Latest news with #OneMillionMeals'
Business Recorder
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency: Bilal made special assistant to PM
ISLAMABAD: In a bold move to ride the crypto wave, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday named UK-based entrepreneur Bilal bin Saqib as his special assistant on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency – a bold step toward putting Pakistan on the crypto map. The Prime Minister's Office issued a notification confirming that Saqib, a UK-based entrepreneur with experience in technology and philanthropy, has been appointed with the status of minister of state. Saqib will lead efforts to formulate a national strategy for digital assets, including drafting cryptocurrency regulations, establishing Bitcoin mining operations, and integrating Blockchain technology into sectors such as land records and public finance. He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Crypto Council and was recently appointed Chief Advisor to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. His new role is expected to accelerate Pakistan's entry into the digital asset space. Field Marshal Asim Munir meets Pakistan Crypto Council CEO Bilal Bin Saqib The appointment follows a major policy announcement on Sunday, in which the government allocated 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence data centres. In parallel, the Finance Ministry launched the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA), a new regulatory body tasked with creating a legal framework for cryptocurrencies, supervising asset tokenization, and formalizing Pakistan's estimated $300 billion informal crypto market. Officials said the PDAA would play a central role in developing Pakistan's Fintech sector by attracting investment, utilizing surplus energy, and promoting innovation among the country's youth, who make up nearly 70% of the population. Pakistan already has one of the highest cryptocurrency adoption rates in the world, with over 50 million users, and Saqib's appointment could bring structure and legitimacy to the rapidly growing sector. An alumnus of the London School of Economics, Saqib gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic through his 'One Million Meals' campaign in the UK, which delivered over 100,000 meals to National Health Service workers and vulnerable groups. The initiative earned him an MBE from King Charles III and commendation from Queen Elizabeth II and the Mayor of London. In Pakistan, he co-founded Tayaba, a social enterprise that introduced the H2O Wheel, a tool designed to ease water collection in rural communities. Saqib is expected to play a key role in advancing Pakistan's digital asset agenda, as the government moves to position itself as a player in the global crypto economy. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
CairoScene
03-03-2025
- General
- CairoScene
Haya Karima Redirects Ad Budget to Aid Families During Ramadan
Haya Karima launched a Ramadan campaign to provide 1 million meals, 15 Umrah trips and financial aid across governorates. Mar 03, 2025 The Haya Karima Foundation has announced the allocation of its entire advertising budget this year to provide direct aid instead of developing its promotional campaigns, aiming to support the most vulnerable groups during Ramadan. The foundation is launching its Ramadan campaign to distribute 1 million food boxes and 1 million hot meals across all governorates, in addition to offering 15 Umrah trips and financial assistance for humanitarian cases. Haya Karima is also inviting participation in the Challenge of Goodness as part of the 'One Million Meals' campaign, encouraging individuals, volunteers, and celebrities to help raise the number of meals provided. Additionally, the foundation is launching a revamped version of the Haya Karima program on its digital platforms to highlight success stories as it pursues its mission to improve the infrastructure of rural areas, along with a daily series of Ramadan chants.
Egypt Independent
02-03-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Haya Karima allocates ad budget to direct Ramadan aid
Haya Karima Foundation has announced it will allocate its entire advertising budget this Ramadan to direct aid, focusing on supporting the most vulnerable families. The initiative includes one million food boxes and one million hot meals across all governorates, thus easing financial burdens on low-income households. Additionally, 15 Umrah trips and financial assistance will be provided to individuals in need, reinforcing the foundation's commitment to social welfare and justice. As part of its Ramadan campaign, Haya Karima is launching the 'Charity Challenge', encouraging individuals, volunteers, celebrities, and institutions to contribute to the 'One Million Meals' initiative. The foundation will also introduce an updated digital program to share inspiring community stories, hosted by volunteer ambassador Ayman Mostafa. In a bid to enhance the Ramadan spirit, it will release daily religious chants before iftar, promoting faith-based values. Buthaina Mostafa, the official spokesperson for the Haya Karima Foundation, stated that diverting ad budgets to aid efforts reflects the foundation's focus on real impact. 'Good deeds don't need advertisements; they need action,' she said. 'This year, we chose to turn our ad funds into direct support for those who need it most. Our mission is written in what we do, not in words.' Haya Karima Foundation was launched by decree No. 902 of 2019 after President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi launched the (Haya Karima) initiative. It aims at providing a minimum decent life for residents of the most needy communities in poor areas, unplanned urban informal slums, alternative areas to unsafe informal slums, and poor villages across Egypt; in an effort to eradicate extreme poverty.
