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Expos & Events

Honoring Women Icons | Second LUX HUM Women Leaders Award Held

March 13, 2021 by holidayweekly Leave a Comment

ISLAMABAD: The second edition of HUM Women Leaders Award successfully concluded on 9th March at the Aiwan-e-Sadar celebrating eleven national and international women icons and as per HUM tradition, one dynamic man for their contributions and achievements in the fields of diplomacy, social work, education, healthcare, human rights, journalism and women’s rights. The awards ceremony was graced by the chief guest, President of Pakistan, His Excellency Dr. Arif Alvi, dignitaries and crème de la crème of the entertainment industry of Pakistan.

After the national anthem the event kicked-off with a poetic recitation by Yousuf Bashir. Hareem Farooq and Sanam Saeed, the hosts for the evening invited Sultana Siddiqui, President of HUM Network Limited to address the audience. Siddiqui stated, “It has been my lifelong struggle to see that women are given their due importance in all fields. There should be no glass ceilings, no chains of traditions and customs to stop their flight. In today’s economy, it is imperative that women be given an equal chance to prosper. We cannot have a progressive economy with women shut indoors.”

The Chief Guest of the event, Dr. Arif Alvi President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan also addressed the gathering.

The awards ceremony then began with the first award being presented to Ayesha Chundrigar, a humanistic psychotherapist and journalist who single-handedly started the first and largest animal rescue organization in Pakistan and has rescued and rehabilitated more than 7,000 animals so far. In almost eight years, the Ayesha Chundrigar Foundation has become the leading Animal Rescue Service & Sanctuary in Pakistan, paving the way for animal rights to become a norm in society. The award was presented by Nabila Masood and Shafqat Mehmud.

The second award of the evening was presented to Tabassum Adnan the first woman in Pakhtun history to have founded an all-women jirga, Khwendo Jirga, which means Sisters’ Council, a milestone for the women of Swat. She was the first to be invited to the District Resolution Council paving the path for local women to participate in the decision-making process. In 2015, The US State Department conferred on her the International Women of Courage Award while in 2016 Tabassum Adnan was presented the Nelson Mandela – Graça Machel Innovation Award in the Individual Activist Category. The award was presented by Vaneeza Ahmed and Amir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz.

The next award was presented to Ayesha Jalal, the insightful historian, and educationist whose exemplary research articles and books provide unique insights into the culture and history of the subcontinent. She received the Jean Mayer Global Citizenship Award in 2010 and was also the recipient of the Great Immigrants Award 2012 from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The Government of Pakistan awarded Ayesha Jalal the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 2009. As she could not be physically present at the event, an acceptance message was shown on video.

The next recipient was Pakistan’s ace cosmetologist and philanthropist Masarrat Misbah, who, defying all odds revolutionized the beauty salon industry in the country. In 2003 she conceptualized Depilex Smile again Foundation to help burn victims. Her organization helped many victims receive the best available medical treatment and psycho-social support. Additionally, these victims are rehabilitated through vocational training, small business setups, and job placements. Recipient of Pride of Performance in 2010 Misbah is also the first Pakistani woman to be recognized for her courage and commitment by the government of Italy. She received her award from Bushra Ansari and Dr. Ishrat Hussain who is the advisor to the prime minister.

The first segment of the awards was followed by a special performance by Qurat ul Ain Baloch and Umair Jaswal who enthralled the audiences with their mesmerizing voices.

The next awardee, Princess Sarvath Al Hassan, the first leader to establish a nonprofit education program that offered equal opportunities to every student in Jordan, presided over the Young Muslim Women’s Association and pioneered several initiatives such as establishing the Bunayat Center for Special Education in 1974, founding the Princess Sarvath Community College in 1980; launching a Sheltered Workshop in 1987 and setting up the National Center for Learning Difficulties in 1995. Princess Sarvath Al-Hassan also served as the Honorary Vice President of the Jordanian Red Crescent from 1994- 2004. An audio acceptance message by her was played on the occasion.

