision for the region's growth. He hailed CBD Punjab as a transformative force poised to revolutionize Punjab's economic landscape.

CM Punjab instructed to immediately commence work on Ghora Chowk and ADA Nullah, ensuring prompt execution of his directives. Additionally, he emphasized the priority status of completing the road linking Centre Point and Walton Road, this road will be a new expressway of Lahore. 

Mr. Imran Amin, CEO of CBD Punjab, expressed his gratitude to CM Punjab for his unwavering support and trust. He reaffirmed the commitment of CBD Punjab to fulfill all directives and complete the projects in accordance with CM Punjab's vision.

In a statement, CM Punjab declared, "The development of CBD Punjab is a crucial step towards unlocking Punjab's economic potential."

CEO Imran Amin added, "The technical directorate will harness all available resources to expedite the project's completion."

This visit signifies a significant leap forward in CBD Punjab's mission to drive the region's progress, with all stakeholders united in their dedication to realize CM Punjab's vision swiftly and efficiently.