A few months ago, Atif Aslam received a notice from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for tax evasions. Now the latest update on this news is that the renowned signer of Asia still has not paid his income tax. Considering this, another notice has been given to Atif Aslam by the FBR to submit his dues worth Rs 58 Million in a month.
According to reports, Tu Jaanay Na singer was sent the first notice by the FBR in November. He was informed that his flats in Dubai are not mentioned in his taxation details. This leads the FBR to send an official income tax notice to the singer.
Source: Instagram/Atif Aslam
Today, another follow-up notice has been sent to Atif Aslam after carefully auditing his 2018 income. The notice mentions that Aslam has to submit Rs 58 Million in 30 days, local media reported.
Aslam has been given a month’s time to submit this amount. Failing to do so in the given time will result in freezing his bank accounts. The FBR will then be able to recover the said amount from his frozen assets, claims the Federal Board of Revenue.
Source: Facebook
In the light of Tax Laws in Pakistan, people are allowed to pay their taxes in Pakistan or the country they have assets in. This saves them from paying the taxes twice.
The FBR in Pakistan is very active and every now and then, we see it sending notices to the artists. Earlier, it was Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Sana Fakhar who were notified for the very same reason.
Saba Qamar and Noor Bukhari too have been investigated by the FBR for their incomes, however, the matter was sorted out when they showed evidence of not being involved in any kind of tax evasions.
What do you think about this story? Share your suggestions in the comments section.
WhatsApp Introduces New Privacy Policy and Pakistani Memes Are Breaking the Internet
WhatsApp is one of the largest messaging apps globally, especially in Pakistan where people depend on it for chats, calls and transferring documents and pictures. Up till now, WhatsApp was deemed as one of the most reliable platforms for communication because of the privacy and encrypted conversations it offered.
However, recently, WhatsApp came up with an updated privacy policy which did not sit well with most of the users. According to the new policy, WhatsApp can access your group chats and it will then be used by Facebook Inc and its subsidiaries for better targeting the audience for advertisement.
While some people uninstalled the app and moved to other alternatives like Telegram and Signal, Pakistani Twitter got crazy and one after another meme made everyone laugh. Here is how the youth responded on the news with their best of humorous skills.
One thing is for sure, no one can beat Pakistanis when it comes to meme. We always find a way to make things entertaining, no matter how serious the topic is and this significantly lessens the stress levels.
Which one is your favourite WhatsApp Headquarter meme? Want to share your favourite memes with us? Please share in the comments.
Increase in Demand for Telegram and Signal After WhatsApp Updates its Terms & Conditions
WhatsApp has been a popular messaging app globally due to its user-friendly features and reach. However, a recent update in its terms and conditions has ignited a debate and some people are not agreeing with it. To an extent that many of the users have started uninstalling the app.
Source: WhatsApp Website
In the wake of this update, an increase in the demand of competitive apps like Telegram and Signal have been seen. Signal also received an endorsement by Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey. Both the accounts have huge following on social media, especially on Twitter where the users questioned the privacy of WhatsApp after the recent T&C update. These activists also suggested their followers to stop using WhatsApp and move to Telegram and Signal instead.
According to the data by Sensor Tower, there were nearly 2.2 million downloads of Telegram and 100,000 downloads of Signal on Apple and Android since then.
In addition to this, Sensor Tower also reported that WhatsApp faced 11% decrease in downloads this week compared to the last one, I.e., 10.5 million worldwide. Last year, there were also rumours circulating that WhatsApp will not be available for free for its users. However, this is not confirmed yet.
Source: Androidauthority.com
About WhatsApp Privacy Terms and Conditions Update
WhatsApp is now asking users to let Facebook Inc. and its subsidiaries to use their data in order to improve Facebook advertising. This will also include sharing their location and phone numbers. Those who do not agree with the new terms and conditions, their accounts will be automatically deleted after some time.
