Tag: PR

Zong Adds More Investment, 1,000 Additional 4G Sites in Pakistan in 2016

October 4th, 2016

Zong will add an additional 1,000 4G sites across Pakistan in 2016. This news was shared today after the company achieved their 2016 4G rollout plan, 3 months ahead of schedule, showing an outstanding execution of their 4G roll out site plan.

The addition of 1,000 4G sites will take the overall tally of Zong’s 4G sites to around 6,000 by the end of this year, making it the largest, widest and fastest in terms of 4G coverage. To facilitate company’s ambitious expansion plans, Zong’s parent company, China Mobile Communications Corporation, which is the largest telecommunications company in the world, has given a go-ahead for additional investment. Through this, the total 4G investment of Zong in Pakistan is going to cross USD 300 Million by the end of this year.

It is to be noted that Pakistan’s fastest growing 4G network recently expanded its 4G coverage to over 100 cities nationwide and was also designated by PTA as the No.1 operator in voice and data services. This expansion plan is a strong indicator of Zong’s long-term commitment to the local telecommunication market. The rollout will greatly enhance Zong’s 4G coverage and quality of data user experience, reflecting organization’s aspiration to transform the digital lives of Pakistanis through its high speed data services.

Mr. Maham Dard, Director Corporate affairs and Official Spokesperson of the Company said: “The addition of 1,000 4G sites after meeting our 4G expansion target is a huge milestone for us. It testifies our commitment to provide a stable, affordable and reliable network to our customers. We will continue to invest in 4G technology and continue to improve our services to provide a faster, wider and deeper data quality experience to the users. We will continue to invest more and execute more to be able to provide the best quality network to our subscribers”

“Zong envisions to enable a fully connected environment for Pakistanis for which we have invested over PKR 220 Billion so far. Digitization is a catalyst for economic growth and we will continue to enable it by leading the data services market of Pakistan.” he further added.
Jeewan Hathi is all set to release on 4th November 2016 nationwide

October 1st, 2016

The trailer of Jeewan Hathi was officially unveiled today in Karachi, by Matteela Films & Footprint Entertainment at an exclusive event with the cast of the movie along with the respective press and media. The movie is directed by Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi and written by Faseeh Bari Khan along with Hina Dilpazeer, Naseeruddin Shah, Kiran Tabeer, Fawad Khan, Samiya Mumtaz and Adnan Jaffer as the main leads. This movie was part of the Zeal for Unity initiative.

Jeewan Hathi is a black comedy about the topsy-turvy universe of television in Pakistan. An ideal, loving, lower middle class couple’s marriage is on the brink of collapse when they find themselves part of a TV game show- lured in by the prize of a gigantic flat screen TV!

“We have worked really hard on the movie and the credit goes to our entire team for working hard day and night. This thriller/comedy movie is an attempt by our team to entertain the audience and we hope the people who visit the cinema would enjoy every bit of the movie” says the director Meenu Gaur.

The movie is set to release across Pakistan on November 4th, 2016.

About Footprint:

Footprint is a premier film distribution company and is also the leading content provider in Pakistan, representing the top international producers in the Film, TV, Digital and Gaming content businesses. They are committed to providing the best quality content and enhancing the entertainment experience of the Pakistani consumer at-home, on the move and in the cinema theatres.

About Matteela Films:

Matteela Films, headed by Producer Mazhar Zaidi and Directors Meenu Gaur and Farjad Nabi, is the leading production house of Pakistan and has produced four films in the last three years, pleasing both critics and audiences with their work. Meenu and Farjad’s first feature “Zinda Bhaag” won fourteen national and international awards and was theatrically released in three countries and went on to be Pakistan’s entry to the Oscars for the first time in fifty years.

For more information visit:

Facebook: jeewanhathi

Twitter: @matteelafilms
New Board for Fashion Pakistan Council takes over

September 29th, 2016

Fashion Pakistan Council recently held elections to appoint the new board for the next three years (2016-2019) respectively.

Deepak Perwani has been appointed as the Chairperson of the new FPC Board, accompanied by Nida Azwer as the Chief Executive Officer. The newly elected board also includes:

Maheen Khan (Legal Chair)

Deepak Perwani (Marketing & Sponsorship Chair)

Nida Azwar (Operations Chair)

Maheen Karim (Official Spokesperson & Membership Chair)

Nauman Arfeen (Finance & Admin Chair)

Aamna Aqeel (Sponsorship Chair)

Obaid Sheikh (Events Chair)

Mrs. Ronak Lakhani and Mr. Zahir Rahimtoola, have been invited as the Advisory to the Board.