Up next was award recipient deputy superintendent of Police, Shahzadi Gulfam the first Pakistani woman police officer to receive the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award by the United Nations in 2011. In her career stretching for more than three decades, she has delivered brilliantly, both nationally and internationally. She was the first Pakistani female officer to be deployed in the UN Mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina and has also served in Kosovo and Timor-Leste. The award was presented by Noman Ejaz and Fahmida Mirza.

Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces successful diplomat, profound academic, and seasoned politician who has set an example of woman empowerment with her illustrious career was the next award recipient. She has headed various ministries such as Foreign Affairs, Defense and Culture, and Heritage in Ecuador. Espinosa was the first female ambassador of Ecuador to the United Nations in New York and Geneva. The fourth woman in history to serve as the president of the United National General Assembly she has been regional director for South America for the International Union for Conservation of Nature. A video acceptance message was shown.

The only man awardee of the night was Malik Rafique Awan who has set a precedent that is both worthy of appreciation and emulation as all his five daughters have passed the Civil Superior Service exams and are serving their country with zeal they have inherited from their father. On the birth of his fifth daughter, Awan and his wife Khursheed Begum were ridiculed and they decided to put an end to gender discrimination from society. After a struggle of more than two decades, Mr. and Mrs. Awan set an example by raising strong and empowered girls. His eldest daughter, Laila Malik Sher is Deputy Commissioner Income Tax Department in Karachi; Shirin Malik Sher is serving as Director at the National Highway Authority Islamabad, Sassi Malik Sher is Deputy Executive, CEO Chaklala Cantt. Rawalpindi and Marvi Malik Sher have been appointed as Additional Assistant Commissioner Abbottabad. The youngest daughter Zoha Malik Sher has joined the Officers Management Group. Today the Awans’ daughters are a symbol of national pride. The award was presented by Bushra Ansari and Rafique Awan’s three daughters.

A power-packed performance by Strings followed after which the final round of awards began. The next award recipient was Hina Jilani. Her career has been instrumental in setting new standards for human rights in the country. She is currently serving as the president of the World Organization against Torture. Jilani has also been associated with The United Nations, The International Commission of Jurists, and The South Asians for Human Rights. She was awarded the American Bar Association Litigation Award in 1992, And Peace Prize in 2001 along with other notable awards throughout her journey. The award was presented by Duraid Qureshi.

Although the next award recipient was not there to receive her award in person, the international icon for education, Malala Yousafzai whose journey has pushed the global community to do more for child education, had sent Dr. Maliha Khan, Malala Fund Manager from the UK to receive the award on her behalf. The youngest Nobel Prize Laureate for her efforts to see that every girl completes 12 years of education, and who established the Malala Fund in 2013 along with her role model father, was presented the award by president HUM Network Sultana Siddiqui.

Abida Parveen the uncrowned empress of Sufi Music who is among the 500 Most Influential Muslim Artists in the world, was the next award recipient. Abida Parveen is the recipient of eight Pride of Performance Awards, the Sitar-e-Imtiaz, and Pakistan’s highest civilian honor, the Hilal-e-Imtiaz. The award was presented by the first lady, Ms. Samina Alvi.

The last award of the evening went out to Lt. General Nigar Johar, the first-ever female three-star general in the history of Pakistan and the first female Surgeon General of the Pakistan Army. Hailing from Panjpeer Village, in Swabi District, Nigar Johar was also the first female Commandant of any armed forces unit and the first female to have commanded the largest hospital of the Pakistan Army. An expert markswoman, she is the recipient of the Fatima Jinnah Gold medal, Tamgha e Imtiaz and Hilal e Imtiaz along with an honorary membership at the Royal College of Physicians (UK). The award was presented by President Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi.

HWLA aims to recognize and honor the contributions and achievements of iconic women from Pakistan and around the world who are change-makers in their respective fields and a symbol and source of hope, courage, determination, and inspiration for women across the globe. These iconic women are mentors and role models for girls who aspire to be achievers.

The awards ceremony will be televised on Pakistan Day on HUM globally. The second LUX HUM Women Leaders Award presented by LUX was powered by Tresemme. It may be noted that the special hand-crafted awards have been designed by ace sculptor Amin Gulgee.