Though One-to-one chat will remain encrypted as part of the new update, access to group chats by WhatsApp and Facebook is what is raising eyebrows.
What do you think about this story? Please share your views in the comments
Shortly after launching in Pakistan, global ed-tech firm Library 21 acquires UK-based leadership education company IDG to offer elite courses to the public
Highlights:
Inspirational Development Group (IDG) is the firm behind leadership courses in a strategic alliance with the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst
Many world leaders – including Pakistan’s top military leadership – have attended the institution. Now Pakistanis can avail the same courses through Library 21
DUBAI, November 2 – Disruptive global ed-tech company, Library 21 Holdings Ltd (formerly known as Coded Minds), has acquired UK-based Inspirational Development Group (IDG), the firm behind leadership courses and in a strategic alliance with the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, UK where many world leaders – including Pakistan Army’s top brass – have studied.
The Pakistan Army has been considered as one of the best performers in the UK’s Royal Military Academy. Recently, it won an international military drill competition known as the Pace Sticking Competition at the academy for the third consecutive time. Now Pakistanis can acquire the same courses as well through Library 21.
Omar Farooqui, the Founder and President of Library 21 Holdings Ltd, said, “We feel proud, by virtue of this acquisition, we are an education partner of this prestigious institution that produces the world’s best leaders.”
“The year 2020 has brought about many challenges to companies worldwide but we have used this opportunity to reaffirm our business model and drive to make education a right and not a privilege by bringing best in class offerings to the masses,” Farooqui added.
Library 21 is now providing education in Pakistan as well. The strategic acquisition means that the company will now be operating in more than 12 countries across the world and will have a complete 360 suite of education programs for pre-K to adults as well as corporates.
IDG is the second major international acquisition by Library21. The company acquired a leading STEM and INNOVATION education company in Canada and the USA last year.
Peter Turpie, the Managing Director of IDG, said that they cherish the long-standing exclusive partnership with the Royal Military Academy for over 20 years. “We are proud that we have produced the world’s best leaders through our educational plans. Now as part of Library21 group, we are confident that we will be able to bring all our core expertise at the doorstep of tomorrow’s leaders” he remarked.
He said the acquisition would bring world-class education to the doorsteps of students around the world. “With travel restrictions, education is now becoming more localized. Such an opportunity will benefit everyone wherever Library 21 is offering education, making it world-class education accessible”.
Turpie added, “Joining the Library21 group presents a fantastic opportunity for us and will further our ambition to build the next generation of leaders across the globe through high-quality learning experiences that are fun, innovative and accessible.”
Reckitt Benckiser (RB), a global leader
in consumer health and hygiene, has appointed Kashan Hasan as the new Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) for its Pakistan business. Kashan will be spearheading
the health business with immediate effect. Kashan has been associated with RB
for the last 12 years, serving in various successful leadership roles across
the globe in Pakistan, UK, South Africa, Egypt and the Middle East. In his
most recent role, he was serving as the Regional Sales Director for the Hygiene
Home business for the MENA region.
This announcement comes as RB Pakistan
Limited evolves into the next stage of strategic development and accelerated
growth. In this new role, Kashan will be leading the Company towards expansion
within the country and strengthening its position in the market, while driving
the business through its purpose-led brands. He will also be the key leading
force behind RB Pakistan’s social vision and commitment of “Hoga Saaf Pakistan”
(powered by the Company’s leading brand, Dettol) for a cleaner and healthier
Pakistan.
Talking about his new role, Kashan
stated, “RB Pakistan is committed to contribute to Pakistan through our leading
health and hygiene brands for our consumers and the social impact we have
achieved by reaching millions across the country. Pakistan is a very important
market for RB with big potential for growth, I will be ensuring that we stay
ahead of the game and focus on providing innovative solutions for our consumers
to put health in their own hands, in true RB spirit.”