Nida Azwer further adds: “I am delighted to be part of the Fashion Pakistan Council and look forward to working with the entire board and fraternity, as a whole, with a renewed vision and structure. We are happy to present our Winter Festive fashion week in October, which will see an amalgamation of the previous and new board working together for the show. We will start our work afresh as a new board in earnest for the next Spring/Summer’17 show.”

Fashion Pakistan Week Winter Festive is scheduled to take place in Karachi from October 30th to November 1st 2016.

About Fashion Pakistan Week:

Fashion Pakistan Week initiated in 2009, is part of the alliance created by Council of International Fashion Designers, with an understanding of working together to promote and support local fashion designers in the global market place. The members of the Fashion Pakistan Council represent a major segment of Pakistan’s diverse and very talented design fraternity.

Join in on the social media conversation: #FPW2016
ALMIRAH’S BLOGGER MEETUP

September 29th, 2016

Almirah held its first ever bloggers meetup where the brand team and the design team met the bloggers. The event also included a styling 1-on-1 session with celebrity stylist Ehtesham Ansari.

At Almirah, fashion has always been a recurrence of ideas but what makes it original is how you put it together. The brand strives a fine balance in bringing only the masterpieces while keeping the aesthetic sense intact, with Almirah you can create your own flair, let it be exclusive for yourself and striking for others. This was reflected in a live interactive session by celebrity stylist Ehtesham Ansari who showed demonstrations on how Almirah’s pieces can be worn for work, a night soiree or on streets of Paris.

The new collection Dervesh, which was revealed at the occasion, is uniquely embellished and stitched to make you stand out in crowd, with luxurious fabrics, ethnic cuts, vintage themes and keeping it close to heritage the outfit is versatile and will make you shine.

Farrukh Malik, General Manager Almirah said at the occasion, “Almirah is the innovation of elegant, classical and contemporary designs which revitalize your experience with the essence of beauty and a promise of luxurious quality. The collections are designed with you in mind. Every day is a new adventure with a unique mood and a different style. We know that the clothes you choose are a reflection of your daily adventures.”

Head Designer Womenswear Ambreen Zaidi along with the Head Designer Menswear Hasan said, “At Almirah we aim to design every piece as a master piece. The fabrics used are pure and rich. It is luxury redefined. With fine details, opulent embellishments and with every collection designed keeping our customers in mind we aim to imbue the antiquity of a lost era with a tinge of the modern. That’s why you’ll see splendid fabrics adorned with beautifully printed designs and motifs. Dark, earthy tones are brightened by bold prints, and luxurious fabrics with exquisite embroidery are beautified by rich autumnal hues.Tassels and embellishments evoke a sense of the days of Hellenic sophistication. Our designs are classic and timeless – gorgeous treasures that you can wear and cherish eternally.”

Brand Manager Almirah, Farah Fateh added, “Our aim is to make Almirah a stand out name for all, we know that fashion is very subjective what catches the eye for one particular person doesn’t for the other. Almirah is proud to offer eye-catching casual and formal dresses since its inception. What makes Almirah edge over the competition is the personal insight and care in each and every design and detail. We, at Almirah promise to bring the best in terms of apparels and we pledge to give you dazzling and elegant looks every season. “

The event’s planning, executing and PR was handled by Moiz Kazmi and team with hors d’oeuvres by Patio and event styling by Drape.
#FPW2016 dates are announced

September 28th, 2016

Fashion Pakistan Council has announced the dates for Fashion Pakistan Week Winter Festive 2016. The three-day premiere fashion event is scheduled to take place from October 30th 2016 to November 1st 2016.

Fashion Pakistan Council is celebrating 10 years of style with 2016 being the 11th fashion week, the new Fashion Pakistan Council board members, FPC selects its new board comprised of veteran and renowned designers Maheen Khan, Maheen Karim, Nauman Arfeen, Obaid Sheikh, Aamna Aqeel with Deepak Perwani as the Chairperson and Nida Azwer as the CEO.

