Latest news with #Hilal-e-Imtiaz
Express Tribune
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PPP stands by govt for national interest: Gilani
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani addresses the orphaned children during his visit to SOS Village in Multan. PHOTO: NNI Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said the PPP was supporting the coalition government in the larger interest of the country and its people. He was addressing a ceremony organised by Liaqat Bosan, a noted politician from the politically active Bosan family, in honour of his son, MPA Ali Haider Gilani, who received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz award. He asserted the PPP always advocated for the rights of the people and development across the country without any discrimination. He further clarified that the party did not have any ministerial or advisory positions as it only wanted the process of development to benefit all. Recalling his recent visit to Malaysia, Gilani shared that he took part in a conference with representatives from over 45 countries, where he was chosen as the keynote speaker. He called it a proud moment, not only for him but for the country as well. Speaking about his efforts for the uplift of South Punjab, the senate chairman recalled that he had secured approval for the construction of a Rs400 million cadet college in the region. He also mentioned another project for the establishment of a special economic zone in the region as part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). "This zone, which would include major infrastructure projects such as roads, railways and energy developments, was expected to be a game-changer for Multan, Shujabad and Jalalpur," he added. Praising his son, Ali Haider Gilani, who was elected as an MPA, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani highlighted his resilience during his abduction, saying he remained steadfast and faced the ordeal bravely. He also spoke about his deep connection with NA-148, a constituency from which he was elected on several occasions since 1988. Before him, his uncle Hamid Raza Gilani was elected from the same constituency in 1985. Now, his son, Ali Qasim Gilani, holds the seat after he vacated it in 2024 to become a Senate member. This constituency had always been close to his heart," he added.
Express Tribune
23-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto honoured with Nishan-e-Pakistan posthumously
Listen to article President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan's highest civil awards on several distinguished citizens, including the late former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, in recognition of their excellence, contributions, and remarkable achievements across various fields. In a prestigious ceremony held at Aiwan-i-Sadr, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan's highest civilian honors, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, to the late former Prime Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) founder, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. His daughter, Sanam Bhutto, received the award on his behalf, marking a significant moment in the country's history. The ceremony, attended by notable figures such as Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, celebrated those who have made remarkable contributions in various fields. Among the honorees was Air Marshal (Retd.) Raja Shahid Hamid, who was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz for his exemplary service. Sultan Ali Akbar Allana received the Nishan-e-Khidmat for his impactful work in the financial sector. The Hilal-e-Imtiaz was awarded to several individuals for their extraordinary contributions, including Javed Jabbar for literature, Allah Rakhi Shaheed for her service to education, and Dr. Syed Tauqeer Hussain Shah for his excellence in civil service. Syed Ali Haider Gilani was recognized for his public service, and Hussain Dawood was honored for his philanthropic efforts. Sadia Rashid also received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for her significant work in the education sector. Further honors were granted to Khawaja Anwar Majeed for social work, and Professor Dr. Shehryar and Dr. Zaryab for their achievements in medicine. Amir Hafeez Ibrahim was awarded for his contributions to science and IT, while Jimmy Engineer was celebrated for his outstanding social services. Umar Farooq was also recognized for his continuous dedication to public service.
Express Tribune
10-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Aamir Ibrahim: The Architect of Pakistan's Digital Future at Davos
At the 2025 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, global leaders and policymakers gathered to discuss the shifting dynamics of the global economy. Among them was Aamir Ibrahim, CEO of Jazz and Group Executive Committee Member of VEON, who represented Pakistan's digital ambitions on the world stage. VEON, the largest Nasdaq-listed company with its headquarters in Dubai, is a global digital operator, providing integrated connectivity and digital services across six countries. In his role at VEON, Aamir brings Pakistan's expertise, particularly in the financial services sector, to drive change in some of the world's most dynamic markets. Since assuming leadership at Jazz and Mobilink Microfinance Bank in July 2016, Aamir has driven significant advancements, maintaining Jazz's position as Pakistan's leading digital operator, serving over 100 million customers across telecom, banking, entertainment, and more. Jazz has invested over USD 10.8 billion since its inception to strengthen Pakistan's digital infrastructure. In recognition of Aamir's contributions to the country's telecommunications and digital financial sectors, he was honoured with Pakistan's highest civilian award, Hilal-e-Imtiaz. His message at Davos was clear: Pakistan is at a critical juncture. "Pakistan's economy is resilient. Connectivity, financial empowerment, and strong policy are the driving forces behind the country's positive momentum," he emphasized. Pakistan's Digital Growth Pakistan's digital economy is projected to grow rapidly, driven by expanding broadband, fintech growth, and increased investment in AI-driven services. The country is also seeing a boom in IT-enabled services, with thousands of companies employing skilled IT professionals. 'Pakistan is at a critical juncture in its digital transformation,' Ibrahim said. 'With growing smartphone adoption, the rise of fintech, and key government initiatives, we are laying the foundation for a digital-first economy that will drive long-term economic growth and inclusion.' Aamir also shared a message of hope for the youth: 'Let's not be daunted by the challenges. The challenges are opportunities, and there are more opportunities in Pakistan's digital economy now than ever before.' Under Aamir's leadership, Jazz, JazzCash, and Mobilink Microfinance Bank are committed to ensuring a smartphone in every hand, broadband in every home, a QR code in every local store, and expanding offerings in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) financing to power economic growth and advance Pakistan's digital agenda. JazzCash: Accelerating Financial Inclusion A standout success in Pakistan's digital economy has been JazzCash, the country's largest mobile wallet, serving over 48 million customers. "Financial inclusion isn't just about payments; it's about enabling economic mobility," Ibrahim emphasized. JazzCash has evolved into a transformative platform for financial services, and Aamir is committed to advancing this mission, contributing to VEON's goal of empowering underserved communities and driving sustainable, inclusive growth in emerging markets. Expanding the Digital Frontier The opportunity extends beyond fintech to other sectors such as data centers and software, where Pakistan is rapidly growing and positioning itself as a key player in the global IT landscape. 'Our investments in these sectors will elevate Pakistan's presence on the world stage,' said Aamir. With Jazz's recently announced ServiceCo structure, it is now more agile in responding to evolving customer needs across fintech, cloud services, data centers, software, IT services, and connectivity. The company has also begun incorporating AI into its operations and plans to expand its data hosting capacity in the next three years. Pakistan on the Global Stage Aamir's presence at Davos represents more than just corporate leadership; it symbolizes Pakistan's increasing influence in global digital transformation discussions. With its young, tech-savvy population (64% of Pakistanis are under 30), Pakistan is positioned as an attractive market for technology-driven economic growth. Further confidence-building measures will accelerate this trajectory. "Pakistan's potential is undeniable," Ibrahim stated. "Our digital economy is not just about technology; it's about creating opportunities, building resilience, and ensuring that our people have the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving world." With visionary leaders like Aamir Ibrahim at the helm, Pakistan's digital revolution is rapidly taking shape. From the global stage at Davos to the streets of Karachi and Islamabad, momentum is growing towards a more connected, financially inclusive, and economically empowered future for all Pakistanis.