Kashan Hasan brings in over 18 years of leadership and management experience across various industries including consumer goods, consumer durables, consumer health, hygiene, home, food, and confectionery. As a Sales and Marketing professional he brings in a diverse experience in Sales, Trade Marketing, Key Account Management, and Customer and Consumer Marketing.
The finale of the 5th National Finance Olympiad was a joint collaboration of the Institute Of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan & Unilever Pakistan. The Grand Finale was conducted on December 19th, 2019, in Karachi.
ICAP In Collaboration with Unilever Pakistan Organize
NFO2019
The Chief Guest of the evening was Mr. Abdullah Hussain Haroon who is also a former Foreign Minister of Pakistan. President ICAP, Mr. Khalilullah Shaikh, extended his thanks to the organizers and congratulated them for being consistent in organizing NFO each year. This is the fifth time NFO proved itself as a successful platform for the finance professionals across Pakistan.
Mr. Khalilullah said, “With each passing year, the team has raised the benchmark for this event. I would like to congratulate the finalists of the grand finale who went through tough rounds to reach Finale. The competition is not about winning or losing, it’s about celebrating the talent of the industry. I believe this event also celebrates the role accountants are playing in this country. As an institute, we are committed to producing highly qualified professionals who can serve for the betterment of the business sector and community. I thank all the participants and Unilever for collaborating with us for bringing up this auspicious event”.
This year’s National Finance Olympiad 2019 saw the registration of 51 teams from top-notch organizations across Pakistan. For their selection, a 2-hour MCQ-based examination was held in Karachi, Lahore, and Dubai on December 12th, 2019.
Out of these 51, only 18 teams qualified for the Assessment & Simulation Round which happened at Karachi School of Business and Leadership (KSBL). From here only the top 6 teams were selected for the Grand Finale.
ICAP’s Professional
Accountants In Business (PAIB) Committee is the main team behind organizing
NFO. Their success can be measured from the fact that the event was attended by
the top management of renowned national and multinational organizations.
The Grand Finale of the NFO 2019 started off with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Then Mr. Khalilullah took to the stage and gave his opening remarks.
After that Mr. Aly Yusuf, CFO, Unilever Pakistan welcomed the audience and said “NFO 2019 has been
a great success. Since its inception, the participating teams have shown
exemplary performance and today we have here 6 final teams who stood out from
the rest. I wish all the teams the best for this finale and would also like to
congratulate ICAP for the success of NFO.”
The participating teams then introduced themselves. After which started the Debate Round. This round was judged by a panel of three judges; Mr. Naeem Akhtar Sheikh, Past President, ICAP, Mr. Arshad Saeed Hussain, Managing Director, Oxford University Press, and Mr. Hasan Azhar, Group CEO, HRSG.
The topics given for the debate included
– ‘Excessive use of technology has a positive
impact on our society’.
– ‘For 21st-century leadership positions, qualification criteria can be compromised against behavioral competencies’
– ‘Higher interest
rates policy is stabilizing Pakistan’s economy in the long run.’
Next up was the Buzzer Round, which analyzed the agility and
technical skills of the participants.
According to judges, EY Ford Rhodes
was declared the winner while Midas Safety and Heal Aid Foundation became the
1st and 2nd Runner Ups respectively.
EY Ford Rhodes walked away with a majestic Champions Trophy, Microsoft Surface Pro and shields for each of the three-team members.
HP Pavilion Laptop and shields were given to the 1st Runner Up team while the 2nd Runner Up received iPad and shields for all team members.
Technical partners
– A.F. Ferguson &
Co. and Deloitte Yousuf Adil
Learning
partner.
– Karachi School of Business and Leadership
(KSBL).
ICAP PAIB Organizing Committee and the Master of Ceremony; Mr. Zaid Kaliya were recognized.
