Tandojam academic activities

The administration of Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, has announced that in accordance with the prescribed schedule, midterm examinations and academic activities at Sindh Agriculture University will continue as usual, as per a press release. Students and faculty are advised not to ignore rumours or unauthorised announcements.

According to details provided by the university spokesperson in its issued statement, it has been stated that the midterm examinations starting from today (Monday) will be conducted in all university faculties as per the schedule. In this regard, students and faculty members are advised not to heed rumours or unauthorised announcements. They have stated that if there is any issue related to the teachers’ community regarding their issues, a Dean’s committee has been constituted for this purpose, and relevant professors are directed to contact the Dean’s committee regarding any issues.

Pakistan Cables art contest

Pakistan Cables recently organised the 3rd Pakistan Cables Children’s Art Contest 2024, as per a press release. The contest invited entries from the Company employees’ children from two age groups: 6 -11 years old and 12 - 14 years old. This year, the theme “Pakistan Climate Action Plan 2025” was selected to highlight climate change issues and the priorities to combat the country’s impact on climate change.

Contestants attended a colourful prize distribution ceremony at the Dawood Foundation Magnifiscience Centre, Karachi. The chief guest at the ceremony, Faraz Maqsood Hamidi, a well-known creative leader in Pakistan’s advertising industry, encouraged children to challenge the norms and never give up their creative pursuits. An esteemed panel of judges included renowned visual artist Durriya Kazi, founder of ARTEL, Bina Ali and Project Manager of Sindh SDGs Unit, UNDP, Naveed Shaikh. n

Soneri Bank’s annual results

The annual audited financial statements of Soneri Bank Limited for the year ended Dec 31 2023, were approved by the shareholders, as per a press release.

The bank posted profit-after-tax (PAT) of Rs6,075m in 2023, compared to Rs1,883m in 2022, which represents a healthy growth of 222.6pc. The Bank’s Net Interest income for the year was reported at Rs 22,759m, significantly increased by 102pc against Rs11,267m for the prior year.

In 2023, the bank surpassed its landmark number of half a trillion, and its deposits registered an increase of 26.4pc compared to Dec 31, 2022, ending at Rs517,869m on Dec 31 2023.

FPCCI appoints convener

The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) recently announced Saleem Khan Tanoli’s appointment as the convener of its Central Standing Committee on Trade Promotion & Business Development, according to a press release. Mr Tanoli has previously served as the vice chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and chairman of the Regional Standing Committee on Fairs and International Relations at the FPCCI.

Currently serving as the CEO of Fakt Exhibitions, Saleem Khan Tanoli brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in championing trade initiatives and fostering business development.

Paklaunch seed fund

Paklaunch, which aims to advance entrepreneurship and innovation in Pakistan’s startup ecosystem, successfully closed its seed funding with an undisclosed value, as per a press release.

With this funding, Paklaunch seeks to create a flourishing ecosystem for regional startups in Pakistan and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Leveraging its investment expertise, global connections, and Disrupt.com’s entrepreneurial ethos, Paklaunch extends its influence beyond Pakistan, encompassing key GCC countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

SBP & Zindigi Raast P2M initiative

Zindigi, aligning with the strategic vision of the State Bank of Pakistan, leads innovation by empowering merchants nationwide with the Raast Person to Merchant (P2M) payments ecosystem, as per a press release. Zindigi, powered by JS bank, is among the first to adopt a P2M initiative.

All Zindigi app users can use smartphones to pay any Raast P2M QR codes across Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, March 18th, 2024