Filed Under: Expos & Events, Latest News, News Tagged With: volume 62-2021

Pakistan Business Event | Pakistani Embassy and BelCCI Organise in Minsk

February 22, 2021 by holidayweekly Leave a Comment

BELARUS: The Embassy of Pakistan, Minsk in collaboration with Belarusian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BelCCI) organized a business interactive event at the BelCCI, which was attended by businessmen/representatives from more than 100 Belarusian companies, out of which 33 firms participated physically while another 72 businesspersons participated in the business event through Zoom on virtual basis.

Welcoming the participants of the business event titled “Meet the Ambassador”, the Chairman of the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mr. Vladimir Ulakhovich impressed upon the need to working closely for greater economic cooperation and assured his full cooperation.

On the occasion, Ambassador Sajjad Haider Khan made a detailed presentation on “Pakistan-Belarus Trade Prospects”, particularly highlighting Pakistan’s demographic advantages, political and economic strength and trade potential. Referring to the excellent political relations between the two countries, Ambassador Khan pointed out that the existing trade ties was much below the potential, which crossed US $ 52 million during 2020. He urged the participants to take advantage of the improving trade and investment environment in Pakistan in the context of the government’s initiatives and reform agenda.

  Mr. Nasir Hamid, Minister (Trade & Investment) at the Embassy of Pakistan, Moscow also briefed the participants over investment and tourism potential of Pakistan through video link. He highlighted the rich economic prospects offered by China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the benefits of enhanced regional connectivity for the firms investing in Pakistan as the project nears fruition.

Two short video documentaries on Pakistan were also screened for the participants after which detailed Q&A session was held.

The event was organized as part of the efforts of the Mission to galvanize the business community in the spirit of government’s initiative to add emphasis to economic diplomacy and facilitate the increase in national exports.

Filed Under: Expos & Events, Latest News, News, News, Pakistan Tourism Tagged With: volume 61-2021

Int’l Snowboarding Festival | Kicks Off At Malam Jabba

January 23, 2021 by holidayweekly Leave a Comment

PESHAWAR: The Pakistan International Snowboarding Championship and Festival has kicked off at the scenic Malam Jabba tourist spot in Swat valley.

Over 44 national and international players, including four women players and enthusiasts of snowboarding game from European countries, Belgium, Afghanistan and Pakistan are participating in the event.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KP-CTA) under the auspices of the Tourism, Sports, Archaeology, Culture, Museums and Youth Affairs Department and the Samson Group of Companies have jointly organized the spectacular event.

Besides snowboarding game, traditional foods and music festival is also part of the gala to entertain the tourists and visitors.

According to programme, men and women joint slalom and parallel joint slalom thrilling competitions will be held today in which the players will exhibited their skills. Music programme will also be organized at the evening to entertain the tourists and players.

The concluding ceremony of International Snowboarding Championship and Festival will be held tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Mahgul Kabir, a yoga trainer from Gilgit-Baltistan, also imparted yoga training to the participants at Malam Jabba.

Snowboarding is a recreational and competitive activity that involves descending a snow-covered slope while standing on a snowboard attached to a rider’s feet.

The game is so popular that it even features in the Winter Olympic Games and Winter Paralympic Games at the international level.

Malam Jabba is the only civil skiing resort in Pakistan at about 8500 feet above the sea level.

The provincial government has taken worth mentioning steps that led to promotion of tourism, sports and preserving the rich heritage, cultural and archaeology sites in the province.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has abundant natural beauty of lush green valleys, snow-capped mountains, deserts, rivers, landscapes, rich cultural and traditional heritage and history, springs, streams and serene spots.

Because of these attractions, millions of people visit to experience the beauty it has to offer.

The KP Tourism Department had also arranged the thrilling snowboarding games championship at the scenic Malam Jabba resort last year. The event was well-received by all and a large number of people from across the country and international tourists had participated in the event.

The organisers said that the snowboarding championship would send a positive message to the world that peace had been restored and tourism activities in full swing in Malakand and Hazara divisions and elsewhere in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

They said that strenuous efforts were being made to develop scenic spots and make facilities available there to attract domestic and foreign tourists to the province.