Fashion Pakistan Council’s Chairperson Deepak Perwani commented “This year’s Fashion Pakistan week is a celebration of the evolution of style through a decade. It promises to be a nostalgic experience along with showcasing budding new talents.”

Fashion Pakistan Week is a platform for new designers to be a part of this industry along with the aspiring designers to exhibit their creativity at this prestigious event. This year Fashion Pakistan Week is going to take place in Karachi from October 30th 2016 to November 1st 2016.

About Fashion Pakistan Week:

Fashion Pakistan Week initiated in 2009, is part of the alliance created by Council of International Fashion Designers, with an understanding of working together to promote and support local fashion designers in global market place. The members of the Fashion Pakistan represent a major segment of Pakistan’s diverse and very talented design fraternity.

Join in the conversation on:

#FPW2016

For more information about Fashion Pakistan Week visit:

Web: Facebook: Twitter: Instagram:
Pakistan’s Great Online Shopping Festival 2016 is about to Commence

September 27th, 2016

In keeping up with the excitement of online shopping in the country, the Great Online Shopping Festival (GOSF) – Pakistan’s biggest online shopping festival will be held from September 28–30, 2016 at http://www.gosf.live. The festival, supported by Google, JazzCash, Yayvo.com, Goto.com.pk and powered by Jang Media Group, will see more than 50 e-commerce partners participating.

Users can shop for jewellery, shoes, apparels, books, kids wear, gadgets, watches, computer accessories, health & fitness equipment, home decor products and a host of other things and can expect generous discounts up to 70% from the participating e-tailers. The shopping festival not only caters to users in Pakistan but also allows Pakistani expats living all over the world to send gifts to their loved ones residing all across country.

Khurram Jamali, Industry Head, Google Asia Pacific said: “The ecommerce industry in Pakistan is doubling in size every year. With GOSF, we aim to tap into this robust growth by bringing sensational and affordable deals thanks to our partners. I encourage everyone to check out this year’s GOSF as it promises 72 hours of phenomenal shopping deals for everyone and their loved ones.”

Highlighting the importance of such online shopping festivals, Faizan Siddiqi, Managing Director, IMM-Jang Media Group stated: “The Jang Media Group is proud to be associated with GOSF – slated to be the biggest online shopping festival of Pakistan. Our collaboration with Google is in line with our commitment to promote e-commerce and e-tailing all across Pakistan. With our technological prowess, we have built the framework for GOSF and are looking forward to an outstanding response from people.”

JazzCash is the official payment partner for GOSF – a festival to promote e-commerce in Pakistan by offering merchants with an opportunity to showcase their product on a single platform. It offers the most secure and reliable payment method for customers during the shopping festival. During GOSF, customers who pay through JazzCash will get additional discounts of up to 80%. They can pay through three options i.e. JazzCash Mobile Account, Vouchers and Credit/Debit cards. Additionally, voucher payment can be done at the nearest JazzCash retailer from amongst more than 65,000 retailers nationwide.

Talking about the partnership between JazzCash and GOSF, Aniqa Afzal Sandhu, Director – Mobile Financial Service, Mobilink said: “We envision a remarkable growth in Pakistan’s e-commerce industry as more and more people are turning towards online shopping. JazzCash offers innovative e-payment methods that are not only secure but also allow a great deal of convenience for people looking to shop online. Our partnership with GOSF is a testimony to a rapid expansion of the online shopping industry and we remain committed to bring utmost convenience and reliability for people making online transactions all over the country.”

Google has previously helped to organise online shopping festivals in other countries such as Singapore and Sri Lanka. In Pakistan, GOSF is looking to drive the trend of online shopping toward the mainstream thanks to the rapid growth of Pakistan’s mobile Internet market.
K-ELECTRIC MAINTAINS ‘VERY RESPONSIVE’ STATUS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

September 26th, 2016

K-Electric, in-line with its customer-centric approach, continues to facilitate its consumers by engaging them through Social Media platforms including Facebook and Twitter. The utility currently has over 235,000 fans on Facebook and 49,000 organic followers on Twitter.

