GUB’s sustainable solution

The Institute of Urbanism (IoU) and the School of Leadership Foundation (SoLF), with the support of the US Embassy, hosted the closing event of the two-year Green Urban Development (GUD) project under the title “Green Urban Development Cooperation and Youth-led Eco-Entrepreneurship” last month in Islamabad, as per a press release.

Over the past two years, the project has successfully generated national discourse on sustainable water and waste management, as well as green infrastructure.

The GUD project also piloted the GUB School at Quaid-e-Azam University and Comsats University Islamabad, empowering over 35 students with essential skills through capacity-building workshops, exposure visits, action research, and green entrepreneurship incubation.

Speaking on this occasion, Lisa Swenarski, U.S. Mission Pakistan’s Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy, said, “I am impressed to learn about the innovative solutions and projects created by these Green Urban Development School students, showcasing the potential for spearheading initiatives in their communities to create lasting impact.”

KE Star Rewards launched

K-Electric (KE) has launched KE Star Rewards in recognition of its customers who make on-time bill payments, according to a press release. This initiative aims to strengthen the relationships and ease the economic strain on customers through an easy-to-use redeemable rewards programme.

The loyalty programme rewards Star Customers by offering a wide variety of discounts for making timely and full bill payments every month. From lifestyle to healthcare, food and entertainment, the programme covers rounded aspects of customer’s day-to-day life and has something for everyone.

Eligible customers will be able to access these discounts through their KE Live App. While terms and conditions may apply for individual offerings, most of the discounts available on the app will be renewed every month, allowing reuse throughout the year. The eligibility criterion focuses on consistent bill payments regardless of billing amount.

PALSP elects office bearers

Pakistan Association of Large Steel Producers (PALSP) has elected Javaid Iqbal Malik, CEO of Karachi Steels, as the new chairman of the association for 2024-26, as per a press release.

Among the other office bearers are Hadi Akberali of Amreli Steels, Ilyas Aziz Malik of Fazal Steels, and Sufyan Ali of Punjab Concast, who were elected as Vice Chairmen of PALSP.

On the eve of the elections, apart from members of the Association, senior leadership & founding members of the Association were also present on this occasion. Abbas Akberali, Patron-in-Chief PALSP, and senior leaders, including Senator Nouman Wazir Khattak, Chairman FF Steels, and Javed Mughal, Chairman Mughal Steels, congratulated the new office bearers of the Association.

NBP wins disability inclusion award

National Bank of Pakistan has won the prestigious Disability Inclusion Award 2024 from the Asian Development Bank, as per a press release. NBP is the first bank from Pakistan to receive this award, competing against top banks from Asia and the Pacific.

Mirza Muhammad Asim Baig, Group Head HRMG, received this distinguished award on behalf of NBP at a grand ceremony in Singapore. The award acknowledges NBP’s efforts in creating an inclusive and accessible environment through employing 169 individuals with disabilities, establishing model branches with full accessibility features, implementing inclusive policies and training programs, and setting a benchmark for diversity.

OICCI elects new president

President and CEO of Faysal Bank Ltd. Yousaf Hussain has been elected as the new president of the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) for the 2024-2026 term, as per a press release.

With over 25 years of professional experience, Yousaf Hussain has held various leadership roles in multinational organisations and has been actively engaged in strategic initiatives within the banking and financial sectors. He has worked closely with the State Bank of Pakistan, positioning himself as a key figure in driving policy discussions around economic reform and growth.During his address to members, Mr Hussain acknowledged the complex economic environment Pakistan faces, pointing to both challenges and opportunities.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, October 7th, 2024