The championship is also aimed at bringing the serene spots, including Malam Jabba, Madyan, Bahrain and elsewhere in the valley, back to life and attracting tourists to these destinations.

Filed Under: Expos & Events, Latest News, News, Pakistan Tourism Tagged With: volume 56-2021

TDCP & STFP to Promote | Eco-Based Tourism In Punjab

December 24, 2020 by holidayweekly Leave a Comment

LAHORE: On 17th December 2020, Sustainable Tourism Foundation Pakistan (STFP) and Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create and maintain an effective working partnership between the two organizations for the promotion of Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism in the province of Punjab through various joint initiatives.

Under this collaboration efforts will be made to develop the capacity of local communities and concerned stakeholders to promote ecotourism at selected hot spots of nature base tourism in the province of Punjab. President of STFP, Mr. Aftab ur Rehman Rana and Managing Director or TDCP, Mr. Muhammad Tanveer Jabbar signed the MoU in the presence of senior officers at the Head Office of TDCP. On this occasion, Mr. Rana also gave a presentation to the senior management of TDCP about the concept of Ecotourism and its potential along river Indus.

STFP has been working in various areas of Pakistan to promote eco-tourism. The organization in collaboration with USAID worked for safety of endangered blind Dolphin in Indus River. The TDCP managing director said that under this MoU, tourist points would be made more eco-friendly.

Filed Under: Expos & Events, News, Organizations, Pakistan Tourism Tagged With: volume 52-2020

PM Imran Launches | KP Govt’s TREK Program

December 21, 2020 by holidayweekly Leave a Comment

PESHAWAR: Travel Responsibly for Experiencing Ecotourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TREK) is an initiative between the provincial government, World Bank and Nestlé Pakistan to promote responsible tourism.

The tourism sector is all set to experience a boom, as new destinations open up for domestic and international tourists in the northern areas. Prime Minister Imran Khan announced this while unveiling the logo of TREK, at a ceremony in the capital.

TREK is a collaboration between World Bank, Nestlé Pakistan and the provincial government to promote responsible tourism, provide employment opportunities, develop infrastructure, preserve heritage sites and provide better waste management for tourists and locals in the region.

During the unveiling, PM Imran emphasized the efforts of the provincial government to create livelihood opportunities in this sector. “This project I believe was necessary for a really long time and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to KP government, World Bank and Nestlé for coming together,” PM Imran said.

“We are opening up new destinations and ensuring the provision of tourist facilities by inviting the private sector to further develop this important sector of the provincial economy, this project I believe was necessary for a really long time,” CM Mahmood Khan said, adding that the collaboration with World Bank, Nestlé and other stakeholders were strengthening the efforts to better manage the destinations and effectively address the issues of waste management.

While speaking on the occasion Samer Chedid, CEO Nestlé Pakistan said, “As part of our vision for a waste-free future, we are accelerating our actions to tackle plastic waste and our partnership with WBG & KP government is a step in that direction.

“We will be driving new behaviour and understanding through community engagement, cleanup activities, training and connecting waste recycling companies with the local administration,” Chedid added, highlighting Nestlé’s role in the initiative.

Earlier, Nestlé Pakistan took part in the Clean Hunza project; though delayed due to COVID-19, is set to be on track soon, aiming waste management of 150,000 kgs of plastics annually in Phase I, followed by a collection of 50,000 kgs paper packaging (used beverage cartons) in Phase II in the area with an increase of 10% annually.

Najy Benhassine, Country Director for World Bank Group (WBG), Pakistan while addressing the participants at the event said, “The World Bank Group is keen to continue supporting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab in their efforts to provide employment opportunities to the youth in the tourism sector.”

“Today marks the beginning of an important partnership with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and private sector and we expect to see more corporates stepping forward to contribute towards responsible tourism across the country. The growth and job creation potential of this sector is massive,” he added.

Meanwhile, Provincial Secretary Sports and Tourism, Abid Majeed stressed that the TREK under KITE focused on heritage preservation, tourism infrastructure provision and destination development while adhering to the fundamentals of responsible tourism. He also highlighted the KP tourism department’s role for facilitating tourists by improving accessibility through roads, rescue services and planning of tourism zones.