To capitalize on the power of online media, KE established their presence on Social Media four years ago. The KE Social Care model is backed by a dedicated team that works round the clock to manage online queries and ensure immediate response. The digital platforms are also functional during public holidays. KE has successfully managed to maintain a very high response rate since its inception and has been tagged as ‘very responsive’ by Facebook. Last year, KE became the first ever utility in Pakistan to integrate its digital platforms with SAP thereby enriching company’s already wide range of customer care touch points such as 118, 021-99000, customer.care@ke.com.pk and the SMS service 8119 as well as IBCs.

According to KE spokesperson, “Digital is critical in today’s world and we are fully geared up. We have facilitated our consumers by connecting with them through social media so we are within the reach of their fingertips. Our social media pages also keep consumers updated on power-related developments across the city, create awareness on energy conservation practices, and enable consumers to report any safety hazard for immediate action.”

Known for implementing consumer-centric technologies, K-Electric has implemented several leading IT based services like – ‘Genesys’ – one of the leading customer experience platforms in the world; Centralized handling of complaints via web, social media and 29 IBCs; Complaints registration and closure alerts as well as bill payment via mobile platforms.
More than 110,000 Young Pakistanis Participate in Jazz Rising Stars

September 21st, 2016

‘Dunya Ko Bataa Do’ is a pledge that Jazz has taken to provide the right platforms and opportunities to the Pakistani youth for them to achieve success. With this quest, Jazz moves forward to create the next generation of cricketing stars for Pakistan. After collaborating in the inaugural edition of the successful Pakistan Super League, Jazz and Lahore Qalandars present Jazz Rising Stars – a one of its kind initiative which aims to find the hidden cricketing talent, provide them a platform and equip them with the right resources to shine.

As part of the initiative, cricket trial camps were set up in eight districts of Punjab where Aaqib Javed and Mudassar Nazar selected the best cricket talent for each district. A total of 111,553 contestants participated in the trials. Players from each district have been shortlisted to represent their districts in Jazz Rising Stars T20 Cup. The tournament will begin at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on September 24, 2016 with the final to be held on October 1, 2016.

While the tournament will be televised on Geo Super in its entirety, for live spectators entry would be free of cost. Four lucky spectators per day will leave the stadium with a brand new Jazz X handset courtesy of a lucky draw. For those who feel this still is not enough, there is an additional incentive that should they take a catch, they will be going home with a cash prize of PKR 10,000/- as well.

Talking about the initiative, Asif Aziz, CCO, Mobilink said: “We are a cricket crazy nation. Cricket is not just a sport for us, it is more like a religion. Jazz being Pakistan’s No.1 network, speaks the language of the nation and knows what they love. We’re committed to supporting and nurturing the sport in the country. Our aim is to help bring International Cricket back to the country and we’ll keep working towards that.”

Shahbaz Maqsood Khan, Director Marketing said: “Pakistan has prolific talent, but unfortunately our youth lack platforms and opportunities capable of enabling them to further their careers. Jazz Rising Stars however provides the perfect opportunity for our prodigious talent to showcase their abilities and prove their mettle on an international level.”

Select players will qualify for the next phase of the competition based off their performance in the Jazz Rising Stars T20 Cup in Gaddafi Stadium. These players will be afforded the once in a lifetime opportunity to travel all the way to Australia to engage with and learn from the current reigning Big Bash League Champions 2016, the Sydney Thunders. The culmination of the Jazz Rising Stars will see us select the final two, one batsman and one bowler, to represent the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League 2017.
Stars of Janaan sparkle at European Premiere

September 20th, 2016

Setting a new benchmark on a global platform for Pakistani cinema, the romantic comedy Janaan received its European Premiere recently at London’s Cineworld, The O2.

Dazzling the red carpet at the premiere were the rising stars of Pakistani film industry, Armeena Khan, Bilal Ashraf and Ali Rehman Khan. The leading stars of the film were also joined on the red carpet by other members of the cast and crew, including actress Hania Aamir, actor Usman Mukhtar, actress and co-producer Hareem Farooq, producer Imran Raza Kazmi alongside writer Osman Khalid Butt and director Azfar Jafri.

Additional guests included: Former member of the Pakistani music band Awaz, singer Haroon, Pakistani actor and model Wiqar Ali Khan, urban Punjabi singer Tasha Tah and TV personality Yasmin Karimi to name a few.

The evening was presented by Munir Hussain Films – UK (Pepe’s Piri Piri Group) with the feature presentation hosted by radio personality Saima Ajram. Guests were also indulged with a performance by music artist Nafees.