The event was streamed Live on ICAP official Facebook Page:
Lahore: 3rd
December, 2019 – The Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA) has
bestowed its prestigious ‘Leadership Award’ to the founder and Chairman of
English Biscuit Manufacturers (EBM) – Mr. Khawar Masood Butt, during its
conference in Lahore. This accolade was presented in recognition of his
tremendous contributions to the marketing and advertising industry of Pakistan
as well as his vision and good governance resulting in EBM’s successful growth
over the years. The CEO & MD of EBM – Dr. Zeelaf Munir received this award
on behalf of Mr. Khawar Butt.
Khawar Masood
Butt has continued to make remarkable contributions to the nation’s cultural
and commercial progress. EBM has always generously supported entrepreneurship,
education, health, sports, arts and advertising endeavors thus reflecting his
passion for excellence as well as his ability to identify opportunity and
talent. He is also famous for creating the legendary character of Peek Freans
the Pied Piper, which to-date, continues to make a positive impact,
consequently making him one of the most inspirational entrepreneurs of today.
The Founder of
EBM expressed his gratitude to the stalwarts of the Advertising and marketing
world for acknowledging his efforts and vision that inspired EBM’s growth over
the years. He stated, “The development of marketing and advertising professions
has gained great momentum across the world, while the rapid evolution and
deployment of technologies have also revolutionized communications in Pakistan.
Amid all these changes, EBM remains committed towards staying at the forefront
of innovation and progress in Pakistan and keeping the country at par with
global standards of performance and quality.
While Mr. Butt
continues to nurture strong bonds within the business community, especially the
advertising & marketing sectors, he had also played a pivotal role in
supporting AdAsia conference, which was held in Pakistan in 1989. He is also
credited with being one of the first few advertisers for television and assisting
in the growth of some of Pakistan’s earliest TV channels. For Mr. Butt,
advertising has always held enormous power to spread socio-political awareness
among the masses, while also making the economy more sustainable.
During this
auspicious event, EBM’s vibrant new logo was also introduced to the audience,
while Dr. Zeelaf Munir highlighted the idea behind this change by stating,
“This fresh corporate-identity celebrates our brand-purpose: ‘nourishing lives,
hearts and communities’. The symbol combines three unique elements that form
the ‘Heart’ of our brand, with an optimistic sunrise that shows a dynamic,
engaging and distinct character of the enterprise and finally, a human touch
that promises a brighter future. It is EBM’s privilege to present its new
identity during this grand marketing endeavor.” She appreciated the organizers
for once again bringing back a global forum like AdAsia to Pakistan and said,
“EBM is committed to continue supporting any forum that helps to elevate
Pakistan’s image internationally”.
AdAsia is the
largest and most prestigious advertising congress in Asia, organized
bi-annually, since 1958, by the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations
(AFAA). The AdAsia 2019 was graced by the most distinguished personalities from
the global business community and speakers like; Randi Zuckerberg, Sir Martin
Sorrell, Lord William Hague, Richard Quest, Fernando Machado, Vange Kourentis,
Tom Goodwin and many more.
[Karachi, September 21, 2019] Peek Freans Sooper, Pakistan’s Number 1 selling biscuit brand, manufactured by English Biscuits Manufacturers (Private) Ltd, unveiled three new TVCs today, thereby repositioning the brand to “Seedhi Saadi Khushi ka maza” (simple joys of life).
From the time of its launch, Peek Freans Sooper, has been a favorite across Pakistan, and no other biscuit brand has been able to reach its level of success. The new Peek Freans Sooper television commercials mark the launch of the brand’s communication strategy.
“The bond Sooper shares with the people of Pakistan is a very emotional one. Therefore, it is our mission to connect with them at the deepest level”, said Ayesha Janjua, GM Marketing EBM. “With this new re-positioning of the brand’s message towards Seedhi Saadi Khushi ka maza, we want to remind the consumers that despite today’s extremely busy and demanding life, it is these simple joys of life that make all the difference. Sooper by virtue of the comfort food it has become is also a simple everyday joy!
The 360-degree Campaign for Peek Freans Sooper has been launched nationwide and can be seen on all media platforms.
Something I Like 