Filed Under: Expos & Events, News, Pakistan Tourism Tagged With: volume 52-2020

Baloch Culture Day | Celebrations All Around Balochistan

March 6, 2017 by amin.lalani@tcbworkplace.com Leave a Comment

QUETTA: Men, women and children dressed in their ethnic dress and celebrated Baloch Culture Day with great fervor & zeal across the province on Thursday, March 2.

Many musical, cultural and literary functions and ceremonies to mark the culture day, were organized across Balochistan including Gwadar, Panjgur, Kharan, Chagai, Dalbandin, Nushki, Kalat, Khuzdar, Mastung, Bolan, Sibi, Nasirabad, Jaffarabad and other respective areas.

An impressive event was held at Balochistan Press Club in which all aspects of life in Balochistan were highlighted. Cultural stalls displaying Baloch cuisine, embroidery among others were also set up.

Moreover a shopping mall in Quetta was decorated and many families were seen enjoying the day in their cultural dresses.

The Balochistan Assembly also marked the day as many politicians including provincial Minister of Health Rahmat Saleh Baloch showed up dressed in ethnic attire.

The event highlighted the significance of different elements of Baloch culture including its heritage, embroidery designs and cuisine.

Stalls were set up to allow people to get a real taste of the rich Baloch culture with mouth-watering Sajji on one side and stalls on archeological sites on the other. Folk singers also mesmerised the guests with their vocals.

Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said that Baloch nation has a rich culture and language which we are promoting with marking Baloch Culture Day.

These views were expressed by Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, during ceremony of Baloch Culture Day at Millennium Mall.

He said that the culture Day provides an opportunity of sharing happiness and having get together, adding, that culture is a key factor which plays a pivotal role in the development of any people.

He said that Baloch people respect women, guests and elders during war because of their rich culture.

the Sibi Mela (festival) began with fanfare and pomp and show in Balochistan’s historical district of Sibi on Thursday.

The annual fair in Sibi is certainly a factual reflection of ancient cultures of the province and people living here for centuries. This event has been helpful to create harmony, national cohesion and love among people of the province and country at large on one side, while on the other side, it has also been financially beneficial in promoting the business of livestock and agriculture.

The four-day Sibi Mela from March 2-5 started at Sardar Chakar Khan Stadium Sibi. Balochistan Minister for Agriculture Sardar Aslam Bizenjo was the chief guest of the opening event.

Filed Under: Cultural Festivals, Events, Expos & Events, News

‘Tourism Australia’ Top Aussie Tourism Conference is Back

March 2, 2017 by amin.lalani@tcbworkplace.com Leave a Comment

SYDNEY: Major Aussie tourism conference, Destination Australia, is back in 2017, where Australia’s leading tourism decision makers and marketers all convene to share their insights with the industry.

The event will be held on March 16 at Doltone House Hyde Park, Sydney, with just 300 spaces available at the conference.Top executives from leading companies including Google, Facebook, Skift, Mastercard, HSBC, IPG Media Brands and Tourism Australia will cover the following topics:

  • The top global megatrends defining travel in 2017
  • How Tourism Australia is tapping into high-yield international markets to increase spend
  • How global political, economic and demographic trends will impact Australian tourism
  • People search on Google trillions of times every year. What are the latest insights for travel?
  • The key factors are in growing demand from Asia’s growing middle class.
  • How the world’s most successful brands connect with consumers
  • The rules of simplicity that lead to amazing business success

“Destination Australia is a wonderful opportunity for our industry to take time out from their busy day to day to focus on the big picture, relevant trends and best practice and also take a peak over the horizon at what lies ahead,” Tourism Australia’s MD John O’Sullivan.

“In an industry as dynamic and fast-changing as ours, I think these sort of forums are invaluable and I’m sure everyone who attends this year’s event will leave feeling inspired and also richer for the experience. Once again, we’ve got a great line-up of speakers, some stimulating topics and a mix of contributions from both inside and outside of our industry.”

Filed Under: Events, Expos & Events, International Tourism, News

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