Setting a new precedent for Pakistani cinema, Janaan has already set new records in the UK. As well as being the first Pakistani film to gross the highest single day collections recorded for a Pakistani film ever in the UK, it has climbed to number 8 in the UK Box Office Top 10 after its opening weekend – the first time ever for a Pakistani film.

Presented by IRK Films, Munir Hussain Films – UK (Pepe’s Piri Piri Group) and ARY Films, Janaan has also set a new trend for Pakistani cinema worldwide. The film has been distributed in the UK and internationally by B4U Motion Pictures, whose distribution strategy secured the biggest release of a Pakistani film to date across 18 territories, paving the way for a bright future for Pakistani cinema on a global platform.

Honouring Pakistan’s rich heritage in film, the arts and storytelling, Janaan (‘Beloved’ in Pashto) presents a stylish, witty and often emotional observation of contemporary Pakistan that has resonated with the audience globally. Helming a fresh team of young creatives and talent, Armeena Khan, Bilal Ashraf and Ali Rehman Khan, create screen magic in the lead roles in a film that is emblematic of a burgeoning Pakistani film industry that is consistently making waves internationally.

Janaan,was released on Eid ul Azha, worldwide presented by IRK Films, Munir Hussain Films – UK (Pepe’s Piri Piri Group) and ARY Films

Distributed by B4U Motion Pictures internationally.

Join in the conversation on:

#JanaanPremiere /JanaanOfficial /ARYFilmsOfficial @JanaanOfficial @ARYFilmsARY @JanaanOfficial @ARYFilmsOfficial
foodpanda Generated an Additional One Billion Rupees for the Food Delivery Market in Pakistan

September 1st, 2016

CEO shares his pain of calling the restaurants for ordering food

foodpanda, Pakistan’s leading food delivery app, estimates that it has generated a staggering one billion rupees in additional sales for the restaurant industry in the last 12 months. Along with growing adaption of online service offerings in Pakistan, foodpanda has accelerated the switch from offline food ordering to online ordering through its website and mobile app, benefiting both its customers and restaurant partners.

Nauman Sikandar, CEO of foodpanda Pakistan notes: “Over the last three years we have helped customers to realize that they can spend their valuable time pursuing what they love, rather than preparing food at home. We have partnered with thousands of professional chefs at restaurants who prepare the most delicious meals of your choice for you, along with the convenience of having it delivered right to your doorstep.”

He further adds: “I am a foodie at heart and order from my favorite restaurants almost every day.I used to make tons of telephone calls each month to restaurants and the overall process was extremely painful! Finding the correct telephone number, reading out my order from a leaflet, communicating my address, and then the frustrating moment when I realize that they misunderstood my order through the phone. With foodpanda, you simply logon to our app, select or discover your favorite restaurant and place your order with a few clicks. The app remembers all your details, so you only enter them the first time. Now I can place an order at my favorite restaurant within 30 Seconds”

foodpanda estimates over 7500+ restaurants established all across Pakistan, which it aims to add to its portfolio over the next few years. Last year, the company grew its restaurant inventory to over 1,000 restaurants which is a 360% increase compared to the previous twelve months. Next to the local neighborhood favourites, foodpanda signed partnerships with national restaurant chains, such as Nando’s, McDonald’s, Sarpino’s and ginsoy. Over the last years, foodpanda has accelerated the growth of the food delivery market to around 20% year on year, compared to original growth levels of around 7%.

Raza Pirbhai, CEO of KFC: Foodpanda as a concept has taken Pakistanis into the future, not only from the customer point of view but also from the business end. With delivery being the fastest growing channel, KFC Pakistan has seen a rapid growth pattern in its online sales which is doubling over time. Together with Foodpanda we plan to take KFC to every household in Pakistan over the next few months.

The figures in the attached infographic represent Pakistan’s enriched and rapidly growing food ordering market and shows that foodpanda is the pioneer leading explosive growth and improvements in the industry.

About foodpanda Pakistan

foodpanda is Pakistan’s leading online food delivery marketplace. foodpanda offers a convenient platform to order food online from the widest gastronomic range through its mobile app and website. With over 1,000 local and international food chains on-board, foodpanda.pk, currently offers its services in Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and other cities. The foodpanda mobile app is available for download at Google Play Store and Apple App Store.